Contouring/Highlighting

Via missmaven.com

It has been a wobbly journey, but contouring and highlighting are very much worth the effort.

Via sparkleandmineblog.blogspot.com

I had managed to work out the concept of contouring—all that needed is matte bronzer. But stuck as I am on strictly matte products for everything else, I was stumped as to find a highlighter/luminizer without sparkle. 

Yet as I observed other makeup-ed females, some radiated a delicate gleam along their upper cheekbones. I was fascinated. 

After watching the 2013 version of "The Lady Vanishes," I decided to abandon, just this once, my matte standards. 

You can't really tell here, but the character Iris Carr had the most fabulously illuminated cheekbones.

I purchased the Sephora Microsmooth Baked Luminizer in 01 Stardust. As recommended by some online tutorials, I apply it in a "C", starting from my brow bone, around the eye, and along the top of my cheekbones (a "special" brush is not needed; I use the e.l.f. Studio Blush Brush, which is also good for contouring).

The luminizer is also ideal for dabbing in the inner corners of the eyes; it really makes them look awake and bright. 

 

For blending, since the contour grooves can sometimes be too harsh, or  come out too dark, I use the Fantasea Large Kabuki Brush. The bristles are so soft and malleable, and with a few buffs everything is beautifully blended out. 

The current icon whose name is synonymous with "contouring" is, of all people, Kim Kardashian.

 

She has to be thanked for reviving interest in contouring and highlighting. I think. 

And one more photo: 

 

Experiment, my lovelies!