Contour and Highlight Technique

 

Brows, eyeliner application.

Those were just some of the complaints I get from make up students.  Why is it so hard?  

One makeup application technique that is actually more difficult as you can imagine--- Contouring and Highlighting.

I remembered having a hard time when I was starting out as a Bridal Make Up Artist!  With HD Camera and videos, I was stressed to make sure the contour and highlight I am doing for the brides are perfect.  Imagine having crooked nose or fatty face from misuse of highlight and contour products?  

I . Was. SCARED!  Scared enough to always ask my husband to always check for the final look (2nd set of eyes always work!)  Ayan, I openly shared what I was scared off, but that's normal.  And being scared meant you will strive to learn and master your own craft!

So fast forward to today, I still do contouring and highlighting a lot!  These days, people are into no-makeup makeup look!  But this step is actually very important since we are on a selfie-era!  Everything had to be on videos or photos!  Kaya better be Camera-ready!

LIKE ME!

A simple before and after photo to show how subtle contour and highlight can make a huge difference!

Some of you have your own weapon, if you plan to do this on a daily basis, I suggest to most subtle, natural and easiest method are powders!  They may not last as long but the disappearance of the product can actually work better ---- a more natural effect.

I like to use the Make Up For Ever's Contour/Highlight KIT.  You can head on to their store and pick the right shade for you - I believe they have different versions for different skin tone.

Here are some subtle contour/highlight tips I learn through the years ---

How to use Make Up For Ever's GLITZY Palette

How many times do I have to stress to you the importance of subtle contouring, highlighting and blushing?

If not a lot of times, well I'm doing my part today!  

IT IS VERY IMPORTANT since this is the social media times - everyone's taking photos of their food, their clothes and most of all, their faces!  

And to have your photos taken on a smart phone, you'll want your skin to look healthy and fresh!  And I've got news for you --- it takes a bit of work sometimes and this palette I recently tried got its' own space at my dresser table!  I have been reaching out for this almost everyday!

Subtle look by Yours truly!

Make Up For Ever Glitzy Face Palette

Php3,950.00 (approximate)

Discover the all-in-one pro palette with 9 universal shades to create appealing makeup looks for all skin tones. Highlight, Sculpt, Blush, Glitz: 4 steps is all it takes to #glitzitup 

The Body Shop Shimmer Waves is the Glow!

Who loves to glow so subtle people may think it comes off naturally?  

US ALL right?

Well, known as a bronzer and blush compact, I actually used this more as a blush and it gives my skin the glow I've always wanted!

Do you see it?

The Body Shop Shimmer Waves

Php1,295.00

lluminate your face and create a sun-kissed glow with our Shimmer Waves. These clever compacts can be used in a number of ways for gorgeous make-up results. Swirl all the colours together for a shimmering blush or use the shades separately to highlight and contour your cheekbones. Need a little shimmer on your eyes? Pick a shade and sweep it all over your eyelid or dust the colour in the inner corners of the eyes for a lovely glistening glow.

• 100% Vegan

• Bronzing/Blushing compacts

• Shimmering For face, cheeks and eyes

• Dermatologically tested

Ofra All Glowed Up Review

How much of a glow do you like to glow?
Well, if you're ALL OUT when it comes to "Glowing" give OFRA All Glowed Up palette a try!

OFRA Glow Up Highlighter Palette

Php1,659.00 (Original Price Php2,370.00)

Available HERE

Get everyone #shooked with OFRA's Glow Up Highlighter Palette! Glaze those cheeks with these show-stopping beaming highlighters that smoothly blends onto the skin.

The palette is magnetic so feel free to refill and remix the shades!  Aside from that you get a huge mirror (which I love) and 4 different shades of highlighting powder that glows like liquid gold/pearl.

What's included are: Full-size Beverly Hills, Minis of Rodeo Drive, Blissful and Star Island. 

Achieve Glowing Skin with Pixi

So I have been a fan of Glowing Skin since the start of 2018!  I don't even mind putting facial oils in my foundation to achieve that glowing skin look! 

Why?  Because glowing skin makes anyone look younger, makes your skin looks healthier and best of all?  You look like you had weekly facial visits!

Agree?

The downside about putting facial oils in your makeup routine is how your skin will look greasy, oily and dirty at the end of the day considering our almost 40 degrees weather in the Philippines.  So because I know most readers have normal/combination and oily skin, I've thought of doing a Glowing Skin look using products that won't add up to the natural oil of your skin, instead, it lessens oil but gives additional glow! 

A good deal right?

I got that glow on my first photo using Pixi By Petra Glow-y Gossamer Duo 

in shade Delicate Dew.

Php1,050.00 Available at Glamourbox

Super silky gossamer-soft powder to create a lit-from-within luminosity. Perfectly pigmented with a creamy skin-like texture, it looks natural in any light. Use on cheek & brow bones and anywhere you want to add a touch of glow.

Fake Glowing Skin Without Looking Fake!

 When Benefit announced a new Box O' Powder is arriving, I was holding onto my seat trying hard not to squirm because I have always been a Box O' Powder collector!  Since the arrival of Benefit in the Philippines more than 5 years ago, I swore to myself I'll grab every single Box O' Powder available because I just love their blushes that way!

I've said it so many times on my Blog and #AMWIgStories , my first love is Hervana, then was moved to Galifornia because of the gorgeous glow it gives!  Don't let me start talking about each blush because they hold a very special place on my cheeks especially Dallas - learned how much I love this just last year!

So where is the blush you say?  I'm pointing it for you!

A lot of the Blush Maven may not like Gold Rush.  I was glad Gold Rush came in just this year because if this came out several years ago, I'll dislike it so much this may probably go straight to the deepest part of my blush drawer!   But because fake, glowing skin is IN right now, even beauty enthusiasts are starting to apply highlighters on the apples of the cheeks, well, no need for that BOOM CHEEKS look!  You can create highlighted, gorgeous-looking skin effect with Gold Rush.

Benefit Gold Rush

Php1,600.00

Make Up For Ever Sculpting KIT Review

When I was studying makeup, one of the most sought after "contour and highlight" product was the one from Make Up For Ever Sculpting Kit.  I've been wanting this forever but since I get easily distracted from other brands, I can't believe I just got this item latter part of last year!  

Make Up For Ever Sculpting KIT

02 Neutral Light

Php2,550.00

It comes in a nifty smooth black compact that is slim enough store even in your slim and tiny handbag.  

MAC Here Comes Joy...

I don't know about you but Highlighters give me the HIGH!
"But I can't see it when applied!" 
That's the beauty of highlighting products, you aren't supposed to see them but it lifts your face like no other!  And I recently found it in a Limited Edition product called MAC Opalescent Highlighter (From MAC Snow Ball Holiday 2017 Collection).

Thanks to my sister-in-law for gifting me this!  The packaging itself is already a gift!  If you look at it closely, it indeed look like you're holding a bunch of snow!  The muted gold packaging is actually smooth but the texture looks like a crumbled foil!  I love it!  No amount of photography can show you how great it looks, you have to touch them ad see them in person.

My sister-in-law gifted me 2 and one is lighter in color, I can't accept it in my heart to get 2 compacts so I actually returned one for her and asked her to use it instead!

Let's talk about the shade I picked for myself -  HERE COMES JOY

BLK Cosmetics Contour, Blush & Highlight Palettes Review (Flushed and Sun-Kissed)

The Contour, Blush and Highlight palettes are in trend nowadays!  Who does not prefer a 3-in-1 product?  Raise your hand and I'll give you a good whipping! 

BLK Cosmetics may have just a few collection for a make up enthusiast like myself BUT, they came up with something COMPLETE in just a palette! 

The BLK Cosmetics Contour, Blush & Highlight Palette

Php499.00 each (approx $8.00)

Comes in 2 shades ---

Flushed (Rose Blush)

Sun-kissed (Peach Blush)

Description

Sculpting, made easy. Achieving perfectly defined cheeks is as easy as 1-2-3 with this three-step face palette with expertly coordinated shades to flatter every complexion: a matte contour, an iridescent blush, and a champagne highlighter. It’s also infused with Vitamin E to keep skin young-looking. Start sheer and blend to perfection. You can’t go wrong. 

When Highlighting Is Life, You Need This Palette

If you are like me who thinks "highlighting" is a very important step for daily makeup look, brace yourself as I've found a palette that gives you all your highlighting needs! 

Subtle Highlight, A bit dramatic highlight and the super spotlight-type of highlight.  Name it!  You got it all in this palette.

I know some of you thinks highlighting is the least important step so feel free just to scroll down and check out photos as I hope to change your mind!  For someone with fair yet very sallow skin, this extra step I do to get the "Ang Fresh mo naman!"  compliment.  I'm a girl, I crave for compliments every now and then! *winks*

But seriously, highlighting gives me the instant high especially when I feel tired and sleepy from my gazillion tasks!  It's just me giving my skin an "uplifting mood" on a blah day!  Just like coffee for my system, highlight for my skin!  (I hope you get my comparison :P)

Smashbox co-created this palette with highlighting guru and YouTube star Casey Holmes to create such palette inspired by Casey's ideal lighting to create that glowing look.  This palette includes 3 shades of highlighting to work for all skin tones!

Gorgeous Limited Edition Face Color Trio You Should Grab!

NOW!

And if you love Jessie J, there's more reason for you to get this palette!

I must admit, I love ALL Jessie J songs but that is not the reason why I picked this palette.  I originally picked this palette because of 2 words --- LIMITED EDITION.  And you know how it is when you are a make up enthusiasts, you tend to hoard on limited edition make up products just because you are scared you won't get the chance to own them in the future.

But guess what?  My love for this palette goes BEYOND Limited Edition.  I'll tell you more after the jump!

Highlight, Warm-up and Color My Cheeks in a Single Swipe

You probably know by now how important it is to warm-up your face, highlight and color your face.  With that, I bet you are picking up at least 3 products on a daily basis just to apply on ONE area --- the Cheeks!  

I recently discovered a drugstore brand that can do all 3 in a second!  Shawill Make-up!  

I have discovered Shawill years ago when I was just starting up on blogging, the brand is still here for almost a decade, that said, I'm sure they have a loyal following and I'm glad to be able to try their products again!  

Shawill Terra Cotta Blusher in Shade No. 4

Tarte Tarteist Review

How does it feel to hold the most coveted Tarte Tarteist Pro Glow?
All thanks to my good friend Jheng for gifting me this because this palette deserves a shoutout and lots of "whistling" for being wonderful in terms of giving me the sculpt and glow that I want (and need!)

So pretty I can even skip applying face powder!

"A highlight and contour palette with six pigmented powder and cream shades to create perfectly glowing, chiseled looks on every skin tone." 

This product is housed in a velvety black cardboard palette.  I like the feel but I actually felt it gets dirtied up quite easily so I tend to put it back in the box after EVERY use (which is a hassle by the way). 

MakeUp World Complete Contour Palette Review

Next to brow products, I amp'd my "daily look" to the next level!  There's always contouring happening around my face and you have to give it to me..that's my way of adding dimension and "life" to my tired face!  (yes, if only I can contour my whole body on a daily basis hahaha)

Makeup World Philippines is a proud sponsor of AMW Workshop Series, thanks to them I also get to try out the products given to my attendees, and one product that I've been using so many times since receiving them last March is the Makeup World Complete Contour Palette.

This palette is a handy rectangular palette that contains 6 products --- 2 Bronzer/Contour, 2 Blush and 2 Highlight Shades

Swatches

The top color for me is apt for users with Fair to medium skin tone while the bottom 3 shades are perfect bronzer/blush/highlight shades for users with medium to darker complexion.

Of course, there are no rules in using this palette, you can always feel free to use any shades, even mix and match and create your own perfect face color!

A Very Subtle Highlighting Powder

Strobing is super "in" since last year!  But as much as we love the "strobing effect" on photos, it looks really unnatural (and to some...oily) in person!  So the Queen of Natural-looking makeup (Yes, I hailed myself that! #walangkokontra) is on the lookout for the most natural highlighting product.  And I may have found one!

Catrice Cosmetics Limited Edition Strobing Duo Highlighter 

Php499.00

The shade says C01 Strobing Surpreme but I am reading it as Strobing SUPREME.  Could be a spelling mistake but it doesn't matter to me.



This is a LIMITED Edition product so if you can still find them at SM Beauty Stores, grab them before it's too late!

Cathy Doll 3D Face Forward Contour Kit Review

Hello from the "Daily Contour and Highlight Princess" (yes, I was very cautious in NOT using the word QUEEN) #Mapaghahalata

I am surprisingly hitting the pans from one contour powder to another!  That proves I've been constantly using Contour products as much as I use my brow products (which meant...grabe na talaga!)  

For someone who doesn't get to go to beach trips as much as I did several years ago, you can't blame the girl for wanting to add some color to my face!  Just check out how a contoured and highlighted face (even with minimal makeup) can make a difference!

Aminin niyo, meron, I looked like I had a nice dose of Vitamin E over the weekend no?

And recently, I got to try Cathy Doll's newest palette called 3D Face Forward Contour Kit.  Packaging is cute, inspired by the Egyptian Queen I believe!

Only complaint?  The shade names are crazy!  So difficult to remember!  (You just don't know how many times I take a peek at the shade names while typing this post!)

Karadium x Pucca Shine Up Finish Review

When I saw Korean makeup brand Karadium collaborated with my favorite "cartoon character" of all time Pucca under "Pucca Love Edition", I knew I have to get my hands on the products even if they don't work!  

Seriously, I've been a long-time Pucca fan (since year 2002) when there aren't ANY Pucca merchandise yet locally.  My brother has to travel to purchase Pucca items for me and the collection evolved into my University Students in China learning how much I love this character, gifted me EVERYTHING Pucca-related --- from carpet to coin banks, stuff toy, keychain, t-shirt and a whole lot more!  Though I stopped collecting, deep in my heart, I knew I can't let this Karadium Love Pucca Limited Edition makeup slip through my hands!  I just can't!

So upon learning that this collection is available online via YEF Shop, I went crazy and clicked away!  

 Of course, I didn't just "clicked away", I made sure the products I get have a clear print of my "face" a.k.a. Pucca face!

Can you guess which particular product I will review first?  See that nice sheen on my cheekbones?

Karadium Love Pucca Shine Up Finish Powder

Php560.00 (approx $11.20)

Karadium x Pucca Shine Up Finish says ---

Laneige Meets Fashion Lucky Chouette Multi-Colors Review

Remember the first time I shared about Laneige's newest collaboration with a Fashion icon Lucky Chouette in a form of Serum Drop Tints which I reviewed and swatched?

Well, it comes with a cute Multi-Colors that I almost....don't want to use!  I just had to remind myself this particular makeup that I didn't get to use for years and nasayang lang... 

So I took the plunge...because I have YOU girls as reason because I know some of you are waiting for my honest thoughts on this!

"Decorated with Laneige x Lucky Chouette characters Bella Chouette and Vely Chouette designs, the new case comes with face blending brush and eyeshadow brush for multiple applications!"

The owl's eyes and beak are printed on the plastic cover so once you remove the protective covering, you only get to see the shape of the Owl which isn't bad still.

Maybelline V-Face Duo Powder by FaceStudio Review

Hi AMW Friends!  How's the contour-thing going on by your side?

I have been a master-contour and highlight girl for the year 2016!  I am claiming 2016 to make myself look slim --- not through exercise of course :P

I recently tested Maybelline V-Face Duo Powder, I love to contour using powder because that's the easiest!  And here's a funny story --- Kyle's school guard went up to me and said: "You look different, there's something different with your face"  And he's pointing out to "surgery" and I just laughed and said: "Natural beauty!"  Then I realized, it was the Maybelline V-Face Duo Powder that I have been using for the past month!  I hope he's not reading this, and he shouldn't! :P

Maybelline V-Face Duo Powder Says ---

Achieve gorgeous definition easily with this Face Studio V-Face Duo Powder from Maybelline. Create and emphasize the dimensions of your bone structure with this two-tone powder. 

Shades: Light Medium, Medium Dark

SAEM Saemmul Luminous Multi-Shading Review

Happy "Luminous and multi-shade-your cheeks" Tuesday!  Yes guys and girls, I understand how difficult it is for you to wake up early in the morning let alone do your makeup!  We want more sleep right?  So I got something to share to you guys for you to look at least "half decent" even with just ONE swipe!  I've recently discovered a Korean brand called Saemmul through Althea and this cheek product seems to be giving me the "healthy glow" I need.

Saemmul Luminous Multi-Shading Powder

Php520.00 (available at ph.althea.kr)

This is a more natural way to contour because the darkest color isn't dark at all!  And if you swirl your blush, the colors just blend so well together it gives your cheeks color, warmth and glow!