How to contour different face shapes?

model contouring

Contouring is a trend that is here to stay, but it’s not as easy as it looks. To help you get that defined look and to become a master in the art of contouring, you need to consider the different techniques needed for your face shape. That’s why at Note Cosmétique we’ve created a contour tutorial for different facial shapes.

Contour Basics for Beginners

If you are a contour newbie, the main focus is to enhance your features or to minimize others.

Blending will become your new best friend, as you will learn to eliminate any harsh edges and lines that created on your face, leaving the illusion of a naturally defined bone structure.   

When applying contour, you might want to opt for a stippling brush or a beauty sponge, so you can seamlessly blend and sculpt your contour easily.  

Do you Contour Before or After Foundation?

We recommend prepping your face with a primer, like the NOTE Skin Perfecting Primer and following up with your desired NOTE Foundation before you jump into contouring.

Note Cosmétique Best Contour Products   

Before jumping into how to contour each face shape, let us tell you which of our products you’ll need to add definition you are looking for.  

The NOTE Perfecting Contouring Powder Palette  is the essential kit for contouring. The easy-to-use, blendable formula allows you to sharpen, blend and add a subtle glow to your face. Add this palette to your routine and start to enjoy contouring like pros.

If you want to achieve an all-round finish,  NOTE Perfecting Contour Cream Palette is a versatile palette that will help you both contour and conceal any blemishes. Suitable for all skin types, this full-coverage palette sculpts and defines your face to perfection.  

A – Highlight B – Bronze C- Contour

How to Contour your Face Shape?

Now you know the product must-haves, here is our guide to contouring each face shape: 

#1 Oval Face Shape  

The art of contouring an oval face shape is enhancing your smaller features. Start by applying the contour shade just below your cheekbones, along the sides of your nose, and blend. This will help you achieve a more defined, yet natural and structured look that will complement your oval face shape perfectly.  

#2 Diamond Face Shape  

This gemstone-inspired face shape normally features a long-pointed chin and a wider looking forehead. Grab your contour shade and begin to apply to your temples, hairline and at the very bottom of your chin. This contouring technique will add definition to your face and give you a natural facelift.  

#3 Heart Face Shape   

If you have a heart face shape, skip the contour. This naturally defined face shape doesn’t need contouring. Instead, using a large fluffy powder brush, opt for the bronzer shade in one of our contouring palettes. Mirroring a “3” shape motion, apply the bronzer to your forehead, below your cheekbones, down to your jaw and chin. This technique will lightly add depth to your natural bone structure, without looking too harsh.  

#4 Round Face Shape  

The goal of contouring a rounded face shape is to emphasise your features and create more sculpted, angular cheekbones and jawline. With this in mind, contour your forehead, temples, below your cheekbones and jawline to help give you more definition. Finish this look with extra blending to achieve a soft, natural, sculpted shadow.    

#5 Square Face Shape  

Contouring a square face shape is all about softening the edges around your face and making the structure a little less prominent. To achieve the illusion of a softer, slimmer face shape, apply the contour around the perimeter of your face and below the cheekbones. Don’t forget to blend out your contour to create a flawless, sculpted look.