How I Highlight & Contour my face: The Basics

Hello My Sunshines!!!!

Some of you have asked me to show you how I contour and highlight my face when applying my makeup and have also asked what products I use. 
Above are pictures that I took of my before and after and also the basic products I specifically use at this moment to create this look. I did not get to picture every single product but I did list the details  of what I used. Below are the details as to how I achieved my highlight & contour look.

Step 1: I first primed my face using my TooFaced tinted primer (not pictured).

Step 2: I then applied my eye makeup, it just makes the clean up process much easier versus trying to clean up fall out from your eyeshadow.

Step 3: I applied my Bobbi Brown luminous foundation in warm beige and blended it out with a damp beauty blender. Based on your preference, you can also blend with your fingers or foundation brush.

Step 4: Next, I applied MAC's pro longwear concealer in NC 30 with my concealer brush from Sigma Cosmetics (F 75) in the  manner shown above in the top left corner. I blended out the concealer with a damp beauty blender. Again, you can also use your fingers or whichever tool you prefer. 

Step 5:  I then used my MAC Blunt Matte Finish blush (pictured on the bottom left corner) and used my MAC 163 angled blush brush to apply on the bone right beneath my cheekbone. I start from my temple down to the side of my cheek going down in round circular motions. I do this until I get the desired depth of how contoured I really want to look. Please note, you can also add a contour down the sides of your nose connecting them to your eyebrows with this blush and a small blending brush for a thinner appearing nose. I chose not to contour my nose. Remember, apply it lightly; a little product goes a long way.

Step 6: I go back to under me eyes in the same formation again (as pictured in the top left corner) but now using MAC's prep and prime in light boost to create that pop in the concealer (highlight- where the light naturally hits your face). I blended that out with a damp beauty blender. To set the highlight I use Ben Nye's Banana Luxury Powder (pictured above in the top right corner) using my Sigma Cosmetics Tapered Highlighter blush  (F 35) and run the powder under my eyes. You can use any powder also for this step. Preferably a translucent one. 

Step 7: To blend out and make sure there are no harsh lines I take my MAC Mineralized Skin Finish in Give Me Sun (not pictured) and take my large powder brush and just apply Give Me Sun around my face blending both the concealer and contour together. I focus on the top part and the sides of my forehead along with the temples of my face (where the shadow naturally hits your face). You can also add a colored blush of your liking to the apple of your cheeks as well. I prefer to stay with the deep contoured color/bronzy look. 

Step 8: Lastly, I take my Benefits Watts Up highlighter (pictured above top right corner) and apply that down the bridge of my nose, my cupids bow and right above the cheekbone/under eye. It is very similar to the way you applied the highlighter on your face.

Step 9: Finally, to set my makeup, I then apply the Ben Nye Banana Powder and use a large powder brush to apply all over my face. You can then continue to apply your mascara, eye liner and whatever you like to sparkle up your look. I am sure you will look BEA-utiful. 

FYI- I do not contour my face every time I do my makeup. I prefer to do it for a night out or a special occasion. Again, that is my personal preference! You can do whatever your pretty little heart desires!

I hope these little basic steps help you understand my process a little bit. Just know that everyone does their makeup differently, it is really about understanding your face and doing what you feel comfortable doing. It is a matter of trial and error and a makeup wipe :-)

Tootles for now,

Kerryann