Mastering the Art of Cheekbone Contouring: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Everything you need to know to contour your cheekbones perfectly—tools, techniques, expert tips, and FAQs for a sculpted, model-worthy look.
How to Contour Cheekbones: The Ultimate Guide to Sculpted Perfection
Legendary cheekbones are just a brushstroke away. Whether you’re a beginner learning the basics, a beauty enthusiast experimenting with new trends, or a seasoned makeup artist refining your craft, mastering the art of cheekbone contouring can transform your face—defining and lifting your features for a striking, sculpted appearance. With the right tools, products, and techniques tailored to your face shape and skill level, you can confidently achieve that coveted chiseled effect seen on models and celebrities alike.
Why Contour Your Cheekbones?
Contouring is a strategic makeup technique designed to create the illusion of dimensionality by using contrasting shades to enhance and recede areas of the face. Specifically contouring your cheekbones:
- Visually lifts and defines the face, making it appear more angular and youthful.
- Helps balance facial proportions and address concerns like a round or fuller face.
- Complements other makeup steps for a polished, editorial look—whether subtle or dramatic.
Prep: Setting the Stage for Flawless Contour
A flawless contour starts long before pigments touch your skin. Take these essential preparatory steps for the best results:
- Start with a clean, moisturized face. Hydration provides a smooth canvas and prevents patchiness.
- Apply your base makeup, such as foundation and concealer, blending evenly to create an even skin tone.
- If desired, set lightly with translucent powder to control shine, especially if you’ll be layering cream and powder products.
Choose Your Tools and Contour Products
Product choice and application tool will affect your finish, blendability, and overall look. Here are your essential options:
| Product Type | Best For | Application Tool |
|---|---|---|
| Cream Contour (stick/pot) | Long-lasting, dramatic definition; drier skin | Dense brush, damp sponge, fingers |
| Powder Contour | Buildable, soft finish; oily or combination skin | Angled brush, fluffy blending brush |
| Contour Palette (multiple shades) | Customizable hues for precise sculpting | Brushes designed for contour/highlight |
| Stick or Wand | Quick & easy for beginners; on-the-go | Direct application, then blend with sponge/brush |
- Pro Tip: For a natural look, choose a contour product two to three shades darker than your skin tone with a cool or neutral undertone. Warm shades can appear orange if overapplied.
How to Find Your Cheekbones
Precisely locating your cheekbones is vital for realistic, flattering definition:
- Place your fingers at the top of your ear and trace downwards—your cheekbone curves towards the middle of your cheek.
- Alternatively, lightly suck in your cheeks (the classic ‘fish face’) to reveal the hollows. The area just under the bone is your contour zone.
- Avoid placing product too low, which can drag the face down, or too far forward towards the mouth, which looks harsh and unnatural.
Step-by-Step Guide: Contouring Cheekbones Like a Pro
- Map Your Contour
- With your chosen product, draw a curved or slightly angled line following the underside of your cheekbone—start near the top of your ear and end about halfway to your mouth. Avoid bringing the line too far forward.
- For the trending “supermodel cheekbone” hack, curve the line downward toward your jaw for a bold, dramatic effect.
- Blend, Blend, Blend!
- Use a clean angled brush, damp beauty sponge, or your fingers to gently diffuse the edges upward into the cheeks towards the temple, making sure no harsh lines remain.
- Blending upward lifts the face; blending downward can make features appear droopy.
- Add Definition with Highlighter
- Apply a powder or cream highlighter directly on the top edge of your cheekbone, just below the outer eye and up towards the temple.
- Use your finger for cream formulas; use a small brush for powder. Blend, avoiding harsh stripes.
- Finish with a Pop of Blush
- For a natural, fresh look, apply blush to the apples of your cheeks and blend back towards the hairline, overlapping slightly with your contour and highlight.
- Blend all three (contour, highlight, blush) for a seamless gradient effect.
- Set and Perfect
- Lightly dust translucent setting powder to reduce excess shine and lock your masterpiece in place.
- Check in natural light to ensure everything looks seamless and well-blended.
What others are reading
Expert Tips for Flattering Cheekbone Contour
- Adapt to Your Face Shape: Adjust your contour placement according to your unique bone structure for the most natural effect. Longer faces should avoid dragging stripes too low, while round faces may benefit from a sharper, more lifted angle.
- Go Easy on Product: Begin with a small amount—especially with creams and deeper shades. You can always add more!
- Check from Multiple Angles: Step back and observe your result under different lighting before adding more product, as contour can appear subtler from a distance.
- Keep the Center of the Face Lighter: Highlighting along the cheekbones and the center of the face brings features forward and prevents a “muddy” look.
- Blend with Purpose: Upward blending lifts; blending down flattens.
Cheekbone Contouring Tools: Comparison Table
| Tool | Best For | Pro Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Angled Contour Brush | Precise sculpting, powder formulas | Sweep upward for a soft fade |
| Dense Blending Brush | Cream contour, flawless blending | Stipple and buff for airbrush effect |
| Beauty Sponge | Sheer, seamless blending | Use damp for natural finish |
| Fan Brush | Subtle highlight, soft contour | Use for gentle application of powders |
Trending Techniques: The ‘Supermodel Cheekbone’ Hack
One popular online trend takes cheekbone contouring a step further—by curving the contour line downward to visually hollow out the cheeks for ultra-dramatic definition. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Use a cream contour stick for maximum control.
- Draw a curved “L” shape under the cheekbone, extending down towards the jaw, then connect back along the chin if desired.
- Blend thoroughly for a dramatic yet wearable result.
Common Contouring Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)
- Harsh, Unblended Lines: Always blend with a clean brush or sponge. If lines persist, soften with translucent powder or a foundation brush.
- Wrong Color Choice: Avoid orange or red undertones—opt for neutral to cool bronzers or contours two to three shades deeper than your skin tone.
- Product Placed Too Low: Move the contour higher under the cheekbone to visually lift the face.
- Excess Powder: If your contour looks patchy, reduce powder or set with a facial mist to revive skin texture.
Contouring for Different Skin Types and Ages
- Mature Skin: Cream formulas settle less into fine lines and blend more seamlessly; avoid excessive powder, which can highlight texture.
- Oily Skin: Powder contours help control shine and last longer. Always set creams with a light dusting of powder.
- Dry Skin: Hydration is key—layer creamy products over a hydrating primer or moisturizer.
Recommended Contour and Highlight Products
- Contour Sticks: NYX Professional Makeup WonderStick, Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundation Stick
- Powder Contour: Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kit, Fenty Beauty Match Stix
- Highlighter: BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector, Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Beauty Light Wand
Cheekbone Contouring: At-a-Glance Cheat Sheet
- Contour under the cheekbone (top of ear to middle of cheek).
- Blend upwards for lifted definition.
- Highlight on top of the cheekbone.
- Add blush to the apple for a fresh finish.
- Always blend for a seamless look!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I contour my cheekbones if I’m a beginner?
A: Yes! Start with a subtle powder formula and an angled brush. Apply a soft wash of color and build up gradually. Cream sticks are also forgiving and easy to blend for newbies.
Q: What’s the best contour shape for round faces?
A: Keep your contour slightly more angular and blend it up towards the temples to create a slimming effect. Avoid stripes going too far down towards the mouth, which can round the face further.
Q: Is there a difference between bronzer and contour?
A: Yes. Bronzer is generally warmer-toned and adds overall warmth, while contour tends to be cooler/neutral and is used specifically to create shadows and sculpt.
Q: How do I make my contour last all day?
A: Layer cream and powder formulas (cream first, then powder) and set everything with a long-lasting setting spray for optimal longevity.
Q: Should I use the fish-face method to find my cheekbones?
A: The fish-face trick can help, but gently feeling for your bone structure is more precise. Each face is unique, so adjust following your natural features for the best effect.
Final Pro Tips for Flawless Cheekbone Contour
- Practice blending until your contour disappears seamlessly into your skin.
- Always check your look in daylight before heading out—contour can look harsher under direct artificial lights.
- Customize your approach for your unique face shape, skin tone, and preferences; there’s no universal “one size fits all.” Experiment!
- Remember, great cheekbones are about confidence. Use these tips to empower your look, not to mask your individuality.
With consistent practice and a few expert tricks, you’ll be contouring your cheekbones with the precision and artistry of a professional makeup artist, revealing sharp, luminous features every time you want to shine.
References
- https://vanitymakeup.com/blogs/vm-creators/vanity-makeup-cosmetics-model-cheekbone-contour-tutorial
- https://www.makeup.com/makeup-tutorials/face/supermodel-cheekbones-contour-hack
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/beauty-hair/makeup/a25339/how-to-sculpt-your-cheeks-beauty-lab/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LsHp-GMmMZM
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/a8278317/how-to-contour-cheekbones/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-KhT44zHcs
- https://www.cosmopolitanme.com/beauty/rihanna-contour-tutorial
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxYPQJHExcI
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