Veena My journey with makeup started in college when I was experimenting with different looks for campus events. The hardest technique to master? Definitely contouring and highlighting. After countless YouTube tutorials and practice sessions, I discovered the sequence matters more than the products themselves.
Everyone know how to apply contour and highlight and what the sequence is?
Here’s what I’ve learned that can help beginners transform their makeup game from flat to dimensional.
The Golden Rule: Contour First, Then Highlight
Most makeup artists (myself included) recommend applying contour first, then highlight. This creates structure before adding brightness, preventing your highlight from getting muddy when contour products go over it.
When you contour first, you’re creating shadows that define your facial structure. These shadows become the foundation for your highlight to play off—making those high points pop even more dramatically against the deeper tones.
What I’ve found through practice is that reversing this order often leads to patchy application and muddiness. Trust me, I learned this the hard way!
What Contour and Highlight Actually Do
Think of contouring as creating shadows on your face. It recesses certain areas, adding depth and dimension to your features.
Highlighting does the opposite—it brings areas forward by reflecting light. When highlight follows contour, it enhances the dimensional effect you’ve already established, creating that refined, natural-looking result.
Techniques for Different Face Shapes
Your face shape dictates where these products should go. Here’s a quick guide based on what’s worked for my clients:
- Oval Face: Contour along hairline and below cheekbones. Highlight under eyes in triangle shape.
- Round Face: Contour sides of forehead, temples, below cheekbones, and jawline. Highlight center of forehead, under eyes, and chin.
- Square Face: Contour forehead sides, temples, hairline, cheekbones, and jawbone. Highlight under eyes and middle of forehead/chin.
- Heart Face: Contour sides of forehead/temples and lower chin. Highlight under eyes and middle of forehead/chin.
Budget-Friendly Indian Brands I Love
Through my makeup journey, I’ve discovered several affordable Indian brands that deliver professional results:
- Sugar Cosmetics’ Contour De Force Face Palette: At Rs.799, this palette offers contour, highlight, and blush in one. Their “Subtle Summit” variant is perfect for beginners.
- Lakme 9 to 5 line: Their products provide straightforward application at accessible price points.
- Nykaa’s house brands: Extensive range with options for different techniques and preferences.
Product Recommendations Based on Skin Type
| Skin Type | Recommended Contour | Recommended Highlight | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oily | Powder contour (Sugar Contour De Force) | Subtle powder highlight (Lakme Absolute) | Cream products can slide off oily skin; powders provide longer wear |
| Dry | Cream contour stick (Nykaa BlendMaster) | Liquid highlighter (Sugar Glow & Behold) | Creams and liquids add moisture while preventing cakiness |
| Combination | Powder contour with cream highlight (Lakme 9 to 5) | Balm highlighter (MyGlamm Spotlight) | Powder controls oily zones while cream highlight adds glow to dry areas |
| Sensitive | Mineral-based contour (Colorbar) | Fragrance-free highlight (Forest Essentials) | Fewer irritants and gentler formulations reduce reaction risk |
| Mature | Cream contour (Lakme Absolute) | Subtle liquid highlight (Nykaa GLOWrious) | Creams don’t settle into fine lines; subtle highlight avoids emphasizing texture |
Simple 5-Step Guide for Beginners
- Prep your skin: Apply moisturizer, primer, and foundation
- Apply contour first: Use a product 2-3 shades darker than your skin tone on areas you want to recede
- Blend thoroughly: Use circular motions to eliminate harsh lines
- Add highlight: Apply to high points—cheekbones, brow bone, forehead center, nose bridge, cupid’s bow
- Set with powder: Lock everything in place with a light dusting
Common Mistakes I Made (So You Don’t Have To)
- Using the wrong shades: Your contour should be just 2-3 shades darker than your skin
- Skipping blending: Harsh lines are a dead giveaway of amateur application
- Applying in poor lighting: Natural light is best for accurate application
- Using the wrong tools: Invest in proper brushes or sponges designed for contouring
- Reversing the sequence: Remember—contour first, then highlight for most natural results
Conclusion
The sequence of applying contour first, then highlight creates the most natural sculpted appearance. Understanding your face shape and skin type dramatically enhances these techniques, allowing for application that complements your natural features.
Indian makeup brands have made significant strides in addressing diverse needs with budget-friendly options. As a beginner, start with affordable products from Sugar Cosmetics, Nykaa, or Lakme that match your skin type, and practice the techniques consistently.
Ready to Level Up Your Makeup Game?
- Got questions? Drop them in the comments below—I answer every single one!
- Share your before/after looks on Instagram using #ContourHighlightMaster and tag @fashionsgalaxy for a chance to be featured on our page.
Remember: Makeup is about enhancing your natural beauty, not masking it. Have fun experimenting with these techniques until you find what works best for you!
