Ever wondered how celebrities achieve those sculpted cheekbones and perfectly defined jawlines? The secret lies in a makeup technique called contouring, which uses light and shadow to enhance your natural bone structure. Far from a one-size-fits-all approach, successful contouring is all about understanding your unique face shape, choosing the right products, and blending with precision. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the process I’ve perfected over years of trial and error—so you can step in front of the mirror feeling like the best, most confident version of yourself.

Begin with a smooth, even canvas. Good contouring starts with well-prepped skin. Splash your face with a hydrating mist or toner, then follow with a lightweight, buildable moisturizer to lock in hydration. For daytime wear, I love a tinted moisturizer with light coverage; it gives a dewy finish that helps cream products glide on seamlessly. If you prefer more coverage, a sheer foundation works just as well—just be sure to use a damp sponge or brush to buff it into the skin for an airbrushed result.

Next, choose your contour and highlight shades. Cream formulas are my go-to because they blend effortlessly and rarely settle into fine lines. Aim for a contour shade that’s one to two tones darker than your natural skin color—enough to create depth, but subtle enough to look believable. For your highlight, select a shade one to two tones lighter, ideally with a hint of luminizing shimmer. This contrast sets the stage for dimension without veering into theatrical territory.

Now, time to map out the shadow zones. Using a small, dense brush or a contour stick, draw a thin line just beneath your cheekbones. A helpful trick is to suck in your cheeks—where your hollow forms is exactly where the contour should sit. Extend the line from your ear toward the middle of your cheek, stopping just before you reach your smile lines. For a slimmer nose, lightly sketch down the sides of your bridge and at the base of your nostrils. If you’d like a more angular jawline, apply contour along your jaw from the back corner of your ear to the chin, blending under rather than directly on the jawbone itself.

With your shadows in place, switch to a fluffy, round brush or a damp makeup sponge and blend in small, circular motions. The goal is to diffuse harsh edges so that the contour seamlessly melds into your foundation. Take your time—blending is where the magic happens. If any area looks too dark, dab a bit of clean moisturizer or a tiny touch of your base product to soften the shade.

Highlight comes next. Apply your lighter shade to the high points of your face that naturally catch light: the tops of your cheekbones, the center of your forehead, the bridge of your nose, the brow bones, and the Cupid’s bow above your lips. For the most natural glow, use gentle, sweeping motions with a fan brush or fingertip dabs, focusing on buildable layers rather than one heavy swipe.

To set your work and ensure longevity, lightly dust a translucent setting powder over the contoured and highlighted areas. This removes any remaining tackiness without altering the hue. For extra staying power—especially in hot or humid conditions—spritz a setting spray in a T-shape across your cheeks, forehead, nose, and chin.

Blush is your final step toward a balanced, healthy look. Choose a shade that harmonizes with your contour and highlight—think soft peach, rosy pink, or warm terracotta—and apply it to the apples of your cheeks, blending upward toward the temples. This adds a natural flush and ties the entire look together.

Practice makes perfect. Don’t be discouraged if your first few attempts look too stark or uneven. Experiment with different tools—angled brushes, beauty blenders, or even your fingertips—to find what works best for your skin type and face shape. Adjust the placement of your contour lines slightly depending on whether you want to lift your cheekbones, narrow your nose, or sharpen your jaw.

Above all, contouring should be fun, not stressful. It’s a creative way to explore the artistry of makeup and learn more about what flatters your unique features. Whether you’re prepping for a special event, a photo shoot, or simply brightening up your everyday routine, these steps will help you achieve a sculpted, luminous look you can wear with confidence. So gather your brushes and palette, step into your beauty zone, and let your inner artist shine through every stroke.