Should you clicked on this text, chances are high you additionally end up googling random questions associated to magnificence, like, “How a lot blush ought to I put on?” or “How do I line my lips?” Whereas they’re all legitimate questions, we imagine there is not any proper or mistaken technique to do your make-up. However generally a bit path is important — even in an workplace filled with magnificence editors — and such is the case with contour versus bronzer. As a result of, actually, the merchandise look virtually an identical. Until, after all, you’re a skilled make-up artist… which is why we determined to enlist just a few of the world’s greatest to elucidate the distinction between the 2 in style classes as soon as and for all.
Meet the consultants:
Whereas each contour and bronzer add depth and drama to a make-up look, “there is a massive distinction between the 2,” says New York Metropolis-based make-up artist Daniel Martin. “Contouring is about shaping and defining the construction of the face, whereas bronzing is about warming up the pores and skin the place the solar would naturally hit.” Mario Dedivanovic, Kim Kardashian’s make-up artist and arguably the king of contour, echoes this sentiment, including that contouring creates dimension and symmetry, whereas bronzing provides a pure wash of shade.
Take into account that it may be particularly difficult (and unfairly so) for these with darkish and deep complexions to discover a appropriate bronzer or contour as there are fewer choices in the marketplace that cater to these pores and skin tones. That being mentioned, there are some manufacturers — like LYS and Fenty Magnificence — that get it proper. In the end, your greatest wager is to search for ranges that supply deep shades that won’t solely present up however may also add a stunning glow to the pores and skin. (Don’t fret, a few of our favourite choices are forward.)
What’s contour?
Contouring works by mimicking pure shadow, so a matte end (versus a shimmery one) in a contour product is a should. Los Angeles-based make-up artist Robin Black loves Make-up By Mario Softsculpt Shaping Stick, a 2022 Better of Magnificence Award winner, for its easy-to-use format: The product is supplied with a built-in mixing blush for on-the-go utility. If a stick is not your jam, no worries. There are many contour formulation on the market to select from. (Additionally, we all know what you might be pondering and, sure, you’ll be able to contour with one thing marketed as a bronzer so long as the components is matte and never too heat.)
As soon as you’ve got selected cream or powder, stick or palette, it is time to decide on your shade. For essentially the most pure impact, you may need to go a shade or two darker than your bronzer, so at the very least two shades darker than your pure pores and skin tone. Now it is time to apply. Begin by deciding the place in your face you are trying to create a shadow. For instance, if you would like a fuller lip form, Black says to attempt making use of a bit half-moon proper underneath the middle of your decrease lip and mix effectively (that is the important thing to a very good contour — no harsh traces). For different components of your face, it is all about creating plausible shading: Mix the product underneath your cheekbones, into the creases of your eyes, underneath the jawline, and alongside the edges of your nostril. Then, spotlight areas you need to deliver ahead with a matte concealer. As soon as every thing is mixed (attempt a sponge, brush, or simply your fingers), you may be dwelling your best-sculpted life.
What’s bronzer?
For glowy heat (i.e. bronzing), Martin recommends merchandise with a little bit of shimmer, however not a lot that you just appear like a disco ball (until, after all, that is what you are after). One in every of Black’s favourite bronzers is the Make Pores and skin Mimetic Microsuede Bronzer. “This one has minimal shimmer and a super-smooth texture that makes it ideally suited for bronzing,” she says. To construct a plausible bronze, mud the very best factors of your face: the highest of the cheekbones, (calmly) throughout the brow, and down the bridge of the nostril. Black additionally recommends sweeping the bronzer throughout your eyelids for a simple monochromatic look.