How to Contour a Round Face in 7 Steps

Contouring is a technique for sculpting and adding dimension to your face by using makeup that is slightly darker or lighter than your actual skin color. Unlike everyday foundation and concealer, which we typically want to match our skin exactly, contouring is all about creating the effect of shadow and light. The shape of your face determines the placement of the dark and light contour lines.

You can use two shades of concealer or foundation, highlighter, or even eyeshadow or brow powder to contour. Just make sure whatever makeup products you’re using are the same texture (layering powder with liquid and cream contour products can end up looking cakey) and that you have the right makeup brushes on hand.

In general, there are six face shapes: oval, round, square, rectangle, heart, and diamond. To get the best makeup look for your bone structure, you will need to know your face shape. Determine your face shape by following these steps:

1. 1. Pull your hair back. Before you start your makeup routine, pull your hair away from your face, so it’s free from obstruction.
2. 2. Find the widest part of your face. Look in the mirror and decide what part of your face is the widest (you can do this by sight or use a flexible tape measure). If you have a wide forehead, your face shape is oval; if your cheekbones are the widest point, your face is either round or heart-shaped (proceed to the next step to determine); if your face seems evenly proportioned in width, your face is likely square.
3. 3. Determine the shape of your jaw. Your jawline shape can further determine your face shape—if it’s short or rounder, your face is round. If your jawline is pointy and narrow, your face is heart-shaped. If you have a strong jawline with sharp angles, that’s further evidence your face is square.
4. 4. Compare the length and width of your face. If you’re still unsure about your facial shape, measure the length of your face against its width. Measure from the center of your hairline to the tip of your chin. Next, measure from the left side of your face to the right side. If your face is longer than it is wide, you may have an oval face shape. If your face is wider than it is long, you may have a round or heart face shape. If your face is twice as long as it is wide, you may have a rectangle face. If your face is as long as it is wide, you may have a diamond or square face shape.

The widest part of a round face is the cheekbones, and the forehead and jawline are about the same width. When contouring a round face shape, emphasize the cheekbones while slimming down the sides of your face. Here is a step-by-step tutorial:

1. 1. Prep the face. As always, start with skincare: Wash your face and apply moisturizer to keep makeup from clumping up around any dry skin or harsh lines. Primer is optional, but with a more involved makeup look, you might want to go for it. Primer acts as a buffer between your skincare and your makeup products, allowing both to work better and last longer. Even out skin with a little foundation and/or concealer in shades that match your natural skin tone and undertone, covering any blemishes or discoloration.
2. 2. Apply eye makeup. After applying foundation and concealer, apply eye shadow, eyeliner, and mascara, if you desire.
3. 3. Draw contour lines. Draw dark contour lines along your temples, under your cheekbones, and along your jawline. You want to contour in a “3” shape from the temples, down the side of your face, under your cheekbones, then curving out and under your jawline. When contouring, avoid the chin or the very top of the forehead—darkening these areas will make your face look rounder and broader.
4. 4. Line the sides of your nose. If you want a slim-looking nose, create a nose contour by contouring the sides of your nose.
5. 5. Apply highlighter. Apply a light color concealer, highlighter, or eyeshadow in the shape of an upside-down triangle under your eyes. Next, apply the highlighter in the center of your forehead, on the bridge of your nose, on the center of your chin, and along your cupid’s bow above your upper lip. You can also emphasize the high points of your face, such as your cheekbones, the tip of your nose, and underneath the arch of your brows.
6. 6. Blend the contour lines. Blend the contour lines into your skin using a big fluffy brush, a beauty blender, or a makeup sponge. Blending will make your makeup look natural.
7. 7. Set your makeup. Use a setting powder or setting spray to ensure your makeup does not run or fade.

If you are new to contouring, consider the following tips:

1. 1. Find the correct contour shades. For the contour shades, use products that are two to three shades darker than your skin tone. (If you have very fair skin, one shade darker is sufficient). To highlight, use products a shade or two lighter than your skin tone.
2. 2. Use matte products for contouring. Matte products create better shadows because they absorb light. Shimmery products reflect light, so they are better for parts of your face you want to emphasize or highlight. You can also use matte products for highlighting to create a more natural look.
3. 3. Avoid bronzer. Many makeup artists advise against using bronzer to contour. Most bronzers have a shimmer finish and a warm undertone, which will make your face look unnatural when used for contouring. You can use bronzer as a highlighter if you want a warm, sun-kissed look.

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