When it comes to achieving a flawless, sculpted look, few things are as transformative as contouring and highlighting. These makeup techniques, when done right, can enhance your natural features, adding depth and dimension to your face. Tolani Badmus, a renowned makeup artist, is a pro at this art. With years of experience and a keen eye for detail, Tolani has perfected the techniques of contouring and highlighting, making her one of the most sought-after artists in the beauty industry.In this article, Tolani shares her top tips for mastering these essential makeup techniques, ensuring you can achieve a stunning look at home.
Understanding the Basics: What is Contouring and Highlighting?
Before diving into the techniques, it’s essential to understand what contouring and highlighting actually do.
- Contouring involves using a product slightly darker than your natural skin tone to create shadows on your face. This technique can help define your features, such as your cheekbones, jawline, and nose, giving the illusion of a more sculpted face.
- Highlighting is the opposite; it involves using a product lighter than your skin tone to bring out certain areas of your face, like the tops of your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, and your brow bone. Highlighting gives your skin a radiant, glowing effect.
Tolani's Top Contouring Tips
- Choose the Right Product: Tolani emphasizes the importance of selecting the right contour product. Whether you prefer powder, cream, or stick formulas, the key is to find a product that blends seamlessly with your skin tone. "Always go for a shade that’s one to two tones darker than your natural color," she advises. This helps create a natural-looking shadow rather than an obvious line.
- Know Your Face Shape: Contouring isn’t one-size-fits-all. Tolani highlights the importance of understanding your face shape to determine where to apply the product. For instance:
- Oval Faces: Focus on the forehead, cheekbones, and jawline to enhance the natural symmetry.
- Round Faces: Contour the sides of the forehead, under the cheekbones, and along the jawline to create the illusion of a more elongated face.
- Square Faces: Soften the angles by contouring the temples, under the cheekbones, and along the jawline.
- Blend, Blend, Blend: One of the biggest mistakes people make with contouring is not blending enough. Tolani stresses the importance of blending the product well to avoid harsh lines. "Use a damp beauty sponge or a fluffy brush to blend the contour into your skin until it looks seamless," she recommends. This step ensures that the contouring appears natural rather than overdone.
- Layer Gradually: Tolani suggests building up the contour gradually. Start with a light application, then add more if needed. "It's easier to build up the intensity than to remove excess product," she explains.
Tolani's Top Highlighting Tips
- Placement is Key: Highlighting is all about bringing light to the high points of your face. Tolani advises focusing on areas like the tops of your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, the inner corners of your eyes, and your cupid's bow. "These areas naturally catch the light, so highlighting them gives your face a radiant, lifted appearance," she says.
- Choose the Right Formula: Just like with contouring, the formula of your highlighter matters. Powders are great for a more subtle glow, while creams and liquids offer a more intense, dewy finish. Tolani suggests experimenting with different formulas to find what works best for your skin type and the look you're going for.
- Less is More: While it might be tempting to go heavy with the highlighter, Tolani warns against overdoing it. "A little goes a long way," she notes. Start with a small amount and build up if necessary. The goal is to achieve a natural glow, not to look overly shiny.
- Blend with Your Foundation: To avoid a stark contrast between your highlighter and foundation, Tolani recommends blending the edges of your highlighter into your foundation. "This step ensures that your makeup looks cohesive and natural," she explains.
Final Thoughts from Tolani
Contouring and highlighting can seem intimidating, especially if you're new to these techniques. However, with practice and the right approach, anyone can master them. Tolani Badmus believes that makeup is about enhancing your natural beauty and expressing yourself, so don't be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you."
Remember, makeup should be fun," Tolani says. "It's all about playing around, trying new things, and feeling confident in your skin."With Tolani's expert tips in hand, you're well on your way to achieving a beautifully contoured and highlighted look that will leave you feeling confident and radiant.