Contouring and highlighting are makeup techniques used to define and enhance the structure of the face.

Contouring involves using a darker shade to create shadows, which helps to slim or define areas like the cheekbones, nose, jawline, and forehead. Contouring involves applying a product that is 1–2 shades darker than your skin tone to the areas you want to define or make appear smaller. Think of it as creating shadows.

Highlighting is the opposite — it involves using a product that is 1–2 shades lighter (or a soft shimmer) to bring forward the areas you want to stand out. This mimics the effect of light naturally hitting the high points of your face. Highlighting adds brightness to the high points of the face like the cheekbones, brow bone, and bridge of the nose.

This technique is often used to subtly sculpt the face, give it more dimension, and create a lifted, radiant look.

These two techniques work together to sculpt your face. When used correctly, they can:

Define cheekbones

Slim the nose

Sharpen the jawline

Brighten and lift the face overall

✨ Remember: Light brings forward. Shadow pushes back.