How to Contour for Different Face Shapes: A Beginner's Guide

Contouring can transform your makeup look, but it's not one-size-fits-all. The key to a natural, flattering contour lies in understanding your unique face shape. Whether you have an oval, round, square, heart, or diamond face, the right technique can enhance your best features and create dimension. In this beginner's guide, we'll walk you through how to contour for different face shapes, so you can achieve a sculpted look with confidence.

Before you start, it's essential to choose the right products. Cream contours are perfect for beginners because they blend easily and look more natural than powders. The NOTO Botanics collection offers versatile options like the FLUXUS - MULTI-BENE STICK // LIPS + CHEEKS and the GENET - MULTI-BENE STICK // LIPS + CHEEKS, which can double as contour and blush. For a complete sculpting experience, consider the THE CLOUD SKIN KIT or the THE SKIN HEROES KIT to build a routine that suits your needs.

Determine Your Face Shape

Before you can contour effectively, you need to know your face shape. Stand in front of a mirror with your hair pulled back and trace the outline of your face. The main shapes are oval, round, square, heart, and diamond. Oval faces have balanced proportions with a slightly narrower forehead and chin. Round faces have equal width and length with soft angles. Square faces have a strong jawline and broad forehead. Heart faces have a wider forehead and a narrow chin, while diamond faces have prominent cheekbones and a narrow forehead and chin.

Once you've identified your shape, you can tailor your contour placement. The goal is to add definition where you want it and soften areas you'd like to minimize. For example, if you have a round face, you'll want to contour along the temples and jawline to create angles. If you have a square face, you'll contour the corners of the jaw to soften its appearance. Understanding this will make your contour look intentional and polished.

• Use a soft measuring tape or a flexible ruler to measure your forehead, cheekbones, and jawline for accuracy.
• Take photos from different angles to see your face shape more objectively.

Contouring an Oval Face

If you have an oval face, consider yourself lucky—it's the most versatile shape. Your balanced proportions mean you can experiment with various contour placements. The key is to enhance your natural symmetry without overdoing it. Apply contour slightly under your cheekbones, starting from your ears and blending downward toward the corners of your mouth. You can also add a touch to your temples and the tip of your chin to add depth.

For a subtle, everyday look, use a cream contour like the FLUXUS - MULTI-BENE STICK // LIPS + CHEEKS. Its creamy formula blends seamlessly into the skin, giving you a natural shadow effect. Remember to blend well—harsh lines are a common beginner mistake. Use a damp beauty sponge or a brush to diffuse the product for a flawless finish.

• Focus on the hollows of your cheeks for a lifted appearance.
• Avoid contouring the center of your forehead to keep your look natural.

Contouring a Round Face

Round faces are characterized by soft curves and a fuller appearance. The goal is to add definition and create the illusion of a more elongated shape. Start by contouring the sides of your forehead near the temples, blending down to the hollows of your cheeks. Then, contour along your jawline, focusing on the corners to create angles. This will help slim the face and add structure.

For a round face, precision is key. Use a product that offers control, like the GENET - MULTI-BENE STICK // LIPS + CHEEKS, which has a deeper shade that works well for contouring. Apply in short strokes and blend thoroughly. You can also use a highlighting product on the center of your forehead and chin to draw attention to the middle of your face, balancing the contour.

• Blend contour upward to create a lifting effect.
• Use a matte contour to avoid adding shine to areas you want to recede.

Contouring a Square Face

Square faces have a strong jawline and a broad forehead. The goal is to soften the angles and create a more oval appearance. Contour along the corners of your jaw, blending upward toward your ears. This will visually round out the jawline. Also, apply a small amount of contour to the temples to reduce the width of the forehead.

A cream contour is ideal for square faces because it can be blended easily to create soft, diffused edges. The THE CLOUD SKIN KIT includes a cream contour that's perfect for this. It's buildable, so you can start with a light layer and add more where needed. Remember to blend thoroughly, especially along the jawline, to avoid any harsh lines that could accentuate the angles.

• Use a stippling brush to blend the contour into the skin for an airbrushed finish.
• Highlight the center of your forehead and chin to draw attention away from the jaw.

Contouring a Heart Face

Heart faces have a wider forehead and a narrow chin, often with a pointed chin. The goal is to balance the proportions by softening the forehead and adding width to the chin area. Contour the temples and the sides of your forehead to minimize the width. Then, apply a small amount of contour to the tip of your chin to make it appear less pointed.

For a heart face, it's important to use a contour that's not too dark, as the chin area can easily look muddy. The THE SKIN HEROES KIT offers a range of shades that are perfect for this. Blend well and use a highlighting product on the center of your chin to add dimension. This will create a more balanced look that flatters your features.

• Focus on blending the contour at the temples into the hairline for a seamless look.
• Avoid contouring the sides of the chin, as this can make it appear more pointed.

Contouring a Diamond Face

Diamond faces are characterized by prominent cheekbones and a narrow forehead and chin. The goal is to soften the cheekbones and add width to the forehead and chin. Contour the tops of your cheekbones to reduce their prominence, and apply a small amount to the sides of your forehead and under the chin to add fullness. This will create a more balanced, oval-like shape.

For a diamond face, a cream contour that blends well is essential. The FLUXUS - MULTI-BENE STICK // LIPS + CHEEKS is a great option because it's easy to control and blend. Apply it in thin layers and build up gradually. Highlight the center of your forehead and chin to draw attention to the middle of your face, balancing the width of your cheekbones.

• Use a small, precise brush to apply contour to the temples and chin.
• Blend with a damp sponge for a natural, diffused finish.

Tips for Beginners

Contouring can be intimidating, but with practice, you'll master it. Start with a light hand and build up the intensity gradually. Always blend well—harsh lines are the most common mistake. Use a cream contour for easier blending, and set it with a translucent powder if you have oily skin. Remember, the goal is to enhance your natural features, not to create a mask.

Experiment with different products to find what works for you. The DEEP SERUM – 1 OZ can be mixed with your contour to create a more skin-like finish. And don't forget to clean your tools regularly to avoid breakouts. With these tips, you'll be contouring like a pro in no time.

• Use a light hand and build up color gradually.
• Blend, blend, blend—use a damp sponge or brush for a seamless finish.
• Choose a contour shade that's one to two shades darker than your skin tone.

Contouring is a skill that improves with practice. By understanding your face shape and using the right techniques, you can create a sculpted look that enhances your natural beauty. Start with a cream contour like the FLUXUS - MULTI-BENE STICK // LIPS + CHEEKS and experiment with placement. Remember, makeup is about having fun, so don't be afraid to try new things. For more tips and products, explore the NOTO Botanics collection and find your perfect contour match.