Having a perfectly sculpted face may be a dreamy thing, but it’s easier than you think with the help of Korean contouring products.
Generally speaking, Korean beauty trends are aimed at natural enhancement, rather than a drastic change, and thus it is also suitable for beginners, or anyone who simply wants to highlight their features without a heavy look.
In this guide, we’ll explore how to use these contour products to enhance your face shape for a soft, sculpted appearance.
What is Contouring?
Contouring is a makeup technique that uses shading to define and enhance the natural structure of your face. By applying darker shades to areas you want to slim down and lighter shades to areas you want to bring forward, you can create a more dimensional and balanced look.
Best Korean Contour Products
1. Too Cool For School Art class by Rodin Shading
This is a popular three-shade contour palette designed for subtle sculpting. The finely milled powder blends easily and you can customize the depth of your contour by mixing the shades. Perfect for anyone new to contouring.
- Pros: Natural finish, easy blending, lightweight formula
- Cons: May not be suitable for deeper skin tones
- Pro Tip: Use all three shades together for a customized shadow that matches your natural skin tone.
2. Etude House Play 101 Stick Contour Duo
This dual-ended stick makes contouring super convenient. One side provides a creamy contour shade, while the other side offers a highlight to brighten your face. The creamy texture blends effortlessly for a natural finish.
- Pros: Travel-friendly, creamy texture, easy application
- Cons: Limited shade range
- Pro Tip: Apply the contour stick directly under your cheekbones and along your jawline for an instant slimming effect.
3. CLIO Prism Highlighter Duo
While primarily a highlighter, this duo can work wonders in combination with your contour. The soft shimmer enhances your cheekbones, nose bridge, and brow bones to give your face more dimension after contouring.
- Pros: Natural glow, buildable shimmer, long-lasting
- Cons: May not suit oily skin
- Pro Tip: Apply the highlighter on top of the cheekbones after contouring for a luminous, sculpted look.
How to Use Korean Contour Products
- Start with a Clean Base: Always begin with clean, moisturized skin. Apply your foundation or BB cream to create an even base.
- Contour: Apply your contour product to the hollows of your cheeks, along your jawline, and on the sides of your nose. Blend the product well to avoid any harsh lines. For powder contours like the Too Cool For School palette, use a fluffy brush; for cream sticks, blend with a makeup sponge or your fingers.
- Highlight: Apply a lighter shade to the high points of your face, like the tops of your cheekbones, your nose bridge, and your brow bones. This will bring light to these areas, creating a lifted effect.
- Set with Powder: If you’re using creamy contour products, it’s always a good idea to set them with a translucent powder for longevity, especially if you have oily skin.
Contouring Tips for Your Face Shape
- Round Face: Focus on contouring under the cheekbones and along the jawline to create a more defined shape.
- Square Face: Soften the angles by contouring the sides of your forehead and jawline.
- Heart-Shaped Face: Balance your facial structure by contouring the sides of your forehead and the bottom of your chin.
- Oval Face: Light contouring under the cheekbones and along the jawline can enhance your naturally balanced shape.
How to Avoid Common Contouring Mistakes
- Don’t Over-Contour: The key to Korean contouring is subtlety. Avoid applying too much product at once.
- Blend, Blend, Blend: Harsh lines can ruin your contour, so make sure everything is well-blended.
- Use the Right Tools: Whether you’re using a brush, sponge, or fingers, choose a tool that helps you blend seamlessly.
FAQs
1. Can I use contour products on other areas of my body?
Yes, contour products can also be used on your neck and collarbones to enhance definition.
2. How often should I replace my contour products?
Powder contours typically last for up to two years, while creams should be replaced within one year.
3. Can contouring make my face look slimmer?
Yes, contouring under the cheekbones and jawline creates the illusion of a slimmer face.