Video

Secrets from a Makeup Artist: How to Contour Your Face

If you’re anything like me, 1. You’re a flawless person and, 2. You’re not so great at the “subtle” contour. I can be bopping along in the mirror all a little highlighter here, a little bronzer there and then all the sudden I step back and I’m somehow Kim Kardashian’s more ~extra~ cousin. So, how to contour for every day?

I asked professional makeup artist (and one of my favorite people to follow on Instagram) Shannon O’Brien for some tricks of the trade when it comes to contouring — what color is best? Where do I put it, exactly? How do I diffuse that harsh line of color? Watch her demonstrate how to contour like a pro, with tips on where to “throw” that contour for an everyday #flawless face.

 

Shop the Products

 

Contour

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Fenty Beauty Matte Skinstick
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NYX Wonder Stick
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Natural
Alima Pure Contour Powder
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Face / Foundation Brush

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Urban Decay Optical Blurring Brush
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Real Techniques Expert Face Brush
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Tarte Airbrush Finish Bamboo Foundation Brush
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Bronzer

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Hourglass Sheer Color Trio
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No7 Match Made Bronzer
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Pacifica Bronzer Duo
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Blush Brush

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Fenty Beauty Cheek-Hugging Highlight Brush
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Real Techniques InstaPop Cheek Brush
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TooFaced Kabuki Brush
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Crease Brush

 

Highlighter

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Hourglass Sheer Color Trio
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E.L.F. Baked Highlighter
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Natural
RMS Living Luminizer
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Cream Blush

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Glossier Cloud Paint
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Revlon Insta Blush
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Honest Beauty Cream Blush
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Translucent Setting Powder

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Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powder
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E.L.F. Translucent Mattifying Powder

Online only

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RMS "Un" Powder
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Powder Blending Brush

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MAC #137 Blending Brush
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Real Techniques Powder Brush
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EcoTools Sheer Powder Brush
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Pale Pink Lip Stain

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MAC Lip Stain
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Revlon Balm Stain
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French Girl Lip Tint
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Do you have a makeup trick or tip you’d like to see as a video tutorial? Leave it in the comments below!