There are few products that can deliver sun-kissed radiance as quickly as a good contouring powder. The right type doesn’t just accentuate dull skin; It can completely transform your entire look. But quickly, using the wrong highlighter – or applying the wrong technique – can leave you looking slick and dull. We talked to the experts to find out the difference between highlighter and highlighter, plus the best ways to get a natural, shiny finish that could fool anyone into believing you just spent two weeks in the south of France.
What is contouring powder? And how is it different from contour?
In the simplest terms, contouring powder creates a sun-like glow when you apply it to areas of the face that the sun would naturally hit. “All faces have peaks and valleys,” says Sam Michalskaglobal education executive at Ilia. “Bronzer mimics a tan and contours highlighting and shading the face. The easiest way to understand the difference is to think of highlighter as a warm tone placed on the high points of the face – aka the peaks – and contour as a cool tone that should be set to accentuate. Turn on dark areas or grooves on the face. They are not interchangeable.”
Sasha Ghodstinat, Global makeup artist and brand coach at code8agreed and added that contouring powder is meant to add natural warmth to the face, not any sculptural lines.
The make-up artist and product development director adds: “Copper tones tend to lean towards warm tones and contouring tones tend to be cooler or neutrals for natural shadows. crispy cosmetics Kristen Fortier.
Unlike contouring, which should only be applied in the natural hollows of the face, says Michalska, contouring is a bit simpler. “Just apply it to the high points of the face: across the forehead, on the top of the cheekbones, a little on the tip of the nose and finally a small amount on the chin. Place the highlighter exactly where you’ll get the color if you want to tan your face.
Fortier adds that she likes to use a fine-bristled brush to apply it in a circular motion for “a more polished look”. “Her tip is to “apply in a #3 formation starting at the forehead and temples, then sweep below the cheekbones and down below the jawline to create a radiant look,” she says. , easy”. A note on the “3” technique – make sure you’re hitting the high points of your face, rather than letting it sink into the hollows. Depending on your face shape, it may look more like a capital “M”.
But where exactly should you use contouring powder in your routine? Roen’s beauty creative director Kate Synnott says she likes to apply highlighter after foundation and concealer. “I like to apply foundation and concealer first, then use a large powder brush and dab it all over my face for a sun-kissed glow. Then I used a thin sculpting brush to contour under the cheekbones and bridge of the nose.”
Michalska agrees – with a note: “It depends on the highlighter you’re using!” she speaks. “If you’re using a cream highlighter, apply it before any powder, but after foundation and concealer. For powder highlighters, be sure to apply a light layer of powder first, or the highlighter will stick to your liquid or cream foundation” — which can lead to clumping.
However, there’s one highlight you don’t want to miss: Ghodstinat also recommends brushing the contouring powder subtly up the high points of your neck. It is the best way to “ensure natural and harmonious colors on your face”.
Finally, the famous makeup artist and ambassador for Catrice Cosmetics Emily Gray says to be gentle with your hands at first, then take a step back once you’re done with your makeup and see if you missed any spots. It’s also helpful to look at your makeup in different lights, especially if you’re going to be taking pictures. “I love using this technique because it prevents you from adding too much and looking orange and overdone.”
“Unless someone has very problematic skin, I prefer a cream highlighter,” says makeup artist Ashleigh Ciucci. “The creamy contouring cream melts into the skin giving it a natural tan as opposed to bronze B. The reward is fleshy and touchable and modern. You can still make up your T-zone with powder to polish your skin. This Fenty pick, which Ciucci especially loves for anyone with oily or acne-prone skin, blends easily and won’t leave you looking greasy – or worse, muddy.
The LA influencer said: “I use a bold copper color for a raised border Meeka Hossain. “It really defines and accentuates your facial features in a natural way like no makeup.”
Ghodstinat recommends Code8’s Summer Glow Bronzer for its buildability. Plus, they create a beautiful glow because all colors have a neutral or golden undertone to them, she says.
A tried and tested drugstore favorite for anyone who loves powdered highlighters, this L’Oréal product is the go-to for anyone looking for a natural look. daily.
A longtime favorite of our editors, this velvety contouring cream from Chanel is worth it. “This creates a softer finish and has a bit of a shimmer,” says Hossain. “It’s great for a wet summer look because it warms up your face.” With two shades to choose from, it’s great for medium to dark skin tones.
“I love that this is a three-in-one multi-tool,” says Hossain. “I combine all three to blur imperfections and pores. The powdery finish and shimmer you catch in the light make it look more glamorous for a night out — plus, it’s great for flash photography!”
With a launch of eight shades, the latest version of makeup icon Pat McGrath is guaranteed to deliver a natural, luminous finish, no matter your skin tone. Buildable powder looks great on foundation or on its own.
This pocket-friendly contouring powder also helps create natural accents. Users especially love its buildable and sophisticated look — especially during the winter-to-spring transition.
“Ultimately, I find powdered highlighters easier to apply than creams,” says Michalska, who recommends the favorite editors. NightLite Contour Powder “because it’s a clean, talc-free, finely milled powder that gives it a natural bronzed look — and it’s so easy to apply.”
There’s a reason this $7 highlighter is so popular on TikTok: It creates a natural, non-shiny glow that goes well with almost any skin tone.
“Use the biggest powder brush you can find to apply this powder to your forehead, cheekbones and nose,” says Ciucci of her concealer, Nars.
Synnott’s highlighter has a slight shimmer, which means it can also be used as a highlighter.
Browse through any of makeup artist Katie Jane Hughes’ famous Reels and you’ll find her loyal to Rose Inc.’s #4 Brush. Use one side for concealer or contour and the other side for highlighter.
A favorite among influencers and editors alike, this affordable contour brush is a bit softer than most contouring brushes, for a more natural-looking effect.
Saie’s Buffing Bronzer Brush is great for seamless application thanks to its soft yet tight bristles.
Merit’s tapered brush is a favorite for the way it allows for wider use and blending. Plus, it’s super soft.
“I like to use Róen’s Everything Powder Brush and sweep the highlighter all over my face, chest, and neck for a natural sun-kissed effect,” says Synnott.
Ask any beauty editor what brand of pharmacy brush they should buy, and 9 out of 10 times, it’s Real Techniques. This fine-bristled brush acts like a powder brush, but is luxurious enough to create a natural, dispersed glow.
If you’re looking for a more precise application and a natural look, makeup artist Lisa Eldridge often uses this app from her own collection to blur out any rough lines.
Sure, this brush from professional Pat McGrath is technically a highlighter brush, but if you go back behind the scenes at NYFW, you’ll find artists also use it for a freehand bronze color application. .
“My favorite way to apply contouring powder is to use a large fluffy brush like Crunchi’s Luxury Vegan No. 3 Bronzer Brush and brush in a circular motion to get an airless finish.
