Are you looking to naturally enhance your nose structure? Or make your face look thinner? Here is the ultimate guide to all nose contour.
Often people can be fearful of the word contouring, as its associated with celebrities and makeup over kill. Sometimes we just want that simple look, without overdoing it. There are many ways that you can achieve this look to enhance the natural structure of your face, in a less dramatic and perhaps, not so obvious way. Keep strolling for my guide on how to contour your nose for that simple yet, natural look.
What is nose contouring?
Contouring is a makeup technique to enhance the natural structure of your face. It’s a trick used widely by makeup artists to add depth and shadows to shape the nose and create the desired nose shape. There are different techniques you can use to create the illusion that your nose is slimmer, shorter or longer depending on your goal. Follow these steps to simply contour your nose.
Nose contour for beginners
Contouring can appear daunting, but here’s 7 super simple steps to follow.
- Using a sculpting powder, choose a colour a few shades darker than your natural skin tone. Start by drawing two parallel lines, starting at the brow bone, down the bridge of your nose. Depending on your goal, you can alter the width of the lines. For example, if you’re after a slimmer looking nose, draw your lines closer.
- Start to colour in the sides of your nose, using a small amount of product on your brush, and add as you go. Be sure to blend any harsh lines with your beauty blender.
- Now for the Highlight – start by using a high lighter or concealer at the centre of your nose. Opt for a concealer that is 1-2 shades lighter than your skin tone, and run the concealer down the centre of your nose, until you reach the tip of your nose.
- Rub any harsh lines away with the tip of your finger, to blend in the highlighter. Be careful not to rub in too much, although you want a natural look, you still want a slight definition.
- Add a tiny dot of sculpting powder in the crease at the end of your nose, this will enhance the upturn or your nose, and create that shorter more button nose shape.
- Now apply a little powder to seal. Try opting for a transparent loose powder, use a small amount of product. You can also use the transparent loose powder to soften any further harsh lines.
- Finally finish up by applying your favourite setting spray, so all your hard work lasts throughout the day!
Now that we’ve gone through the basics, I’ve included my top tips below for different nose shapes. You can use the tips to alter your technique, add to your routine to achieve your desired look.
Top tips for a shorter nose
- Apply a darker shade to the bottom of your nose (by your nostrils), this will give you the shadow you need to give it a shorter appearances. Remember to only use a small amount of powder.
- Always use a matte powder, not a shiny one!
- Apply the highlighter half way down the nose, start near the brow bone and work down until the middle of the bridge. This gives the illusion your nose is shorter in length.
Make your nose look longer
- Start by applying the darker matte powder at the curve of your brow bone, following your natural shape to the bottom of your nose
- Try rounding the bottom of your nose to give it a natural look
- Use a highlighter all the way down the nose, starting at the brow bone to the top of your nose to give the appearance your nose is longer.
Top tips for a slimmer nose
- Always start with a tiny amount of product, all shadows are buildable so you can add more product if required
- If your nose is slightly wider at the bottom, only apply the highlight your half way down your nose.
- Apply the highlighter thinly, any thicker it will give the appearance your nose is wider, not thinner.
Powder or cream for nose contour?
You can choose a powder or cream for contouring, but it’s important to note that powder is best for oily skin. Using creams can look cakey, unnatural and harsh on the skin. So If you’ve got oily skin, it can cause your make up to slide off. You might want to consider cream if your skin is dry, as it will be more hydrating than powder and May sit better.
What shades should I opt for?
Choosing the right shades can be a challenge, if you opt for a colour too dark it can be hard to blend, but opting for a lighter colour won’t give you the depth and shadow that your after. If in doubt, there are many contouring pallets you can purchase.
Try to also avoid contouring with a bronzer, bronzers typically are warmer in tone and could go against that natural look. Opt for a neutral shade for more of a shadow effect. The same for a highlighter, don’t go for a super shiny one, as it could look unnatural and oily.
What tools do I need
Blending is super important when it comes to contouring. For the ultimate effect, trying using quality make up brushes to achieve the look your after. Angled brushes are great for the contour lines, and small headed brushes can be used for blending into your foundation.
Nose Contour – Conclusion
Contouring is used widely by makeup artists and is a quick, simple, yet effective way to enhance the natural structure and face shapes.