Gone are the days of heavy, stripe-like contour lines and overly sculpted faces. 

The modern approach to contouring is all about creating soft definition that enhances your natural features. When done well, contouring can subtly lift, slim and balance your face without looking obvious. The secret? Understanding your face shape and knowing exactly where to place your contour product. With the right technique and a light hand, you can achieve a naturally defined look that works for everyday wear. 

Formula checklist  

For women aged 35+, cream and liquid contour products look the most flattering because they mimic the skin’s natural texture and create a softer, more youthful finish than heavy powders. 

Pick your product  

Before you start, select the right product for your skin type and desired finish.

Contour sticks are beginner-friendly and allow for precise placement. Simply draw where needed and blend.

Liquid formulas offer a skin-like finish. Lightweight and buildable, they are easy to customise, from subtle to more sculpted.

Cream formulas blend seamlessly into the skin and create the most natural-looking, smooth finish. They’re ideal for mature skin as they don’t settle into fine lines as easily as powder products can.

Powder formulas tend to work most effectively on oily or combination skin and are perfect for setting cream contour or creating a slightly more defined look.

When choosing a contour shade, opt for a cool-toned or neutral colour that’s one to two shades deeper than your natural skin tone. Avoid products that are too warm or orange, as these can look more like bronzer than contour. 

Face shape matters  

Round Face: Create length and definition  

A round face typically has soft curves with similar width and length measurements. The goal is to add ‘structure’ and create the illusion of length. 

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To achieve this:  

1. Apply contour beneath the cheekbones, blending upwards towards the ears. 
2. Sweep contour along the sides of the forehead near the temples. 
3. Lightly contour along the jawline. 
4. Add a small amount down the sides of the nose if desired. 
5. Blend thoroughly so there are no visible edges. 

Oval Face: Enhance Natural balance  

An oval face is considered naturally balanced, so contouring should simply enhance your existing features. Less is more here – the goal is subtle refinement rather than reshaping. 

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To achieve this: 

1. Apply contour just under the cheekbones. 
2. Add a touch along the temples. 
3. Lightly define the jawline if desired. 

Square Face: Soften angles  

Square faces have a strong jawline and broad forehead. Avoid harsh lines and focus on diffusing the product for a softer appearance. 

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To soften angular features: 

1. Apply contour around the outer corners of the forehead. 
2. Blend contour beneath the cheekbones in a gentle diagonal motion. 
3. Soften the jawline by applying contour along the outer edges. 

Heart-shaped Face: Balance the forehead and chin  

Heart-shaped faces are typically wider at the forehead and narrower at the chin. Focus on creating harmony between the upper and lower portions of your face.

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To achieve this:  

1. Apply contour along the temples and hairline. 
2. Add contour beneath the cheekbones, blending upwards. 
3. Use a small amount under the chin if you wish to soften a pointed appearance. 

Long or Rectangular Face: Add width  

Long faces have more vertical length than width. You want to avoid extending your contour too far down your face, as this can elongate it further. 

@ellezahra Easy contour hack for a long face — total game changer! ✨ For long faces, apply contour in soft semi-circles on your forehead and just below your cheekbones. This technique adds gentle shadows that sculpt and soften your features, effectively shortening the appearance of the long face without adding harsh lines. It’s simple, subtle, and perfect for creating natural-looking definition whether for bridal makeup or everyday glam. #contourhack #contour #contourandhighlight #makeuptips #flawlessbase #foundation #flawless #fyp #foryoupage❤️❤️ #foryоu ♬ original sound – Elle Zahra

To create the illusion of a shorter, more balanced shape: 

1. Apply contour along the hairline at the top of the forehead. 
2. Add contour beneath the cheekbones, blending horizontally rather than downwards. 
3. Lightly contour under the chin.  

The golden rule: blend, blend, blend  

The difference between professional-looking contour and obvious make-up comes down to blending. Use a damp make-up sponge, dense contour brush or soft buffing brush to diffuse the product into the skin. 

Always blend upwards and outwards rather than downwards to create a lifting effect. Take a step back from the mirror and check your make-up in natural light. If you can clearly see where the contour starts and ends, keep blending.  

Once your contour is blended, add a touch of blusher to the apples of the cheeks and a subtle highlighter to the high points of the face. This brings warmth and dimension back into the skin, ensuring your complexion looks fresh, healthy and naturally sculpted.  

And remember, contouring isn’t about changing your face; it’s about enhancing what you already have. A few strategic placements and careful blending can create beautiful definition that looks effortless at any age.  

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products we recommend

1. Catrice Sculpt & Charm Contour Stick R109.95
2. Foschini All Woman Foundation Buffing Brush R129
3. Colours Limited Olive Blender Sponge R58.99
4. NYX Highlight and Contour Pro Palette R649
5. Catrice Butter Like Bronze & Contour Palette R104.95
6. Catrice More Than Glow Liquid Highlighter R99.95

Words: Chandré Emma Kippie
Photos: Shutterstock, Gallo/Getty Images, supplied. Prices correct at time of print and may change