Contouring

This is going to be a kutti post ... :)

Basically, contouring is a make up methodology by which you make your face look thinner and more angled and chiseled. It's a good technique to use when you want to have that defined jaw-line look :)

No contouring. Simple chubby face

I found out about contouring from the youtube channels I watch where all of them perform this step.

Contouring comes after you prime and apply foundation. Some people do contouring before the eyes, some do it after, I do it whenever I remember :P

Steps for contouring are simple. What's your end objective ? Make your face look more angular. Hence, in order to achieve this what do you need to do ? Apply the contouring stuff in

1. Jawline

2. Cheek hollows (just blow where you apply blush)

3. Sides of your nose

4. Temple portion (if you want) - I usually don't do this step

Here you can see on the left the way I have applied the product on the first 3 points from above. The product that I have used on my face is the Clinique Contouring Chubby Stick.

Applied in jawline, nose and cheek

Do note, I have not applied anything on my face under the contour; this means no prep, no prime, no foundation, nothing. The effects of the contouring will be much better after prepping your face.

The blog is a little haphazard because I'm still trying to figure out how to align all these pictures the middle of all the text - it is extremely frustrating !
Basically the 2 pics on the sides of this para are post blending the product which  had applied. You can see that a slight shadow has been created in the cheek hollows, and nose - thus giving me a slightly thinner face look :)
Coming to products that I have and like :)

1. Clinique contour chubby stick. This Clinique product is non-comedogenic, does not have any fragrance and glides on like a dream. Extremely smooth and non tugging on your skin. Some people have an issue with it being a little orange-y, but I think for Indian skin tones that should not be an issue (unless you are really really fair). It is a stick applicator and needs to be blended well. You have to make sure there are no hard lines after blending - else it will look cakey and fake. I use my Real Techniques beauty blender and it works like a charm :)

2. Benefit Hoola bronzer: This is from the company Benefit. It is available at Sephora in 2 sizes, I have the smaller one (which  bought in Singapore for 26 SGD) and should cost around 1800 odd - if you buy this from India. I bought the smaller size as it's travel friendly. I have not really found it available anywhere online (at a reasonable price whilst being from an authentic seller), so if you're looking to buy it, you will need to go to Sephora (which is there in Bombay, Bangalore, Delhi, and now also in Chennai !). Benefit comes with a flat-rectangular brush that makes it easy to apply along your jawline and nose. Also the shape of this brush helps ensure that the lines are not too sharp and artificial looking. The advantage of this product is that it goes well with any skin tone as it is a very natural looking shade. The lady at the store told me that it has grey undertones which are complementary or all skin tones and just add a bit of shadow to your skin (which is what contouring is supposed to achieve).

Below are snaps of how they swatch.

Benefit

Clinique

Comparison of the 2. Left : Clinique, Right : Benefit

You can see that the Clinique one is slightly orange in colour when compared to the Hoola one, but it does not show up this way when you apply on your face and blend well. Also, usually since I wear a slight blush above this, it looks natural and not weird :) I kind-of prefer the Benefit one over the Clinique due to the more natural shade, but I also like the Clinique due to its ease of application.