Contouring 101 / SMASHBOX Step-By-Step Contour Stick Trio

I have always been a fan of contouring, and today I’m sharing with all of you a step-by-step tutorial on how to do it properly. I have used many products from a powder to a cream, however I always find that the cream looks more natural. It’s by far more difficult and scary, but that’s why I’m here. By following these easy steps and by using SMASHBOX Step-By-Step Contour Stick Trio, you are on your way to becoming a master at contouring!

Step 1: Apply contour

Now this is a very important step. You need to study your face and determine what areas you want to highlight and what areas you want to concave. Any areas you want to appear smaller/more concave, use the the dark contour shade. On the opposite end, any areas you want to bring forward, you highlight by using a light highlighter. Simple as that! My forehead is the size of Russia so I definitely want that area to appear smaller. My nose is somewhat wider, so I apply it there as well. I also apply smaller lines of dark contour on each sides of the hollows of your cheeks, and some around the jaw line.

Step 2: Blend

This is by far the most important step ! Blend in circular motion, dragging the brush upwards. You want a defined line but very well blended. I used a small fluffy Kevin Aucoin contour brush to blend my dark contour.

Step 3: Blend more.

Like I said you will blend and blend and blend. I tend to spend a lot of time blending on the forehead since it’s so big and I also have the most product there.

Step 4: More blending

Are you sick of me saying blend? Well my friends, keep on blending!

Step 5: Use fingers to blend

Once I’m done blending the dark contour, I move on to the highlight. I use my ring finger to blend underneath my eyes, since that area is delicate and I don’t want to tug or pull with the brush. Don’t need those wrinkles, thank you very much!

Step 6: Blend chin area

I then move on to the chin and forehead area, continuing to blend with the fingers. I find that this method warms the product and blends it much easier.

Step 7: Blend nose contour

Moving on, with the brush again, I blend the nose contour. Be careful here that you follow the line downwards/towards your cheeks but not blending it pass your nose area. You want lightness in the middle of the nose and darkness on the sides to make the nose appear smaller.

Step 8: Smooth harsh lines

Using Real Techniques Stippling Brush which has small residue of foundation left, I then blend everything to make sure there is no harsh lines, or otherwise your secret will be blown!

Step 9: Apply blush

Almost done ! After blending I move on to applying blush with a fluffy Chanel #2 brush.

Step 10: Apply highlight

As a last step I apply highlight (Becca -Champagne Pop) to the highest points of my cheeks, as well as a little bit down the bridge of my nose.

You are done !! Can you believe it ?!

I told you it’s not that complicated. It does however take time and practice, which is why I don’t do this every day. Only when I have time or on nights out. I find it’s perfect for taking pictures because it adds so much more drama to your face.

Little bit about the product:

SMASHBOX Step-By-Step Contour Stick Trio.

This makes contouring so easy since you can just draw lines where you need to contour. It’s creamy and it blends supper easily. It also comes with a bronze shade, which I did not use however, since I find it’s a little bit too orangey for my skin tone.

You want a shade that has more neutral tone, so it creates a shadow. In this set, you will also get step-by-step instructions on how to contour according to your face shape, as well as a sharpener. All in all this product gets thumbs up from me!