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A Guide to Understanding the Difference Between Contour and Highlight

Posted on June 2, 2025June 2, 2025 by Marketing TMC

At Maryam Cosmetics, we believe that every individual deserves to feel confident and beautiful in their own skin. That’s why we’re here to guide you through the world of makeup, starting with the basics of contouring and highlighting.

What is Contouring?

Contouring is a makeup technique that involves using a product that’s one to two shades deeper than your skin tone to create definition and depth on the face. By applying contour products to specific areas of the face, you can create the illusion of slimmer cheeks, a more defined jawline, and a more prominent nose. Contouring helps to:

  • Slim down the face: By applying contour products to the sides of the face, you can create a more defined jawline and slim down the appearance of the face.
  • Define the cheekbones: Contouring the hollows of the cheeks can help to create a more defined cheekbone structure.
  • Enhance the nose: Applying contour products to the sides of the nose can help to create the illusion of a more prominent nose.

What is Highlighting?

Highlighting, on the other hand, is a technique that involves applying a product that’s lighter than your skin tone to the high points of the face. This can include the tops of the cheekbones, the bridge of the nose, the cupid’s bow, and the brow bone. Highlighting helps to:

  • Create a radiant glow: By applying highlighter to the high points of the face, you can create a radiant and glowing complexion.
  • Enhance the features: Highlighting can help to make your features look more defined and lifted.
  • Add dimension: Highlighting can add dimension to the face, making it look more interesting and dynamic.

Key Differences Between Contour and Highlighter

  • Color: Contour products are typically one to two shades deeper than your skin tone, while highlighters are lighter than your skin tone.
  • Purpose: Contouring is used to create definition and depth, while highlighting is used to create a radiant and glowing complexion.
  • Application: Contour products are applied to specific areas of the face to create definition, while highlighters are applied to the high points of the face to create a glowing effect.

How to Use Contour and Highlighter

  • Contouring:
    1. Choose a contour product that’s one to two shades deeper than your skin tone.
    2. Apply the contour product to the areas of your face that you want to define, such as the hollows of your cheeks, the sides of your nose, and the jawline.
    3. Blend the contour product well to create a natural-looking definition.
  • Highlighting:
    1. Choose a highlighter that’s lighter than your skin tone.
    2. Apply the highlighter to the high points of your face, such as the tops of your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, and the cupid’s bow.
    3. Blend the highlighter well to create a seamless glow.

Tips and Tricks

  • Less is more: Start with a light hand and build up your contour and highlight gradually.
  • Blend, blend, blend: Make sure to blend your contour and highlight well to create a natural-looking effect.
  • Choose the right products: Select contour and highlight products that are suitable for your skin tone and type.

By following these tips and understanding the difference between contour and highlighter, you can enhance your natural beauty. Stay tuned for more!

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