I've always loved makeup, but it wasn't until reading the late Kevyn Aucoin's book Making Faces in college that I truly appreciated and respected the art of makeup. It was also within his book that I first learned of highlighting and contouring.
Source: amazon.com
Highlighting and contouring is used by professional makeup artists, with the purpose of creating dimension on the face. You can create a thinner nose, a more defined cheek, and a sleeker jawline all from highlighting and contouring. It can be a dramatic look because it requires a lot of makeup, so I usually save it for special occasions or nights out. It really looks beautiful in photographs, but you have to blend everything well. Click through the gallery below to read more:
If you're a little confused, here's a guide from Kevyn's book on where to highlight and where to contour. If you love makeup as much as I do, I highly recommend buying his book. It's fascinating and so inspiring!
Source: Making Faces by Kevyn Aucoin
Do any of you use highlighting and contouring as part of your makeup routine? Have any tips or tricks you'd like to share? Please leave comments below!
If you'd like to recreate my look, here are the products I used:
Armani Luminous Silk foundation
Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Highlighting Concealer
Maybelline Illegal Lengths mascara