What to Use to Contour.

Apr 20, 2014

Caitlin D.

A darker grey colour as its supposed to look like a shadow, I was confused too and there are some experts on here who will explain better than me and will probably comment :)

Apr 20, 2014

Hannah K.

Bronzer is the wrong product for several reasons:

It is often shimmery, which is not what you want when trying to create a shadow.

It is also often orange in tone, and though not all bronzers are, bronzers are warm toned and therefore unsuited to the task of contouring, which entails making a darker, almost grey toned shadow. Shadows are not orange.

If, somehow, you found a bronzer that was a matte, cool, grey toned brown, bronzers are also often sheer and therefore require a more heavy handed application. That's why, when people contour with bronzer, it can often end up looking dirty or muddy, because they have to apply and blend a thick layer of product.

In short, what you're trying to do with contouring is create the illusion of shadows, which are cool and grey toned in nature. Bronzers are specifically designed to give a bronzed glow to your face, so you should apply it on the high points of your face, where the sun would hit. Bronzers are simply not the correct product for contouring. They will never give the desired effect, though of course if you have nothing else they can be used.

I'd ask Jacqueline H what she recommends, as I myself don't contour or have experience with contour products. I do know that she highly recommends the Kevyn Aucoin Sculpting Powder. If nothing else, a concealer or foundation two shades darker will work in a pinch. Hope this clarified it for you! :)

Apr 20, 2014

Hannah K.

I know, it's hard to figure out, but you just have to find what works for you :)

Apr 20, 2014

Megan M.

I use a bronzer but it works well for me because I'm pretty pale so if I put the grey toned contour powders on it can look a little scary. I use the bronzer to contour and add a little color. It also helps that I have a good bronzer.
I use the Laura Mercier bronzing powder in Dune Bronze

Apr 20, 2014

Lauren F.

I like using the shade Buck from the Naked palette!

Apr 20, 2014

Cece H.

I love the benfit hoola bronzer it is amazing to use as a contour as it doesn't look muddy and is completely matte x

Apr 20, 2014

Brittany F.

I wouldn't dismiss bronzers all together, no need to go out and buy a whole new category of makeup if you have something suitable for contouring already, my Kevin aucoin and my Too Face chocolate bronzer are almost identical

Apr 20, 2014

Hannah K.

If you want a cheap option, Alexis, you can always try the Nyx contour powder. It's available at Ulta and it works very nicely I hear :) mind you, I've never tried it, but I know Kitty has and she likes it.

Apr 20, 2014

Kyraa D.

Sorry ladies, but Hannah has it right. bronzers are NOT the correct product to properly contour with, no matter what skin tone you have. they are too shimmery & warm toned. you need a matte, cool toned product to create the right effect. using bronzers - no matter how well you think you've blended - will make you look patchy & sparkly in the areas you've "contoured".

you can use highend products to contour with, like the Kevin Aucoin Sculpting powder or the Anastasia Contouring Kit. you can also just buy a powder/concealer/foundation that has a cool undertone & is 1-2 shades darker than your skin tone.

Apr 20, 2014

Hannah K.

Interesting...the thing about contour kits is that a lot of brands are simply slapping the title "contour" onto a bronzer, and people are eating it up. It's a marketing method, mostly. For example, the Elf Contour Kit is a bronzer/blush duo that shouldn't be used to contour at all. The Sleek Contour Kit also has orangey/warm tones, from what I understand. I'd be careful about buying a kit if you can't tell what tones it has.

Apr 20, 2014

Hannah K.

Oh no, no need to stay away just be wary and read reviews :) if you think a kit will work best, that's perfectly fine :)

Apr 20, 2014

Hannah K.

That's what BL is here for :) but I understand your hesitation. Maybe start by going to places that you can swatch the products? I know that the girls in Sephora and Ulta should be able to help.

Apr 20, 2014

Hannah K.

And I wish you all the best :) definitely don't hesitate to ask if you have any other questions!

Apr 20, 2014

Alma M.

You Have learned well Hannah :) By the way Ladies it's Kevyn Aucoin not Kevin.Alexis best of luck,once you get your hands on an Actual sculpting powder you'll understand the difference Trust me it Does not Compare to any Bronzer or eye shadow. Always be light handed with it and remember you shouldn't see it.The added extras over is what can enhance the finish like Blush or Bronze over for a hint of color.

Apr 21, 2014

Che A.

I use Benefit's Hoola. it's marketed as a bronzer but I find it cool enough and dark enough to contour with. :)