How To Contour and Highlight Like a Makeup Pro

Best HealthUpdated: Oct. 06, 2016

Contouring makeup doesn’t have to be dark or dramatic or leave you looking like a Kardashian. Here’s how to apply like a pro.

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Highlighting and Contouring Makeup 101

Not sure where to start when it comes to contouring? Try this application trick from Rodial makeup artist Gemma Wheatcroft: Using a highlighter, create three upside-down triangles. Draw the first triangle in the middle of your forehead with the tip between your brows, then a smaller triangle under each eye.

With a contouring shade, suck in your cheeks and shade just below the sunken area, stopping before your mouth. Blend the harsh lines with your finger or makeup brush. Tap highlighter over your cheekbones, brow bones, chin and tip of your nose.

Click through for a few of the latest contouring and highlighting must-haves.

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Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Elizabeth Arden Limited Edition Beautiful Color Bold Illuminating Liquid Highlighter

This liquid formula comes in a unique pot with a netted covering. It allows you to simply and touch and pat on a gorgeous sheen that blends seamlessly with your other makeup.

Elizabeth Arden Limited Edition Beautiful Color Bold Illuminating Liquid Highlighter, $32 at Shopper’s Drugmart and Hudson’s Bay.

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Maybelline New York Face Studio Master Strobing Stick

Available in two shades, this creamy stick highlighter goes on sheer and shimmer-free and is easy to apply directly to the high points of your face for a subtle glow.

Maybelline New York Face Studio Master Strobing Stick, $13.

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