Can I Use Contour As Bronzer -

Contour and bronzer come in brown shades, making most people wonder what the difference is. In general, contour is a cooler shade of brown used to create more dimension in your face. Bronzer, on the other hand, adds more warmth to your face. However, both products are brown, so most people wonder if I can use contour as a bronzer.

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Crucial Differences Between The Two

Bronzer and contour both come in a wide range of brown shades, so using them interchangeably makes sense. However, it’s not that simple. There are a few key differences between bronzer and contour that can help you determine if the products on your vanity are multi-taskers.

Different Undertones

One of the most significant differences between the two products is the undertones. Contour is known for having cooler undertones while bronzer is known for having warm undertones to help add warmth to the face.

Generally, this is how it works, but there are exceptions. Modern makeup companies may strive to be more inclusive and create a bronzer with cool undertones. In that situation, your bronzer can also be used as a contour.

Likewise, you may be able to find contouring products with warm undertones to suit people with warm or neutral undertones. This contour product will work great as a bronzer, too.

Always take the time to read product descriptions to determine if your makeup has a specific undertones. You can also see the impact it has on your face to determine it’s undertones. Bronzer tends to add warmth to the face.

Contour Uses Matte Formulas

Whether or not you can use contour as a bronzer depends on your preference. Generally, bronzer has more shimmer, and contour formulas are typically matte. However, if a matte bronzer formula works for you, you can rock contour as a bronzer.

Consider The Tone You Want

Contour usually has a greyish undertone, allowing it to mimic the appearance of natural shadows. However, this doesn’t work for all skin tones. Instead, it can make your skin look grey or ashy. If that sounds familiar, you may try using bronzer as a contour because it adds warmth to the face.

Application is Everything

Pay special attention to where you apply the product to use contour as a bronzer. Contour usually goes in the hollows of the cheeks or along the jawline to create more depth or a particular illusion. When you use contour as a bronzer, apply it as a three, focusing on the high points of your face. For example, you would place it on your cheekbone, rather than the hollow of your cheek.

Always Look At the Shade

The shade of contour you have can quickly tell you if you can use it as a bronzer. Contouring products are generally cooler than bronzer. If you apply a cool-toned contour in the same place you should put bronzer, it won’t look right. Instead, you need a warmer contour stick to pull off this trick. Always take the time to look at the shade if you are wondering can I use contour as bronzer.

One Or The Other

There’s nothing wrong with using your contour as bronzer if it works for you and your undertones. However, only use the product for either contour or bronzer, not both. Trying to use the same product for both contour and bronzer results in you applying the same color to half your face. You’ll look amateur instead of contoured and warm because the same color will be everywhere.

Try It Out

When in doubt, try it out. Don’t try new makeup tips before you head to work or out for the day, in case it’s a disaster. Instead, plan it for a day when you aren’t going anywhere. Use your contour as bronzer and see how it looks. Take a few selfies, and then review them a couple of hours later to assess your appearance. This is the easiest way to tell if you can use your contour as bronzer.