Contouring and bronzing are popular makeup techniques that help define your face and enhance your natural features. However, many people wonder about the correct order to apply these products: does contour go before bronzer? In this article, we’ll explore the differences between contour and bronzer, why the order matters, and provide a step-by-step guide to achieving a flawless, sculpted look.

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The Difference Between Contour and Bronzer

Before diving into the application order, it’s important to understand the fundamental difference between contour and bronzer. While both are used to shape the face, they serve different purposes:

• Contour: The primary goal of contouring is to define and sculpt the face by creating shadows. Contour products are typically matte and are applied to areas like the hollows of the cheeks, the sides of the nose, and the jawline. They help create depth, illuminating sharper features or slimmer areas.
• Bronzer: Bronzer, on the other hand, adds warmth and a sun-kissed glow to the skin. It’s usually applied to areas where the sun naturally hits, such as the forehead, the cheeks’ tops, and the nose’s bridge. Bronzer can have a matte or shimmery finish, depending on the desired look.

Does Contour Go Before Bronzer?

Yes, contour should go before bronzer in your makeup routine. Contouring creates the shadows and structure of your face, while bronzer adds warmth and enhances the overall look. By applying contour first, you lay down the foundation for defining your features, and bronzer then helps blend everything for a more natural finish.

Why the Order Matters

Applying contour before bronzer ensures you place your makeup products in the right areas. Contouring works by mimicking natural shadows, which should be applied to specific facial places to sculpt and define. Bronzer, which adds warmth, goes on afterward to soften the contour and give your skin a healthy glow.

Here’s why the order matters:

• Contour is about definition: By applying contour first, you focus on defining key areas of the face, such as the cheekbones, nose, and jawline. These shadows should look natural, so applying bronzer later helps blend and soften the edges of your contour.
• Bronzer adds warmth: After you’ve contoured, applying bronzer allows you to warm up the skin without disturbing the sculpted look you’ve already created. Bronzer is applied in broader areas than contour and can overlap slightly to blend the makeup seamlessly.
• Blending becomes easier: When you contour first, you can layer bronzer on top to smooth out the lines and ensure everything looks cohesive. This layering technique helps avoid harsh lines and gives a more polished, airbrushed finish.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply Contour and Bronzer

To ensure you’re getting the best results, follow this step-by-step guide for applying contour and bronzer in the correct order.

Prep Your Skin

Before applying makeup, ensure your skin is clean, moisturized, and primed. A good primer helps smooth the skin’s surface and ensures your makeup lasts longer. Apply your foundation and concealer to create an even base for your contour and bronzer.

Apply Contour

Contour products can come in powder, cream, or stick form. Choose the one that works best for your skin type and desired look. Here’s how to apply contour:

• Hollows of the cheeks: Using a contour brush, apply contour to the hollows of your cheeks, starting from your ears and blending toward the corners of your mouth. This helps define your cheekbones and make them appear more lifted.
• Jawline: Sweep contour along your jawline to create a more sculpted look and minimize the appearance of a double chin.
• Sides of the nose: Apply contour along the sides of your nose to create the illusion of a slimmer nose.
• Hairline: To make your forehead appear smaller or add definition, apply contour along your hairline, blending toward your temples.

Blending is critical when applying contour. Use a brush, sponge, or fingers to blend the product into your skin for a natural-looking shadow.

Apply Bronzer

After contouring, it’s time to apply bronzer to add warmth and a sun-kissed glow to your face. Bronzer is typically applied to areas where the sun naturally hits your skin. Here’s how to apply bronzer:

• Forehead: Sweep bronzer along your forehead, focusing on the areas above your temples and hairline.
• Cheeks: Apply bronzer to the tops of your cheekbones, blending it with your contour for a smooth transition.
• Bridge of the nose: Lightly dust bronzer across the bridge of your nose to add warmth.
• Jawline: Apply a small amount of bronzer to your jawline for a more cohesive look.

Use a large, fluffy brush to apply bronzer in circular motions, blending it into your skin for a natural, glowing finish.

Highlight (Optional)

For a complete look, consider applying highlighter after bronzer. Highlighting adds brightness to your face and complements the contour and bronzer by drawing attention to the high points of your face. Apply highlighter to the tops of your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, and your cupid’s bow for a radiant finish.

Additional Tips for Contour and Bronzer Application

• Choose the right shades: When selecting contour products, opt for a shade about 1-2 shades darker than your natural skin tone to create realistic shadows. For bronzer, choose a warm, golden shade that complements your complexion.
• Use the right tools: Using the correct brushes for contouring and bronzing can make a big difference. A small, angled brush is great for precise contouring, while a large, fluffy brush is ideal for bronzing.
• Don’t overapply: Start with a small amount of product and build it up as needed. It’s easier to add more than to remove it, especially when working with contour and bronzer.
• Blend well: Blending is the key to a natural-looking contour and bronzer application. Use circular motions and the right tools to avoid harsh lines.
• Cream vs. powder products: Cream contours and bronzers give a more dewy finish, while powder products offer a matte look. Choose based on your skin type and desired finish. If you use cream products, apply them before powdering your face.

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Does Contour Go Before Bronzer?

Does contour go before bronzer? Yes, contour should go before bronzer in your makeup routine. Contour adds definition by creating shadows, while bronzer warms up the face and enhances your complexion. By applying contour first, you lay the groundwork for sculpting your features, and bronzer helps blend and soften the look for a natural, sun-kissed finish. Check out the rest of the site for more tips and tricks to get the look you want!

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