the Hannah Hardy

Why contour?
Contouring creates a shadow to define or reshape different parts of the face i.e. cheek bones, forehead, nose.

How do you pick a contour shade?
Contour shades should always be MATTE and more cool toned. You should pick a contour shade that is a few shades darker than your skin tone.

Can I just use bronzer?
This is a toss up. It really depends on the tones of your bronzer. A contour that is too warm will tend to look muddy. Bronzer is used to warm up the face and like I said earlier, you want your contour to be more cool toned. However, when I’m in a rush, but still want to define my check bones and nose a little bit, I will grab my Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer in Light Bronze, but I use a light hand.

Do I need to buy a kit?
I personally think contour kits are a waste of money. The kits usually have 6 or so different shades and usually you just need 2 shades, a highlight & a contour. It’s cheaper to just buy 2 singles that you will actually use than buy a kit with extra shades you don’t need and won’t use.

Now, onto the best contour shades & products for us fair skinned gals.

–Makeup Geek Contour Powder Single in Breakup, $10 {why can I not find this online?}
—Kat Von D Singles in Shadowplay, $16
—NYX Powder Contour Single in Sienna, $4.99
—Kevyn Aucoin The Sculpting Contour in Light, $44

—Physicians Formula Bronze Boost Contour Palette in Sculpting (Matte), $7.99
—NYX 3 Steps to Sculpt in Fair, $11.99
—Wet n Wild MegaGlo Contouring Palette in Dulce de Leche, $4.99
—Catrice Prime & Fine Professional Contouring Palette in Ashy Radiance, $7.99

—Benefit Hoola Quickie Contour Stick, $28
—Anastasia Beverly Hills Foundation Stick in Fawn, $25
—Ofra Skin Sculpting Wand in Dust, $11
—Fenty Beauty Match Stix in Amber, $25
—Kat Von D Creme Single in Spice, $16
—NYX Cream Highlight & Contour Palette in Light, $14.99

To me, powder is the product to start with. It’s easier to blend and work with and more natural. I only do cream contouring for a night out or special occasion. Ain’t no body got time for that every day! If you’re new to contouring, the Urban Decay Shape Shifter Palette ($42) in Light to Medium has creams and powders so you can play around and figure out which works best for you.

My favorite brushes for powder contouring are the Black Radiance Sculpting Brush ($4.99) and the Real Techniques Contour Brush ($10.79 on SALE!). I got the Black Radiance brush at Walgreens and unfortunately, the Real Techniques brush only comes in a kit, but you can find it at Ulta or Target. If I’m using a cream contour, I use the Colour Pop Flat Angled Contour Brush or a damp beauty sponge.

Any other contour questions? Leave them for me in the comments!