Highlighter vs. Contour: Which Is Best for Face Shaping?

When it comes to achieving a sculpted, defined look, both highlighter and contour play crucial roles. But which one should you focus on to enhance your facial features? Let’s break down the differences, benefits, and best uses of each technique.

What Is Contouring?

Contouring involves using a product, usually darker than your natural skin tone, to create shadows and add depth. It’s often applied to the hollows of the cheeks, jawline, sides of the nose, and forehead to give the face a slimmer, more chiseled appearance.

Best for:

• Slimming the face
• Defining the cheekbones
• Sculpting the jawline
• Adding depth to the forehead

Types of Contour Products:

• Cream contour: Great for a more dramatic effect or dry skin.
• Powder contour: Ideal for oily skin or for a subtle, buildable look.

What Is Contouring?

Contouring involves using a product, usually darker than your natural skin tone, to create shadows and add depth. It’s often applied to the hollows of the cheeks, jawline, sides of the nose, and forehead to give the face a slimmer, more chiseled appearance.

• Best for:
• Slimming the face
• Defining the cheekbones
• Sculpting the jawline
• Adding depth to the forehead
• Types of Contour Products:
• Cream contour: Great for a more dramatic effect or dry skin.
• Powder contour: Ideal for oily skin or for a subtle, buildable look.

What Is Highlighting?

Highlighter is used to bring light to specific areas of the face. This helps to accentuate features, adding brightness and creating the illusion of a more lifted look. Common areas to apply highlighter include the tops of the cheekbones, the bridge of the nose, the brow bone, and the cupid’s bow.

• Best for:
• Enhancing cheekbones
• Adding glow and dimension to the skin
• Making your face look more lifted and awake

Types of Highlighter Products:

• Liquid highlighter: Gives a dewy, radiant finish.
• Powder highlighter: Provides a more intense glow and is great for oily skin.
• Stick highlighter: Ideal for on-the-go applications with a natural finish.

When to Use Contour vs. Highlighter?

While both products serve different purposes, they complement each other when it comes to face shaping.

• Use Contour if you want to create more depth and definition. This is especially helpful for those who want to make their face appear slimmer or enhance natural shadows.
• Use Highlighter to bring forward areas of your face that you want to stand out, like the cheekbones or the eyes.

How to Use Them Together

For the ultimate face-sculpting effect, many beauty gurus recommend using both contour and highlighter together.

1. Start with contour: After applying your base (foundation, concealer), use contour on the areas you want to recede or define.
2. Follow with highlighter: Next, apply highlighter to the high points of your face to bring attention to those areas and create a beautiful contrast.

Which Is Better for You?

It all depends on your goals! If you want a more defined, structured look, contouring will be your best friend. If you’re aiming for a radiant, lifted glow, highlighter should be your go-to. For a full face-sculpting effect, combine both for a balanced and sophisticated look.