Shaping: how to do that a bit naturally

Shaping is the beauty trend of the moment. Thanks to the Kardashian clan, we are all looking for those razor-sharp cheekbones, radiant skin, and on fleek selfies. Just type ‘contouring’ for fun on Instagram; there are no less than 1,211,241 hashtags. And when the number is so high that you can hardly pronounce it and thus just say ‘more than a million’, you know there are a lot.
And every raging trend like this must of course be tested. It seems pretty simple, right? Just put on a few stripes. Blend with your brush or fingers et voilà: camera ready. But nothing could be further from the truth. The end result looked more like a colorful clown than the misleading Kardashian sisters. Quite intense compared to my usually natural look.
Contouring is difficult, but I still want to be able to do it. And in the most natural way. So for all contour beginners like me, here are the master rules in a row. Practice makes perfect, so I take my place in front of the mirror once again. You'll see me again in a week. And trust me, I will be on fleek, with #contouring on Instagram and all.

1. Use the right shade. You wouldn't walk around like an Oompa Loompa with a foundation that is four shades too dark. So don't do that now either. The shade can be a maximum of two shades darker than your own skin tone. This way, your look will be the most natural.

2. The right texture is just as important. A cream product is used for the boldest looks, powder for when you have oily skin, and liquid for the most subtle and even look.

3. Do not use shiny products. Shaping creates depth and you create depth by using products that absorb light. Shiny products do the opposite and reflect light. Fortunately, they are perfect as highlighters.

4. Start with a lighter color and then slowly add more color. The natural transition from light to dark will best mimic the real shadows on your face. Compliments about your perfect skin will come flying at you.

5. And last but not least: do not contour your entire face. It's not necessary at all. Only use it on areas you want to hide or accentuate. If you want a stronger jawline, use more product under your chin. A thinner nose? Then apply some darker shades to the outside of your nose. And there are many tricks you can choose from for your desired look.

Written by: Danique van Leeuwenstijn