I have been determined to find the most effective and flawless way to highlight and contour my face. The struggle is more real than I thought, especially for chocolate chicks. If we are not careful we will come out looking ashy, orange, or light-skin and we are NONE of the above. After playing around for a long time, I finally have a routine down and I am ready to share. !
Initial Look
Color Correction
Target Area: Dark Spots
Tool/Brush: Concealer Brush
Product: L.A. Girl Pro Concealer (Orange)
I don't always color correct; only for special occasions. It helps to create an even skin tone before applying your foundation. I apply my translucent powder over these spots to set them in place.
Foundation
Target Area: All Over
Tool/Brush: Flat Top Brush
Product: Black Opal
I went ahead and did my eyebrows and foundation. I have a post on how I do my eyebrows here, so check that out! If you would like a post on my favorite foundations for darkskin women, please leave a comment below!
Highlight & Contour (Cream)
Target Area: Under Eyes | Bridge of Nose | Hairline | Cheek Bones | Middle of Forehead | Chin
Tool/Brush: Actual Product
I rarely contour with a cream product, but for the purpose of this tutorial I will. I try to stay away from dark produces with a red undertone because as the day goes on, it turns orange. Don't take away from the natural color in your face with too light or too dark of a cream.
Highlight & Contour (Powder)
Target Area: Under Eyes | Bridge of Nose | Hairline | Cheek Bones | Middle of Forehead | Chin
Tool/Brush: Beauty Blender/ Sponge or Tapered Face Brush
Remember: For every cream, there MUST be a powder. Your powder sets your cream in place and reduces creasing. Beauty blenders or flat brushes work the best for this step. Some bake (allowing the powder to absorb into the skin for some time, then wiping away the excess) and some press (pressing the powder into your face- no excess involved). Do what works best for your skin type. I prefer to bake in the summer and press in the winter!
Bronzer
Target Area: Hairline | Cheekbones
Tool/Brush: Angled Blush Brush
Product: Smashbox Contour Kit (Medium/Dark)
You are adding this product on top of where you placed your contour.The goal is to add any color or warmth that could have been lost during the highlighting and contouring step. Less is more!
Blush
Target Area: Top of Cheek Bone
Tool/Brush: Blush Brush
Product: Elf Blush Palette (Dark)
Where you apply your blush depends on the shape of your face. However, be careful to not put your blush on the apple of your cheeks. It causes the face to look droopy.
Highlight
Target Area: Top of Cheek Bone
Tool/Brush: Blender or Fanbrush
Product: Anastasia Beverly Hills Glow Kit
Leaving the house without a little shimmer and shine is almost against the law in the make-up world. YOU MUST GLOW!
Final Look
Final Look 2.0
I added some lashes, lipstick, and a little eyeshadow! Ready to GO!