[hedgiemum]

For ladies who are fair to light in complexion (MAC NC15/NC20), EDM fair shades and so on, what do you use as a contouring colour?

I've seen some use a bronzer, others use a matte brown eyeshadow, some use a darker shade of foundation. I'm new to contouring, so I'd be very grateful for any advice on this.

Let's say I wear EDM golden fair, could I use a shade of foundation that is in the same family but darker, or is there some MAC product or alternative that I could use?

Once again, thank you all.

[porcelaindoll]

I'm fair like you, if a bit paler (I can just about use EDM Fair, Sandy Fair is too dark). I don't find a darker foundation shade works as contour for me but EDM's Morning Cup blush is quite a popular contour colour for us pale girls. As for MAC I've heard some people use the Strada blush for contouring (although I haven't tried this personally).
Hope this helps, and I'll let you know if I find any other colours that work as contour for me.

[hedgiemum]

Thanks Porcelaindoll...I was looking at the Morning Cup blush too, wondering whether that would be an option..bit cheaper than MAC, lol.

[Ashley]

Are you looking for recs from mineral brands or traditional brands?

[Fataliya]

I use EDM Cool Fair but I don't contour, because I don't know how.

The most I'll do is use Soft Touch blush, then Chit Chat over that (I have to do that, because if I use just Chit Chat, the shimmer gets stuck in my pores and makes me look like I have pink freckles. Ick!). Then along the top of my cheek, I'll put a bit of Light Pink blush.

[usersassychick0]

the thing is, when using bronzer to contour( which i prefer) its hard to find one that doesn't make you look orange... however, i have found my HG, its Sugar Tropic tan. Its $30 but it comes in a big compact and is worth the price. Its not orange at all, blends well, and you can achieve both a light or heavy application that still looks natural. I use this everyday to contour, and will repurchase

[porcelaindoll]

Originally Posted by hedgiemum

Thanks Porcelaindoll...I was looking at the Morning Cup blush too, wondering whether that would be an option..bit cheaper than MAC, lol.

You're welcome . I think it's definitely worth getting a sample of Morning Cup before you investigate MAC. However I just noticed in your OP that you are MAC NC15- 20. I'm MAC W10, so a lot paler and much more cool toned than you are. As you're warmer toned than me, you might find that using a matte bronzer (maybe EDM Soft Bronzer ?) or a darker foundation shade could work on you (on me it looks too orange ).

I need cooler light browns such as Morning Cup or taupe eyeshadows with grey undertones (I either use them very lightly or mix them with finishing powder to dilute). I'm afraid it's a case of experimenting in what's right for you (luckily mineral makeup samples are cheap compared to MAC so it's definitely worth starting with them !) .


As for anyone who's watching this post and wondering about contouring itself - it's basically adding a slightly darker colour than your skin to the underneath of your cheekbones to create the appearance of a slimmer face/stronger bone structure (suck your cheeks in to find the dip underneath). You can also add a little colour underneath your jaw (hides double chin) , down the sides of your temples (creates narrower forehead), and the sides of your nose (slimmer nose), if you want to. The main difficulty is finding the right colour for you (the part I still have trouble with!) and blending really well so it looks natural. If you type "contouring" into the search box on You Tube there are loads of helpful videos taking you through contouring step- by- step.

Sorry about the long post, hope it helps!

[hedgiemum]

Hmm, I have a long, oblong shaped face and my cheekbones are kind of flat at the same time, so I'm not sure whether there is a certain way to contour so that I don't like a caricature of myself, you know, one of these long faced, severe looking witches you see in cartoons, lol.
Any tips on that would be very welcome, lol.

I don't mind recs from either mineral makeup or mainstream.

[Stellaria]

Joppa has a few nice bronzer shades that aren't orangey at all.

[Soccer Mom]

I am a bit darker than you.........more of a light/medium.

It was suggested that I try the new MSF by MAC in a shade darker than I would normally wear. It has 2 shades. 1 darker matte that I am going to use for contouring and a lighter slightly shimmery side to highlight use as a blush.

I got this tip over at makeupgeek.com. I saw Marlena use it on a tutorial and it really worked.

HTH