Quote: Originally Posted by
girlyboy9 /img/forum/go_quote.gif
I personally do a pretty excessive amount of contouring, I don't use a TON of product because I don't want it to look streaky but I do use some bronzer (try the Wet n Wild "Ticket to Brazil" bronzer to start out, it's REALLY inexpensive, I think it's $3.99 at most drugstores) under my cheekbones, under my chin, on the sides of my nose and to balance my face out, a little bit around my temples. I think that just gives a nice overall sunkissed look, but also, like I said, it hides problem areas for me and then sort of accentuates the nicer areas. Those are pretty conventional areas to contour so you can start with just under your cheekbones, see how you like it and then keep doing that or add more areas. I think the main purpose of makeup is just to improve upon your natural beauty and I make sure that whatever look I'm trying to achieve is cohesive.
For highlighter, I use Stila's Kitten or Wet n Wild's Reserve your Cabana (pictured below) on most days... for the inexpensive option definitely look at the wet n wild line... there's really only 3 or 4 colors of highliter and bronzers so it'll be easy to pick out your shade. Also, if this line doesn't work for your coloration (even though I suspect it might!) you can try the NYC Cosmetics which are also in most drugstores, they have a Sunkissed bronzer that I've seen bloggers rave about.
Honestly, I think contouring looks like a scary and daunting task at first (I know it did to me!) but once you start doing it you'll realize its a lot easier than any diagrams or experts make it look. When you have that brush in your hand and your compact of shimmery or bronzy goodness, you won't want to stop! I can do my entire face contoured like in that previous image in just about a minute. I think it just gives my look that extra oomph since my face can tend to look a little flat without it!
And hehe, I think we all want the body we can't have!!! If only I were born a svelte supermodel with blonde hair... but nooo, that just couldn't be the case!