Create the Perfect Makeup Base for Your Face Shape
Foundation. Contour. Blush. Highlight.
There’s a lot going on when it comes to prepping the perfect base for a natural on-the-go look or a night out of full glam. But did you know that there is an “ideal” way to apply your face makeup based on your specific face shape? That’s right. Help create chiseled cheeks, a snatched jawline and a lifted effect with this PÜR and simple how-to guide on makeup for your face shape:
Round
If you have full cheeks, a round jaw and the height and width of your face is similar, then you most likely have a round face shape. The key here is to help accentuate this plump face type by applying makeup in a way that plays up the cheekbones and creates the illusion of a sharp jawline.
To do this, apply a powder or cream contour using the classic contour ‘3’ method. Yes, you literally draw a giant number starting from the top of your forehead, curving into the cheekbones and ending along the bottom of the jaw. For even more lift, avoid the apples of the cheek when applying your blush and highlight. Instead, apply blush to the top, outer edge of your cheekbone (where most would apply their highlight) and sweep highlight below the eyes, in the center of the forehead and on the chin.
Square
When your forehead + cheekbones + jaw are in alignment and your angular jawline is the star of the show, then you’ve got a square face type. PSA: Contour is about to become your new BFF.
Using a contour that is 2-3 shades darker than your skin tone, apply it to the outer edges of your forehead and jaw to “round” the corners of the face and help to soften the sharp angles that are signature to this shape. You can also apply contour to the hollows of the cheeks to make those cheekbones pop. For blush, add to the rounded effect by applying a pale pink blush to the apples of the cheeks, topping your look of with highlight on the forehead and chin for a radiant glow.
Oval
Congrats on winning the genetic lottery. Oval face shapes are seen as “ideal” because, well, they look good with just about anything. This face shape usually features a curved jawline and a forehead that’s just slightly wider than the jaw.
While you can definitely apply contour under the cheekbones and along the jaw to create dimension, oval face types benefit more from a good highlighting technique. Because this face shape is already proportionate, trading in contour for a soft highlight on the forehead, chin, nose and cheeks will help bring the center of the face forward. Applying blush to the top of the cheekbones and across the nose with add a touch of dimension for a sun-kissed look.
Heart
The key features of this face shape are a forehead that is wider than the jaw and a pointed chin (think Reese Witherspoon), thus giving the appearance of a heart. For this face type, using makeup to help narrow the appearance of the forehead, widen the cheeks and soften the point of the chin is the secret to a balanced shape.
Start by applying a powder or cream contour formula to the forehead and the temples to create the illusion of a “smaller” forehead. Next, apply the contour to the hollows of the cheeks for added dimension, then swipe it across the curve of the chin for a rounded effect. Add a lighter concealer or highlighter to the top of the cheekbones and center of the face to help widen features before completing the look with a horizontal stroke of blush across the cheeks. Voila!
