Contouring is a makeup technique that has become increasingly popular in recent years. It involves using a darker shade of makeup to create the illusion of shadows and depth on the face, while a lighter shade is used to highlight and bring forward certain features. The Elf Contour Palette is a popular choice for those who want to try their hand at contouring, as it provides a range of shades that can be used to create a variety of looks.
In this article, we will be discussing how to use the Elf Contour Palette to achieve a natural, sculpted look. We will cover everything from selecting the right shades for your skin tone to applying the product in the correct areas of the face. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced makeup artist, we hope that this guide will be helpful in achieving your desired look. So, let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Understanding Your Elf Contour Palette
Palette Overview
The Elf Contour Palette is a versatile makeup tool that can help you achieve a variety of looks. The palette comes with four shades: a highlighter, a bronzer, and two contouring shades. The highlighter is used to bring light to the face, while the bronzer is used to create a sun-kissed glow. The contouring shades are used to create depth and definition.
Color Selection
When selecting the right shades for your skin tone, it’s important to consider your undertones. If you have warm undertones, look for shades with a golden or peachy undertone. If you have cool undertones, look for shades with a pink or blue undertone. If you’re unsure about your undertones, try swatching the shades on your skin to see which ones look the most natural.
Understanding Contouring Shades
Contouring shades are used to create the illusion of shadows on the face, which can help to slim and define certain features. The darker contouring shade is used to create depth under the cheekbones, along the temples, and along the jawline. The lighter contouring shade is used to highlight the high points of the face, such as the tops of the cheekbones, the bridge of the nose, and the cupid’s bow.
When applying the contouring shades, use a light hand and blend well to avoid any harsh lines. Remember, less is more when it comes to contouring. Start with a small amount of product and build up as needed.
Overall, the Elf Contour Palette is a great tool to have in your makeup collection. With a little practice and experimentation, you can create a variety of looks that are sure to turn heads.
Preparing Your Skin
Before we start using the ELF Contour Palette, it’s essential to prepare our skin properly. This step is crucial as it helps to ensure that the makeup will go on smoothly and last longer. Here are some steps to follow to prepare your skin:
Cleansing and Moisturizing
The first step in preparing your skin is to cleanse it thoroughly. Use a gentle cleanser to remove any dirt, oil, or makeup residue from your face. After cleansing, it’s important to moisturize your skin. This step helps to keep your skin hydrated and prevents it from becoming dry and flaky. Apply a light moisturizer to your face and neck, and let it absorb into your skin before moving on to the next step.
Applying Foundation
The next step is to apply your foundation. Choose a foundation that matches your skin tone, and apply it evenly to your face using a brush or sponge. Make sure to blend it well, so there are no visible lines or streaks. If you have any blemishes or dark circles, use a concealer to cover them up.
Setting with Powder
Once you have applied your foundation, it’s important to set it with a powder. This step helps to keep your makeup in place and prevents it from smudging or rubbing off. Use a translucent powder to set your foundation, or a powder that matches your skin tone. Apply it lightly to your face using a brush or sponge, focusing on areas that tend to get oily, such as your T-zone.
By following these steps, you will have a smooth, even canvas to work with when applying your ELF Contour Palette. Remember to take your time and be gentle when preparing your skin, as this will help to ensure that your makeup looks flawless and lasts all day.
Contouring Techniques
Contouring is a great way to enhance your natural features and create a more defined look. Here are some techniques to help you get the most out of your ELF contour palette.
Defining Cheekbones
To define your cheekbones, start by dipping your contour brush into the darker shade of your ELF contour palette. Suck in your cheeks to find the hollows of your face, and apply the contour powder in a diagonal line from the top of your ear to the corner of your mouth. Blend the powder upwards towards your temple, using circular motions.
Next, take the lighter shade of your contour palette and apply it above the contour powder, along your cheekbone. This will help to further define your cheekbones and create a more natural-looking contour.
Contouring the Nose
To contour your nose, start by applying the darker shade of your contour palette to the sides of your nose. Use a small brush to apply the powder in a straight line from the top of your nose down to the tip.
Next, take the lighter shade of your contour palette and apply it down the center of your nose. This will help to create the illusion of a slimmer nose and a more defined bridge.
Enhancing the Jawline
To enhance your jawline, start by applying the darker shade of your contour palette along your jawline. Use a brush to apply the powder in a straight line from your ear to your chin.
Next, take the lighter shade of your contour palette and apply it along your chin. This will help to create the illusion of a more defined jawline and a slimmer face.
Remember to blend your contour powder well to avoid any harsh lines. With these techniques, you can create a natural-looking contour that enhances your features and gives you a more defined look.
Highlighting
Applying Highlighter
To highlight, we start by choosing the right shade for our skin tone. The ELF Contour Palette comes in four shades, so we can choose the one that best suits our complexion. We then apply the highlighter to the high points of our face, such as the cheekbones, the bridge of the nose, the cupid’s bow, and the inner corners of the eyes.
To apply the highlighter, we use a small brush or our fingers. We dab a small amount of product on the brush or our fingertips and then gently apply it to the desired areas. We can build up the intensity by adding more product if needed.
Blending for a Seamless Finish
To achieve a seamless finish, we need to blend the highlighter well. We can use a blending brush or a damp beauty sponge to blend the product into our skin. We blend in a circular motion, making sure that there are no harsh lines or patches.
When blending, we need to be careful not to overdo it. We want to achieve a natural-looking glow, not a shimmery mess. We can always add more product if we want a more intense highlight, but it’s better to start with a light hand and build up gradually.
In conclusion, highlighting is a great way to add dimension and glow to our face. With the right shade and technique, we can achieve a natural-looking highlight that enhances our features.
Finishing Touches
Now that we have contoured and highlighted our face using the ELF contour palette, it’s time to add some finishing touches to complete the look. In this section, we will cover two important steps: Blush and Blend and Setting Your Contour.
Blush and Blend
Blush is an important step in finishing your look as it adds a pop of color to your cheeks and brings life to your face. When choosing a blush, make sure it complements your skin tone and the contour shade you used. Using a fluffy brush, apply the blush to the apples of your cheeks and blend it outwards towards your temples.
To blend the blush seamlessly, use circular motions with your brush and make sure there are no harsh lines. You can also use a clean brush to blend out any excess product.
Setting Your Contour
Setting your contour is a crucial step to ensure it lasts all day. Using a translucent powder, lightly dust it over the areas where you contoured. This will help set the product and prevent it from smudging or fading throughout the day.
Make sure to use a light hand when applying the powder as you don’t want to disturb the contour you just created. You can also use a setting spray to lock in the product and ensure it lasts even longer.
In conclusion, adding blush and setting your contour are two simple steps that can make a big difference in completing your look. With these tips and tricks, you can achieve a flawless and long-lasting contour using the ELF contour palette.
Additional Tips
Contouring for Different Face Shapes
When it comes to contouring, it’s important to keep in mind that different face shapes require different techniques. Here are some tips for contouring based on your face shape:
- Round Face: To create the illusion of a more defined jawline and cheekbones, apply contour powder in a diagonal line from the top of your ear to the corner of your mouth. Blend well to avoid harsh lines.
- Square Face: To soften the angles of a square face, apply contour powder along the hairline, temples, and jawline. Blend well to avoid harsh lines.
- Heart-Shaped Face: To balance a heart-shaped face, apply contour powder along the temples and the sides of the forehead. Blend well and apply blush to the apples of the cheeks.
- Oval Face: An oval face is considered the most versatile shape for contouring. Apply contour powder along the hollows of the cheeks and the jawline for a more defined look.
Maintaining Long-Lasting Wear
To ensure your contour lasts all day, follow these tips:
- Prep Your Skin: Start with a clean and moisturized face before applying any makeup. This will help the contour powder blend seamlessly and prevent it from looking patchy.
- Use a Primer: Apply a primer before your contour to help it last longer. Look for a primer that is suitable for your skin type and will help control oil and shine.
- Layer Your Products: To make your contour last longer, layer your products. Apply a cream contour first, then set it with a powder contour for maximum staying power.
- Set Your Makeup: Finally, set your makeup with a setting spray or powder to lock in your contour and prevent it from smudging or fading throughout the day.
By following these tips, you can achieve a flawless contour that lasts all day. Remember to choose the right technique for your face shape and prep your skin properly to ensure a seamless application.
Cleaning and Care
Cleaning the Palette
To ensure that your elf contour palette stays in top condition, it is important to clean it regularly. We recommend cleaning the palette after every use to prevent the accumulation of product and bacteria.
To clean the palette, use a damp cloth or tissue to wipe away any excess product. You can also use a gentle makeup remover to remove any stubborn residue. Be sure to avoid getting water or makeup remover inside the palette as this can damage the product.
Once you have removed all the product, use a dry cloth or tissue to wipe the palette dry. Make sure that the palette is completely dry before storing it away.
Brush Maintenance
In addition to cleaning the palette, it is important to also maintain your brushes. We recommend cleaning your brushes at least once a week to prevent the buildup of bacteria and product.
To clean your brushes, use a gentle brush cleaner or baby shampoo. Wet the brush and apply the cleaner, then gently massage the bristles to remove any product buildup. Rinse the brush under running water until the water runs clear, then gently squeeze out any excess water.
Lay the brush flat on a clean towel and allow it to air dry completely before using it again. Avoid using a hair dryer or other heat source to dry the brush as this can damage the bristles.
By following these simple cleaning and care tips, you can ensure that your elf contour palette and brushes stay in top condition and provide you with flawless makeup application every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best technique to apply cream contour from a palette for beginners?
For beginners, it’s best to start with a light hand and build up the intensity gradually. Use a small brush to apply the contour to the areas you want to sculpt, such as the cheekbones, jawline, and temples. Blend the contour well using a blending brush or a damp beauty sponge.
Should I apply contour before or after applying my foundation?
It’s recommended to apply contour after applying your foundation. This way, you can see the natural shadows and contours of your face, and apply the contour precisely where it’s needed. However, if you prefer to apply your contour before foundation, make sure to blend it well to avoid any harsh lines.
What are the steps to use an e.l.f. contour wand effectively?
To use an e.l.f. contour wand effectively, start by applying the contour to the areas you want to sculpt, such as the cheekbones, jawline, and temples. Use the wand to draw a line along these areas, and then blend the contour well using a blending brush or a damp beauty sponge.
How do I achieve a sculpted look using the e.l.f. contour brush?
To achieve a sculpted look using the e.l.f. contour brush, start by dipping the brush into the contour powder, tapping off any excess, and then applying it to the areas you want to sculpt, such as the cheekbones, jawline, and temples. Blend the contour well using the brush, making sure to blend out any harsh lines.
Which e.l.f. contour palette is most suitable for pale skin?
The e.l.f. Contour Palette in Light/Medium is most suitable for pale skin. It contains a range of shades that are perfect for creating a natural-looking contour on lighter skin tones.
What are some tips for using contour palettes on mature skin?
For mature skin, it’s best to use a cream contour as it blends more seamlessly into the skin and doesn’t settle into fine lines and wrinkles. Apply the contour to the areas you want to sculpt, such as the cheekbones, jawline, and temples, and blend well using a blending brush or a damp beauty sponge. Avoid applying too much product, as this can make the skin look heavy and cakey.
