How to Contour an Oblong Face

Co-authored by Yuka Arora

Last Updated: July 8, 2021 References

Contouring can be a great way to slim down and define your face, creating a striking look. An oblong face requires a specific style of contouring. To start, use a dark foundation or a bronzer to strategically apply contour lines.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Yuka Arora
Makeup Artist
Expert Interview. 30 August 2018.} From there, highlight your face to brighten things up. Blend your contour lines together and finish off with a splash of blush.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Applying Contour Lines

1
Add your foundation as you normally would. Foundation should be applied prior to contouring. Follow your normal foundation routine. Add a layer of foundation to cover any discoloration or imperfections on your skin before adding your contour lines.^{[2]
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- Your regular foundation should more or less match your skin tone. If you are unsure what product to use for your skin tone, try testing it out on your arm and holding it to the light.^{[3]
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  Expert Source
  
  Yuka Arora
  Makeup Artist
  Expert Interview. 30 August 2018.}
2
Apply a line along your hairline. A thin contour line across your hairline will make your forehead look slightly smaller. Use a thin makeup brush to apply a contour line there to start.^{[4]
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Research source} Contour lines can be created using bronzer or a foundation slightly darker than your regular skin tone.
- For best results, invest in a makeup brush specifically designed to do contour lines.
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3
Make lines on your cheekbones. Start at the ears and end in the middle of your cheeks. On each cheek, make a line that runs just below your natural cheekbone. This will slim down your face by making your cheekbones more noticeable.^{[5]
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Add a line to your chin. Add a small vertical line to your chin roughly in the center. Then, blend the line backward into your neck. This will narrow your chin slightly.^{[6]
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Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Adding Your Highlighter

1
Add upside down triangles under your eyes. To brighten your face, use concealer or highlight to draw two upside down triangles under your eyes. This will brighten up your eyes and eliminate any dark circles.^{[7]
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- You can use your fingers or a makeup brush to draw your triangles.
- If you have a pencil concealer or highlighter, use this to draw your triangles.
2
Add a line along the upper part of the cheekbones. To further draw out your cheekbones, add a line of highlighter or concealer near the contour lines you drew. Add a small line of concealer beside the contour line on the top of each cheekbone. It is not necessary to run the line along the full scope of your cheekbone like you did with the contour line.^{[8]
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3
Highlight your nose. Draw one line going down the bridge of your nose. This should slim down your nose slightly, making it look smaller.^{[9]
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Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Completing Your Look

1
Blend your contour lines. Get a beauty blender or similar tool, like a makeup sponge, slightly damp.^{[10]
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Expert Source

Yuka Arora
Makeup Artist
Expert Interview. 30 August 2018.} Tap the blender across your face in small, circular motions. Use the rounded edge of the sponge for areas like your cheeks and forehead. For areas like your nose, squeeze the brush between your hands to flatten it as you tap the makeup to blend.^{[11]
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- Do not rush the process. It can take awhile to blend contour lines so they look natural. Going too fast may obscure your lines, undoing your work.
2
Set the look with a light layer of translucent powder. A translucent powder or foundation can help your contour lines stay intact for the rest of the day. After everything is blended, dip a fluffy brush in a small amount of powder. Gently dust a light layer of the powder across your face to set your look.^{[12]
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3
Apply blush to the apples of your cheeks. Apply a small amount of blush to each cheek using a makeup brush. Only apply brush to the roundest portions of your cheeks as this is most flattering if you have an oblong face.^{[13]
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- Avoid shimmery blushes, as this can distract from your highlighting.

Expert Q&A

Question

Where do you contour an oblong face?

Yuka Arora
Makeup Artist
Yuka Arora is a self-taught makeup artist who specializes in abstract eye art. She has been experimenting with makeup art for over 5 years, and has amassed over 5.6K Instagram followers in just 5 months. Her colorful and abstract looks have been noticed by Jeffree Star Cosmetics, Kat Von D Beauty, Sephora Collection, among others.

Yuka Arora

Makeup Artist

Expert Answer

The natural spots on your face to contour start from the perimeters of your forehead on your temples down to the hollows of your cheek in an almost helmet shape. The more you apply the product in a balanced manner throughout your face, the more natural it will look.
Question

Can I use bronzer to contour my face?

Yuka Arora
Makeup Artist
Yuka Arora is a self-taught makeup artist who specializes in abstract eye art. She has been experimenting with makeup art for over 5 years, and has amassed over 5.6K Instagram followers in just 5 months. Her colorful and abstract looks have been noticed by Jeffree Star Cosmetics, Kat Von D Beauty, Sephora Collection, among others.

Yuka Arora

Makeup Artist

Expert Answer

There’s a difference between bronzing and contouring. If you’re afraid of contouring because it’s not an everyday look, try out a bronzer that’s just a few shades darker than your skin tone. This can create a very slight, slimming effect on the sides of your cheek and bring out your cheekbones without having to do intense contouring.