Think contouring is complicated? Think again. Our beginner's guide to contouring shows that applying makeup for older women can be achieved in just a few simple steps. If you dream of beautiful cheekbones but aren't sure how to show off your bone structure to the best of your ability, contouring is the answer.
Contouring involves the use of highlighter and bronzer for mature skin to define, enhance and sculpt the structure of the face. The idea is to create highlights and shadows with makeup for extra definition around the cheekbones, jawline, nose and forehead. You may have heard of contouring, but dismissed it as a technique for makeup professionals. However, it might come as a surprise to learn that it couldn't be easier, and it's a fun make up technique to try as your makeup transitions into the autumn season.
Best makeup for contouring shortlist:
• Best contour: NYX Professional Makeup Matte Bronzer - Buy now on Amazon
• Best highlighter and concealer duo: ICONIC London Radiant Concealer and Brightening Duo - Buy now on Look Fantastic
• Best highlighter: Laura Mercier Face Illuminator - Buy now on John Lewis
• Best highlight and contour duo: NYX Professional Makeup Wonderstick - Buy now on Amazon
First, prepare your skin with the best primer for mature skin, followed by your favourite foundation and setting powder. Then, apply a contour to the hollows of your cheeks, and a highlight to the lightest parts of your face to create some definition. Blend it all out, and voilà - It really is that simple.
So, if you're looking for a beginner's guide to contouring, read on. In the meantime, we've put together some of our favourite products to help you achieve the look, including the best concealers for mature skin. Here are our favourite products to use when it comes to contouring your face.
The best contours
Best contour overall

Description
NYX is a brand that's seen popularity due to its affordability, and these matte bronzers are one
Pros
- Highly rated
- Different shades available
- Affordable
Cons
- Too warm for some
Best contour for value

Description
Yet another contender for affordability, e.l.f's putty bronzer is the best for value. It's creamy
Pros
- Lightweight creamy consistency
- Different shades available
- Easily blendable
Cons
- Consistency is not for everyone
Best contour for a natural glow

www.charlottetilbury.com
Description
There are four shades to select from Charlotte Tilbury's Airbrush Bronzer range, and while some
Pros
- Highly rated
- Different shades available
- Great lasting power
Cons
- Matching shade can be a challenge
Best contour for pale skin

fentybeauty.com
Description
Pros
- Many of inclusive shades available
- Lightweight creamy consistency
- Easily blendable
Cons
- A lot of shades out of stock
Best contour for warm undertones

www.boots.com
Description
This bestselling bronzer from Benefit has been created with a soft and blendable formula that
Pros
- Compact
- Different shades available
- Easily blendable
Cons
- New formula is not for everyone
The best highlighters
Best highlighter and concealer duo

www.lookfantastic.com
Description
Pros
- 17 shades to choose from
- Offers full coverage without looking heavy
- A subtle natural glow from highlighter
Cons
- The amount of concealer is small
Best highlighter overall

www.johnlewis.com
Description
Giving you a subtle glow that can be built up for something more intense, the Laura Mercier
Pros
- A more luxury product
- Different shades available
- Easily buildable
Cons
- Not as dramatic for some
Best highlighter for concealing

www.johnlewis.com
Description
Technically, this is actually a concealer, but go two shades lighter than your foundation and
Pros
- Bestseller
- Highly rated
- Different shades available
Cons
- May run out quickly
Best highlighter for sensitive skin

www.johnlewis.com
Description
Clinique is a trusted brand, known for products that are kind to the skin. If you have sensitive
Pros
- Lightweight creamy consistency
- Good for sensitive skin
- Easily blendable
Cons
- Only one shade available
Best highlighter for versatility

www.boots.com
Description
From Bobbi Brown, this compact highlighting palette contains snapshots of mini highlighters that
Pros
- Compact
- Great staying power
- Variety of shades available
Cons
- Quite crumbly consistency
The best highlight and contour duos
Best duo overall
Description
For beginners to contouring, the Wonder Stick from NYX is an amazing entry point into makeup. A
Pros
- Highly rated
- Easy application
- Easily blendable
Cons
- May run out quickly
Best duo for value
Description
Another highly rated product is the Rimmel Sculpting Highlighter Palette, and this highlight and
Pros
- Highly rated
- Includes blush
- Affordable
Cons
- Too shimmery for some
Best duo for vegans

Description
Similar to the Wonder Stick by NYX, Barry M's Chisel Cheeks is a good affordable option for
Pros
- Easy application
- Easily blendable
- Affordable
Cons
- Only one shade available
Best duo for easy application
Description
Contouring is made easy with Maybelline's Contouring Kit. Each pan of powder even comes labelled
Pros
- Easy application
- Easily buildable
- Includes blush
Cons
- Too warm for some
Best duo for buildability

www.boots.com
Description
For beginners, this contouring palette by Anastasia Beverly Hills is a good choice because it
Pros
- A more luxury product
- Variety of shades available
- Great lasting power
Cons
- Could include a darker palette for all skin tones
FAQs
How to: A step by step guide on contouring
1) Prep
Before applying your base, you'll want to apply a primer over all of the areas of the face. to allow your makeup to stay on for longer. Not only does a primer give your skin a youthful glow, it also creates a barrier for the foundation. As a result, your foundation applies much more smoothly.
After that, it's time to apply your foundation. Or, if you're going for a more casual look, the best BB cream or the best CC cream. You might also want to set your base with a light dusting of powder and some setting spray, so that your makeup stays in place throughout the day.
2) Contour
When it comes to choosing a contour shade, you may want to determine whether you have a cool undertone or a warm undertone first. A contour should be at least two or three shades darker than your foundation, and match your skin's undertone.
Just like finding your correct lipstick shade, using a shade too cool or too warm for your skin won't look cohesive. However, this may change through the seasons as you experiment with warmer and cooler tones. Changing your make-up through autumn, winter, spring and summer allows you to keep your makeup fresh.
When it comes to the application, follow the natural curve of your cheekbone, sweeping the product from the hollows of your cheeks to the top of your ear. Also apply to the underside of the jawline, around the hairline and temples, as well as the sides of your nose. When you're happy with the desired effect, blend this in.
3) Highlight
Finally, highlight the highest points of your face. You can do this by using concealer a few shades lighter than your foundation. Apply underneath your eyes, on the bridge of your nose and on top of your cheekbone. Depending on your choice, you may also want to use a cream stick highlighter or a highlighting powder.
Using an angled brush or your fingers, apply the highlighter on top of your cheekbone in a diagonal motion outwards towards your temples. The tip or bridge of the nose, corners of the eyes, browbone, and cupid's bow are also popular places to highlight.
Apply your blush as normal on the apples of your cheeks. You can even use a peach or pink shimmer highlighter here to give you a radiant glow. Blend all of the applied highlighter for a natural look. After one more spray of setting spray, you're ready to go!
How to: Highlight and contour on mature skin
Here's a video tutorial we found useful by experienced makeup artist, BrittanyBearMakeup on YouTube. Watch this beginner's guide to contouring below: