Does Contour Go On Before Foundation?
The resounding answer is yes, contour generally goes on before foundation. This seemingly simple procedural question holds crucial implications for achieving a natural and polished makeup look. Understanding the order and why it matters is key to mastering contouring techniques.
Why Contouring Before Foundation is Key
The primary reason contouring precedes foundation is creating a well-defined canvas upon which to build the rest of your makeup. Foundation, by its very nature, smoothes and evens out your skin tone. If you apply contour after foundation, you risk losing the sharpness and definition of your contour lines. The foundation will blend the contour into the overall skin tone, making it look less precise and impactful.
The Science Behind the Order
Think of your face as a three-dimensional sculpture. Contouring creates the shadows and highlights that give it depth and dimension. Foundation establishes a consistent base. Applying contour first allows you to precisely shape those shadows, whereas layering foundation over contour may cause unwanted blending, reducing the effectiveness of your sculpting.
Benefits of Contouring First
- Improved Precision: Applying contour before foundation allows for greater control over the placement and intensity of the sculpted areas. You can more easily adjust and refine the contour lines, achieving a more sculpted and natural-looking effect.
- Enhanced Definition: The added initial layer of contour acts as a framework, helping to create accurate and focused contours.
- Better Blendability: Contour creams are often a little thicker than foundation liquids/creams. Placing contour first means you’ve got a more malleable surface for the foundation to sit on, thereby enhancing blending for a seamless transition of colours.
- Reduced Risk of Contour Streaks: The foundation works to even out colour variations and smooth any potential unevenness created by the contour application.
Potential Issues with Applying Foundation First
- Muddied Contour Lines: Foundation masks the fine lines and lines in the initial contour application, resulting in a blurred and less precise sculpted look.
- Difficult Blending: The thick consistency of your foundation can make it difficult to blend seamlessly into sculpted areas, likely increasing the risk of streaks or an unnatural appearance.
- Unintentional Blends If you’re looking for subtle contouring—a more natural effect—then foundation over contour could result in less impactful or a less noticeable contrast between your face and shadow areas.
- Over-foundation layering: applying foundation over contour can lead to a denser application that is significantly more difficult to blend and control.
A Practical Example
Imagine applying foundation first. You’ve gotten the shade you like and achieved an even base. However, now you need to apply contour and try to blend it into this existing base of foundation. It’s challenging, and this often results in a streaky or patchy contour that doesn’t sit right in relation to your foundation. Now, apply your contour, shaping and defining shadows. The second step uses this shape as a foundation; this can easily be blended seamlessly into your chosen base.
Other Considerations
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Product Type: Some contour creams are thicker and more opaque, necessitating a more focused application before blending. Others are more liquid, thus making it possible to apply contour after foundation but may require more skill to get right.
- Desired Result: If you’re after a heavily sculpted, dramatic look, it’s always beneficial to contour before foundation, enabling a more precise outcome, that is less impacted by the foundation. However, for a softer look, contouring after foundation is also acceptable, although less impactful.
Table: Contouring Before vs. After Foundation
Feature | Contour Before Foundation | Contour After Foundation |
---|---|---|
Precision | Higher | Lower |
Definition | More impactful | Less impactful |
Blending | Easier | Difficult |
Streaking | Less likely | More likely |
Overall Look | More sculpted and defined | Softer, less defined |
Conclusion
While exceptions exist, contouring before foundation is generally the preferred approach for achieving a polished and effective contouring result. This order permits better control, precision, and blending of the contour lines. It also gives you greater flexibility in achieving the desired level of definition for your makeup application. This knowledge empowers you to create a well-sculpted look that accentuates your best facial features. Ultimately, experimenting with both methods can help you determine the best approach for your specific needs and desired aesthetic.