Make-up | Learn to Sculpt, Not Contour

Beauty blogger and make-up artist Zoe Newlove discusses contouring make-up kits from smashbox, too faced and collection cosmetics
I swear to god, if someone asks me one more time: How do you contour? 
My lungs, heart and brain may explode simultaneously, erupting into thousands of miserable shards of ugly confetti.
I have worked two beauty trade shows this month. The main question on everyone’s lips? Do you have a make-up brush for contouring?
WARAHGT;AJG;AJFLKADKA’KFAKKAFKA’FKAKFAKFA’FAKFAK’FAFKA’FA’KFAKF’KAF
*and breath*

Beauty blogger and make-up artist Zoe Newlove discusses contouring make-up kits from smashbox, too faced and collection cosmetics
Beauty blogger and make-up artist Zoe Newlove discusses contouring make-up kits from smashbox, too faced and collection cosmetics
Beauty blogger and make-up artist Zoe Newlove discusses contouring make-up kits from smashbox, too faced and collection cosmetics
Honestly, Kim K. Sometimes, I get an overwhelming urge to *insert deathly thoughts*.
Contouring guys, has been around for like god knows how many years. The original late genius Kevyn Aucoin spoke all about the art of sculpting back in the day when being a make-up artist was cool and unique – not every other Instagram user. It is not NEW. Nor, is it for every day use folks. Cut us make-up artists some slack alright?
I was having a good old sort through of my make-up drawers, and stumbled upon so many different contour kits. The world has gone absolutely contour bonkers. Like, can we just stop this already? What happened to a good old fashioned lick of bronzer and a pop of blush, aye?
For those of you, who love this technique, and are in the gang of people that want to drive me insane, then this post is for you. Although, I really am not a fan of using the word contouring, so wish to try and encourage the use of sculpting. Sculpting sounds more arty. I like art.
Crayons are pretty awesome, and that’s what Smashbox Cosmetics deliver with their Step by Step Contour Stick Trio. This is sculpting for dummies right here all in one box with a full guide to help you through the transformation process. The key here guys is to blend….

Beauty blogger and make-up artist Zoe Newlove discusses contouring make-up kits from smashbox, too faced and collection cosmetics

Collection Cosmetics seem to be taking over the make-up world right now? I have some fabulous palettes to show you from these guys, but for now, check out their Contour Kit.

Beauty blogger and make-up artist Zoe Newlove discusses contouring make-up kits from smashbox, too faced and collection cosmetics

This one smells divine, chocolate anyone? The Too Faced Cocoa Contour Make-up Palette is definitely my favourite in terms of packaging, just look at that cute little angled brush? This brand never get it wrong.

 

Beauty blogger and make-up artist Zoe Newlove discusses contouring make-up kits from smashbox, too faced and collection cosmetics
Beauty blogger and make-up artist Zoe Newlove discusses contouring make-up kits from smashbox, too faced and collection cosmetics

Listen, you don’t need layers upon layers of concealer and foundation and Ben Nye Banana powder to contour. You just need a neat little kit, and a realistic attitude where upon you can learn to sculpt and define your skin in a natural way, suitable for daily wear. I don’t wanna see no more of this clown contouring y’all…

12 Comments

  • i was really surprised by how much I liked the collection contour kit! Love these looks and definitely in need to master this 😀

    Pam xo/ Pam Scalfi♥

  • YES! So with you on this one. I am bored of seeing horrible ‘contour stripes’ down people’s faces. Blend people, blend! x

  • I wanted to get the too faced contour kit but I already have the ABH one. I like contouring but I don’t do it every day, it takes up too much time.

    http://perfectshadeofmauve.blogspot.com

  • Beautylymin

    I absolutely love the Smashbox pencil trio! They’re my fave! xx

    Beautylymin

  • ‘Contouring’ is something I rarely do on a day to day basis as let’s face it, I’m not getting in front of stage lights for hours a day. When I do decided to chisel my cheekbones I’m more for the subtle look, which is why the Smashbox crayons sound great in theory to me but I just know I’d go overboard!

    Jodie, xo // Jodie Loue

  • Liz | Lipstick & Confetti

    I really want to try those pencils, they sound really nice!

    xo, Liz
    http://lipstickandconfetti.com

  • Such a gorgeous look – you’re so good with makeup!

    Lucy | http://www.foreverseptemberr.blogspot.co.uk

  • I do think that beauty trends can go to extremes sometimes & people just get carried away in a wave of something that is on trend without knowing much about it. I also like the idea of sculpting much more than contouring ;). I tend to stick to a more natural way of defining my face, mostly my cheeks, so the Smashbox Contour Stick Trio are really appealing… You look absolutely stunning btw (I actually spotted you at Beauty Olympia but I was too shy to even say hi *face palm*) x

    Beauty with charm

  • Eunice Caroline

    Ooh I like that word.. sculpting haha! I have to say I am fan of this look/technique but I can never be bothered to go through with the it everyday especially when it’s melted off by 11 cause it’s so hot in my work. I do agree a good kit is the answer, I really like the look of the Too Faced one, I’m such a fan of palettes and the Smashbox Crayons look really fun!

    Eunice Caroline | theberryway.blogspot.co.uk

  • ALL OF THE AMEN SISTA’S. I hear you on this one. Contouring is for photo shoots in my opinion, it’s going way too far as an every day look. I’ll do a bit of sculpting for a night out but girls that do a full on professional contour every morning baffle me – WHERE DO YOU GET THE TIME FROM?! x

  • Isabelle Goodall-Munroe

    YES YES FREAKING YES. I’m an aspiring makeup artist myself, and have loved makeup for the longest time. I understand powder sculpting and I love how it can make your face look, but the world really has gone contour crazy! I certainly can’t cope with layer upon layer of foundation – cream – powder – more powder, it just doesn’t feel comfortable at all! Glad someone has said this – took the words right out of my mouth!
    ________

    http://www.isabellekategm.co.uk

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