While I’m a seasoned pro when it comes to applying eyeshadow (I learned a few things back in my modeling days), I am definitely still a newbie to the world of contouring — which is actually kind of crazy, considering how much more a little contouring can do to emphasize your strong points and change the way you look for the better. I also wear very minimal makeup usually, so a refresher on how to create a full-faced glam look was definitely in order.
For someone who loves the natural look, and is always pressed for time, contouring has become my magic secret, thanks to the tutorial I got from Make Up For Ever. With just a few strokes of bronzer and maybe a little blush and highlighter, I can make myself not only look much prettier (especially in photos), but still look completely natural, as if I wasn’t wearing makeup at all — in about 2 minutes flat. Brilliant!
I’m sure you’ve already heard of the super-famous makeup brand called Make Up For Ever. Their Director of Artistry, Lijha Stewart recently taught me a few new tricks for my beauty arsenal. Specifically, she showed me the best ways to contour, while giving me a “modern Grace Kelly” look. The end result was pretty glamorous, if I do say so myself!
Here’s a fun little video they put together of my transformation from a plain Jane to glam starlet:
Here’s a quick rundown of what they taught me:
1. Foundation doesn’t have to look obvious. You can put a lightweight foundation all over your face or just on certain spots (which is what I normally do) …but that’s a bit more risky and could end up looking blotchy, so if you’re going to be on a red carpet, make sure to check yourself in natural light and take a quick selfie to see if it shows up on film before you go out. Make sure you match the color exactly to your chest so your face doesn’t look like a different color than your body.
2. Contouring can subtly modify your face shape and nobody will know. All you have to do is use some contouring powder or bronzer with brush-strokes from the middle of your ear to the side of your mouth, and from the outside of your eye in a half-circle to the top of your head. See the video for more details on that.
3. A great brow and false eyelashes can make a huge difference. Seeing is believing. My straight eyelashes were given major Oomph! with false lashes, and my brows were filled in with brow pencil (but eyeshadow applied with a small angle brush works just as well).
4. Shiny lips and flush cheeks are uber sexy. Try a few to find the perfect shade that looks natural on you. The result? Va-va-voom!
I knew you were a model before!
I am a makeup FANATIC. Thanks for this article — I’ve tried a ton of brands but for some reason never tried Make Up Forever. Will definitely try them now… the eyeshadow pencils are so innovative. Love it!
Ohhhh! I *have* to try this look! Those eyeshadow penciles look great — will get some and try them out too… I usually use loose powder eyeshadow, but this will be much more handy — for travel, too.
That video is super glamorous. I love how they pinned your hair under to make it shorter. Can you post another tutorial on hair, and how to do that style? Please?
Beautiful before the makeover, and the makeup really made a glamorous and lovely look. I've been looking for new makeup and methods for application, these are some great ideas.
You look beautiful Hilary! Well you're a natural beauty anyways. I definitely love the 1950's look and the way makeup was done back then. They always looked perfect, put together and extremely glamorous. I will definitely try out this makeup line-I'm always searching for new makeup for enhancement. Also contouring can do a lot to your face. Shaping your face, making it look more lean and also I like the way it makes my nose more pointed and small.
I'm a big fan of Makeup Forever. Ever since I learned how to contour, I would never go out at night without it! I love to use Nars bronzer in Casino to contour my cheek bones, forehead and nose, and I use a MAC highlighting pen to highlight the tops of my cheek bones and the bridge of my nose. It's like plastic surgery in a bottle.
Gorgeous! These are so awesome. I think I know what’s on my next birthday list.
I bought a couple of the Aqua Matic eyeshadow pencils after reading this. I love them as well! Plus the Mist & Fix definitely is on my list for formals and events where my makeup has to stay in place all day without skin irritation.
SO glamorous! I'm going to buy a few of those Aqua Matic eyeshadow pencils. They'd be great for doing my makeup on the go…