Contouring is a makeup technique designed to enhance and define facial features. Whether you want to make your cheekbones stand out, soften a square forehead, or create the illusion of a longer face, contouring is often recommended as the go-to solution.
The process involves using darker shades of makeup to add depth and lighter shades to highlight certain areas, mimicking the effect of light hitting the face. Think of it like painted-on abs, but for your face.
For many women, especially those over 40, the idea of sculpted, well-defined features is appealing. As we age, we naturally lose some facial definition, and while there are plenty of anti-aging solutions out there—from serums to surgery—contouring offers an instant, temporary fix.
However, not everyone is on board with this trend. Makeup artist Bobbi Brown, for example, is firmly against contouring at any age. She makes two strong arguments: first, most people don’t have the makeup skills of a professional, so their contouring attempts may not turn out as expected. Even celebrities, despite having expert glam teams, have had their fair share of contouring disasters.
Her second point is even more thought-provoking: why try to change the natural shape of your face? Who decided that high cheekbones are the ultimate beauty standard?
Personally, I’ve never been drawn to contouring. The dramatic, sculpted look might be stunning under studio lighting, but in natural daylight, it’s not for me. I also prefer a low-maintenance beauty routine—if something takes too much time, requires too many tools, or demands special skills, I’m likely to skip it.
That said, I decided to give it a shot. I found an Ellen Tracy contouring kit at TJMaxx for just $3.99, complete with five shades, brushes, and step-by-step instructions—perfect for a beginner.
Following the guide, I applied the light contour near my temples, a medium shade under my cheekbones, and the darkest shade along my jawline and the sides of my nose. Then, I used a highlighter on the bridge of my nose, the center of my chin, under my brows, and above my cheekbones. The final step? Blending—lots of it—until there were no harsh lines.
The result? Subtle. If you look closely, you can see the highlighted line down my nose and the shading under my cheekbones. But the most noticeable change? My expression—I looked a little uncomfortable in the after photo, maybe because of the pressure to achieve a “perfect” face.
In the end, I’m still indifferent. I’d rather just swipe on some blush and be done with it.
If you’re curious about contouring and want to give it a try, there are plenty of tips to help you get started. But I’d love to hear from other women over 40—what’s your take on contouring?