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Makeup Blog

How to Contour in 3 Easy Steps

  • 3 min read

BY CHELSEA SIMMONS

Let’s get real about contouring. We’ve talked about how to contour before. It’s a technique that’s been around forever and isn’t going away anytime soon. That doesn’t mean it has to be scary or time-consuming. Here at jane iredale we’re all about creating makeup that is beautiful and practical for real women, that’s why we created the GreatShape Contour Kit. Here we’ll show you how to use it and how to contour in just 3 easy steps.


greatshape contour kit shades and vegan contour brush This contour kit is perfect for anyone who wants to learn how to contour and make your features pop and is also looking for an easy-to-use option from a clean makeup brand. It has matte contour powder, highlighter, and blush in one palette and comes in Warm and Cool shades. Now that you know the quick stats about the GreatShape Contour Kit, let's talk about how to use it.

How to Contour with the GreatShape Contour Kit

When contouring and highlighting with our GreatShape Contour Kit, all you have to do is remember three simple steps:
  1. SCULPT your bone structure with the contour powder. This goes anywhere you want to create a shadow.
  2. ILLUMINATE the high points of your face with the powder highlighter to bring out your favorite features.
  3. ENHANCE your cheeks with a hint of blush.

Check out this quick three-step tutorial to see the GreatShape Contour Kit in action! Your Contour Questions Answered

When should I apply contour?

We recommend applying your contour, highlighter, and blush after you apply your foundation. Some people prefer to create their eye makeup look before contouring, but you can also do it before you perfect your smokey eye (or quick mascara application).


Should I use the Warm or Cool Contour Kit?

Whether you wear the Warm or Cool Contour Kit depends on your skin undertones and the look you want to achieve. Similar to when you want to choose the right blush for your skin tone, you should pick the shade that mimics your skin's undertone for a natural look and one that is opposite of your undertone for a more dramatic look.

For a Natural Contour...

  • People with WARM or golden undertones should choose the Warm Contour Kit.
  • People with COOL or pink undertones should choose the Cool Contour Kit.

For a Dramatic Contour...

  • People with WARM or golden undertones should choose the Cool Contour Kit.
  • People with COOL or pink undertones should choose the Warm Contour Kit.

What makeup brush should I use to Contour?

The brush you choose also depends on the look you want to create. Our two favorite brushes to contour with are the Contour Brush and the Blending/Contour Brush. They are both ultrasoft, vegan bushes with animal-free bristles and they can be used individually or together to create your perfect, sculpted look.

Contour Brush

The Contour Brush is a large, flat-structured, artistry brush with densely packed bristles for contouring along cheekbones, forehead, jawline and even on your nose. It will give you that sculpted Adele-style contour!

Blending/Contour Brush

The Blending/Contour Brush is a large, angled-top, medium-density, multipurpose brush for enhancing features and blending. Use this brush to apply your contour shade down the side of your face in a 3-shape. When applying the highlighter shade, we recommend the Blending/Contour Brush for a soft, glowing effect. You can also use this brush for blush, or stick to your favorite White Fan Brush.

Show Off Your Contour

Now that you're armed with everything you need to get started using the GreatShape Contour Kit, show us how you sculpt, illuminate and enhance your features on Instagram. Take a picture of your best contour look and tag @janeiredale and #TheFeatureStory. We'll pick some of our favorites to share with our friends!

Chelsea Simmons

Chelsea Simmons

Chelsea began her beauty journey in 2010 as a fashion and beauty freelancer at Ladies’ Home Journal magazine. There she had the chance to test and review hundreds of products while quickly falling for the benefits the clean makeup she tried. After leaving the magazine industry, she worked as a publicist for international fragrance and beauty brands until 2016 when she landed at jane iredale. Here, she has discovered liquid eyeliner doesn’t have to burn her eyes, foundation doesn’t have to feel heavy, and that the jane iredale Global Educators truly have the best beauty hacks. Since then, she’s shared her 10+ years of experience with you on The Good Glow Blog.