How to Contour on Medium Skin Tones

Contouring can be your best beauty trick to accentuate your cheekbones and slim your nose, but even the best of us can slip-up sometimes (celebs included). Typically, it’s a result of one or more of the following mistakes: 1) the contour shade is too dark for your natural skin tone, 2) it’s not blended well, and 3) excess highlighter wasn’t dusted off or removed. But you won’t be making any of those blunders, right?! Right. If you have a medium skin tone, follow the helpful contouring tips below and check out some of our favorite products—hey Maybelline!—for the task.

THE TECHNIQUE 

Medium skin tones should contour the same way lighter skin tones would, just with darker shades (duh). As a refresher, you should always begin your contour with a primed face. If you wear any foundation daily, apply it before you begin. Next, you’ll want to find a contour stick—you could use a deeper-toned foundation, too—or powder that’s two shades darker than your natural skin tone. Do a swatch test on your forearm to make sure you’re picking the right hue. Starting at your temples, sweep a gentle line along the hollows of your cheeks, jawline, hairline, and the edges of your nose. Blend it all in, paying close attention to any harsh edges or streaks. Once you’re done, take a highlighting liquid or strobing stick and apply it onto the tops of your cheeks, the bridge of your nose, your chin, and forehead. You guessed it—time to blend again! Use a damp makeup sponge or brush. At this stage, the finished look should be subtle with a slight sculpt and glow when the light hits your face. 

THE BEST PRODUCTS FOR MEDIUM SKIN TONES

Psst—Since medium skin tones can fall into a number of different undertones, it’s important to test any contour products on your skin before committing to them!

Maybelline FaceStudio Master Contour V-Shape Duo Stick in Medium

If this is your first contouring rodeo, this easy-to-use duo stick is the perfect tool to start with. First, apply the dark shade along your jawline and the hallows of your cheeks, and blend well. Next, sweep the light shade on the tops of the cheeks, the bridge of the nose, forehead, and chin, and blend again. Voila! 

Maybelline FaceStudio Master Contour V-Shape Duo Stick in Medium, $10.99

Maybelline FaceStudio Master Contour Face Contouring Kit in Medium to Deep

We love this 3-step contouring kit featuring bronzer, blush, and highlighter shades—along with an angled contour brush—all in one. Best of all, it’s small enough to fit in your purse for use on-the-go and for any touch-ups throughout the day. 

Maybelline FaceStudio Master Contour Face Contouring Kit in Medium to Deep, $12.99

Maybelline FaceStudio Master Strobing Stick Illuminating Highlighter in Medium-Nude Glow

Slim your face and illuminate your skin with this creamy highlight stick. It’s formulated with micro-fine pearls that allow skin to appear radiant and lit from within…instantly. Who can argue with benefits like that? 

Maybelline FaceStudio Master Strobing Stick Illuminating Highlighter in Medium-Nude Glow, $9.99