There’s something inherently attractive about Meghan Markle’s shamelessly simple, yet stunning makeup. Her makeup style has given her a reputation for accentuating her natural beauty gracefully, and effortlessly. The way she contours her face in particular has become an inspiration for beauty fanatics all over the globe. It’s about making it seem effortless with attention to detail and emphasis on enhancing what is already beautiful.
Her subtle contour ground is created with a glowy, breathable base. At the beginning she may use a hydrating-primer such as the Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Hydrating Primer to help prime and hydrate her complexion. Following this, a lightweight foundation like Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk is applied with a damp beauty sponge, building thin layers to achieve a flawless yet natural finish.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Achieving a Natural Look
There’s a genuine creative touch to the way Meghan works contour; her technique is exceptional. The delicacy and easy-to-effuse-onto-the-skin nature of her contour render it almost invisible to the casual observer of the technique.
The fave for her when it comes to contouring is a cream formula, namely the Fenty Beauty Match Stix in Amber. She places a little angled brush on a cheekbone, temples, and jawline softly so that she achieves a defined but minimal look. What makes the look unique happens during the blending. To have a flawless appearance, blending the contour with a beauty sponge prevents any line appearances.
Contouring can be an intimidating art for many, but with the right guidance and products, anyone can master this transformative technique. Achieving mastery in contouring lies in good understanding of purpose, areas of application and obtaining a natural effect. Join in to learn how to outline in depth from this all-inclusive tutorial of becoming an expert at outlining irrespective of background.
1) Start with the Right Tools and Products
Contouring mastery begins with the selection of the correct tools to do the task. Fenty Beauty Match Stix is one of the best products that can create a smooth blendable finish.
For beginners who prefer precision, the Nyx Wonder Stick offers a dual-ended design that simplifies the process. And for those desiring a luxurious feel, Tom Ford’s Shade and Illuminate Contour Duo offer a buttery texture with impeccable payoff. Regardless of your product, make sure your contour shade is two to four shades darker than your natural skin tone with a cool or neutral undertone to mimic natural shadows.
When it comes to tools, a damp beauty sponge and angled brushes are contouring essentials. The sponge helps blend seamlessly, while the brushes allow for precise application. For added precision, tools like the Victoria Beckham Beauty Contour Stylus are excellent for smaller areas such as the nose or jawline.
Product on Amazon: NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Wonder Stick, Face Shaping & Contouring Stick – Fair
Brand: NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP
Price: 13.97 USD
Rating: 4.3 Total reviews: 31742
Item Form: Pencil
Finish Type: Natural
Coverage: Buildable
Customer Reviews:“This contour stick is my favorite to use for my nose. I don’t really use it on the rest of my face cuz I don’t think it is dark enough. But that’s why it’s perfect for the nose because it’s not too dark and it’s very easy to blend but it can get over blended if you don’t do it correctly.”
Shopping on Amazon >>
2) Create a Flawless Base
Before diving into contouring, start by prepping your skin with a hydrating primer. Products like Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Hydrating Primer not only provide a smooth base but also ensure your makeup lasts all day.
Follow this with a lightweight foundation like Giorgio Armani’s Luminous Silk, applying it in thin layers to achieve an even, natural finish. Spot-correct any blemishes using a tiny concealer brush to maintain an immaculate base. This step ensures that your contour glides on effortlessly without clinging to imperfections.
Product on Amazon: GIORGIO ARMANI Luminous Silk Foundation, No. 5.5 Natural Beige, 1 Ounce
Brand: GIORGIO ARMANI
Price: 76.4 USD
Rating: 4.5 Total reviews: 1260
Item Form: Cream
Color: Natural Beige
Skin Type: All
Customer Reviews:“There is no other foundation, period! I have used this foundation for years, perfect skin color match 4.5 and beautiful texture and coverage. My skin looks natural and smooth, it doesn’t sink into creases or wrinkles and I continually get compliments on my skin. So many friends and family ask what I use and a few balk at the price, but it is worth every penny and I feel price point is where it should be. Buy it it’s worth it!”
Shopping on Amazon >>
Read more about: Master the Art of Contour and Highlight for Every Face Shape
3) Map Out Your Features
Mapping your face is crucial to effective contouring. Start by identifying the natural hollows and high points of your face. Typically, the areas to contour include under the cheekbones, along the jawline, at the sides of the nose, and around the hairline. For an added sculpted look, you can also lightly contour the crease of your eyelids. Visualizing these areas ensures that you enhance your features without going overboard.
4) Apply Contour with Precision
Using your chosen contour product, begin with small, controlled strokes in the mapped areas. If you’re using a stick like Fenty Beauty Match Stix, draw thin lines along the hollows of your cheeks, the sides of your nose, and your jawline. For cream or liquid formulas, dot the product and blend as you go. Remember, less is more; you can always build up the intensity if needed. To avoid a muddy look, keep the contour lines narrow and precise.
Read more about: How to Achieve an Expert-Level Post Facial Glow From Home
5) Blend, Blend, Blend
Blending is the secret to a natural-looking contour. Use a damp beauty sponge to diffuse the product, pressing it into your skin in bouncing motions. For cream contours, a buffing brush can also work wonders to create a seamless finish. Spend extra time blending the edges to ensure there are no harsh lines. For nose contours, use a smaller, tapered brush for accuracy. This step is where the magic happens, transforming sharp lines into soft, natural shadows.
6) Add Dimension with Highlight
Once your contour is blended, it’s time to highlight. Apply a highlighter to the high points of your face—tops of the cheekbones, bridge of the nose, brow bones, and the cupid’s bow. Choose a highlighter shade that complements your skin tone; for a subtle glow, products like Charlotte Tilbury’s Hollywood Flawless Filter work beautifully. Highlighting adds dimension to your face and balances the contour for a radiant look.
Product on Amazon: CHARLOTTE’S MINI HOLLYWOOD FLAWLESS FILTER 3 LIGHT/MEDIUM TRAVEL
Brand: CHARLOTTE TILBURY
Price: 25.29 USD
Rating: 4.3 Total reviews: 84
Item Form: Liquid
Color: Beige
Skin Type: Normal
Customer Reviews:“Oh my goodness. I’m 60. This is miracle stuff. Truly is everything I hoped. I was very hesitant due to price and was thinking this will just be another high dollar not worth it junk to add to my collection. This moisturizes, instantantly gives you youthful appearance, glow, reduces fine lines and blemishes. Beautiful coverage. This is a concealer, moisturizer, line reducer, brighter, flawless!!!! Is so true to it’s name. I wish I had this in my 20’s 30’s etc… Because of this wonderful product I am switching ALL of my makeup to the very expensive Charlotte Tilbury Brands. So so very worth it. Instant face lift. No joke. Light weight. You don’t even know it’s on. Zero sticky feel.”
Shopping on Amazon >>
Read more about: Master the Art of Contour and Highlight for Every Face Shape
7) Finish with Blush and Setting Powder
To complete your look, add a pop of blush to the apples of your cheeks, blending it upwards toward your temples. NARS Orgasm Blush is a timeless favorite for its universally flattering tone. Finally, set your makeup with a translucent powder to lock everything in place and prevent shine. For those with oily skin, a blurring powder like Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder can keep your makeup intact while maintaining a skin-like finish.
With these steps, contouring becomes less of an enigma and more of an approachable skill anyone can master. Whether you’re aiming for a subtle enhancement for everyday wear or a full-glam transformation for special occasions, these guidelines provide a foolproof roadmap. Remember, practice makes perfect, and the most important thing is to enjoy the process of defining and celebrating your unique features.
Related posts:
How to achieve Meghan Markle’s signature glowy glam in 7 easy steps
These Are the Best (and We Mean Best) Contour Products for Every Skin Tone
The 8 Best Contour Palettes of 2025, Tested and Reviewed
