How to Contour on Dark Skin Tones

A simple scroll through social media and it’s clear, the highlight and contour craze isn’t dying down. If you’re one of the blessed gals born with model-esque bone structure, good for you (we’re jealous!). For the rest of us mere mortals trying to sculpt our faces to pure perfection, contouring is the name of the game. But, while there are seemingly endless product options for girls with light and medium skin tones, ladies with darker skin often have a harder time finding products that give them that natural-looking sculpted look. Lucky for you, we did the digging for you. From how to contour dark skin tones—to the best products for the job—we detail it all, below.

THE TECHNIQUE

To start, prep your skin with primer, like Giorgio Armani Maestro UV Makeup Primer, to hold everything in place and ensure a smooth application. Next, use a concealer or highlighter that is one to two shades lighter than your natural skin tone. For the application itself, it’s all about balance, so be careful not to go overboard. Using an angled brush, draw a line just under the cheekbones, hairline, on each side of the nose, and under the jawline to sculpt the face. Blend it all in with a foundation brush. To finish the look, dab on some illuminating liquid on the high points of your face—down the bridge of your nose, your forehead, over and under your brows, your cheekbones, and cupid’s bow. If it’s looking too shiny, apply some setting powder on top of the shimmery highlighter to tone it down a bit. 

THE BEST PRODUCTS FOR DARK SKIN TONES

To contour on a dark skin tone, you’ll need a concealer or foundation that’s lighter than your natural skin tone, as well as a shimmery highlighting liquid. Lucky for you, we’re sharing our favorite products for both—a la Giorgio Armani Beauté—below!

Giorgio Armani Maestro Glow

Skin care oils and pure pigments are mixed together in this bi-phase foundation to give an instant and lasting glow to the skin. Depending on your natural skin tone, try any one of the deeper shades—like numbers 7, 8, or 11.75.

Giorgio Armani Maestro Glow, $64

Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheer

This easy-to-apply, weightless liquid highlighter is offered in a range of hues for a boost of radiance and color. It’ll add the perfect “pop” to your contour. If you have very deep skin, consider skipping the contour steps and just highlight your features using this—hello, strobed effect! 

Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheer, $62 

Giorgio Armani Maestro Liquid Summer SPF 15

This warm liquid bronzer is perfect for contouring darker skin tones. You can either put a few drops in your foundation or use it on it’s own. Plus, with an SPF 15, you’re protecting your skin while you sculpt!

Giorgio Armani Maestro Liquid Summer SPF 15, $64