How to Contour Pale Skin in 5 Steps

 

Pale girls, we understand your strife. That’s why we’re sharing helpful tips on how to contour for fair skin tones—plus, the best products for the job—below! 

STEP ONE: PREP YOUR SKIN WITH PRIMER

First things first, prep your skin with primer. This will help any subsequent products adhere to your skin better and last longer. (We’ve laid out the best primers for every skin type, here!) Once your primer has absorbed, apply any BB cream or foundation as you normally would.

STEP TWO: FIND THE NATURAL ANGLES OF YOUR FACE

Since there’s nothing worse than harsh, dark streaks swept along your temples, jawline, and cheeks, you’ll want to listen close to this next part. To find the natural angles of your face, tilt your face in all directions to see where the shadow hits. (When in doubt, suck in your cheeks and follow that line.)

STEP THREE: GENTLY APPLY PRODUCT

Using an angled brush, start at the top of your ear and gently apply product that’s one shade darker than your natural skin tone along the hollow of your cheek, stopping in the middle. You might have to blend a few different powders or creams to achieve the right shade.

STEP FOUR: BLEND, BLEND, BLEND

When you’re ready to blend, sweep a blush brush over the line in an upward motion—or better yet, use a damp blending sponge. Follow the same process along your jawline, the edges of your nose, and temples.

STEP FIVE: HIGHLIGHT THE RIGHT AREAS

Apply a lighter shade to the high points of the face—think: tops of the cheeks, bridge of the nose, forehead, and chin—and blend well. The key for pale-skinned gals is to not go on too strong. That’s a dead-giveaway that the sculpting is faux. When your contour looks like an illusion from all angles, you’ll know you succeeded.

THE BEST CONTOUR PRODUCTS FOR FAIR SKIN

Be choosy with your product! It might take some trial-and-error, but the end result will be well worth the time spent. If you need a helping hand, here are some of our favorite bronzers and contouring palettes for light skin tones by NYX Professional Makeup. 

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP CONCEAL, CORRECT, CONTOUR PALETTE IN LIGHT

This palette boasts six shades that can help cover up problem spots, even out imperfections, and accentuate features in no time flat. Combine the hues together or wear them solo to create the ideal tone for your skin.

NYX Professional Makeup Conceal, Correct, Contour Palette in Light, $12 MSRP

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP HIGHLIGHT & CONTOUR PRO PALETTE

Very fair skin tones will love the many options in this palette. The range includes light highlights, as well as warmer tones for sculpting. 

NYX Professional Makeup Highlight & Contour Pro Palette, $25 MSRP

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP WONDER STICK IN LIGHT/MEDIUM

Contouring has never been easier thanks to this creamy dual-shade contour stick. Apply the lighter shade on the high points of your face, and use a darker shade to gently sculpt your cheekbones, hairline and jawline. Blend it all out—pay close attention to the edges of the lines—and you’re all set! 

NYX Professional Makeup Wonder Stick in Light/Medium, $12 MSRP