Highlighting, strobing and contouring are big news in beauty circles. And when applied well, it can subtly sculpt your features and still look natural. The one brand that has made it so accessible is Australis. Every woman loves a smug buy, and I am here to tell you, for crafting curves on the cheeks, the chin and around the nose, Australis AC On Tour Highlighting and Contouring Kit in Cream, $28 it brilliant. There are six shades of cream colour, which come with a step-by-step guide (on the back of the pack) to help you select the right colour and where to place it for subtle definition.
Contouring is not as hard as it looks, and the secret to a natural-looking finish is to take a less is more approach, always contour after applying foundation and before powder (if you wear it) and blush, and choose a colour that is one shade darker than you natural skin tone.
When it comes to tools, I like to use a foundation brush. However, a sponge works well, and to get an even, flawless finish; it's all about blending away any demarcation lines.
The reason I am giving this palette a shout out is that the cream formula is so hydrating, it buffs into skin without looking caked, and matte, so it's less ageing than powder, and it doesn't sit in lines and wrinkles.
My swear-by contour tips:
Cheekbones
To accentuate your cheekbones, find the hollow part by placing your fingers on the sides of your face. Where you feel it dip underneath the cheekbone, is where to place a contour. Apply cream in a line, from the ear along to the apple of the cheek and use a fluffy brush to buff away any demarcation lines.
To slim the nose
Apply cream from the corner of the eye to the tip of the nose, on either side of the bridge of the nose, blend well. Blend the colour up into the brow.
Always highlight
Touch up underneath the eye area, middle of the forehead, the chin, and along the bridge of the nose with a base that is the same colour as your skin. Blend any excess product with a brush. Buff on subtle bronzer, peach blush or pearl highlighter on the high points of the face.
Australis AC On Tour now in Cream, $28 is on counter now. For a step-by-step guide to contouring heart, round, square or oval face shapes visit Australis.
