Hey everyone!
If you are reading this, you might be wondering if you can get a “natural” nose job without surgery just using makeup, and I’m here to tell you that you definitely can with nose contour.
I’m here to show you how to contour your nose in 5 different ways! Each technique will help you to make your nose look smaller or more pointed and lifted, or bigger, and if you have a deviated or a roman nose, this nose contour guide is for you as well.
Since we will show you how to perfectly contour your nose to look natural for the deviated nose and roman nose.
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Be careful with nose contour
I was personally excited to write this guide because if nose contour if not correctly done, you can end up seeing nothing natural and just with the opposite effect to what we want.
You can get a deviated nose effect, even if you don’t have one.
You can make your nose look bigger or wider when you might not want to.
It’s essential to consider to main things before starting with nose contour.
Your nose shape (what you want to balance) and the right contour shade for you.
If you have these two things clear, you are one step ahead for the perfect nose contour.
And that, paired with the proper technique, you’ll be doing basically a nose job without paying for surgery or injections.
Let’s begin with the right contour shade.
How to select the right contour shade for nose contour
As we mentioned above, of the key things to nose contour is the right contour shade.
To find your perfect contour shade, we need to first identify between tones and undertones.
It is super important to differentiate the tones and undertones of the contour shades,
first, we have the tones.
Those, as foundation shades can range from light, medium, dark, and all the tones between the three.
The perfect contour tone for you will be a darker shade than your skin tone.
Let’s say about 3-4 tones darker than your skin.
A common mistake would be to pick a super deep contour shade that, no matter how you apply it or even if you blend it well, the tone will not look natural.
Next, we have undertones.
These are the hints in the tone, for example, you can have a light (or dark) contour shade with a pink undertone, yellow undertone, orange undertone, or a more cool tone, almost like gray like this one here or this liquid contour.
For bronzer, we seek undertones like yellow, orange, and even some pink/red. But for contouring, we want more cool undertones.
Not a gray contour, but also, you don’t want a warm contour.
Why? Because the cool undertone contour shades will make the illusion of the natural shade of our face.
We don’t want a bronzer that adds warmth like in this one warm shade here, and we want a contour that adds dimensions and hides what we want to hide.
Examples of cool undertone contour shades are these:
1.Fenty Beauty Contour Stick
2. Sheglam Liquid Contour
3. NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Wonder Stick
For a more natural look, opt for a shade like it is 1-2 tones darker than your skin tone. This will give you a subtle effect and will look blend almost like the natural shades on your nose.
For full coverage, more glam, dramatic look, try a contour shade that it is 3-4 darker than your skin tone. We of course, want to blend everything well to make it look natural as well.
But I’m talking about a full glam, night makeup look. So we don’t want to go subtle for this.
After you have the right contour shade, let’s try to identify your shape.
Your nose shape
I know this is not necessary, but I just want to remind you that you are beautiful and perfect just the way you are.
However, it is also OKAY if we want to change something we feel insecure about it, or just to try new things in life.
So, for me. White I love myself and accept my face and nose just the way it is. I also know that it is a Roman nose that can be changed with surgery or hyaluronic acid injections.
And I maybe at some point will try that, I’m aiming more for the tempora injections for personal preference.
But while that happens, I love to play and take advantage of the color theory and the powder of makeup.
And I want you to feel just about the same about these makeup techniques, like a game where we play changing our appearance nor because we NEED to, just because we WANT to.
Ask these questions,
do you feel your nose big? Round?
Wider in comparison to your eyes?
Do you have a little bone in the middle of your nose that sticks out if you are in profile?
Do you see your nose deviated?
Take the time to analyze your nose, and ask yourself these questions. After that, check the techniques below to do your nose contour based on your nose.
Advanced Nose Contouring Techniques
Now let’s get into the techniques to contour your nose.
The first technique is what I call the “universal” technique,
the main purpose of nose contour is to make it look more sculpted and slimmer,
So even if you don’t have a wide nose, this technique can work for you.
When won’t it be for you? If you have an already slim tiny nose.
I highly encourage you to avoid nose contour at all if you have an already slim and sculpted nose.
Okay, here’s the step-by-step nose contour guide for wide noses.
Nose Contour Technique #1: Correcting a wide nose
By strategically applying your nose contour, you can create a slimmer, more sculpted appearance. To contour a wide nose, follow these instructions:
1. Start by applying your foundation and concealer as usual. Use a shade that matches your skin tone to create a smooth, even base.
Choose a contour powder or cream that is one to two shades darker than your skin tone.
Use a small, angled brush to apply the contour product to the sides of your nose, starting at the top of the bridge and working down toward the nostrils.
Apply the product in a thin, straight line to create the illusion of a slimmer nose.
2. We want to make our noses look narrower,
so by applying the contour of the sides of the nose so close that we only leave a small space on the bridge of the nose, we are creating the illusion of a more narrow, slim nose.
Here’s a common mistake:
If you apply your contour on the sides of your nose considerably separated, you can actually make your nose look wider than it is.
3. Use a blending brush to blend out the contour product.
Blend the contour in the same place it is. Do not take it to the cheeks or under eyes area.
This also can make the nose to look more wider than it is.
making sure to blend thoroughly, so there are no harsh lines. For this, you can use a makeup sponge or blending brush.
4. Next, use a highlighting product to create the illusion of a more defined nose bridge.
Use a small brush to apply the highlighter down the center of your nose in this case, we want to use a concealer that is lighter than our skin tone.
Liquid or cream concealer is a good option here.
Apply it starting at the top of the bridge and working down toward the tip.
Blend out the highlighter using a blending brush or sponge.
Use a light hand and blend gently to avoid removing the highlighter.
5. Use a small, fluffy brush to apply a translucent setting powder to the center of your nose.
This will help set the highlighter and prevent it from creasing or fading throughout the day.
6. Apply your translucent powder on the sides of the nose, right next to the contour you applied. This will also define the nose contour and make it look slimmer.
Finally, take a step back from the mirror and assess your work. If you feel like your nose still looks too wide, you can go back in with the contour product and add more definition.
Nose Contour Technique #2. How to contour a round nose to make it look pointed
If you have a round nose and you are looking to make it look more pointed, you can achieve it with contouring!
The way to make your look more pointed with contouring is by adding the contour in an inverted triangle shape.
Where the sides of the contour at the top area of the nose will be slightly more separated than the tip of the nose.
This will create the illusion of a more pointed nose.
And as the same as the general nose contour technique we are showing above,
To contour a nose, apply a foundation and concealer as a base.
Then, use a contour powder or cream to create a thin, straight line down the sides of your nose, leaving a small space on the bridge.
This time, you’ll need to do it in an inverted triangle. Like this:
Blend thoroughly and apply a lighter concealer down the center of your nose for a defined look.
Finally, use a translucent setting powder on the center and sides of your nose.
Nose contour Technique #3: Shortening a long nose
how to shorten a long nose with contour:
Nose contouring can work almost like nose surgery because it creates the illusion of a shorter nose if you have a long nose.
How can you do it?
Do the same steps as above, just make the contour on the sides of the nose shorter than the length of your nose. like this:
This will create the Illusion of a shorter nose.
Nose contour technique #4: Lifting a droopy nose
The contouring technique is the same as the above techniques, but this time we will also add a highlighter that shines on the tip of the nose.
This will visually add dimension and enhance the tip to make it look more lifted and will draw attention to the bump of the tip of the nose.
How to contour a nose to make it look smaller
Contouring Your Nose to Look Smaller:
To make your nose look smaller, try the following contouring techniques:
Apply foundation and concealer to create a smooth base.
Use a contour powder or cream that is one to two shades darker than your skin tone.
Apply the contour product to the sides of your nose, starting at the top of the bridge and working down toward the nostrils.
Use a blending brush to blend out the contour product, making sure to blend thoroughly.
Apply a highlighting product down the center of your nose to create the illusion of a more defined nose bridge.
Use a small, fluffy brush to apply translucent setting powder to the center and sides of your nose to set the highlighter and contour.
I’m also applying light concealer on the sides of my nose to make it look like it is a bigger under-eye area, bringing the illusion of a smaller nose.
I’m also faking a new smaller tip of my nose with contour and the highlighter.
For a wide nose, make sure to apply the contour closely to the bridge of your nose to create the illusion of a more narrow, slim nose.
For a round nose, apply the contour in an inverted triangle shape to make it look more pointed.
For a long nose, make the contour on the sides of the nose shorter than the length of your nose to create the illusion of a shorter nose.
How to contour a deviated nose
Contouring a deviated nose can help balance out its asymmetry and make it appear more symmetrical.
Follow these steps to contour a deviated nose:
1.After foundation and concealer, pick the right contour shade that should be in a cool tone, and 3-4 tones darker for a dramatic look and 1-2 for a more natural look.
Now take a close look at your nose to identify where the deviation is.
2. The deviated side will likely appear wider and more prominent, while the other side will be narrower and less prominent.
3. Use a contour powder or cream that is one to two shades darker than your skin tone to apply a thin line down the wider side of your nose.
Blend the contour thoroughly with a blending brush to avoid any harsh lines.
Apply a highlighter to the narrower side of your nose to make it appear more prominent.
4.Use a concealer that is one to two shades lighter than your skin tone and apply it down the center of the narrower side of your nose.
Blend the highlighter thoroughly to avoid any harsh lines.
Next, use a small, fluffy brush to apply a translucent setting powder to both sides of your nose to set the contour and highlighter.
Remember that contouring can help create the illusion of symmetry,
but it won’t be able to completely correct a deviated nose. However, makeup is a really effective tool that I highly recommend you try!
How to contour a Roman nose
Now we are at my favorite part of this nose contouring guide.
I personally have a roman nose, I have a bone that, when you see me at my profile side, you can see a prominent, slightly aquiline bridge.
And while I don’t have always loved my nose, lately I have worked on my self-love and self-esteem with more success, and I genuinely love my nose! I love myself, and I think I’m beautiful, and it doesn’t matter the shape of my eyes, my size, skin tone, nose shape, etc.
However, I also love to trick my appearance with makeup, and when it comes to contouring a roman nose, I have some tricks and tricks to show here.
Without sounding repetitive, we want to do the same steps as above, which in general, is, taking a contour shade that is darker than your skin tone in a cool undertone, preferably ashy tone.
After that, apply it to the side of the nose with a thin line. Bled well.
Now here’s the trick:
Apply a lighter concealer shade to highlight in the bridge of the nose ONLY in the area where it is deeper, where you don’t have the prominent bridge.
This will create the illusion of bringing forward that area of the nose and balance the prominent bridge we have.
We are not applying contouring to the prominent bridge to try to hide it because this won’t look natural at all.
Still, we are careful not to take the highlight (the lighter shade of concealer) to this area so it doesn’t stand out as well.
Nose contour: Common Makeup Mistakes
- Using too dark of a contour shade: When choosing a contour shade for your nose, it’s important to select one that’s only one to two shades darker than your skin tone. Using a shade that’s too dark can create a harsh, unnatural look.
- Not blending enough: Blending is key when it comes to nose contouring. Failing to blend out your contour product thoroughly can result in harsh lines and an uneven finish.
- Placing the contour too low: Placing your contour too low on your nose can actually make it look longer and more droopy. Always start your contour at the top of the bridge and work your way down towards the tip.
- Ignoring your face shape: Different face shapes require different contouring techniques. If you don’t take your face shape into account when contouring your nose, you may end up with an unbalanced look.
- Skipping the highlight: Highlighting the bridge of your nose is just as important as contouring the sides. Skipping this step can result in a flat, uninteresting nose contour.
Final tips for nose contour
Have you ever felt like your nose is too big or doesn’t quite fit your face shape? I’ve definitely been there before, as I have a Roman nose that can sometimes feel overpowering.
But with the magic of makeup, you can learn how to contour your nose and make it look smaller, more defined, and more in proportion with your other features.
When I first started learning how to contour my nose, I made a lot of mistakes, like using the wrong shades or not blending enough.
But with practice and some trial and error, I’ve found the perfect techniques to make my nose look just the way I want it to.
It’s also important to remember that everyone’s nose is different, so what works for someone else might not work for you.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different techniques and products to find what works best for your unique nose shape.
And lastly, don’t forget to have fun with it! Makeup is all about self-expression and feeling confident in your own skin.
So embrace your nose, whether it’s a little too big or a little too crooked, and use these contouring techniques to make it a beautiful part of your unique look
