Face Shape Secrets: Contouring Tips for Halloween Makeup

Figuring out your face shape is super important when you’re trying to nail a specific character because contouring can totally make or break your look. When it comes to costumes and cosplay, it’s not just about bringing out your natural features—it’s all about tweaking your face to match the character’s vibe. This means you might need to learn new makeup techniques or invest in different products to get that perfect transformation. Whether you’re aiming for a sharp jawline like a superhero or softer contours for an anime character, understanding how to manipulate shadows and highlights is key. Plus, experimenting with different looks can be a lot of fun and gives you a chance to really get creative with your Halloween makeup!

Here’s how you can figure out your face shape and tweak it for costumes:

• Round Face: If you’ve got a round face, characters with sharp or angular features can be a bit of a challenge. Just use some contouring to define your cheekbones and jawline, making your face look slimmer. Swipe darker contour shades along your jawline and temples, and pop some highlighter on the center of your forehead and the tops of your cheekbones to add some dimension.
• Square Face: If you’re going for characters with softer, rounder features, grab your contour kit! Soften those edges by contouring your jawline and blending upwards. Highlight the center of your face—nose, forehead, and chin—to give off that oval vibe.
• Oval Face: If you’ve got an oval face, you’re in luck because it works with so many styles. Just a bit of contouring can do the trick for most looks. Highlight your natural symmetry with some light contouring under the cheekbones and a touch of soft highlighter to make your features stand out.
• Heart-Shaped Face: Got a heart-shaped face? No worries! Just contour that forehead and mellow out the chin. Super handy when you’re dressing up as characters with wider faces or those neutral facial structures.

Tweaking your contouring game to match the character you’re becoming can totally nail that authentic vibe. It’s all about those character-specific details—like adding shadows to make your face look more sinister for a villain or rounding out your features to get that cute, anime look. You can also play with colors and textures to enhance the effect, like using darker shades for a grittier, more intense appearance or lighter, pastel tones to capture a whimsical, dream-like essence. Don’t forget, even subtle adjustments in your makeup can dramatically elevate your entire costume, making you look like you just stepped out of the screen or page!

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This post is the fourth in my series about Halloween Makeup. Be sure to check out my blog page for the entire series!

Dorey Duncan Scott Senior Litigation Paralegal

Hi! I’m Dorey Duncan Scott, a mother of three, wife and fashion entrepreneur. I started my career in fashion back in the early 90’s when I did print, still and runway modeling. I studied Fashion Merchandising, Music Business and Marketing, while also obtaining certificates in such industry-necessary areas such as make-up, styling and runway choreography. In addition, I had work as a spokesmodel for several brands, appearing in print and in person. As a former model, turned senior litigation paralegal, artist manager and on-air personality with a passion for fashion, beauty, and personal development, I bring a unique combination of style, strategic thinking, and legal expertise to my work. My years navigating the legal world have sharpened my attention to detail, while my experience and passion for fashion, beauty, and personal development drives my desire to help others feel empowered and help them in their journey toward self-empowerment. My experience in the fashion world has taught me the power of confidence. 

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