Makeup Guide: Contouring & Strobing

Aren’t we all already collectively rolling our eyes to makeup techniques that seem to be growing on trees, day after day? Apparently not! Each new flashy trend gets us so excited that we can’t wait to figure it out, apply it and then rave about it! Oh well, guilty as charged.

Neither contouring nor strobing are new techniques but they’re definitely talked about in a new way. While we’ve already learned all there is to learn about contouring, strobing got us intrigued. The only thing we knew was that it’s making a face look flawless, fresh and young but how and why? Well, guess what – we’ve figured it out!

For all of you makeup lovers, here are some basic guidelines explaining the difference between our favorite Kim K popularized makeup trick and the new makeup obsession – strobing.

What is the basic difference between strob and contour?

The big question is actually what are the differences between those makeup techniques. Unlike contouring that’s potentially giving your face a bit “older” and “painted” vibe, strobing is focusing on giving your face a youthful glow.

Also, contouring is known to be able to transform a face, while strobing does nothing of sorts; rather, strobing is there to highlight the features of your face that are already prominent and help some parts of your face come into focus.

Is Kim K a fan of strobing as she is of contouring?

Kim’s recently published a video with her makeup artist Mario, having strobing done on her; and obviously, just like all of us would, she’s asked Mario if strobing is the new contour and he’s assured her it’s not. So far, Kim’s embracing strobing but still is staying faithful to her contouring routine.

Her gorgeous younger sister Kendall though is all about strobing as it’s helping her emphasize her already wonderful face with just a few touches.

Further, what we’ve noticed is that beauty icons like Gigi Hadid, her sister Belle, Kylie Jenner, Miranda Kerr, Taylor Swift, Gisele Bundchen, Beyonce and goddesses alike are all embracing strobing. They are looking flawless all the time, aren’t they? We guess there’s no harm in us embracing strobing too, right?

What is the actual difference between the two techniques?

While contouring may take hours to complete (approximately it’s a one or two hour routine) and it needs a complex set of product, brushes and skill, strobing is focused on a proper and strategic highlighter placement on the face, and it takes no longer than 30 minutes.

Contouring is the way you do makeup; strobing is what you do after you’ve applied all the makeup.

And obviously – you need to have the right set of products for both techniques. Makeup artists and celebs are going crazy over Jane Iredale makeup products. We’ve tried it and it’s absolutely amazing!

How to do contour and strobing the right way?

You probably already know all about the contour, right? Right. But, you are most likely not so sure about strobing.

Here are some key elements of the good strob:

Hydrating moisturizer for prepping

A good moisturizer will help your skin go from dry and dull to glowing. If your skin is naturally oily, we’d suggest using an oil-free moisturizer. Here are some of the best moisturizers out there, so choose wisely. My recommendation is always MAC’s Strobe Cream or Bobbi Brown’s Skin Smoothing Pore Perfector.

Spots that catch light

As explained, strobing is about highlighting parts of the face that catch light: in the corners of your eyes, on your cheekbones and along your temples, below your brow bone, down the bridge of your nose and above your cupid’s bow. This will enhance your natural features without turning your face into a greasy mess. For girls with oily skin, it is advised skipping areas like your chin or forehead, given they have a little shine already.

Blending for finish

Obviously, blending is the thing in each and every technique ever and so is in strobing; after you’ve applied the highlighter, blend it out with a fan brush, your fingers or a damp makeup sponge. Blend the highlighter so it fades into the rest of your skin and avoid blobs of product or obvious makeup lines.

Simple and gorgeous, no? Absolutely!