Sculpt your face like a pro with just one multitasking product that does it all, so you don't have to If you’re looking for a natural effect, look no further than ‘underpainting’. This technique is used by make-up artist Mary Phillips to sculpt the faces of celebrities like Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner. Subtlety is key. “For the most natural defining shade, go two to three shades darker than your foundation and for the highlight shade, go two to three shades lighter,” explains Warren. It’s designed to give the most natural possible finish,” explains Rose. “It’s a brilliant option for anyone who isn’t the most confident with contouring and wants to ease in gently.” What is it exactly? In a nutshell, it’s where you apply your contour and highlight underneath your foundation to achieve a subtle, lit-from-within effect. “It’s like laying down the bones under the skin: the contour and the highlight being the bones, and the skin being the foundation,” explains Mary in her TikTok tutorial, @makeupbymaryphillips, which has been watched more than 4.3 million times.

We ask two of the top make-up artists in their field for their guide to the best contour palettes, whatever your budget, skin type, skin tone or the finish you’re looking for. Cool-toned contour shades are great for achieving that super sharp, chiselled type of contour. However, that’s not to say that bronzer can’t be used – cue the hybrid ‘brontour’ technique, which Warren says “uses warm tones to create a sun-kissed contour”. Compared to traditional contour, it helps provide a softer dimension and shape for a more natural effect. Contouring is all about playing with light and dark to achieve dimension on the face,” explains Warren Dowdall, Bobbi Brown senior pro make-up artist. But should you apply contour before or after foundation? The make-up artists advise wearing on top for a stronger effect and underneath for a subtler sculpt. Speaking of which…

If you’re after a sculpted effect, apply your contour shade following the natural hollow under the cheekbone, using the top of the ear as a guiding angle,” says Warren. Bronzer is designed to mimic a sun-kissed look, so tends to be warmer and golden in undertone, whereas contour is designed to accentuate the hollows of the face so tends to be cool toned to mimic a natural shadow,” advises Rose Gallagher, make-up artist and IT Cosmetics make-up ambassador.

Contour should have a flat, taupe-like undertone, with very little if no warmth at all,” advises Rose. A cooler undertone mimics the look of shadow strategically placed on the face to add structure,” says Warren.

Start from the hairline and work the brush downwards. That way, you won’t see any telltale muddiness towards the centre of your face. Your strongest pigment should sit near the hairline, softening down into nothing.”

There are two options: “A tapered style allows complete control and deposits a good amount of product, while still allowing you to blend and diffuse the line between contour and highlight,” says Warren. We know it’s about ‘sculpting’ the face for more definition and to accentuate your best features, but how does this actually work?