Nose contour advice

[totallymick]

No matter how many times I try I can’t do a good nose contour! I’m constantly going back and forth from the highlighted part to the contoured parts trying to make it look natural. Also I try to make my nose look symmetrical which it still doesn’t. Any suggestions welcomed! 

 

[CookieGirl1]

@totallymick I know that you want to master contouring but to be honest, your nose doesn't look asymmetrical at all in the photo!  Sometimes adding contour can actually draw MORE attention to areas that you're trying to camouflage.

[totallymick]

@CookieGirl1 wow thanks! I think it looks too rounded and I wanted it slim. I think you’re right about contouring it can make it look worse. I wish I never got into the contouring craze! It’s making me obsessed on having it applied correctly. Video after video people do it with just a few strokes and then blend quickly and it looks great! I don’t know how they can do it that fast. 

[JoSometimes]

I find it helpful to sit at my vanity/table and plant my elbows on top. The added stability makes it a lot easier to control my brush, especially when I work on my non-dominant side. 

[totallymick]

Great tip, thanks! I miss my vanity table 😫

Now I have to stand in front of my magnifying mirror which has stacks of things underneath it to give it height so I don’t have to bend down forever. I had my husband attach a magnifying mirror to the wall by our bathroom mirror and was so excited to use it only to find out that it didn’t reach far enough for me to see in! Now he uses it, lol

[JoSometimes]

Oh no @totallymick! I used to use the bathroom mirror too. Now sometimes I bring a portable mirror to the kitchen table. I can plant my elbows and it also has the biggest windows so I get plenty of natural light to see what I’m doing. I recently went to a local makeup studio for a lesson on some more advanced techniques and it was a challenge to replicate what she did with my arms just floating in the air. For some, it’s natural to do makeup without the extra support of a table or facility. I’m not one of those.

Also, a quick tip that I just learned: Tag the person with the @ symbol so they get notified that you replied. Sephora’s system isn’t the greatest but the workaround is simple enough. Cheers!

[totallymick]

@JoSometimes @thanks for the tip! Although I would think when I reply to someone they would see it. Then again I am not liking this app at all! Hope they improve it as I’m getting frustrated on the daily!  

You’re right, makeup application should start with good form. Floating elbows hasn’t been my friend, lol! I should get a lighted makeup mirror too. I haven’t used one since the 80’s 😂

Now I forget what post I’m responding to and afraid to close out and look. When I’ve done that before I end up losing the paragraph I’ve written! Anyway if this is about contouring I swear I do it just like I’ve seen in numerous videos. Looking back it seems that the ones I’ve watched people don’t have a rounded squishy nose like me, LOL! Aging has really changed my nose. I used to like my nose and now I hate it! 

[JoSometimes]

Don’t worry @totallymick. I understand you completely when it comes to video tutorials. There’s an overwhelming amount of information out there. We’re all unique and beautiful on our own ways. That uniqueness also sometimes makes it hard to find relevant and relatable advice online. I found it way easier to sit down with someone. I booked makeup services at my local Sephora in the summertime and she turned into to a mini lesson. You could always book some time with one of Sephora’s makeup artists, let them know what your concerns are, and they can show you how they do it on your own face.

[totallymick]

I’ve been wanting to book an appt at Sephora but what’s holding me back is the worry that I’ll have to buy something?  Before & after Xmas I spent a lot of money on makeup so I have pretty much everything I need. I just need help with the applications. 

[JoSometimes]

@totallymick No purchase necessary! If it’s just help with your contouring, you might be able to get away with their 30 minute feature focus service. Just let the makeup artist know what you need help with.

[totallymick]

I just looked and it says you have to spend at least $50 😖 I’ve already spent at least $100 in Dec. I’ll try to talk them into it!

[totallymick]

Thanks again for your help! I hope I can get the 30 minutes cuz I need it, lol

[JoSometimes]

Oh no @totallymick! Maybe the services are different where you are. In Canada, it’s separate from shopping, no need to buy anything. Give your local Sephora a call and see what their services are like.

[totallymick]

@JoSometimes I’m in Michigan. Ok, I’ll just go in and ask. 

[SportyGirly125]

@totallymick Are you using a shade 2-3 shades darker than your foundation?  Is it a cream contour?  Are you using a small brush to create the lines?

[totallymick]

 

Yes on all of the above! 

[totallymick]

Tried this powder one as well as two, 2-ended contour sticks in my color shade tones. I’m definitely not a newbie to makeup but this whole contour thing has me 🤪

 

[SportyGirly125]

@totallymick Also maybe try mixing 2 shades together instead of just choosing one shade. Looking at the picture of your palette some of the shades seem to dark/muddy. 

[SportyGirly125]

@totallymick @I think you need to get the right tone. You don’t want your contour to look ashy but a shadow effect. 

[SportyGirly125]

@totallymick @Maybe NYX/Elf isn’t for you. Have you tried any other brand? Like RCMA or Makeup for Ever?

[SportyGirly125]

@totallymick @Maybe that palette isn’t working for you. Have you tried anything else?