table of contents
- travel makeup bronzer vs contour for different face shapes
- travel makeup bronzer vs contour: what’s the difference?
- travel makeup bronzer vs contour: about the different face shapes
- travel makeup bronzer vs contour: how to use bronzer for different face shapes
- travel makeup bronzer vs contour: how to contour for different face shapes
- grab the ready set go stak to master travel makeup bronzer vs contour
travel makeup bronzer vs contour for different face shapes
travel makeup lovers, are you supposed to use bronzer vs contour differently based on your face shape? wait – let’s back up: do you even know what your face shape is? if not, no worries, subtl beauty has your back with all the travel makeup ins and outs, like how to figure out your face shape and which bronzer vs contour techniques are the best based on your result.
read on to learn everything you need to know about bronzer, contour, and your face shape:
travel makeup bronzer vs contour: what’s the difference?
if you’ve found yourself discussing what sets bronzer vs contour apart, you’re not alone. in fact, subtl beauties from all over the world ask us the difference between the two a lot, which is why we created this user-friendly bronzer guide. essentially, bronzer is used to add warmth and a sun-tanned look to your complexion. emily gray, a celebrity mua from nashville, tn, says:
“usually, bronzer is applied where the sun would naturally hit the face. multiple shades fall under bronzer shades, but they tend to have a yellow, olive, golden, or sometimes red undertone." travel makeup bronzer is typically applied to the high points of your face, like the cheekbones, forehead, nose, and chin, and can sometimes include a bit of shimmer within the formula.
barely different than bronzer, contour is a great tool for sculpting and shaping. here’s what emily tells byrdie about contour: "contour can be a liquid, cream, or powder product and is used to sculpt. contour shades mimic shadows occurring on faces and almost can create an illusion of a more sculpted face.” it’s worth mentioning that contour tends to come in cooler tones.
here is a travel makeup-approved bronzer vs contour cheatsheet:
bronzer:
- adds warmth
- comes in warm tones
- gives a natural glow
- leaves a sun-kissed effect
contour:
- defines features
- comes in cool tones
- creates shadows
- great for a sculpted look
check out this travel makeup tutorial from niara on bronzer vs contour:
travel makeup bronzer vs contour: about the different face shapes
think back: have you used your face shape as a reference when choosing a new cut or makeup style? or is this whole idea of having a unique face shape news to you? either way, the main thing to know is that there are five basic face shapes: round, oval, square, heart, and diamond.
before we tackle the travel makeup-approved bronzer vs contour subject, try figuring out which face shape you have. knowing your face shape can highlight/balance your features, boosting your confidence and guiding your style, making it a great tool to have in your beauty arsenal.
here are some characteristics of each face shape and how to determine which you have:
round face:
- characteristics: a round face has almost equal width and height, with soft, rounded edges. the cheeks are the widest part of the face, and the jawline and forehead are rounded. some celebrities with round faces include selena gomez, kelly clarkson, and emma stone.
- how to determine: if your face is as wide as it is long, with rounded edges and no prominent angles, you may have a round-shaped face.
oval face:
- characteristics: an oval face is longer than it is wide, with a forehead slightly wider than the rounded chin. the cheekbones are the widest part of the face. some celebrities with oval faces include blake lively, beyoncé, jennifer lopez, and jessica alba.
- how to determine: if your face length is about 1.5 times the width, with a softly rounded hairline and chin, you might have an oval-shaped face.
square face:
- characteristics: a square face has a broad forehead, wide cheekbones, and a strong, square jawline. the width of the forehead, cheekbones, and jaw are typically equal. some celebrities with square faces include angelina jolie, demi moore, kiera knightly, and olivia wilde.
- how to determine: if your face has an angular look with a prominent jawline and the width of your forehead, cheekbones, and jaw are similar, you may have a square-shaped face.
heart face:
- characteristics: a heart-shaped face features a wide forehead and cheekbones with a narrow, pointed chin, often resembling an inverted triangle. some celebrities with heart faces include reese witherspoon, scarlett johannson, taylor swift, and katie holmes.
- how to determine: if your forehead is the widest part of your face, tapering down to a narrow, pointed chin, you may have a heart-shaped face.
diamond face:
- characteristics: a diamond face shape has a narrow forehead and jawline with wide, prominent cheekbones. typically, the face is longer than it is wide. some celebrities with diamond faces include vanessa hudgens, rihanna, halle berry, and victoria beckham (aka posh spice).
- how to determine: if your cheekbones are the widest part of your face, with a narrower forehead and jawline, and your face is longer than it is wide, you could have a diamond-shaped face.
travel makeup bronzer vs contour: how to use bronzer for different face shapes
choosing the right travel makeup bronzer technique for your face shape is like getting your favorite outfit custom-tailored – it’s perfect for you and defines/enhances your unique features. here is how to use bronzer based on your face shape to unlock your most flattering look:
- round face: apply bronzer to the perimeter of your face to add warmth and dimension.
- oval face: apply bronzer to the high points of your face where the sun naturally hits (think your forehead, nose, chin, and cheeks).
- square face: apply bronzer to your forehead, cheekbones, and jawline to soften.
- heart face: apply bronzer to your forehead, cheeks, and the tip of your chin to add warmth and balance.
- diamond face: apply bronzer to your forehead, cheeks, and jawline to soften and add warmth.
new to bronzer vs contour? check out this tutorial on how to apply your travel makeup bronzer:
protip: want to lock in your bronzer look? grab our travel makeup shine control pressed powder; it'll keep you looking flawless through the toughest of climates and longest of meetings (it’s truly a must-have for every beauty lover out there).
travel makeup bronzer vs contour: how to contour for different face shapes
when it comes to the whole bronzer vs contour debacle, the majority of subtl beauties agree that contour is the most intimidating of the two; maybe it’s because of a lack of knowledge or the fear it’ll take too much time (we see you busy moms), which is where we come in – per usual.
here is how to contour based on your face shape for a complimentary, ultra-chiseled look:
- round face: sculpt along the hollows of your cheeks and jawline to create definition and add structure.
- oval face: define your cheekbones by contouring just below them and along the hairline to accentuate your natural shape.
- square face: soften your angles by contouring along your temples, under the cheekbones, and along your jawline.
- heart face: contour under your cheekbones, along the hairline, and under the jawline to balance and enhance your natural contours.
- diamond face: define your cheekbones and jawline by contouring in a '3' shape along your temples, hollows of cheeks, and jawline.
new to bronzer vs contour? check out this tutorial on how to contour with your travel makeup:
protip: using the right tools is vital for a seamless, blended look. here are our makeup tool recs; 4-piece brush set, stak brush bff (free with every purchase), and your fingers, which are a very powerful tool for makeup – we promise.
grab the ready set go stak to master travel makeup bronzer vs contour
now that you’re equipped with the bronzer vs contour know-how, it’s time we ask a serious travel-makeup-related question: have you gotten your hands on the ready set go stak yet? it features our mini travel makeup brush set (aka the 4-piece brush set), shine control powder, original lip balm, lip & cheek in terracotta tour guide, and a concealer in your shade of choice.
if you’re new here and want to learn more about us before grabbing a travel makeup kit, like the ready set go stak, here is a bit about us and our story from the subtl founder, rachel reid:
@subtlbeauty The story of how I almost quit my business 🫣 have you heard our origin story before?! #subtlstak #portablemakeup #trendingmakeup #travelmakeup #onthego ♬ original sound - Subtl Beauty
you can grab the ready set go travel makeup set here.
before you head off to tackle bronzer vs contour, tell us – what’s your face shape?