This year the trend of contouring has became very popular in the beauty community.  Contouring is a makeup technique that has been very talked about in the media. There are many different techniques of contouring and there are more being created all the time.

For those who do not know contouring is a makeup technique where a cream/powder shade that is one to two shades lighter than the skin tone is placed on certain parts of the face to add dimension and basically sculpt the face to make it look like a different bone structure. Some people contour different parts of their body as well. The most common places to contour are the cheekbones, forehead, jawline and nose.

I, personally, use the Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzer to contour my cheekbones, forehead, and nose. I find that cream contour does not blend well onto my skin, and I prefer powder. I use my powder and a fluffy angled brush, but many people in the media have been using other tools and different techniques.

One technique that has been popular is “clown contouring”. This is a method where different colors are taken and put on the face in a design that almost looks like a clown and then they blend it out with a sponge or brush, This is not a very practical way to contour everyday since people spend long periods of time making intricate designs, just to blend them out in the end.

Videos have been trending all over the internet of different people using unlikely tools to map out where they are placing their contour. Makeup artist Jose Martinez uses the blade of scissors to get a sharp contour, but this is not even the scariest technique. Zachary Domingo claims that the absolute best way to get a sharp contour is to use a knife. Not only do I find this technique dangerous, but it is pointless. There are plenty of other tools and brushes that can be used. A few of the other crazy tools used include toothbrushes, spoons, forks, stiletto heels, and whisks.

The most ridiculous contouring trend, in my opinion is body contouring. It started with collarbones and now people have a way to contour any part of their body. There are methods to contour arms, abs, legs, and even feet to make all of these places look more defined.

I feel that body contouring and any tool used other than a brush or sponge is ridiculous and unnecessary. I feel that makeup should not completely change the way someone looks, but enhance their already present features.