Should You Apply Highlighter or Contour First? Ruby Hammer Settles it

Share the love!

Main image – Sergefilimonov/Stocksy

Ruby Hammer MBE is a celebrity makeup artist, brand founder and regular Live That Glow columnist. She has been providing makeup education for more than 30 years. Here, she advises a reader on the best order for applying highlighter and contour.

Should I be putting my highlighter or contour on first?

Ruby says:

Always contour first. The purpose of contouring is to create depth and shadow, pushing areas back, while highlighting brings forward features you want to accentuate. Here are my tips.

Contour First to Define: Use a cool-toned contour shade (matte, no shimmer) to sculpt areas like under the cheekbones, jawline, and temples. Blend seamlessly to avoid tell-tale harsh lines.
Blend Before Highlighting: Ensure contour is well blended before moving to highlighter. A good trick is to go over any harsh edges with your foundation brush or sponge. Checking your face from all angles in a mirror.
Highlight to Bring Forward: Apply highlighter to the high points of your face- tops of cheekbones, bridge of the nose, cupid’s bow- to enhance natural radiance. Use a soft hand for a subtle glow or build up for a more intense effect. Just remember faces are supposed to be seen in three dimensions… applying all over can give a ball-like effect.
Balance is Key: If the contour is too strong, highlighter won’t stand out, and vice versa. They should complement each other for a sculpted yet natural look.