Here's What You Might Not Know About the History of Contouring - Makeup Contour TikTok (2024)

FAQs

Did Kim Kardashian start contouring? ›

In September 2008, Kardashian West introduced us to highlighting and contouring.

History. In the 16th century, contouring was used by Elizabethan stage actors, who would apply chalk and soot to their faces to help audience members read their facial expressions. In the late 1800s, when electricity was invented and lights were widely used, soot was no longer an option.

She explained that while it's a great technique for making your face more defined, it can emphasise the natural effects of ageing on the skin. Ali said: "The reality is that contouring after a certain age will age you because we associate youth with a rounder face."

Elizabethan theater used toxic lead-containing materials including kohl, ceruse, and vermilion to exaggerate facial features. Performers would even use crushed pearls or silver to create shimmery glow (talk about highlight!)

Interestingly, the art of contouring actually originated with femme queens who wanted to create a more feminine appearance by softening their facial features. By lifting the brow bones and flattening the Adam's apple, these performers were able to create a more traditionally feminine look.

In short – no. Makeup itself does not age your skin. What could potentially age your skin is if you are using makeup and don't have a strong skincare routine for both before and after makeup application.

If you go too dark with contour or too light with highlighter, you'll be left with visible lines and streaks, which are the exact opposite of the subtle chiseled effect you're going for to add definition as you age.

Once the face has been moisturized and foundation has been applied, a round face can be defined using a technique called contouring. With this makeup technique, cheekbones and facial contours appear more defined and the face looks slimmer.

2023 is all about simple, natural, skinimal makeup and skincare routines. Leave the heavy, time-consuming contouring in the past. This timeless classic makeup trend will never fully go out of style, but this year is expected to give way to more creative versions.

Catwalk Contouring

Supermodels were everything in the '90s. Instead of copying the latest viral Instagram trend, beauty addicts were hooked on runway looks at the hottest London Fashion Week shows.

What is the theory of contouring makeup? ›

In theory, anywhere you apply a lighter, brighter product will stand out and appear more prominent, and anywhere you apply a shadow or darker shade of contour will give you more depth and definition.

But as with most things in this human-built world, contour lines had to be invented. Their origins lie with Charles Hutton, a British mathematician whose ambitious 1774 survey of a Scottish peak called Schiehallion marked their first known use.

Though there has long been speculation that Kim has had work done — from lip and cheek fillers to breast and butt implants — the reality TV star has only admitted to getting Botox.

Emsculpt is an FDA-approved, noninvasive body contouring device designed to simultaneously build muscle and burn fat. It's dual mechanism of action is ideal for slimming and sculpting common trouble spots like the abdomen, thighs, calves, and arms.

Which Kardashian-Jenners have admitted to plastic surgery over the years: Kylie, Kourtney, Khloé and Kris have all confessed to going under the knife, while Kim and Kendall denied the 'rumours' The Kardashians' empire was built on the business of beauty.