How to Sculpt Cheekbones with Makeup

Use a matte contour shade two shades deeper than your skin tone in the hollow beneath your cheekbone, then highlight the high point above it.

Most people contour too low on their face — the goal is to enhance your existing bone structure, not create new cheekbones where they don't exist.

1. Find your hollow. Suck in your cheeks slightly and feel for the natural indent below your cheekbone. This is where shadow naturally falls. Start your contour here, not on the apples of your cheeks.
2. Apply contour shade. Using an angled brush, sweep matte contour color from your ear toward the corner of your mouth, staying in that hollow. Build gradually — you can always add more. Blend upward into your hairline to avoid harsh lines.
3. Highlight the high point. Apply highlighter to the top of your cheekbone, right above where you contoured. Use your finger or a small brush to press it into the skin rather than sweeping it on.
4. Blend and balance. Use a clean fluffy brush to soften any harsh edges. Check both sides of your face — one cheekbone is likely more prominent than the other, so adjust accordingly.