How to Contour Your Body

At this point, you’ve probably learned to contour based on your face shape. After all, if you’re anything like us, you love the sculpting effects this makeup trend can have on your cheekbones, nose, and so on. But have you ever thought about contouring your body? We’re talking abs, legs, chest, and more. Just as contour creams and powders can totally transform the look of your face, they can also do so to your body. Whether you’re in the market for leaner-looking legs or amped up-looking abs—we’ve got a tutorial for you. Keep reading to learn all about body contouring, including how to contour abs.

STEP 1: PREP YOUR SKIN

Just as it’s a good idea to prep your skin before smoothing makeup onto your face, the same rule applies for your body. Don’t start contouring until you’ve cleansed, exfoliated, and moisturized your body. Use a gentle body scrub in the shower to help slough away dead skin cells—don’t skip out on this step, as this buildup can cause your contour color to go on patchy. Make sure to exfoliate using gentle circular motions. Then, after exfoliating, slather on a hydrating body lotion. Don’t towel off when you get out of the shower, though—applying your lotion to damp skin can help lock in hydration.

STEP 2: BODY CONTOURING

Now, it’s time for the main event: Contouring! Here’s a breakdown of how to contour each and every body part. Use a body bronzing cream to contour your body like a pro or use a powder contour product if you’d prefer.

HOW TO CONTOUR YOUR ABS

Contouring your abs probably isn’t something you’re likely to do every day, but if you want to show off your stomach in a crop top, contouring can help you temporarily create more defined-looking abs. Start by drawing a line down the center of your stomach, from the top of where your imaginary abs would be down to your belly button. From there, add muscles on either side, creating a two-, four-, or six-pack.

HOW TO CONTOUR YOUR COLLARBONE

Before breaking out your low-cut necklines and off the shoulder tops this summer, try defining your collarbones with bronzer. In order to really get going, you need to be able to actually see your collarbones. If yours aren’t naturally very prominent, shift your shoulders forward to make them stand out. With your contour product of choice (we love the L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Bronze It Bronzer), draw thick lines above and below each collarbone. With the same product, create two “V” shapes between your collarbones.

HOW TO CONTOUR YOUR CHEST

Who among us isn’t looking for a little extra lift and volume? Place contouring powder or cream in a “V” shape around your cleavage to temporarily boost the look of your breasts—without dropping serious dough on a new pushup bra.

HOW TO CONTOUR YOUR ARMS

Let’s face it: A little arm flab is almost unavoidable—but that doesn’t mean you can’t hide it if you’d like. Start by flexing to reveal your muscles. Once you’ve identified the natural lines of your biceps, apply vertical lines of contour product along the hollow of your biceps.

HOW TO CONTOUR YOUR LEGS

Tanned, toned-looking legs are totally envy-worthy—and this hack allows you to fake it until you make it. Apply your bronzing cream all over your legs for a slimming, sun-kissed glow.

STEP 3: BLEND!

Harsh lines are a major no-no when it comes to contouring. That’s where a makeup sponge can come in handy. Move the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Blend Artist Foundation Blender in circular motions to blend out lines for a subtle, seamless effect.

STEP 4: ADD HIGHLIGHTS

No contouring look is complete without highlighter. Place a liquid highlight on the highpoints of the areas you just contoured, then blend out. For radiant luminosity, try the L’Oréal Paris True Match™ Lumi Liquid Glow Illuminator. The multi-use highlighter features a lightweight formula available in three shades that flatter different skin tones.

Now you can enjoy showing off your newly contoured body in your summer wardrobe! And if you still can’t get enough of the contouring trend, check out our article on the 9 Contouring Mistakes You Could Be Making.