How to Contour Your Body

At this point, you’ve probably learned to contour your face (if not, we’ll kindly guide you with our contouring guide). After all, if you’re anything like us, you love the sculpting effects this makeup trend can have on cheekbones. But have you ever even thought about contouring your body? 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 how to contour your body, every which way.

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 in gentle circular motions. Then, after exfoliating, slather 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: Contour

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. You can also use a powder contour product if you’d prefer.

How to contour your collarbones: 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, 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 basically 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 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-look 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 2-, 4-, or 6-pack.

How to contour your legs: Tanned, toned-looking legs are a must for summer—and this hack is all about faking 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 Contour 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.

Enjoy showing off your newly contoured body in your summer wardrobe! Can’t get enough of the contouring trend? Check out our article, 7 Contouring Mistakes You Could Be Making, to avoid common goofs.