Mari Saad Contorno: A Masterclass in Contouring
Introduction to Contouring
Contouring is an art that has revolutionized the beauty industry. It's a technique that involves using makeup to enhance and define the natural structure of the face, creating illusions of higher cheekbones, a slimmer nose, and a sharper jawline. While contouring can seem daunting to beginners, experts like Mari Saad have demystified the process, making it accessible to beauty enthusiasts around the world.
Who is Mari Saad?
Mari Saad is a renowned beauty influencer and makeup artist known for her expertise in contouring. With a vast following on social media, Mari has become a trusted name in the beauty community. Her tutorials and tips have helped countless individuals master the art of contouring, elevating their makeup game to professional levels.
The Philosophy Behind Mari Saad's Contouring Techniques
Mari Saad believes that contouring is not about altering one's natural features but rather enhancing them. She emphasizes the importance of understanding one's face shape and working with it to create a harmonious look. Mari’s approach is all about subtlety and precision, ensuring that the final look is polished and natural.
The Basics of Contouring
Contouring involves two main products: a contour shade and a highlight shade. The contour shade is typically a few shades darker than the skin tone and is used to create shadows, while the highlight shade is a few shades lighter and is used to bring forward certain areas of the face. Mari Saad recommends using cream-based products for a more natural finish, but powder products can also be effective.
Step-by-Step Contouring Guide by Mari Saad
Step 1: Preparation
Before applying any contour products, it's essential to prepare the skin. Mari Saad stresses the importance of a good skincare routine. Cleanse the face thoroughly, apply a moisturizer suitable for your skin type, and use a primer to ensure that the makeup adheres well and lasts longer.
Step 2: Foundation
Apply a foundation that matches your skin tone. This creates a blank canvas and ensures that the contouring products blend seamlessly into the skin. Mari advises using a foundation with a natural finish to avoid looking too cakey.
Step 3: Mapping the Face
The key to successful contouring is knowing where to apply the products. Mari Saad teaches her followers to map out the areas of the face that need definition. Common areas to contour include the hollows of the cheeks, the sides of the nose, the temples, and the jawline. Highlighting is typically done on the center of the forehead, the bridge of the nose, the tops of the cheekbones, and the chin.
Step 4: Blending
Blending is crucial in contouring. Mari Saad uses a damp beauty sponge or a contour brush to blend the products seamlessly into the skin. She recommends blending in upward motions for the contour shades and dabbing motions for the highlight shades to avoid moving the foundation underneath.
Step 5: Setting the Makeup
To ensure that the contour and highlight stay in place all day, it's important to set the makeup with a translucent powder. Mari suggests using a light hand to avoid a heavy, powdery finish.
Advanced Contouring Techniques
Once you’ve mastered the basics, Mari Saad encourages exploring advanced techniques to achieve more dramatic looks. For special occasions or photo shoots, Mari uses products with more intense pigmentation and plays with different textures to add dimension to the face. Techniques like reverse contouring, where lighter shades are used to carve out the contour areas, can create a more sculpted look.
Contouring for Different Face Shapes
Understanding your face shape is critical in contouring. Mari Saad provides personalized tips for different face shapes:
Oval Faces
For oval faces, which are considered the most balanced, Mari suggests light contouring on the cheeks and highlighting the forehead and chin to maintain the natural proportions.
Round Faces
For round faces, the goal is to create the illusion of length and definition. Mari recommends contouring along the temples, the sides of the jawline, and under the cheekbones, while highlighting the center of the forehead and the chin.
Square Faces
For square faces, Mari focuses on softening the angles. Contouring along the hairline, the jawline, and the hollows of the cheeks helps achieve this. Highlighting the center of the forehead and under the eyes can add softness.
Heart-Shaped Faces
For heart-shaped faces, Mari Saad advises contouring the temples and the bottom of the chin to balance the wider forehead with the narrower chin. Highlighting the cheekbones and the center of the forehead enhances the look.
Mari Saad's Signature Contour Looks
Mari Saad is known for her signature contour looks that range from everyday subtle enhancements to bold, glamorous transformations. Her “Natural Glow” look is perfect for everyday wear, featuring soft contouring and a radiant highlight. For a night out or a special event, her “Glamorous Diva” look incorporates more dramatic contouring with a luminous highlight for a red-carpet-ready finish.
Contouring Tips for Different Skin Tones
Mari Saad emphasizes that contouring products and techniques should be tailored to suit different skin tones. For fair skin, she recommends cooler-toned contour shades to avoid looking too orange. Medium skin tones can opt for neutral shades that blend seamlessly. For deeper skin tones, Mari advises using rich, warm contour shades that enhance the natural beauty of the skin.
The Importance of Lighting
Good lighting is crucial when applying makeup, especially for contouring. Mari Saad suggests using natural light or investing in a ring light to ensure that the makeup is applied evenly and looks good in different lighting conditions. This helps in avoiding harsh lines and ensuring a smooth blend.
Common Contouring Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced makeup enthusiasts can make mistakes when contouring. Mari Saad highlights some common mistakes and how to avoid them:
Using the Wrong Shades
Choosing the wrong shades for contouring and highlighting can make the makeup look unnatural. Mari advises testing the products on the jawline to find the perfect match.
Over-Blending or Under-Blending
Blending is key to natural-looking contouring. Over-blending can erase the contour, while under-blending can leave harsh lines. Mari’s tip is to blend just enough to soften the edges without losing definition.
Ignoring Face Shape
Applying the same contouring technique to every face shape can result in unflattering looks. Mari stresses the importance of tailoring the technique to suit individual face shapes.
The Evolution of Contouring
Contouring has evolved significantly over the years. From the heavy, dramatic looks popularized by celebrities to the more natural, subtle techniques favored today, the trend has adapted to changing beauty standards. Mari Saad has been at the forefront of this evolution, constantly updating her methods and teaching her followers how to adapt their contouring techniques to stay current.
The Future of Contouring
With advancements in makeup products and techniques, contouring continues to evolve. Mari Saad predicts that future trends will focus on more personalized approaches, with products designed to cater to specific skin tones and face shapes. She also foresees the integration of technology in makeup application, with smart mirrors and apps providing real-time feedback and tutorials.
Conclusion
Mari Saad’s approach to contouring is both educational and inspiring. Her emphasis on enhancing natural beauty, understanding face shapes, and blending techniques has made her a beloved figure in the beauty community. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced makeup artist, Mari Saad's contouring tips and tutorials provide valuable insights to help you achieve flawless looks. As contouring continues to evolve, Mari Saad remains a guiding light, helping beauty enthusiasts navigate the ever-changing landscape of makeup artistry.
