# contouring

CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/contouring
Updated: 2026-10-15

## Definition

a way of using makeup to shape your face, with dark colours to make parts look smaller and light colours to make parts stand out.

For teachers: a makeup technique that sculpts facial features with darker shades to create shadow and lighter shades to highlight.

## Examples

- She uses contouring to make her cheeks look thinner.
- Before the wedding photos, the makeup artist uses contouring to define the bride's cheekbones and jawline.
- Skilled contouring sculpts light and shadow across the face, creating depth that looks natural in person yet reads clearly on camera under harsh studio lighting.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.