cheat your way to killer cheekbones (and cleavage too)

We all want bangin', gorgeous cheekbones and well... bangin' gorgeous cleavage.  The problem is that such a thing doesn't come naturally to all, so today we'll learn how to fake it.

What you'll need:  a low-shimmer bronzer and/or powder foundation that's just a few shades darker than your own skin.  My personal preference is LadyBurd Mineral Foundation Collage.  I have light skin so I use the medium color palate for cheekbones.  Remember that if you're going to go with a powder foundation, getting a color that's within range of your tone but darker than your skin shade is of utter most importance when going for a natural look. That's why powder collages are great, because you can swirl around in the colors and get just the right mix.

Now that you have your color picked out, look in the mirror and suck in your cheeks.  See that hollow below the actual bone?  You want to define that area to make the bone above it pop.    I prefer using an angled contouring brush.  Starting about in the middle of your face (or you know, wherever it should go on your individual face) swipe up with short gentle strokes.  Keep within the hollow and work at an angle up to your temples.  Don't worry if you get some darker color outside of the hollow, you can always cover it up with some light powder when you're done.

So you've got this big dark gash along each cheek, now is time for The Most Important Step that so many forget to do.  If you're going to wear blush with the cheekbones (which I highly recommend), wait until the blush and bronzer are both on and then blend. If you don't want to look like a circus freak, blending is imperative.  Any powder brush will do, but make sure you keep this as just your blending brush so that you don't end up with odd tan spots on your face later.  Blend in small circles out and upwards, continuing with the direction of application.  And wa-la, you've got killer cheeks!

For your cleavage:  again you can use a bronzer or that darker powder foundation.  Swipe along the insider curve up each breast and up through your cleavage.  How high you go is up to you but typically the higher and darker, the more Lady of the Night you'll appear.  If you want some extra pop, put that light shimmer (not sparkles, people) at the upwards swelling of each of those puppies. 

Pretty much any part of your body can be contoured with makeup.  Put darker color in areas that you want to seem deeper or disappear and lighter colors in areas that you want to pop out.  If you have a large forehead, add a bit of the darker foundation just around the edge of each temple to give the appearance of a less square, smaller look.  If you want your eyes or the top of your cheekbones to pop, use a highlighter with just a bit of shimmer.  I really love the Mary Kay Highlighting Pen which comes in several colors, isn't all glittery, and gives a lovely natural glow. 

if you want to go all out with contouring, here's a map

Now you're ready to rock the town with killer cheekbones, and cleavage too.

If you have any more questions about contouring or want in-depth information on highlighting, ask away!  Happy contouring!