If there ever was a stand-off between highlighter and bronzer, which do you think would win? Are you Team Highlighter or Team Bronzer or are you the person who silently nods when people are discussing these life-altering decisions? If you belong to the third category of people, fret not. We here list the uses and key features of these two products so you can decide for yourself what you want to go out and get.

As a bonus, we will throw in another concept just so you are clear about all concerned terms and definitions, and that is ‘contour’.
 
 

What does contour do?

What does contour do?

Contouring defines and shapes the structure of the face. It adds structure, dimension and symmetry to one’s features.

Varieties available:

Powder, cream and stick form

How to choose:

Choose a shade that is 2-3 shades darker than your natural skin tone. Make sure the contour product does not have any orange undertones; it has to be a pure brown pigment.

Where to apply:

Place the product in the hollows of your cheek bones. Do the old suck your cheeks in for a fish face and where your cheeks dip, place the contour product there and blend well. This should imitate the natural shadows that fall when you are standing under light. You could also place the product on the sides of your nose and blend to sharpen your nose shape.

 

What does a bronzer do?

What does a bronzer do?

Bronzers are used to create a bit of warmth on the skin, again, in zones where the sun would naturally hit and tan the face. Adding bronzer to your contour will create multi-dimensional effect on your face. Bronzer has a bit of shimmer in it.

Varieties available:

Powder and liquid

How to choose:

Choose a shade which is one shade darker than your skin tone. This is much lighter than the contour, but slightly darker than your natural skin tone.

Where to apply:

Think of bronzer as a warmer toned highlighter. Apply it at the highest points on the cheek bones. A popular way to remember is to trace the shape of figure ‘3’, starting at the temples and tracing the cheekbones and ending just below the jawline.
 

 

What does a highlighter do?

What does a highlighter do?

Highlighter does what the name suggests. It highlights the points on the face and body where light hits, sharpening those features. Contouring enhances the shadows, while highlighting strobes and enhances the higher zones on the face. So, with this combination of light and shadows, you can subtly redefine and change your features.

Varieties available:

Powder, cream, stick and liquid

How to choose:

You can choose from pink, champagne gold and rose gold undertone options, depending on what look you are going for. These are super shimmery and a little product goes a long way.

Where to apply:

A fan brush works best for this. Lightly dust the highlighter just under the outer corners of your eyes and sweep it upwards and outwards towards your hairline, making sure you do not extend it too much. Apply it along the length of your nose and just below your brow bone. If you want a wide-eyed look, apply a little highlighter at the inner corners of your eyes and blend.