With #contour generating over 2.3 million mentions on Instagram and #highlight close behind on 1.8 million, it’s clear the contouring and highlighting trend is a hot commodity. But is it just a passing phase, or are these two application techniques set to be around for the long haul?
To get to the bottom of this query, BEAUTYDIRECTORY tracked down Nude by Nature brand ambassador Clint Dowdell. With the brand having just launched the divine (and highly Instagrammable – hello rose gold packaging) Contour Palette, Contour Fluid Trio, Highlight Palette, Touch of Glow Highlight Sticks (in three shades), plus two high quality brushes the Ultimate Perfecting Brush and the Pointed Precision Brush for precise and expert application, and– Dowdell is perfectly placed to talk all things contouring and highlighting...
Why do you believe contouring and highlighting is such a big trend at the moment?
Contouring and highlighting [as a trend] is nothing particularly new, it’s just that now it has become part of the everyday. Before it was something that you would do on occasions when you were going to an event, now it’s as normal as blush.
I think this trend is so big because people are constantly looking for something to change the things they don’t like about themselves with a few strokes of a brush. You can instantly raise cheekbones, slim your nose and sharpen the jawline. However, a lot of this trend does lean to the negative aspects of the self image – and that’s where I love Nude by Nature’s approach to contouring and highlighting that celebrates the shape you are and accentuates your natural beauty, not hides it. It’s refreshing.
Where has the contouring and highlighting trend stemmed from?
In a world so very connected by social media and the ever growing popularity of bloggers/vloggers and online beauty communities, there is limitless access to what’s new and how to “get the look”. It was only a matter of time before things that used to be exclusive to the realm of the professions became part of the masses. You can easily see women all over the world doing tutorials and with amazing results. Like her or hate her, Kim Kardashian has really been a pioneer of many of the mainstream beauty trends over the last few years, and reality TV in general allows us to peek behind the curtain into the dressing rooms of celebrities and the like, and from there trends emerge as we emulate these tricks of the trade.
Do you think it is a trend that will stick around for a while?
I do. We have been contouring our faces for years with bronzers and blushes, but now we have refined the art and made it something that anyone can do easily themselves.
Where do you see this trend headed?
I think it will start to be pulled back from the intense contouring with drastic effects to be part of our daily routine. The professionals will continue to use these techniques, but the average person will take the abbreviated versions home with them.
Why do you believe Aussies in particular have embraced the highlighting trend?
Who doesn’t want the famous “Aussie glow”? Australia has long been a fan of tanned, bronzed and glowing skin, so highlighting is an easy way to achieve this.
What are the innovations around formula development?
As with all cosmetics, contouring and highlighting is all about the texture and finish of the look. Nude by Nature has created a liquid and powder version of each to enable a more dewy or matte effect based on your preference. All of the formulas perform beautifully with smooth and even applications, but I particularly love the Liquid Trio to contour with as this is different to the cream-based formulas you see so often. It has the most sheer, subtle effect and is so easy to use. Also, the Touch of Glow Highlight sticks are super smooth in application and allow [for an] easy glide on top of foundation without caking your make-up like other sticks can. Like all Nude by Nature products, our formulas are enriched with active natural ingredients, including the native Australian Kakadu Plum, known for its abundant Vitamin C content.
What celebrities do you think have nailed the contouring and highlighting trend?
Well, if you’re going to look at a more intense look, Kimmy K has a team of people around her that make her, not so natural, but flawless always. I am more partial to J-Lo who always looks done, but glowing and contoured. But at Nude by Nature, we love a natural look like Blake Lively, Kate Hudson and, of course, the beautiful face of the brand, Elyse Taylor.
What are the key tips when it comes to contouring?
Know your face and keep it simple. Find what works for you (on most it is under the cheekbones, through the hairline and along the jaw) and make it part of your day-to-day. It shouldn’t be complicated or take more than a few minutes, otherwise it gets put in the drawer and never used.
And highlighting?
Anywhere the light hits, make it shine! Highlighting is quick and easy on the cheeks, browbone, inner corner of the eye, cupid’s bow and collarbones, so find your perfect level of shine and go for it!
What makes the Nude by Nature Contour & Highlight Collection stand out from competitors?
The formulations and the brushes are truly category leading, but it’s the fact we don’t want to “fix” you. You are perfect, we want to accentuate and make your features look more naturally beautiful. Let’s celebrate you, not reconstruct your face. And if you haven’t seen the incredible rose gold packaging yet… it’s to die for.
What are the key benefits of the collection?
As with all Nude by Nature products, they are more than just cosmetic, they are actually good for your skin. The easy-to-blend formulas are made from 100 per cent naturally derived ingredients that are antioxidant-rich to not only make you look great, but feel good about the products you are applying.
What do you think is going to be the next big thing when it comes to make-up trends?
It’s hard to say, but one thing is certain – beautiful skin is never out, so work on getting your complexion perfect. Then whatever you add to it, a hot red lip or smoky eye, you’ll always be on trend.
Article produced in partnership with Nude by Nature. Click here to visit the brand listing.
