wet n Wild Contouring palette in Dulce De Leche ($4.99)
I’m an oddly curious cat when it comes to other people’s makeup habits, and one thing I’ve been wondering lately is…how does everyone out there who’s outstanding at makeup learn how to do what they do?

I’ve learned most of the little bit I know from the Internet — from buzzfeed lists about makeup, to blogs, to YouTube tutorials.

ADVERTISEMENT

And what about trends? Which ones are you bad at?

Here are the main beauty trends I just can’t get behind:

Contouring (too complicated)

Strobing/over-highlighting (I look too oily)

Overdrawn lips (I have enough naturally)

These are just a few of the “trends” that I find really difficult. but contouring might be the most difficult one for me. every time I see an article about how easy it is to contour, or how to copy a Kardashian style, or which products are the best ones for contouring, I immediately click.

ADVERTISEMENT

Cats & makeup Sweatshirt ??

$42

Shop Now

I think I’ve been trying to figure out contouring since it first became popular!

I recently bought this duo from wet N Wild because I wanted to see if I could master contouring with it, or get closer to mastering contouring, before I invested too much money. since it was only $4.99, I didn’t think it would be too much of a loss if things didn’t work out…

Highlight on top, contour shade on the bottom; both are completely matte
I chose this color (Dulce De Leche) because the other option at the store was much warmer, and I still don’t have a tan (the sun hasn’t completely come out here in new York yet).

For reference, here’s my non-contoured face:

No contour (please excuse my bare shoulder)

ADVERTISEMENT

And here’s the same side of my face after following the directions here and here (and using every other tip about contouring I know).

Using my ear as a guide, I applied the contour shade down my jawline/cheekbone with an angled brush and blended for dear life
Maybe it’s just my application process, but there doesn’t seem to be that much of a difference. I can’t tell if I’m actually applying the powder in the right spots! I’m also still so confused about my face shape…

So, dear readers, what beauty trends have eluded you for one reason or another? Do you contour with powder or cream products? or not at all? Do I need another lesson in contouring before attempting this again?