While the art of contouring is often associated with sculpting cheekbones and jawlines, there is another subtle yet impactful way to reshape your face: nose contouring.

This technique can make your nose appear slimmer, shorter, or even alter its shape, all without the need for expensive procedures or surgeries. Sarah Biggers-Stewart, a renowned makeup artist and founder of Clover by Clove + Hollow, shares her expertise on how to achieve this look with a simple, step-by-step process.

Step 1: Apply Lighter Tones for a Base

Contouring involves the use of darker shades to create shadows, which are then contrasted with lighter tones for a more natural and dimensional effect. To begin contouring the nose, Tomy Rivero, a celebrity makeup artist, suggests applying a lighter shade first.

This lighter color, which can be a highlighter or concealer, should be applied down the bridge of the nose. It helps in identifying the exact areas where the contouring will be done and should be a few shades lighter than your skin tone. Rivero recommends the Nars Creamy Concealer for this purpose.

Step 2: Select the Right Contour Color

Choosing the right contour color is crucial for a realistic and effective nose contour. Biggers-Stewart advises against using bronzers, as they can have a warm tone that doesn't accurately represent natural shadows.

Instead, opt for a contour product with a neutral, gray hue. It's also important to ensure that the product is matte and free from any shimmer or sparkle.

Lori Leib, founder of Bodyography, emphasizes the need for precision in nose contouring, which is why she recommends using products with a smaller tip to avoid overdoing it or creating an unnatural shape. Biggers-Stewart also recommends the Victoria Beckham Beauty Contour Stylus for its precision and control.

Step 3: Apply the Contour for a Slim or Shorter Nose

To achieve a slimmer nose appearance, apply the contour product along both sides of the nose, starting from the base of the brows and moving towards the tip. Leib suggests mapping out the shape with small dots or dashes before connecting them to form a straight line for precision.

The closer the lines are to each other, the slimmer the nose will appear. If you want to make your nose look shorter, add a bit of contouring product along the tip, which will create the illusion of a button-like nose.

Step 4: Blend Thoroughly for a Natural Look

Blending is the key to a natural-looking nose contour. Harsh lines can make the contour appear obvious and unnatural. Biggers-Stewart recommends using a small, fluffy brush, such as the e.l.f. Cosmetics Precise Eyeshadow Blending Brush, to buff out any lines and blend in small circular motions until fully integrated.

To further enhance the seamless appearance, Romero suggests adding a touch of sheer foundation onto a damp makeup sponge and lightly blending it over the entire nose. This technique helps to meld all the products and colors together, ensuring a natural and flawless finish.

Nose contouring is a simple yet powerful technique to subtly enhance or alter the appearance of your nose without the need for invasive procedures. By following these steps and using the right products, you can achieve a more defined and sculpted look that complements your facial features. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don't be discouraged if it takes a few tries to master the art of nose contouring.