Make-up artist, Wendy Rowe took to Instagram this week to wax lyrical about 'cat contouring' and to quote the Kaiser Chiefs, we predict a riot. So what's it all about? Well, if you've seen the image that came with the caption, it becomes slightly more obvious. Super model, Lily Aldridge appears to be Wendy Rowe's model of the working day, and she's posing for the camera mid-make-up session flaunting a glowing cheek that is evidently about to be contoured, but instead of the block streak of bronzing cream you'd expect, she's wearing three thin whisker-like lines. Meow.
Wendy Rowe: Beauty Royalty
Wendy Rowe is one of the most prominent make-up artists in the industry and when she decides to bestow a make-up tip, we take it very seriously. Wendy has worked with e-v-e-r-y-o-n-e. And when we say everyone, we mean everyone. Think Victoria Beckham, think Kate Moss, think Naomi Campbell. She's also regularly tending to he make-up needs of Sienna Miller (talk about a walking advertisement).
The Benefits Of Cat Contouring
Like we said, if Wendy Rowe reveals a make-up secret, we're taking note and then some, so what are the benefits of cat contouring? The thinner lines of product result in a far more even finish than you'd get by daubing on a single thick line. It's easier to blend and the results are a lot more natural. You're helping to distribute your chosen contouring product more evenly, before you even reach for your blending brush or sponge. You see, there is serious method behind this seemingly Instagram-able madness.
Shop: Our Top Contouring Buys
Best Contour Products 2022 - Grazia
1 of 9Anastasia Beverley Hills,
Quick contouring doesn't get any easier than Anastasia Beverley Hill's ultra creamy, ultra blendable contouring sticks. Opt for a shade lighter than your skin tone to highlight, and deepen the hollows of your cheeks and the sides of your nose to create shadow. The smooth, cream contour formula is buildable, meaning no unnecessary harsh lines, and is particularly good for those with dry skin who would prefer to avoid a matte, powder finish
2 of 9L’Oréal Paris Back To Bronze Matte Bronzing Powder, £8.99
This perfectly matte, buildable bronzer lends skin a believable glow that looks like you've just hopped off the plane from a week in St. Tropez. We're stockpiling for summer!
3 of 9Spectrum MC02 brush, £9.99
When it comes to makeup brushes, Spectrum offer some of the best in the biz. Case in point: this flat top contour brush expertly buffs in bronzer (whether it's powder or cream) so it's barely perceptible but still manages to totally transform your cheekbones.
4 of 9YSL Beauty Touche Eclat Shimmer Stick Highlighter in Light Gold, £27
Sticks make everything so much easier, and this YSL highlighting stick definitely deserves a place in your collection. Just swipe the creamy highlighter over the high-points of your face, pat in with fingertips and you're good to glow. Plus, it's travel-friendly!
5 of 9Tom Ford Shade & Illuminate in Intensity One, £60
Yes, it's expensive. But, Tom Ford's Shade & Illuminate palette is loved by makeup artists and beauty editors alike for good reason. The bronzer shade is so creamy and blends in like butter, whilst the translucent highlighter goes on totally sheer to reflect the light for a handsomely-healthy, lit-from-within glow.
6 of 9Spectrum D04 brush, £149.99 for 35-piece set
D04 is a small strobe brush which works extremely well with finely-milled powders. You can lightly dust your chosen bronzer or highlighter along cheekbones, temples and jawline without going OTT as the brush isn't too big. And it's also vegan and cruelty-free. A win win!
7 of 9Laura Mercier Matte Radiance Baked Powder in Shade 2 Golden Bronze, £28.50
With five shades to choose from, from Golden Nude to Bronze Nude, there is a Laura Mercier Baked Bronzer for everyone. The lightweight, matte formula boosts your complexion without looking too 'cakey' and it's non-dusty so won't drop off throughout the day.
8 of 9Chanel Soleil Tan Bronze Universel, £40
We don't know anyone who hasn't fallen hard for Chanel's Soleil Bronzer after just once application. It's simply a-mazing. One swoosh in a C-shape from temple to cheekbone has the ability to completely wake up your complexion. It's a total godsend for tired, lacklustre skin. Trust us!
9 of 9Benefit Hoola Matte Bronzer in Toasted, £26
Hold the phone! Benefit have dropped two new additional shades of their best-selling cult bronzer Hoola. Toasted is a deep bronzer that flatters dark skin tones. Whilst Caramel works perfectly on medium to dark skin tones.
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