Why is contouring makeup so popular?

Abbey Hull for redOrbit.com – @AbbeyHull4160
In all the fashion magazines and runway photos, the new trick up almost every celebrity makeup artists’ sleeve is “contouring”. We all have seen this trend whether we realize it or not; but the real question is not how accented can these cheekbones be (and yes, all good things can have a limit), but rather: Why is contouring so popular?
Let it be known to the world—makeup is both an art and a science!
Breaking down contouring
While every person has their own opinions as to what is considered attractive, the rise in contouring makeup among individuals cannot go unnoticed. By blending two different shades of makeup in strategic places, a person can define their bone structure. This technique makes cheekbones more prominent, noses appear smaller, and enhances those areas that some people like, such as a stronger jaw lines, smaller foreheads, and bigger eyes.

So why do it?
Here’s where science plays a role in our everyday makeup application. Dr. David C. Mabrie, M.D., a board-certified facial cosmetic surgeon in the San Francisco bay area and Pinole, breaks down the science of beauty in an attractive face into four parts:
Symmetry: When it comes to taking pictures, everyone has a “good side.” “No one has a perfectly symmetrical face, but symmetry is a quality that is universally attractive,” Dr. Mabrie noted on his practice’s website. With many people, the reasoning for a “good side” could be that their face possesses a slightly lowered cheekbone on one side or the corner of their mouth may slightly sag. With contouring makeup, people are able to non-surgically improve their facial symmetry and create a more-balanced look.
Youthfulness: This one seems fairly simple: In studies, research shows that people find youthful facial features more attractive.
“On a primal level, youth equals health, strength, and fertility, so it’s only natural that we’d find youthful faces more attractive,” Dr. Mabrie detailed. By having smooth skin and the absence of shadows and wrinkles, courtesy of a good foundation and concealer in makeup, contouring can potentially increase your level of attractiveness.
Familiarity: To those who believe only the tall, dark, and handsome mystery or exotic types are worthy of being called attractive, research tells you to think again. Studies have shown that men and women find “average” faces more attractive—thus, the closer you are to the prototypical attractive face with symmetry and balanced proportions, the more attractive you are to the general population. Average doesn’t seem so average now, does it?

Proportionality: Sometimes you can’t pinpoint why a person is attractive, and this is where proportionality comes in. “Attractiveness is often the product not of stunning features, but balanced features that complement one another,” Dr. Mabrie wrote. Since ancient times, the idea of proportionality and “golden ratio” has been studied, but Dr. Mabrie has his own theories.
“There are defining points of the prototypical attractive face such as the cheekbones and chin. If these are over or under-defined, the face loses its familiar, proportional quality, which can diminish attractiveness,” Dr. Mabrie noted. “The nose is also a defining point. A strong, smooth nasal bridge and a defined nasal tip that is not round or bulbous will enhance attractiveness.”
With simple mixes of hues, anyone can utilize the four parts what makes an attractive face and try something new, whether you stick to your strong makeup routine or branch out to try something new. All it takes is a little art, a little skill, and a little science to be runway or workday ready.
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