With the Holiday Season upon us, everyone knows what that means – Christmas Parties an events GALORE! If there ever was a time to master the art of contouring and highlighting, it is now!

We got together with one of our favorite local Beauty Guru’s- Kyle of Kyle Sherydan Designs , to show you how to get the look quickly and effortlessly with only a few products!

Here’s what we used :

–Kat Von D Cream Contour Kit (the powder version works equally well!)

– Sephora Brand Illuminate Highlighting Kit

– Whatever you already use for foundation, concealer, blush, eyeliner

– Angled brush, fan brush, blush brush, eye shadow brush (basically whatever brushes you have kicking around can be used!)

* NOTE: this is NOT a sponsored post. We chose these products because Kyle prefers them and each palette has, in her opinion the best value, providing the most options for each skin type in both the summer season (when many skin tones tend to be slightly darker)  and winter season (when most skin tones tend to be more pale). We have linked them purely for ease. All of the brushes shown can also be found at Sephora and I have linked them as well. I find that make up brushes are rather expensive to buy separately but are much more economical to purchase around this time of year in a set, such as this one. *

Here’s What to do:

Step 1: Apply and blend foundation as you usually would.

Step 2: Apply concealer to under eyes and down bridge / tip of nose in a line

Step 3: Using angled brush (or finger tips in a pinch) apply dark color from Contour kit ( we used the medium since my skin is more pale- adjust based on your skin tone) along cheek bones on an angle from ears 3/4 of the way down your cheek. Apply down outside of nose, in the center of your forehead and around forehead hairline. It will look harsh at first. Don’t panic.

Step 4: Using thinner (eyeshadow) brush or fingertips apply lighter color directly underneath the dark color on cheeks for contrast (we used a mixure of the two lightest colors).

Step 5: Blend. For a more exaggerated look blend less. For a more natural definition blend more.

Step 6: Add blush to Apple of your cheeks, and blend with Contour to desired look. I like to use a larger brush to blend such as the one below.

Step 7: Using the fan brush or fingertips, apply highlighter to the tops of your cheek bones and around eye socket. We used a combination of the two medium colors because of  my lighter skin tone (again, you will know which colors will adjust to your skin tone)

Step 8: Finish the look with eyeliner and mascara and as you normally would, or try out this amazing glitter eyeliner and a bold lip to take your holiday look to the next level!

Happy Contouring! There are LOTS of ways people contour and we know it can be a bit daunting a first. But play around with shades, and if you have any questions, feel free to email us at rivercitysisters@gmail.com or reach out to Kyle on instagram! She is also taking bookings for the holiday season if you would rather make an appointment with her to get glam!

Sleigh My Name Christmas Sweater was found here!