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Contouring: meaning, definitions and examples

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contouring

 

[ kษ’n.tสŠษ™r.ษชล‹ ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

makeup technique

Contouring is a makeup technique that uses the play of light and shadow to define and enhance the natural structure of the face. It usually involves applying a darker shade to areas of the face that one wants to recede and a lighter shade to highlight the areas that one wants to bring forward. This technique can create the illusion of more sculpted cheekbones, a slimmer nose, and a more defined jawline.

Synonyms

defining, modeling, shaping

Examples of usage

  • She practiced her contouring skills before the big event.
  • Contouring can dramatically change the way your face looks in photos.
  • Learning contouring techniques can elevate anyone's makeup game.
  • The beauty tutorial showed us how to master contouring.
Context #2 | Verb

artistic technique

To contour means to shape or define a particular area, often used in an artistic context such as sculpting or drawing. In this sense, contouring refers to the process of outlining and creating a sense of depth or three-dimensionality in an artwork.

Synonyms

define, outline, shape

Examples of usage

  • The artist contoured the figure to emphasize its curves.
  • When you contour, you're giving your piece a sense of volume.
  • She contoured the landscape beautifully in her painting.

Translations

Translations of the word "contouring" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น contorno

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค•เฅ‰เคจเฅเคŸเฅ‚เคฐเคฟเค‚เค—

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Konturierung

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ kontur

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะบะพะฝั‚ัƒั€ะธะฝะณ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ konturowanie

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ่ผช้ƒญไฝœใ‚Š

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท contour

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ contorno

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท kontur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์œค๊ณฝ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุชุญุฏูŠุฏ ุงู„ุดูƒู„

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ konturovรกnรญ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ kontรบrovanie

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ่ฝฎๅป“็”ป

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ konturiranje

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ รบtlรญnun

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะบะพะฝั‚ัƒั€ะปะฐัƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ™แƒแƒœแƒขแƒฃแƒ แƒ˜แƒ แƒ”แƒ‘แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ konturlaลŸdฤฑrma

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ contorno

Etymology

The term 'contouring' originated from the French word 'contour', which means 'outline' or 'shape'. The use of contour in makeup dates back to ancient times, particularly in theatre, where performers used makeup to enhance their features under bright stage lights. The modern contouring technique, popularized by beauty gurus and celebrities in the 21st century, utilizes various cosmetic products to create shadows and highlights on the face, allowing individuals to sculpt their facial structure in a way that was previously reserved for film and television. This technique has grown to be a staple in everyday makeup application and has been widely adopted in beauty culture worldwide.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,673, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.