Beauty Make-up

What is cat contouring? Let’s test a new method

Have you heard of cat contouring? Probably not, so allow me to fill you in! It is a new contouring technique that I recently learned about. Apparently, cat contouring is a method used by celebrity make-up artists.

What is the truth behind the cat contouring? If when hearing the name you fear cat whiskers made with eyeliner, then rest assured that cat contouring effect is the same as for any other contouring technique. The big difference is in the bronzer application.

Where did cat contouring come from?

The trendsetter for cat contouring is Wendy Rowe, Hollywood makeup artist. She’s the first one to present a photo of a model with quite interestingly applied bronzer. The photos have gone viral and so cat contouring became known all over the world.

Not all make-up artists are so keen to agree with the method. After all, cat contouring is a fresh idea and as we all know any new technique needs to face a wave of criticism first. Will cat contouring gain the support and popularity of the standard contouring methods? That we don’t know but it’s definitely worth knowing this technique.

Cat contouring or simple way to perfectly contoured face

We lived through various contouring ideas. I once tested clown contouring (sooo many concealers and bronzers wasted!), then we briefly went obsessed with tantouring (face contouring with self-tanner).

Today is time for cat contouring. What does contouring have to do with a cat? As it turns out cat scratch and cat’s paw imprint can be great stencil for the bronzer!

I know, sounds unbelievable. Yet it is all true as you will probably see when going through the pictures posted on the Internet tagged with #catcontouring. Let me say this – cat contouring gives the same (if not better) effect as classical face contouring method while being simple in execution. Worth trying.

The perfect bronzer for cat contouring

An experienced make-up artist is able to perform cat contouring with any type of cosmetic. However, if you lack the skill in contouring, you should go for cream bronzer as it is easiest to apply and blend. It is even better to try its version in a stick that will allow you to apply it faster in the right way. Then it’s just the matter of blending the bronzer.

Obviously, it is important what color you choose! Bronzer needs to have proper shade, but it’s a rule that applies for contouring in general, not just the cat contouring.

How to perform cat contouring? Step by step

The most important question is: how one uses cat contouring? Does the application of the bronzer with this method vary from the traditional contouring?

I decided to test how cat contouring works in real life. I was surprised because – in spite of not being a contouring veteran – it was easy for me to handle it. It may be true to say that it is a face contouring technique for beginners.

Now, brief instruction for you. How to pull cat contouring?

  • Choose the right shade and texture of the bronzer.
  • Draw one big dot on the cheek.
  • Make three parallel lines going from the dot in the direction of the ear.
  • Blend it using a sponge, brush or your fingers.

Where’s the cat in all this? The dot and three lines you draw on your cheek resemble the cat’s paw and that’s the secret – it is easier to blend three thin lines of the bronzer (imitating the scratch) than one thick line. You don’t need to borrow your neighbor’s cat to apply the bronzer on to the cheek! Cat contouring can be easily done without the cat, but with your own hands.