Contouring Or Strobing - When Is The Right Time For Them?

By now, contouring and strobing have become a part of our vocabulary.

For that, we're eternally grateful to celebrities like Kareena Kapoor, Kendall Jenner and Kim Kardashian who are devout followers of the beauty trend.

While contouring employs the use of bronzer to create depth at strategic points of the face, strobing is the exact opposite and adds radiance to areas where light hits the face naturally. The beauty of them both is that they are more than just for the face. In fact, contouring is even practiced to get the appearance of a fuller bust and washboard abs. Strobing, on the other hand, helps to fake glowing skin even on areas like the collarbone.

So how should you contour? Simply dip a thick angled brush in a matte bronzer that's a few shades darker than your skin tone. Then trace the number 3 across your face while sweeping through the temples, below the cheekbones and jawline. Then blend until there are no visible lines. To strobe, dip a fan brush in a shimmery highlighter and dust it over the bridge of your nose, the high points of your cheekbones and over your cupid's bow.

But before you just contour and strobe anytime and anywhere, here's what you should know about wearing these beauty techniques for every occasion.

Strobing is more versatile of the two because glowing skin is a good companion for every occasion. However, it is most ideal for a daytime look with a pert pink lip and plenty of mascara when you're heading to brunch.

Contouring is the stark opposite and is best worn with a formal makeup look or at night. Try it the next time you're partying on a Saturday night with red lipstick and bouncy curls.