contouring

American  

[kon-toor-ing] / ˈkɒn tʊər ɪŋ /

noun

1. a makeup application style in which foundation and bronzer are used to create definition along the natural bone structure of the face.

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Etymology

Origin of contouring

First recorded in 1870–75, for an earlier sense; contour ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

Promoted as sculpting devices, they've built a reputation for lifting and contouring but Aiza says they "do not permanently tighten skin, change skin structure, or remove fat".

From BBC • Feb. 16, 2026

“We started to see a lot more intensive makeup looks, with contouring and heavy eye shadow application.”

From MarketWatch • Feb. 7, 2026

Queer fashion designers, stylists and makeup artists — including contouring drag queens — are responsible for much of what Americans see in movies, magazines and the mirror.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 6, 2024

The procedure became one of the most popular options in the body contouring industry.

From New York Times • Apr. 16, 2023

Now she brought out fake eyelashes, green shadow, black liner, base, contouring brushes, eyebrow pencil, coral gloss.

From "Genuine Fraud" by E. Lockhart