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Contouring was originally reserved for fashion parades, but is now fast becoming part and parcel of everyone’s beauty regimen. The best part about it – it is quite simple. Want to know more?

Basically, contouring gives shape to your face, so if you want to enhance your best or draw attention away from your less attractive features, contouring is your best bet.

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Preparing your own contouring is easy and works like a charm. Here’s an easy recipe I use for my contouring needs.

Ingredients

Cinnamon
Cocoa Powder
Arrowroot Powder

cinnamon

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, add all the ingredients and work around with them till you get the right shade.

Add a few drops of Lavender Essential Oil (optional).

Mix well.

Make sure there are no lumps.

Sieve the ingredients and transfer to a sterilized jar.

Use as needed!

Tips to Tweak the Recipe

You can also add a few pinches of Nutmeg to give the recipe a natural sheen. Also, nutmeg is good for your skin.

I like Arrowroot Powder as it is hypoallergenic and doesn’t clog pores. You can also use Rice Powder (cosmetic grade and is finer than Rice Flour) or Corn Flour, or even Talc.

I use Essential Oil to get compact like consistency, but you can skip it and use it like a dusting powder for bronzing / contouring. It works equally well.

You can use any Essential Oil of your choice, I prefer Lavender as is soothes my skin and I like the aroma, Rose, Geranium and even Frankincense or Chamomile are good too.

How to Use it?

Using a brush apply this contouring powder – don’t lather it on, the lesser the better. Applying more gives an artificial look.

I apply using a fluffy eye shadow brush as it is smaller and I can do the contouring with precision. I also use a contouring brush and the smaller brush is for under my cheekbone and jawline.

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Start with sweeps along your jawline, sides of temple and under your cheekbones. If you want to soften the lines of contour, use a cotton ball to get rid of the excess contour powder.

I also use this for bronzing, but basically, I work towards a sun-kissed look, just a tad lighter to make it look natural.

Remember: Cinnamon can irritate your skin. I did not have any problems with using Cinnamon, though it tingles when you apply. There was no irritation or redness and also, my acne was curbed. But if you have sensitive skin, be mindful of putting cinnamon as it can aggravate your skin.

While Cinnamon is added typically for sheen in this recipe, Cinnamon also gives the recipe its depth. I have tried without Cinnamon and it gave a matte finish. Since contouring is matte finish and highlighting needs shimmer, it is perfectly OK to skip or reduce cinnamon in this recipe if it irritates your skin.

Don’t have time for DIY Makeup Recipes? Try Gaya Cosmetics for your makeup and beauty needs. I use their mineral makeup products and have had good results. Besides, they don’t irritate my skin and are all-natural.