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.

---

Etymology

Origin of contouring

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

Example Sentences

Selfies were becoming more prevalent as social media grew, and standards of beauty hewed close to celebrity Kim Kardashian’s looks, especially in regards to eye makeup and products used for face contouring.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 7, 2026

"These face wraps do not deliver lasting contouring or skin-tightening results," she explains.

From BBC • Aug. 2, 2025

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