Contouring is an essential makeup technique that can help you accentuate your facial features and create the appearance of a perfectly balanced face. Oblong faces, with their elongated shape and minimal width, require specific contouring techniques to create balance and bring back a symmetrical look. Here are ten steps to contour an oblong face:

1. Start with a clean canvas: Before applying any makeup, make sure your face is clean and moisturized. Prep your skin with primer for a smooth and even base.

2. Apply foundation: Choose a foundation that matches your skin tone and apply it evenly all over your face. This will provide a flawless base for the contouring process.

3. Map out the contours: With an oblong face shape, the focus should be on shortening the length of the face and adding width to create balance. Use a contour shade that is two shades darker than your foundation to draw lines below your cheekbones, starting from the center of your ears down towards the corners of your mouth. Stop the line midway to avoid overextending it.

4. Add definition to the hairline: Sweep your contour shade along the top of your forehead from temple to temple, creating a shadow that will help shorten the appearance of your forehead.

5. Contour the jawline: Apply contour shade along the jawline starting from below the earlobe towards the chin, but stop before reaching the chin. This helps create definition in this area and makes your jawline more pronounced.

6. Blend, blend, blend: Using an angled brush or a makeup sponge, blend out any harsh lines created by your contour shade in circular motions. This will help prevent any harsh shadows on the face and ensure everything looks seamless.

7. Apply highlighter: Choose a highlighter two shades lighter than your foundation and apply it on higher points of your face, such as the center of the forehead, bridge of the nose, cheekbones, cupid’s bow, and the chin. This will help bring attention to these areas and create a more balanced appearance.

8. Set with powder: To ensure that your contour and highlight stay put, apply a translucent setting powder all over your face. This will also reduce any unwanted shine or oiliness.

9. Add a pop of blush: To create more dimension and balance out your contouring, apply some blush onto the apples of your cheeks in an upward motion. Choose a shade that complements your skin tone to achieve a natural look.

10. Complete the look: Finish off with eye makeup, a statement lipstick, and setting spray to lock everything in place.

With these ten steps, you can now contour your oblong face to create balance and enhance your overall makeup look. Practice makes perfect, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different techniques and shades until you find what works best for you!