It seems like everyday brings with it a new must-try makeup trend and as soon as you start mastering this new trend, something else pops in and it becomes old news. Celebrity makeup artists come up with the best tricks to make celebrities look like they have been photoshopped to perfection in real life. Now, these makeup artists are sharing the best tricks with the public who can try and master them to look like a million bucks.
Just when you thought you mastered your Kim Kardashian contour technique, every international fashion and style magazine declared the end of this artistic trend in favor of a subtler highlight-only technique known as strobing.
To many women, both of these makeup trends sound like they could be the same thing, but is there a difference between strobing and contouring? We spoke to one of Sephora’s makeup expert who gave us all the information needed to perfect this new trend.
What is contouring?
Contouring is a subtle way of enhancing facial features and giving shape to one’s face by using makeup. It’s nothing but adding dark shades to the outer lines of your features to minimize them, and adding light shades in order to make your best features stand out. If done correctly, contouring can make your eyes stand out, give you an arched brow, sculpt your nose and chisel your cheekbones.
What is the history of contouring?
Sculpture glamor was first noted in black-and-white movies of the 1920s and 30s starring German screen legend, Marlene Deitrich, who believed in accentuating the natural lines of her face with shading and shaping.
But it wasn’t until 1980 that one of Hollywood’s makeup maestro’s Kevyn Aucoin launched The New Nakeds (later renamed The Nakeds), a groundbreaking line that was a strong counterpoint to cosmetics available at the time. He worked to design makeup for all skin tones; the idea was to empower a woman by revealing her natural beauty and bringing out her best features, and not to cover her up with layers of product.
Who started this trend and who was it for?
Although contouring has been in practice among celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow, Naomi Campbell, and even Cher and Barbara Streisand for decades now, it wasn’t a common practice.
In 2012, Kim Kardashian tweeted during and after pictures of herself as makeup artist Scott Barnes applied contouring makeup to her face, creating the razor-sharp cheekbones and sculpted nose. Contouring has been a huge trend in makeup since then.
Please explain the perfect countering steps.
The method of contouring is not the same for everybody — it varies based on the shape of the face. Some people may need to use light shades to play-up some features while others may need to use darker shades to down-play features, based on the shape of their face.
1) Begin with choosing the right shades. Use a shade that is 2-3 shades darker than your original complexion to add depth. Trace the temples, and outline the hollow part of your cheekbones (make the fish-face to find the right spot). Make sure it is almost parallel to your jawline and reaches up to the hairline. Then contour your nose — you can go narrower at the tip or you can carry it into the brow to add length or width.
2) Blend. Use a blending brush or sponge to blend in the contour color, merging it into your base foundation. This is important, as you don’t want obvious lines and creases across your face.
3) Highlight. This is an important step to bring out your features. Use a lighter foundation (lighter than your actual complexion) to highlight the area under your eyes/cheekbones. Use a small amount on the center of your forehead, bridge of your nose, and on your chin to highlight these areas. Blend well.
4) Blush. Sweep on some blush on the apples of your cheeks and blend.
How all of a sudden, countering became the ‘it’ thing to do?
Contouring was earlier used only on the runway and for special photo-shoots, but now contouring has become an everyday-trend among women world over because contouring embraces the beauty of a woman. Unlike earlier, women now have more access to beauty products, tips and tricks. If imperfections can be temporarily corrected without going under the knife, then why not do it? After stars like Kim Kardashian, Nicki Minaj and Jennifer Lopez have been swearing by this technique, women world over have learnt to contour and look beyond beautiful.
What brand and products sell the best countering palates and products?
The Sephora 101 contouring palette is stunning. Marc Jacobs Beauty’s latest launch — the Instamarc contour and highlight palette is another must have! I also love Laura Mercier’s Flawless contouring palette.
What is strobing?
Strobing is a makeup trend that relies solely on highlighting your face and allowing natural light to define your face. It focuses on light shimmery shades that will make your complexion look fresh, dewy and radiant while giving you a healthy glow.
When did this trend start?
Strobing was big in the late 90’s but has just resurfaced as one of the season’s biggest makeup techniques yet again.
Who is the person behind this trend?
As 2015 struck, designers like Rebecca Minkoff, Jason Wu, and Creatures of the Wind showcased natural dewy looks on the runway. With stars like Beyoncé, Eva Longoria, Miranda Kerr and Kendall Jenner obsessed with the new summer makeup trend, strobing has become the new obsession.
How can one strobe?
Strobing is relatively simpler as you skip one step — contouring. After your usual base foundation routine, begin with patting a small amount of highlighter where light would naturally hit your face — under the eye, on the cheekbone directly below the pupil, feathering lightly outward and upward along the cheekbone toward the top outer temple. Then apply a small amount on the brow bone, down the bridge of your nose and in the cupids bow of the lip. For extra effect, apply a small amount in the inner corner of the eyes to make them really pop. Sweep on some blush and blend well.
What are the best products for strobing?
Sephora’s MicroSmooth Baked Sculpting Trio and Benefit’s High Beam Liquid Face Highlighter are my personal favorites!
What is the difference between countering and strobing?
Contouring combines a mix of darker shades to chisel your features and lighter shades to highlight your features, while strobing is a technique that uses no dark shades but only highlighter to enhance your face. Contouring adds depth and makes your features appear sharper while strobing highlights your features and makes them appear bigger.
Which technique do you personally recommend for clients and buyers?
I personally love both — I’d say strobing for the summer months to give you a healthy glow and contouring at other times, especially for a nice evening out. For newbies in the world of makeup, contouring is an art that needs perfection, while strobing is easier to master.
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Move over contouring: Strobing is the new makeup fad
Move over contouring: Strobing is the new makeup fad
Saudi Arabia announces Red Sea Fashion Week
DUBAI: The Kingdom is all set to host the inaugural Red Sea Fashion Week. Set against the waters of Ummahat Island, the glitzy event is scheduled to take place from May 16-18 at The St. Regis Red Sea Resort.
Red Sea Fashion Week, which is organized by the Saudi Fashion Commission, will showcase local and international designers. It aims to celebrate the fusion of traditional Saudi aesthetics with cutting-edge contemporary design.
Among the highlights will be the participation of Saudi 100 Brands, an initiative spearheaded by the Fashion Commission to support and promote emerging local talent.
Saudi Arabia played host to its first fashion week in 2023, in Riyadh. The event took place in the King Abdullah Financial District from Oct. 20-23 and set the stage for a new fashion capital in the Middle East.
Bella Hadid launches Orebella fragrances
DUBAI: American fashion model Bella Hadid has launched a range of fragrances under her beauty brand, Orebella.
The entrepreneur, of Dutch and Palestinian descent, posted pictures of herself alongside the products — Salted Muse, Blooming Fire and Window2Soul — on Instagram.
The fragrances are available in 10, 50 and 100 mL bottles.
Hadid described them as “hydrating, alcohol-free and enriched with essential oils.”
According to reports, the Salted Muse fragrance has top notes of sea salt, pink pepper and carbon dioxide extract, heart notes of olive tree accord, fig and lavender, and base notes of cedarwood, sandalwood and amber.
Blooming Fire has bergamot, cedarwood, clove leaf and cardamom, followed by Tahitian monoi and jasmine and finishes with patchouli.
Window2Soul has a blend of lemon, geranium and mint in its top notes, transitions to jasmine and damask rose and ends with a base of tonka bean.
“For me, fragrance has always been at the center of my life, helping me feel in charge of who I am and my surroundings,” Hadid said on her website.
“From my home to nostalgic memories, to my own energy and connection with others, scent has been an outlet for me. It made me feel safe in my own world.
“Through my healing journey, I found that I was extremely sensitive to the alcohol in traditional perfumes, both physically and mentally, it became something that was more overwhelming than calming to me.
“That is the main reason I wanted to find an alternative, so essential oils became an artistic and experimental process for me.”
Hadid said she started growing lavender on her farm and learned about her family’s tradition of making scents.
“I realized I might have a calling in this. I found healing, joy and love within nature’s scents.
“This is why I am so proud of Orebella. It was truly a dream and a passion that through the universe and authentic dedication was able to become this brand.”
Riyadh-based soap-maker Mayssam Tamim’s compelling chemistry of Saudi fragrances and flavors
- Businesswoman uses locally-sourced ingredients, no chemicals
- Olive oil, camel milk, honey, dates, Zamzam water key materials
RIYADH: Mayssam Tamim has had a passion for handmade soaps from a young age, and as an adult would search the globe for such products.
She discovered various products in several cities including Tripoli’s eco-friendly creations at Khan Al-Saboun and Provence’s boutique lavender offerings.
In 2018, she decided to set up her own company, the Riyadh-based Mayassem, that produces luxury handmade soaps from Saudi Arabia-sourced natural ingredients.
She told Arab News: “My hope is these soaps, at least a few of the ones that become traditional, are going to help establish something in Saudi Arabia that is considered pure to the region. It doesn’t have to be just my brand of soap, but it can be an industry that is localized.
“We’re doing everything new in Saudi Arabia. Why not this?”
Her products have no harmful chemicals and are handcrafted at her home atelier using sustainable, organic ingredients to ensure that they are gentle on the skin. The materials are locally sourced including extra-virgin olive oil from Al-Jouf, camel milk from Janadriyah, honey from Baha, and dates from Qassim.
She considers the soaps mini canvases, each splashed with a unique blend of non-toxic coloring inspired by their ingredients. The “Bliss” bar for example, made with Zamzam water and lavender fragrance, is crafted to resemble the Kaaba. The “Tamr” bar reflects the palette of the Saudi Arabia landscape as it features oud, saffron and turmeric fragrance, date paste, and camel milk.
“I know it’s a soap and not a painting but sometimes it is a feeling in me. I was very sad at the loss of a cousin, Rana, which in Arabic means song. So for one of my soaps, I decided to go with blue colors and called it ‘Celestial Melody.’ Sometimes it’s just things that simple,” the artisan said.
The soaps come in floral, fruity, woody, citrus, or unscented options. While their main categories are classic, seasonal and signature, she also crafts limited-edition soaps, including an 18-box drop featuring bars encrusted with crystals such as lapis lazuli and black onyx. The brand also offers hand-poured candles made with natural soy, coconut and beeswax, as well as hand cream.
“People can buy soap 10 times cheaper at the supermarket. If I’m not offering them something that adds to the moisturization, that is organic, that does not harm them, and remains beautiful as long as they’re using it, I might as well not start at all,” she said.
With her background in biology, the chemistry of soap-making came naturally to her. She began experimenting, with aesthetics and organic products in mind, over a couple of years until she began testing her final product on family and friends.
After retiring from the UN Development Program, Mayassem began investing her time in her business. Her products have been featured in shops at Jeddah’s Islamic Arts Biennale and Diriyah’s Contemporary Arts Biennale, various homegrown market locations, and pop-up stores.
“I think I’m living the best years of my life because I’m thoroughly working on something that I’m enjoying tremendously. Not to say that I did not enjoy my career. I was very happy with the work I did, but it was time to start a new chapter in my life,” she said.
While artisans have been embedded in local culture for ages, the brand aims to call attention to their value by keeping the business hand-crafted and artisanal in line with its ethos. “I don’t want it to become a job. I want it to stay a passion,” she said. “Artisans, whether they’re making soap, embroidery, or painting, bring out the value in a country. And we have different regions, so it also brings out the identity of a country.”
Jordan’s Princess Rajwa turns heads with maternity fashion statement
DUBAI: Princess Rajwa Al-Hussein of Jordan was spotted shopping in Amman on Wednesday, her growing baby bump proudly on show.
The princess, who is from Saudi Arabia, wore a blue denim maternity jumpsuit from the Tencel Denim Maternity range by British label Seraphine.
She completed her look with white sneakers and accessorized with a Bottega Veneta Mini Cabat Mini leather tote bag.
Princess Rajwa, the wife of Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah II, celebrated her birthday last week. The crown prince took to social media to send her birthday greetings as an official portrait of the princess was unveiled.
“May God continue to bless and nurture the bond between us. Happy Birthday Rajwa,” he wrote on Instagram, sharing a new photo of the couple.
The new official portrait of Princess Rajwa shows the princess wearing a blue outfit from French label Rabanne against a matching blue background.
Earlier this month it was announced that the royal couple, who married in June last year, were expecting their first baby this summer.
Renowned London restaurant and Emirati fashion label launch t-shirt collection
DUBAI: Acclaimed Persian restaurant Berenjak Dubai, hailing from London, has joined forces with Shabab Intl. to launch a range of stylish t-shirts.
In sleek black, the t-shirts – now on sale at the restaurant – feature a Berenjak-inspired print on the back. The logos of both the restaurant and Shabab Intl. are depicted on the front.
Images for the launch campaign were shot by Dubai creative Cheb Moha, who leads the fashion label.
“We’re thrilled to be at Berenjak,” he told Arab News. “Personally, I am a huge fan and make it a point to dine there at least once especially when I’m in London.”
Moha’s deep appreciation for Berenjak stems from an enduring passion for Persian cuisine and cultural heritage, he said.
“Having Shabab there is particularly special for us, and I am confident that it will open doors for more collaborations. With our Shabab community present, it is exciting for them to witness this crossover between our origins and the spaces we inhabit at the restaurant. We are thrilled to stand alongside Berenjak and to have Shabab represented there.”
Moha added his t-shirt designs aimed for simplicity and clarity.
“I wanted to incorporate our identity with Berenjak’s identity and the identity of (the) city we are in, which is Dubai,” he said.
“If you notice, the graphic on the back of the t-shirt is sort of sun shaped. That is part of the Shabab spirit, the sunrise. And if you look in the windows, Berenjak also has a sun motif in the glass. I wanted to incorporate that and feel like there is a nice synergy between both brands.”
Moha also feels there is a crossover between fashion and food. “I feel like there’s always been a pipeline between both. They do complement each other in some way,” he said.
Berenjak, founded by chef Kian Samyani and award-winning London restaurant group JKS Restaurants, is a renowned Persian restaurant that has made its mark by bringing a contemporary twist to classic dishes.
