Gone are the days of looking anything but ‘on fleek’. With the host of fads and beauty products out there, it’s hard to decide which ones to try – and stick to. Case in point, strobing VS contouring.
There’s always something new! But the truth is, most of us definitely don’t “wake up like this”, so we try every technique to find a look that works. We spend hours watching YouTube tutorials in a bid to perfect MUA (make-up artists, according to the internet) techniques and experiment with an array of products to look perfectly primped – and sometimes even iridescent.
Contouring was cool and all, but hear us out. While Kim K definitely paved the way for contouring and had us trying to contour our face into oblivion, the not-so-new to celebville trend-to-try is strobing. It seems it’s out with the old and in with the effortless glow.
So what’s the difference between the two?
Contouring is defined as the art of skillfully sculpting bone structure and creating a more refined, defined look – A.K.A drawing an entirely new face. Beauties create the look using make-up that’s a shade closer to your skin colour, contrasted by a shade that’s slightly darker.
Strobing involves a more effortless approach to highlighting our features and will save you at least 20 minutes. Score? This technique emphasises the high points on your face that light catches, and aims to give you a more dewy, radiant look.
Both approaches certainly have their place, but strobing seems lighter on the skin and gives that youthful glow we all search for.
The verdict
Judging by runway beauty trends at Fashion Week, there’s a marked trend of a more relaxed approach to beauty and make-up, and it’s quite refreshing that minimalism is the way forward (apart from the contrasting 90’s-inspired blue eyeshadow and glitter lips, that is).
While the name is inspired by strobe lights, it’s important that we don’t get carried away. We likey.
It’s all about the lazy girl’s guide to beauty – because who really has time to construct a new face every morning? So here goes.
Get the look
Simply moisturise and prime your skin, apply your foundation and then get strobing! Apply your strobing powder or highlighter to the middle of your forehead, cheekbones and brow bone, as well as on the tip of the nose, the Cupid’s bow and the centre of your chin.
For an awesome cheat, mix your strobe highlighter with your moisturiser for an even easier way to get glowing, and get going on your way.
We tried it and absolutely love it! Strobing effortlessly highlights dimensions, sculpts the nose and enhances your pout. We love how easy it is to create the look with a few dabs of powder and a quick blend.
Product to try: L.A Girl STROBELite Strobing Powder. Available in 12 shades, the new L.A Girl STROBELite Strobing Powder is priced at R149, exclusive to Dis-Chem Pharmacies.
Check out the fun new shades and a quick tutorial to help you achieve the look:
20 Responses
For some reason I don’t think i can do this (contouring). It almost seems like too much make up but it looks nice when done by Professional make-up artists.
I LOVE the strobing technique! Minimal effort, time-saving, budget friendly… RESULT: Perfect glow!
I feel like this is just way too much make-up.
I love the idea of strobing, but with my combination/dehydrated skin, often it ends up looking oily.
I love a bit of subtle contouring though!
I did try contouring and it wasn’t for me, It took too much time in the morning. I’ll try the Strobing and see, sounds very nice.
Contouring was not for me even though I love it when its done, I just couldn’t do it, lets see how strobing goes.
Who has time to do this? I put on my BB, with lip gloss and a touch of mascara and I’m ready to go.
I’ve stopped trying to learn how to contour as I’ve realised the strobing looks WAY better on my pale skin :) Great article!
I love contouring my nose to make it look slimmer and sharper as it naturally wide-flat.
Strobing powder seems perfect and affordable, still highlights without spending so much money awesome.