Makeup Masterclass: How to contour to slim or lift your face
Face contouring for mature skin isn’t about harsh lines or heavy layers it’s about subtle definition, enhancing your features, and bringing life back to areas that may have softened with time.
In this lesson of our Adorn Makeup Masterclass series, founder Briony Kennedy shows you how to use cream and powder contour products to shape and lift your face, without settling into fine lines or emphasising texture. This technique is flattering, easy to master, and completely age-inclusive because sculpted skin doesn’t have an expiry date.
Watch our founder Briony’s video tutorial for her top tips then scroll down for the full article and more in-depth advice.
Face Contouring for Mature Skin to create a 'face lift' or a slimmer face.
Traditional contouring techniques (think sharp lines and heavy powders) often don’t translate well on mature complexions. As the skin changes with age, we naturally lose volume, and the skin’s surface may become more textured or dry.
That’s why face contouring for mature skin should focus on adding warmth, soft definition, and light-reflecting dimension—with products and tools that enhance rather than overpower.
The Mineral Cream Contour Stick is a perfect match for this technique. It glides on seamlessly, melts into the skin, and creates a natural sculpt without any harsh edges. Its creamy consistency is ideal for mature skin, offering buildable coverage that never looks cakey.
Contour for a 'face lift'
Briony recommends focusing on these key areas to subtly shape and lift the face:
- Hollows of the cheeks – to enhance cheekbones
- Sides of the forehead – to create warmth and dimension
- Jawline – to add soft definition and reduce shadowing
- Sides of the nose – optional, for gentle slimming
- Under the chin – to lift and define the neck area
To apply, draw a few light strokes using the Mineral Cream Contour Stick, then blend it out using the Cream Makeup Brush. This brush is soft enough for delicate skin, but dense enough to give a seamless, streak-free finish.
Pro tip: Use upward strokes when blending to enhance lift and avoid dragging the skin.
Add warmth with mineral bronzer
Once your cream contour is blended, you can lock it in with a soft dusting of powder bronzer, especially helpful if you have combination or oily skin, or if you want your contour to last all day.
The Mineral Powder Bronzer is perfect for this. It's finely milled and talc-free, with a natural sun-kissed finish that adds life to the skin without looking muddy or orange.
Apply it using a fluffy brush along the same areas you contoured, focusing on blending outward for a natural finish. Use a light hand this isn’t about heavy sculpting, but creating soft shadows and depth.
Shop here: Mineral Powder Bronzer
Balance facial features with Highlighter & Blush
Effective face contouring for mature skin isn’t complete without balancing light and colour. Once you’ve sculpted, add a subtle highlighter to the high points of your face, cheekbones, cupid’s bow, brow bone, and the bridge of your nose. This draws the eye upward and enhances the lifting effect.
You can find all your essentials in the Mineral Makeup Compact Stacks, which allow you to customise your perfect trio of blush, bronzer, and highlighter in one space-saving stack. Perfect for travel, everyday use, or simplifying your routine.
A pop of blush on the apples of your cheeks adds a youthful flush and ties the whole look together. Stick to cream or satin-finish powders to keep things fresh and radiant.
Tools Matter: Use the right makeup brush for contouring
Using the right tools makes all the difference especially for mature skin. Briony recommends the Cream Makeup Brush for blending cream contours because of its soft bristles and domed shape. It hugs the contours of the face and allows for precise yet effortless blending.
Avoid brushes that are too stiff, as they can pull at the skin or cause patchiness. And skip harsh contouring sponges they tend to absorb too much product and are harder to control for beginners.
Mineral Contour: Makeup with skincare benefits
At Adorn, we believe makeup should nurture your skin while enhancing your natural beauty. Our contour and bronzing products are packed with nourishing botanicals and skin-safe minerals, free from fillers, talc, synthetic fragrance and harsh chemicals.
What does that mean for you? Creams that glide over fine lines, powders that don’t sit in pores, and colour that stays true from morning to night.
With face contouring for mature skin, every product you apply should help your skin look healthier and more radiant not just sculpted.
Contouring Tips Over 40
- Go cream first, then set lightly with powder for the most natural, long-lasting result
- Blend upward and outward to give the illusion of lift
- Don’t contour too low—keeping your placement high lifts the face
- Add a hydrating mist post-makeup to soften edges and set the look without mattifying
- Skip shimmer in contours—opt for satin or matte finishes for a more realistic shadow effect
Shop Contouring Essentials
Whether you're new to contouring or refining your technique, these tips and tools will help you embrace your features with confidence. Face contouring for mature skin doesn’t need to be intimidating it just needs to be intuitive, tailored, and kind to your complexion.
Watch All Masterclass Episodes:
Masterclass 1: Skin Prep - WATCH HERE
Masterclass 2: Makeup Tools - WATCH HERE
Masterclass 3: Foundation - WATCH HERE
Masterclass 4: Concealer & Eye Primer - WATCH HERE
Masterclass 5: Brows - WATCH HERE
Masterclass 6: Contour - WATCH HERE
Masterclass 7: Blush & Highlighter - WATCH HERE
Masterclass 8: Eyes & Lips - WATCH HERE
