When it comes to walking down the aisle, every bride deserves to feel radiant, confident, and seen. For plus size brides, makeup is more than a beauty routineโitโs a celebration of your features and a powerful way to step into your spotlight. One of the most game-changing techniques? Contouring for plus size brides.
Contouring for plus size brides isnโt about hiding who you areโitโs about enhancing the features you love, bringing out your natural bone structure, and creating definition that photographs flawlessly. For plus size brides, especially, contour can be your not-so-secret weapon for adding dimension and radiance in all the right places.
Whether youโre going full glam or soft and romantic, hereโs how to make contour work for you, not against youโbecause on your big day, we want the only thing โdisappearingโ to be those nerves as you walk down the aisle!
Itโs Plus Size Bridal Week at The Curvy Fashionista, and we have everything you need to plan the perfect wedding โ all in one place!
Understanding Your Canvas
Every face is beautifully different, and fuller faces often have softer angles, which means traditional contouring techniques donโt always translate. The goal isnโt to slim, but to sculpt in a way that brings definition and radiance to your unique features.
Start by understanding your face shapeโwhether itโs round, oval, heart-shaped, or square. This helps tailor your contour placement. For example, a rounder face might benefit from higher cheekbone emphasis, while an oval face might call for subtler shadow work.
Product Picks for the Perfect Blend
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When it comes to contouring for plus size brides, the right products matter. Choose cream or stick formulas for a dewy, natural finish that blends seamlessly into the skinโespecially for long wedding days. Powder contour can work well for oily skin or as a setting layer, but avoid anything too matte or gray-toned; we want glow, not gloom.
Donโt forget highlighter! A soft champagne or golden shimmer on the tops of the cheeks, brow bone, and cupidโs bow brings the face forward and catches the light in all the right ways.
With a range that includes everyone, you will surely find a contour stick from LYS Beauty for your skin tone. These options are curated to sculpt your face using cool toned browns that still honor your skin tone.
Fenty Beauty has revolutionized the beauty industry, setting the standard for shade ranges. In addition to their inclusion, their contour stick formula is to die for!
Charlotte Tilbury's famed contour wand is an excellent choice for those who prefer a no-makeup-makeup look. Historically, the brand excluded deep shades from their collections; however, they listened to their consumers and upgraded their offerings!
If you're looking for drug-store prices, consider this dupe from e.l.f. Cosmetics! You get the same results for half the price.
Though they are foundation sticks, these BLK/OPL sticks double as contour sticks! The brand is Black woman-owned and offers a wide range of shades, helping you tailor the right shade for you.
Pro Tip: Use a damp beauty sponge for blending to keep everything skin-like and photo-friendly.
The Keys to Contouring for Fuller Faces
- Cheekbones: Start just above the hollow and angle the contour up toward the ear to lift the face.
- Jawline: A light contour here can define the jaw without harsh linesโblend downward into the neck for a seamless finish.
- Forehead: If youโre wearing your hair up, contour the temples and sides of the forehead to frame the face.
- Nose (optional): A soft contour down the sides of the nose can create symmetry, but only if it feels right for youโthis step is completely optional.
Camera-Ready Confidence
Weddings involve cameras everywhereโfrom candid shots to professional portraits. Contouring adds dimension that ensures your features donโt get washed out under lighting. Itโs the key to looking just as stunning in photos as you do in person.
For brides with fuller faces, the goal is never to hideโitโs to highlight. Use contouring to draw attention to your favorite features. Love your cheeks? Accentuate them. Want to emphasize your eyes? Balance the look with a strong brow and bright under-eye concealer.
Setting the Look
Donโt forget to set your look! Use a light dusting of translucent powder to lock in cream contours and follow with a setting spray to keep everything fresh and dewy. Bridal makeup needs to last through hugs, happy tears, and hours of celebrationโso longevity is key.
Contouring for plus size brides is a celebration of beauty in all its fullness. Itโs about honoring your faceโnot changing itโand stepping into your big day with boldness and joy. With the right techniques and products, you can create a look that reflects your inner glow and lets your confidence shine.
Your wedding day is your moment. Own it, glow up, and know that your beauty is always worth spotlightingโcontoured or not.
