Contouring Woes & Bronzer Disasters - Need Major Help

[Miyurin]

My skin tone is NC25, so after reading a couple of recommendations, MAC Golden Bronzer seemed like the one to buy. I was going to use it to contour my practically non-existant nose bridge... But it turned out hideously ORANGE. It did not fit my skin tone at all, and I spent $30 on this little bundle of oompa-loompa-ness.

So the question is;
Should I try Refined Golden instead? ( Is it that much of a difference?)
OR
Should I just get the Sculpt and Shape Powder? (Warm Light/Definitive OR Lightsweep/Shadester)

Thank you, I really appreciate the help as a make-up virgin.

 

[glassy girl]

Im nc30 and i use Sculpt and shape i got the lightest one (forgot the name) to contoure the hollows of my cheeks and the color is perfect. I belive Refined has orange to and has little bit of glimmer. I would go for more of a matte to contoure. I have those bronzers and i like it for a little highlite on my cheeks or for my chest or shoulders.

 

[rachybloom]

I'm NC25 too and I use Wedge eyeshadow (picked this up from MakeUpGeek.com!). I might eventually pick up the sculpt/shape duo but for now Wedge eyeshadow used lightly is perfect.

 

[xpucu]

Quote:

Originally Posted by rachybloom I'm NC25 too and I use Wedge eyeshadow (picked this up from MakeUpGeek.com!).

Here is the video that rachbloom is talking about from MakeupGeek :

YouTube - How to Contour and Highlight your Cheeks

 

[lethaldesign]

I'm NC25 as well... & I don't like any of MAC's bronzers TBH. I used Refined Golden for awhile & its ok as an all over bronzer, but definitely not to be used as a contour.

If you are looking to contour, you definitely want to go with more of a matte finish. The shimmer in Refined Golden is going to attract light rather than create more of a shadow like you want. I haven't tried Wedge e/s as the gals above recommended, but it definitely sounds like it would work. You could try the Sculpt & Shape duos. I personally use Emote blush, but that was LE (perfect contour shade). Blunt blush is perm & its darker than Emote, but it is a matte golden brown which may work well. MUFE also has a great little contouring set called the Compact Modellers which is similar to the Scult & Shape duos.

And if you are looking for a good face bronzer for your skintone (not sure if you were), but I personally love Cargo's The Big Bronzer. Its super soft, has just the right amount of shimmer (minimal), its lightweight and the color is great.

 

[Miyurin]

Okay so, it's either emote, wedge, or blunt.
Haha, I guess I'll go hog and try all of them at the counters.

How effective is sculpt and shape compared to the matte blush?

Thanks everyone, for all the suggestions!

 

[mistella]

dont use bronzer to contour..
use a shade that is a few shades darker than yours and is cool-toned, not warm. like an ashy taupe, cool-toned brown, etc.. i use Emote sometimes

 

[anshu7]

dont buy lightsweep/shadester or warmlight definitive.i am nc25 too and i made the same mistake!its TOO DARK! now m trying to get rid of it thru swap/sale..anywhoo
accentuate sculpt shud be okay or u cn try msf natural in medium plus
i was going to suggest emote too but didnt know it was le
basically any pressed powder 2 shades darker than ur skin will work
hope tht helps

 

[jackie100]

Does anyone know if Harmony is considered cool or warm? Would it be too dark for me if I'm NC20? I could be NC30 at times depending if I tan. This is what the MA suggested for me and it seems to work ok for my cheeks but I think it looks "reddish" when I contour my nose. I'm not really sure though.