How to Contour Your Nose With Makeup: Easy Step-by-Step Guide

When it comes to contouring, it’s the cheekbones and jawline that are often the most talked about. But, while addressing these areas can help sculpt your face for that oh-so-coveted “snatched” appearance, contouring your nose can have a variety of different effects. “Depending on the technique, contouring can slim the nose, make it appear shorter, or generally visually alter the shape,” explains makeup artist Sarah Biggers-Stewart, founder of Clover by Clove + Hollow. It’s a great option for anyone who wants to subtly tweak the look of their nose—without having to spend a lot of money or undergo any type of procedure, she adds. And while it may seem like it’s a technique best left up to the pro, nose contouring is actually surprisingly simple. Here, a step-by-step guide on how to contour your nose. 

How to Contour Nose: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Apply lighter tones first.

Contour colors (which are darker, more shadow-y hues) are typically paired with lighter shades via a highlighter or concealer; the contrast adds dimension and makes for an overall more natural result. When it comes to the nose, celebrity makeup artist Tomy Rivero recommends applying that lighter color first. “It will give you a better idea as to where exactly to bring in the shading,” he explains, adding that it should be applied directly down the bridge of your nose. You can use either a highlighter or a concealer for this; he likes the Nars Creamy Concealer (Buy Now, $32) for this purpose. Choose a shade that’s a few shades lighter than your skin tone.

2. Choose your contour color carefully.

“Look for a product that's specifically made for contouring rather than a bronzer, which can be too warm. Contour products tend to have a more neutral, gray tone, so they replicate the appearance of shadow more accurately,” Biggers-Stewart notes. Also important: There should be no shimmer or sparkle, adds makeup artist Lori Leib, founder of Bodyography. Finally, look for products that have a smaller tip. Ones that are too big can make it challenging for the type of precise application that’s required for the nose, and can end up looking overdone or cause you to inadvertently create the wrong shape, she cautions. Biggers-Stewart agrees, adding that she likes the Victoria Beckham Beauty Contour Stylus (Buy Now, $38) for the nose for this very reason. 

3. Go forth and contour. 

To slim the nose,  you’ll want to apply your contour product of choice down both sides of your nose. “Start at the base of the brows and work your way down towards the tip,” advises Leib. You can draw it on in a straight line, although she suggests mapping out the shape with small dots or dashes, then connecting them to form a line for more precision. And FYI, “The closer together the two lines, the slimmer the nose will appear,” she says. Want to make your nose look shorter? Leib suggests adding a little bit of contouring product along the tip, which will create the appearance of a more button-type nose, she says.

4. Blend, blend, blend—then blend some more.

“Nose contour looks instantly obvious if there are harsh lines where it was applied,” Biggers-Stewart points out. Her trick: Use a small, fluffy brush—we like the e.l.f. Cosmetics Precise Eyeshadow Blending Brush (Buy Now, $4)—to buff out any lines you draw on, moving in small circles until everything is fully blended in. You can make the end result look even more seamless by adding a touch of a sheer foundation onto a damp makeup sponge, and lightly blending that over the entire nose, suggests Romero. It’s an easy way to meld all of the product and colors together, ensuring everything looks extremely natural, he explains.