Goodbye Contouring, Soft Sculpting Is the New It-Girl Trend

Around ten years ago, during the peak of beauty vloggers on YouTube around 2016, one particular makeup trend reigned supreme—contouring. However, after years of sporting and perfecting these sharp, defined looks that are designed to stand out on camera, the beauty community has veered towards something more natural and wearable. Welcome to the era of soft sculpted makeup, a trend that is here to stay.

Say Farewell to Contouring

The traditional contoured makeup style carves out features to create high contrast and drama. While this look still appears stunning on camera, Drita Paljevic, Kevyn Aucoin’s director of artistry and makeup, highlights the steep learning curve as a significant factor in contouring’s decline as a trend.

“In the 2010s, we witnessed the emergence of a more severe, ‘snatched’ contour look, which, although fashionable at the time and rooted in some of Kevyn’s original techniques, did not truly embody his philosophy of contouring,” she explains. “This technique, while effective on camera, is unrealistic and daunting to replicate at home. Today, the focus has shifted back towards soft sculpting—a more practical, skin-first approach that emphasizes subtle lift, warmth, and dimension, allowing the makeup to blend seamlessly into the skin.”

Mastering Soft Sculpting

Unlike contouring, which reshapes the face, soft sculpting utilizes similar products (in blendable cream formulas) to enhance your existing features. The objective is to achieve a diffused, skin-melting appearance that avoids the harsh lines and deep shadows associated with contouring.

“One of my favorite professional artist tricks (popularized by Katie Jane Hughes) is to ‘prime your brush’ before applying the product,” Paljevic suggests. “Dab your brush into the formula, then blend it out on the back of your hand before applying it to your face. While it may seem like you’re wasting product, this step warms up the formula for a melted, diffused application, ensuring a sheer, even layer that can be easily built upon. It is best to use a dense yet soft brush like the Cream/Powder Contour Brush.”

Opt for a shade that is a few tones darker than your natural skin color to achieve a more natural-looking depth.

Essential Products for Perfecting Soft Sculpting

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This skin care-infused cream contour stick is a standout product for soft sculpting, offering the ideal balance between subtle contrast and high glam looks. Simply select a shade that complements your skin tone to define and sculpt specific areas, giving you full control over your seamless sculpting.