Embrace Your Asymmetrical Face With These Expert Contour Tips

Asymmetrical Eyes

Uneven eyes come in many forms. No matter if you struggle with hooded eyelids or differently shaped eyes, a little contour can go a long way. But before grabbing the same contour you use on your face, reach for your typical eye makeup instead. 

“Eyeliner and eyeshadow can change the appearance of your eyes, and applying makeup unevenly on one eye can change its appearance,” says Kraut. “This creates the illusion that the eyes are more even.” Yup, you read that right: To create a more symmetrical look, you’ll want to purposefully lean into the differences between your eyes. She also recommends blending your eyeshadow thoroughly to soften any harsh lines. 

You can also make a slightly smaller eye shape seem bigger with eyeliner, and vice-versa. Apply a smooth liquid liner to your eye of choice for more definition, and similarly, keep your eyeliner a little thinner to reduce emphasis on your larger eye. We personally recommend this brown liquid liner from PEAR NOVA, which helps create a sharp yet subtle look.

“Styling your eyelashes can also make one eye appear larger or more open,” adds Kraut. Try flaring out your lashes with your mascara brush, taking extra care to brush them outward. If you want to go the extra mile, you can also add a pair of flared-out faux lashes. Make sure to choose a pair that’s thicker toward the outer corner of the eye— like this classic pair from LITHE BEAUTY—for a lifted effect. 

Asymmetrical Lips

Sculpting your pout is easier than you might think, especially if you’re already well-versed in lip liners. Pick a shade that matches your lipstick (or your natural lip color, if you want a more minimal look). For a fuller-looking pout, slightly over-line the smaller sides of your lips. Subtlety is key here, so avoid going overboard with overlining. 

And just as we all have our preferred lip colors, it turns out a product’s texture can impact our look too. “Matte formulas tend to emphasize natural lip contours, while glosses add volume,” says Kraut. “Use a slightly lighter shade on the smaller lip to make it appear fuller, and a slightly deeper shade on the fuller side to make it appear more defined.” For the ultimate pairing, reach for this Lip Snatcher Duo from ONE/SIZE, which delivers its eponymous promise with a hydrating matte lipstick in a brown shade, as well as a lighter gloss. You truly couldn’t ask for more—but if you want it, you can highlight the center of your lip to make it appear fuller.

Asymmetrical Nose

Noses may be one of the most contoured parts of the face, but mastering your own preference can come with its own trial and error. First, identify what feature you want to hide or exaggerate—whether that be an off-center bridge or differently sized nostrils—before applying a foundation or skin tint to give you an even base to work with. 

Next, grab a contour product, like a cool-toned bronzer or a contour stick. Unless you’re skilled with brushes, the latter product might be an easier way to precisely define your nose. The greyish tone of this ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS Contour Stick makes it easy to blend, while the buttery formula of this MISCHO BEAUTY Contour Stick helps the product melt into skin. 

As for application, Kraut recommends blending your nose contour into the temple or cheekbone area to avoid stark lines. For a wider nose, she likes to apply contour along the sides of the nose to help it look slimmer, while she complements long noses by applying contour along the tip (or even the bottom) of the nose to shorten its appearance. “To make your nose look straighter and more balanced, apply a lighter concealer or highlighter down the center of the nose to bring attention to the middle,” she adds. 

Asymmetrical Face

While the eyes, lips, and noses are the most common asymmetrical features, each of us flaunts completely different features—and with them come some insecurities about how we look, even if we’re the only ones to notice. Luckily, you can really contour any part of your face for an added dose of confidence. It’s all an illusion (just like our insecurities)!

Kraut adds dimension to the face by contouring the top edges of the forehead and temple, which she says can help minimize the appearance of a larger forehead. She also applies contour along the jawline, blending it down toward the neck, for an extra-snatched look. “If one cheekbone is higher or more prominent, apply contour below it to create the illusion of balance,” she further recommends. 

And, as many makeup lovers know, using a lighter concealer or highlighter on the high points of your face can help you glow even more. Applying the product at the center of your forehead, tops of your cheekbones, and your nose bridge brings attention to the center of your face (which takes attention away from any uneven areas).