Shadows and Highlights

MODULE  5

Learning Shadow and Highlight Techniques

In today’s module, we will learn how to apply shadow and highlight techniques. By the end of this lesson, you’ll understand how to effectively use shadows and highlights to enhance your canvas. You’ll grasp their purpose and recognize the visual impact they create when expertly applied.

Understanding how to define the face with shadows and highlights is essential for emphasizing desired features and making necessary corrections to minimize imperfections. Shadows are placed in hollow areas to minimize certain parts of the face. Highlights are used on areas you want to bring forward—typically the raised regions, also called the “T-zone” or triangle area.

Image de visage démontrant les zones ou un maquilleur doit appliquer les ombres et les lumieres. Cest une technique qui s'appelle le contouring.

How to Contour:

A face chart or diagram can visually demonstrate where to apply shadows and highlights. The technique is called contouring.




Highlighting and Shading

When observing the face, notice the differences between the prominent and recessed areas. Makeup can accentuate or diminish these impressions. Areas made darker than the foundation color recede optically; those made lighter appear to stand out. This optical illusion is the foundation of all corrective and character-enhancing makeup.

Image du visage d'une jeune fille ayant les ombrages dans les parties creusent de son visage, les lumières dans les parties bombés. L'image démontre bien la conformité lorsque la technique est bien appliquer.

Well-blended contouring creates smooth, natural transitions and regularity.




Shading

Warm and cool tones of brown are most commonly used for shading (such as #039, #041, #101). Different degrees of brown are preferred. However, gray, deep red, and other brown tones also work. Black should not be used for shading. For subtle effects—such as in close-up theater—darker, grayer base colors can be selected for refined shading.

Products for Contours

Shading

For shading, warm and cool shades of brown are most commonly used (#039, #041, #101), with varying degrees of brown being used more often. However, shades of gray, dark red, and brown are also suitable. Note that black is not used for shading purposes. For very intimate theaters, base colors that are darker and grayer than the base color can be applied for subtle shading.





Highlights

Creamy white, pink-white, rosy-bronze, and pale ocher tones are ideal for highlighting. White can be used if well blended with the base color for subtle enhancement or bold contrast along edges.

Functions of Placement:

• Forehead: Accentuates and adds dimension

• Nose: Creates a straighter appearance

• Lips: Makes lips look fuller

• Eyes: Opens the eyes

• Cheeks: Defines the cheekbones

• Chin: Emphasizes the chin and makes lips appear fuller

Flowers
Imperfections and corrections