Although the Kardashians and other celebrities helped start the contouring trend, the technique has come a long way since then. Even the Kardashians do not contour their faces using the internet’s most popular technique. Ladies, forget about foundation and concealers for contouring. With this new beauty fad, many “skinfluencers” are forgoing conventional creams in favour of sunscreen to get that natural, sun-kissed contour, which has caused controversy on the internet.
But is it really the way to go?
What Is SPF Or Sunscreen Contouring?
Using sunscreen to sculpt various parts of the body, like the stomach, is termed “sunscreen contouring,” and is quite popular right now. Areas of the face where bronzer is generally applied are topped with an SPF of 30 or lower, allowing these sections of the face to tan. Some followers of the trend even opt to never apply sunscreen!
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Basically, you apply sunscreen in the areas where you would usually apply a highlighter and let the areas that require contouring be – so that after a while under the sun, these areas without any SPF will get a darker shade/tan. The theory is that by applying fake tan lines all over the face, one creates the illusion of a naturally sun-kissed complexion without applying any makeup.
Reasons Why It Fails
Theoretically speaking, this hack is absurd. It is impossible to regulate your exposure to sunshine by using different SPF levels because different parts of your face receive different amounts of sunlight. In other words, it’s impossible to anticipate how the sun will tan certain portions of the face.
On top or at an angle, you could receive more sunlight. Your exposure varies all over your face because radiation scatters off surfaces like sand, pavement, and water and strikes us at various angles. You might more easily tan unevenly than you intended, have patchy sunburns. Girl, the light is not going to blend it for you, as one TikTok critic put it.
Expert-Approved SPF Recommendations
Experts advise sticking to SPF and suggest using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 on your entire body. Also, don’t forget to reapply; it’s important to do so every two hours.
It’s just as wise to wear torn clothes as it is to decide to shield some parts of your body more than others in an effort to contour your appearance. Your entire body suffers once one area of your skin develops a skin cancer (such as melanoma).
The Alternative: Cream Contouring For The Win!
Try out a cream contour formula that melts into your skin to provide the appearance of a properly placed suntan if you’re looking for a natural-looking contour that won’t harm your health. For flawless application, choose a contour kit that is packed with one cream shade and one powder. You can achieve that “snatched” look—without the risk of sun damage—by layering it over sunscreen.
Don’t forget, SPF is always your BFF!
Featured Image: Instagram
