Why Burgundy Is Your New Contour
The secret to burgundy’s sculpting power lies in its unique colour composition. A rich blend of red, brown, and a hint of purple, burgundy mimics the natural tones found in shadows on the face. Unlike the often-flat finish of some contour powders, burgundy adds
warmth and richness, creating a soft yet defined effect that enhances your features rather than just carving them out. This makes it an ideal shade for adding depth that looks both intentional and seamlessly blended into the skin. Its versatility means it can be applied to eyes, cheeks, and lips to create a cohesive, dimensional look.
Define Eyes With a Wash of Wine
One of the easiest ways to create depth is by using burgundy eyeshadow. A matte burgundy shade swept into the crease of the eye instantly makes eyes appear larger and more defined. For a more dramatic, smokey effect, pack a deeper burgundy or plum shade onto the outer corner of the eyelid and blend it into the crease. This technique draws attention outward, creating an illusion of depth. You can also smudge a burgundy eyeliner or shadow along the lower lash line to enhance this effect. For a touch of brightness that adds dimension, press a shimmery gold or bronze shadow onto the center of the lid. To keep the look cohesive, consider a burgundy mascara, which adds a subtle tint that makes eye colours pop without the harshness of black.
Sculpt Cheeks With Blush Draping
Forget placing blush only on the apples of your cheeks. To get a sculpted effect, try a technique called “blush draping.” Using a deep, wine-coloured blush, apply the colour higher on the cheekbones, blending it upward and outward toward your temples. This placement provides an immediate lifting and slimming effect, subtly defining your facial structure. Start with a small amount of product and build it up slowly to avoid an overly intense look. For even more definition, you can use a slightly deeper burgundy shade just in the hollows of your cheeks, where you might traditionally place contour. This method creates a soft, natural-looking shadow that enhances your bone structure beautifully.
Create a Fuller Pout With a Bold Lip
A well-defined burgundy lip can serve as a powerful focal point, adding structure and dimension to your entire face. The key to making it look sharp and clean is using a lip liner in a similar shade to carefully outline your lips before applying lipstick. This prevents the colour from bleeding and creates crisp edges. For those with smaller lips, a glossy finish can help reflect light and give the appearance of more volume. If you prefer a modern look, try an ombré lip by using a darker liner on the outer edges and a slightly brighter berry shade in the center, blending carefully where the two colours meet. This adds dimension and makes lips look fuller.
Finding the Right Shade for You
While burgundy is a universally flattering colour, finding your perfect tone can elevate your look even further. As a general rule, those with warmer skin undertones may find that burgundies with a hint of brown or terracotta are especially complementary. For cooler undertones, burgundies that lean more toward purple or have berry notes can be particularly striking. However, the best way to find your ideal shade is to experiment. Don't be afraid to try different tones and textures—from matte to shimmer to gloss—to see what makes you feel most confident. The beauty of burgundy is its ability to be both bold and sophisticated, offering a range of possibilities.
