I love testing out the newest beauty trends in my Trend & Tested series, especially when they’re all about making your makeup routine easier and giving you flawless, chiseled features! The one dot contouring technique has exploded on TikTok, so I had to try the hype for myself; I grabbed my cream contour product and roped in a few of the Escentual beauty team members to help me put this trend to the test and see if it does really work…
What is One Dot Contouring?
With just one dot of a cream bronzing product placed at the bottom of your cheekbone, you can achieve a perfectly blended contour that looks flawless from the front and side profile of your face – not a harsh line in sight! The one dot technique aims to give definition to your cheekbones for a sculpted finish and can be as natural or bold as you like.
Megan Lavallie introduced me to this new contouring trend when I discovered her TikTok video below:
@meganlavallie sometimes a straight line from your ear can look a little intense #contourhacks #contour #makeup ♬ Elevator Music – Bohoman
How Do You Try It?
Anyone can try one dot contouring – any face shape or makeup skill level. The minimal amount of product and strategic placement makes this the ideal contouring for beginners with only two steps:
- Dot your cream product of choice onto the hollow of your cheek, where your top molars are.
- Use your fingers or a brush to blend the dot diagonally upwards, following your natural cheekbone line for that sculpted look.
We Tested One Dot Contouring
Want to know our thoughts? Keep reading for before and after pictures of us trying one dot contouring and to see whether it’s changed our makeup routine for the better…
Chelsey
Cream Product and Blending Tool:
“I tried one dot contouring using the Dior Forever Concealer with a small concealer brush for precision and my Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge with a foundation on for blending out harsh lines.”
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One dot contouring experience:
“One dot contouring took a few goes for me to like it. I learnt more about how not to do it:
1) Don’t use too much product – you won’t get a sculpted look.
2) Don’t use a large brush to blend it out, use a small brush or sponge for precision.”
Ceryn
Cream Product and Blending Tool:
“I used the Urban Decay Naked Correcting Concealer in shade 70WO and I blended it with the Real Techniques 200 Mini Expert Face Brush.”
One dot contouring experience:
“The first time I tried dot contouring, it didn’t work. I applied too much product, so when I started to buff it out, it went everywhere. The next time, I learnt my lesson and went for a less is more approach. I think it lifts the cheekbones, but the result is all in the blend, in my opinion. Be sure to buff the formula and not swipe or pull it; you want to keep the colour in that sweet spot for maximum effect.”
Was one dot contouring better than other bronzing?
“In theory, it’s a straightforward makeup hack, but that doesn’t mean it can’t go wrong. I applied too much on my first try and had to start again. I prefer my traditional contouring routine, but it’s fun to try new things!”
Will you be trying one dot contouring again?
“I am yet to master it, so definitely will be. I’m not one to be defeated!”
Hannah
Cream Product and Blending Tool:
My cream product is the Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Wear Stick SPF15 in shade 10.3 Pecan and I blended this using the Real Techniques Expert Face Brush which is a dense, domed bristle brush.
One dot contouring experience:
“I have to say, I don’t think one dot contouring will make it into my daily routine but it was fun to try out. I have a round face shape so can quickly run the risk of unnatural looking contour and I personally do not enjoy wearing this look. Having just one dot definitely helped me to look more blended but was still too much of an extreme contour for me for every day. Trying it with more of a full glam look suited me more I felt.”
Was one dot contouring better than other bronzing?
“One dot contouring was better than any other contouring trend I have tried – it is much easier to blend than lines of product on the face or over-pigmented powders. But, this trend has confirmed that I am an all-over bronzing fan over a sharply contoured gal!”
Will you be trying one dot contouring again?
“If I do fancy trying to give myself a chiseled look then I will have another go. I did really enjoy using a cream product over my usual powder though, so will be using a cream again for an all-over bronzy glow – maybe smaller dots to blend, linking to my forehead bronzing in my usual ‘3’ shape.”
Over To You!
We’d love to hear what you think about one dot contouring – will you be giving this cool new trend a try? Let us know on our Instagram @Escentual.
