How to Contour Your Décolletage
Are you a Kim or a Kylie?

The contouring trend has gone south for summer—and by south, we mean your décolletage. Just as you use the sculpting makeup technique to make your cheekbones pop, you can add dimension to your clavicle and chest for a touch of sultriness. All you need is a bronzed base makeup and highlighter. But heed our warning, you have to be very careful not to tread into super-unnatural territory. See below:
While Kim Kardashian's décolletage contouring is soft, glow-y, and finely-drawn, Kyle Jenner's is decidedly fake-looking with its two-tone hues, uneven application, and harsh lines that are begging to be blended.
To ensure your look reads more au naturale than fake bake, look to this pro technique from makeup artist Joseph Carrillo so you achieve the look all summer long.
Step 1: Contour
Before you get started, Carrillo recommends hydrating the skin with a moisturizing body lotion. After it's prepped, brush on your bronzed base makeup (we love Chanel Soleil Tan Bronzing Makeup Base) in a V-shape around your cleavage. Then, push your shoulders forward and brush lines underneath and above the collarbone.
Step 2: Highlight
Place the pearlescent highlighter (try Nars The Multiple Luxor in Copacabana) below the V-shaped contour line and on the collarbones.
Step 3: Blend
Blend the color and highlighter using a brush like the Artis Brush Oval 6 Brush ($48).
Step 4: Voilà!
While the results are intended to be subtle, you should see more depth on the contours of your chest and neck with a sun-kissed glow finish.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
The Must-Haves
1. Chanel Soleil Tan Bronzing Makeup Base, $48; nordstrom.com.
2. Nars The Multiple Luxor, $39; narscosmetics.com.
Lauren Valenti is Vogue’s former senior beauty editor. Her work has also appeared on ELLE.com, MarieClaire.com, and in In Style. She graduated with a liberal arts degree from Eugene Lang College, The New School for Liberal Arts, with a concentration on Culture and Media Studies and a minor in Journalism.
-
Netflix's 'North of North' Transports Viewers to the Arctic Circle—Meet the Cast of Inuit Indigenous Actors
The new comedy follows a modern Inuk woman determined to transform her life.
By Quinci LeGardye
-
Princess Beatrice's Husband Pays a Rare Tribute to These Royal Family Members on Instagram
Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi shared some behind-the-scenes snaps from the F1 Grand Prix in Bahrain.
By Kristin Contino
-
Allow Kathy Bates to Convince You to Grow Out Your Grays
One look at her new style and you'll be canceling your root touch-up pronto.
By Ariel Baker
-
Jenna Ortega Does Grungy Glam Right With '90s-Inspired Hair and Makeup
The actress was spotted in peak ‘90s-inspired glam.
By Ariel Baker
-
How a Beauty Writer Has Perfected Her Morning Routine For Acne-Prone Skin
Keep the texture and irritation at bay with these editor-vetted items.
By Ariel Baker
-
Selena Gomez Hosts a Master Class in Matching Your Red Blush and Red Lipstick to Your Outfit
The star was spotted looking red hot in the streets of New York City.
By Ariel Baker
-
Everything You Need to Know About Marie Claire’s Skin and Hair Awards
Could your brand survive an editor testing session?
By Ariel Baker
-
Presenting, Perfect Date Night Makeup for People Who Hate Makeup
From a beauty director who's learned all the workarounds.
By Hannah Baxter
-
I Scoured Ulta’s 21 Days of Beauty Sale for Five Hours—Here's What I'm Shopping
Add to cart, ASAP.
By Ariel Baker
-
Jenna Ortega’s New Burgundy Hair Has Me Ready for Season 2 of 'Wednesday'
Wednesday Addams, is that you?
By Ariel Baker
-
Doechii’s Best Paris Fashion Week Beauty Looks Deserve a Standing Ovation
The Grammy winner cemented her place as a beauty and fashion icon.
By Ariel Baker