Contouring is the one step in a makeup routine that can be tricky to navigate (unless we're counting winged eyeliner, ofc). There are just no two ways about it. I mean when you think about cream and powder formulas, bronzers (spoiler: they're not the same thing as contour!) and above all, the placement, there are a lot of factors to consider. That's not to mention the many, many TikTok tricks...
But here to save the day is yet another incredibly talented makeup artist and her professional top tip. Now, I know what you're thinking – it's another one to add to your long list of 'things to try' but trust us with this one.
MUA Katie Jane Hughes, who has worked with the likes of Hailey Bieber, Ashley Graham and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley recently posted an Instagram video sharing her "Cheeky contour trick!". Getting straight to it, she says that this will take just 15 seconds – so, if like me, you'd like to contour correctly as well as having an extra five minutes in bed, then this one's for you.
Katie instructs us to first "swirl a small brush into a cream bronzer" and then "create a little circle below your cheek in line with the outer corner of your eye".
Sounds simple, right?
Then, just "repeat the same on the other side" and bring it up a little towards the ear, following the natural contours of your cheek. Finally, she says to "take what's left on the tip of the nose".
For this exact look, Katie shares that she is using the Rose Inc Solar Infusion Soft-Focus Cream Bronzer in Seychelles, £30 along with the number 08 brush her very own KJH collaboration set with Spectrum Collections, £100.
Rose Inc Solar Infusion Soft-Focus Cream Bronzer - Seychelles
And voilá, it's as easy as that! Now, best get practising...
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Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK, with over four years of experience reporting across the brand's print, social, video and digital platforms. Lia covers everything from emerging trend analysis to viral celebrity hair and makeup moments, making her an expert at spotting the season’s next big beauty look (before it takes over social media feeds).
In 2025, she was named The Rising Media Star at the Love Perfume Awards with The Perfume Shop, recognised for her outstanding digital fragrance content and for building genuine authority within the space. She is passionate about challenging outdated beauty stereotypes, championing inclusive representation in beauty, and educating readers on the trends, products and conversations shaping the industry today. Follow her on Instagram or find her on LinkedIn.
