Time for tantouring: the latest countouring initiative need no longer require any make-up at all

From well-groomed beards to fake tan, the new contouring is more sculpted than ever
Models at Holly Fulton’s SS16 show wears James Read’s Tantour Sculpting Duo (Tristan Fewings/Getty)
Emma McCarthy28 September 2015

Contouring may be beloved by those who count looking good on Instagram as a full-time job - we’re looking at you, Kim - but what about the rest of us?

Those without a make-up artist at their beck and call or who would rather hit the snooze button for the fourth time. Are the lazy and low-maintenance among us forever destined to be without killer bone structure?

Not any longer. Thanks to a new trend emerging in the beauty world, being eternally selfie-ready need no longer require an hour of careful make-up application each morning. In fact, it need no longer require any make-up at all but rather a well-placed touch of fake tan.

Kim Kardashian has long been hailed as a countour Queen (instagram/kimkardashian)

“Tantouring is the way forward,” says St Tropez tanning expert Jules Heptonstall, adding that the technique has been used by pro tanners for years on the body to create the illusion of firm abs and slimmer limbs. “It allows the wearer to have a 4D face so they can actually say ‘I woke up like this’.”

Sounds promising, even for the most lackadaisical make-up wearer. But before you reach for the fake bake, know that - just like contouring - tantouring is all in the application.

“Base is key,” advises Heptonstall, who suggests exfoliating well before applying a gradual tanner - like St Tropez’s Self Tan Luxe Facial Oil - the night before for a hydrated and glowing complexion. Then simply apply your self tan like you would a contour powder.

St Tropez’s Self Tan Luxe Facial Oil

“Pump St Tropez Self Tan Express Advanced Bronzing Mousse onto a plate,” says Heptonstall. “Then using a tear-shaped make-up sponge” - Beautyblender’s foundation sponge is perfect for this - “gently press the tan under your jaw, underneath your cheekbones and outer brow, using a clean buffing brush” - like BareMinerals Seamless Buffing Brush - “to blend the edges.”

Leave to develop for between one and three hours, depending on how chiselled you want your cheekbones to be and - if you avoid scrubs, astringents or resurfacing treatments - the look should last between five and seven days before fading.

Face illuminators and cheek highlighters

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The trick it seems, is to be patient. “Don’t rush,” advises Heptonstall. “Remember, less is more with tantouring and it’s all about a natural sculpted look. Keep stopping and looking in the mirror as you go to gently build up the look.”

Next year, things are going to get even easier. Come March, celebrity tanning expert James Read will launch the beauty world’s first tantouring product.

The Tantour Sculpting Duo palette - which was debuted backstage at Holly Fulton’s SS16 show during London Fashion Week - features an illuminator and clever mineral bronzer infused with a touch of self-tan, which is designed to deepen in colour over a four-hour period to leave skin lightly tanned.

“It’s a must-have for giving form and structure to the body and face,” says Read of his soon-to-be-cult product. “This one shade suits all and is suitable for all skin types. With the added skincare minerals and light reflecting particles, it makes skin look and feel healthy and fresh.”

Kim, you’ve got competition.

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