Shade + Light

November 3, 2017

2 years later and I'm finally talking about the Shade + Light Contour palette! It wasn't that this palette didn't appeal to me, it was just that I had already 3 Kat Von D eyeshadow palettes filling my beauty carousel, there wasn't really any room. I've always preferred a warmer bronzer look, but as the weather becomes cooler I crave a muted, toned down bronzer look. So when I found this palette at Marshalls for $20 I nearly cried, but I didn't realize how challenging this palette was or how challenging the art of contouring is. Thus the need for a blog demo, and probably a video...(Yes video to eventually come).
Let's get real though I don't pretend to be a makeup expert, more of a makeup enthusiast, but I did think I knew something about contouring until I had the most impossible time with this palette. So I thought maybe it was the brush, I tried two new brushes, and finally bought the original Shade + Light Contour brush (which was on sale from Sephora). I watched endless YouTube reviews none that focused on the technique. So I went to Sephora to learn and here I am with my new found knowledge trying to tackle contouring with this palette and sharing my tips.
First lets talk about this palette! This is the orignal packaging of Shade and Light. They recently redesigned the packaging so that it can be refilled, but sent all the old babies to Marshalls/TJ Maxx. If you've been looking and haven't found it, keep an eye out! I've found it on 4 occasions! This contour and highlight palette comes with 3 shades of contour/highlighter. The palette has a good range of contour/highlight shades which are pigmented, smooth, have a great texture, and last long. I think what's amazing about this palette is that it really allows you to chisel/soften/thin out the areas of your face 
The first step I use for contouring is using your fingers to find where your cheek bones start. You'll feel that hollow spot right around where your upper side burns reside. My second suggestion is to only take a little bit of contour and tap out the excess. Its very easy to add more contour versus taking it away, but if you do some foundation will do the trick. I also think Kat Von D's Foundation works terrifically alongside this palette.
The next and hardest step for me was the motion that goes along with contouring. UP! (But I know some people do down too, so spill your secrets). I had the hardest time with this palette because I was being too heavy handed and using too much product. So let's take it further and talk about how I use this palette in action. I take a tiny bit of sombre, a medium taupe shade, and gently stroke my brush using the Shade side upward. I had originally been stroking down which I normally do with bronzer, but this palette does not work with me if I go downwards. So up we go! I'd also like to note that you should be holding your brush all the way at the tip. Since this brush is double sided its kind of uncomfortable to hold it there, but you can get the same effect halfway through. Just use as little pressure as possible and build the contour. You can also brush upward at an angle to intensify your contour.
For the highlighter I'm still learning! I like using all three highlight shades- lucis, lyric, and levitation in different spots. Here I'm using levitation in between my eye brows just to add some brightness.
I really love using the highlighter shades to brighten up my under-eye. I've come to terms that I'm always going to have some bags under my eyes but this palette really does make a difference.
I've received a couple of Kat Von D brushes before and didn't feel that they were necessary to use with the product. However, I do feel like this brush was necessary since all my Sonia Kashuk contour brushes were much too dense. They only reinforced my heavy handed movements. This brush is super soft and helps build the product effectively. Plus the coffin case is too cute. This brush is definitely a splurge but I would insist on it, if you can find it. The Shade + Light Contour brush recently went on sale for $20 at Sephora, and you can still find it on eBay. I would suggest e.l.f.'s sculpting face brush ($6) or angled brush ($4) as my next suggestion!
So that's it folks just another day doing my makeup at Monarch Coffee in KC! I'm realizing that contouring is challenging but I'm learning, and trying to share my knowledge with you so we can learn together. Do you own the Shade + Light Palette or brush? Tell me your secrets! If you don't contour tell me what's the scariest part?! P.S. the Modern Renaissance palette is still everything!

Photos by BMB Photography

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39 comments

  1. I really need to get my hands on this palette. Love this make up look, girl! xo

    https://sassyanddangerous.blogspot.com/

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  2. That's a great review. thank you for sharing!
    http://sepatuholig.blogspot.com
    instagram @grace_njio

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  3. Oh gosh you are so beautiful! I love the palette. ♥

    You gained a new follower. I'm staying longer. ♥

    https://recenzjella.blogspot.com/

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  4. I love finding makeup and beauty at TJ Maxx/ Marshalls, they have the best hidden deals.
    I visited your instagram as well, gorgeous feed!
    xoxo Falasha
    Bite My Fashion


    Instagram| Bloglovin'| Facebook

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    1. Agreed Falasha! I love finding stuff I didn't know I needed haha. Thanks so much!

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  5. Looks like a great pallet! Love this post!
    ~Samantha
    http://goldcoastgirlblog.com

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  6. How great to find the palette for such a bargain. Looks great.

    Amy Ann
    Straight A Style

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    1. Thanks Amy Ann. One of my fave palettes now!

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  7. How frustrating it took a while to make this palette work for you, but great it finally did in the end! :) I don't contour - I barely have time in the mornings for my BB cream, haha! So I have admiration for anyone who does have the time and the skills to do it! :)

    Hope you are having a nice week :)

    Away From The Blue Blog

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    1. It was so disheartening, but when I went to Sephora they really empowered me and gave me the tips I needed to succeed! Haha I try to make time for makeup since I have such an affinity for it/have so much lol. Thanks for stopping by Mica, likewise!

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  8. Such a great tips dear!!
    xx
    Mónica Sors
    MES VOYAGES À PARIS
    NEW POST: LA GIRL | COMFY CHIC STYLE

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  9. Gorgeous, lady! And isn't The Monarch just stunning? I want to move in!

    -Ashley
    Le Stylo Rouge

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  10. Your makeup looks so pretty! Have a lovely weekend.

    Gemma x
    www.jacquardflower.uk

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  11. I love when you find a good deal on makeup, especially an eyeshadow palette. You always apply your makeup so flawlessly.

    xx Yasmin
    http://banglesandbungalows.com

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    1. Thanks so much Yasmin! I'm taking a break from scouring Marshalls today I don't need their KVD stuff but I want it so bad haha

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  12. You got such a great deal on this palette! I'm still such a newbie when it comes to contouring, but I do use highlighter frequently as I find that's harder to mess up :P Love your makeup in these photos, you look beautiful!

    Jenny | Geeky Posh

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    1. Thanks Jenny! Maybe try bronzer for a bit and ease in? That's kinda how I got into it before contouring was a big thing haha. I love highlighter, my weakness haha.

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  13. This looks endlessly fab! I don't use such palettes but I should!

    ♘ www.sugarpopfashion.com ♘

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  14. This palette sounds brilliant - I'll definitely be buying it soon! And I love all of your photos too!

    Heather xx
    https://www.hefafa.me.uk

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  15. I really love that you've included photos of you actually USING the palette. I'm a real contouring novice and would definitely struggle so I love you've really done your research! I've tried a few KVD bits but never this palette!

    Musings & More

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    1. Thank you! I was struggling really bad but I have been using this palette alongside the brush on a daily basis now. This one is a real gem once you figure out how to make it work with your makeup!

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  16. Such a lovely palette and you're such a beautiful lady. Thanks for sharing.
    HAve a good week ahead.

    http://missymayification.blogspot.co.uk

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  17. Great post - you've definitely made me want to try this!
    April xx

    | APRIL ROSE PENGILLY |

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    1. Its pretty great April! Thanks for stopping by!

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  18. Firstly, you look so lovely! Secondly, I love KVD but have never played with the original palette. I am sure her contour/bronze shades are really nice. I just got the "cream" version, crossing my fingers! Hope it's just as good xx

    Naya // www.partyparrotblog.com

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    1. Thanks Naya! I hope it works out for you, I'd love to hear your review!

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  19. Nice post.Having one of the largest users in the world on its platform, it is no less than fallible to some common errors for which
    outlook tech support is the haven for the users facing those errors.keep posting

    ReplyDelete

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