What you need to know about ‘tantouring’ now

You might think that ‘contouring’ is a modern phenomenon, but the make-up sculpting technique has been around since 1500 when stage performers accentuated features to make emotions stand out to the audience.

Since then, it has been embraced by the likes of Marlene Dietrich and the supermodels of the '90s to drag queens and the Kardashians, reaching fever pitch circa 2015 with millions of make-up tutorials from artists, celebrities and models chiselling their visages like never before. Some of them pretty - some more skunk-like stripes. It has been a bumpy ride, to say the least.

However, as with all trends – there has been a slow demise of contouring of late. A little backlash against the make-up overload showcased on our social media feeds. A subtle, fresher look is on the horizon and it’s just in time for summer. Let us introduce to you ‘Tantouring’ the contouring-bronzing hybrid that is the perfect summer solution to puffy, pasty winter skin.

The latest products are buildable so you can tone and tan your face, and crucially, are believable with shades that are less muddy and harsh. Beauty blogger, mogul and make-up artist, Huda Kattan says, “Tantour combines a balance of shadow and warmth for a luminous, matte glow that’s never dull. It’s easy too. Simply apply Tantour in dots along the contours of each side of the face: cheekbones, forehead, and jaw line with the fluffy side of the brush or using a beauty sponge, blend well for an all-over healthy finish and you can build to desired intensity.”

Here’s our pick of the best tanning-meets-contouring hybrids that offer sharper cheekbones, along with an ersatz tan so you look sunny - not streaky.

1. Huda Beauty Tantour, £26
This comes in 5 shades and combines an easy-to-blend formula that is both water-resistant and sweat-proof and lasts for up to 12 hours.
Click here 2. Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel, £40
This can be used under or over your foundation and is sheer so you can build up to the desired tanning intensity.
Click here
3. Chantecaille Real Bronze at Liberty, £70
Super sheer pearl technology mean this gel-powder formula never feels heavy or like make-up, more akin to second-skin so you can use it to sculpt your cheekbones and then add a pop of realistic colour on the apples of your cheeks.
Click here
4. Rodial Bronze-Tour Powder, £52
Apply to the hollows of the cheeks and then use wherever the sun would hit you naturally, like the forehead, bridge of the nose and cheeks, to add a radiant glow.
Click here