How to contour your body… with self-tanner and makeup

Cynics take note: “You can absolutely enhance your shape with color,” says body makeup expert Amanda Harrington, who tans Sienna Miller. “By layering color along the natural curves of the body, you create shadow in these areas, which makes other parts of the body pop.” Here’s how to use strategically applied self-tanner or body makeup to create a more sculpted silhouette.

“I always start with a layer of self-tan all over the body as a base,” says LA-based tanning artist Kristyn Pradas, who has been responsible for the Victoria’s Secret models’ faux-glow for the past seven years. “For both very fair and darker skin tones, I normally avoid the tanned look at the show and instead apply a hyaluronic acid-based serum, which will give that same glowing-skin effect.” Wait for the base application to dry before you start contouring.

Whether you prefer to shade with the same self-tanner as your base, a gradual self-tanner formula, a wash-off liquid bronzer or a matte powder version (look for a waterproof formula for more staying power) is up to you, but always make sure you build color gradually – it’s easier to add to it than to remove it. Regardless of formula, the trick to creating realistic muscle definition, insists Pradas, is to blend thoroughly. “You shouldn’t be able to see any distinct lines when you’re done.”

“To bring more definition to upper abs, use a mitt and large circular motions to buff color into the entire area,” says Pradas. “Allow it to dry for a few moments, then add another layer on each side of your abs, avoiding the middle part.” Next, “you need to work with your body,” says Pradas. “Tighten your stomach muscles and, using a small, synthetic makeup brush or sponge for precision, add a little color wherever there is indentation.”

To make Bella Hadid’s legs appear even longer, Pradas shades along her inner thighs, gradually fading color out towards the tops of the knees. “If you’re going to use body makeup, apply a liquid bronzer first and set it with a dusting powder or dry bronzer and a large, fluffy powder brush.” Makeup expert Charlotte Tilbury swears by her Supermodel Body highlighting shimmer rolled down the front of shins to elongate limbs even more.

“On any woman, one of the most flattering areas to enhance is the top line that emphasizes the shoulders, décolleté and collarbone,” says Harrington. To create a ‘swan neck’, shade down either side with a medium-sized synthetic makeup brush, starting from the bottom of the ear. “Use an angled brush to sweep more color over your collarbone, extending out towards the tops of the shoulders.”

For upper-arm definition, try this: “Hold your arm out in front of you and flex,” says A-list tanning expert James Read. “Sweep a line of tan on both sides of your arm, between the bicep and tricep muscles, and blend well.” You want the peaks of the muscles to be lighter than the indentations.

A tanning mitt is essential here. “It’s the best way to apply color smoothly around the curves of this area,” says Read. “Use a gradual-tan formula where the sun would create a shadow, so underneath the buttocks, on the sides and in the middle.” Leave it on for an hour before washing off. “This will add definition instead of just another layer of color, making your bottom appear more toned and lifted.”