Forget About Contouring—Here’s How Beauty Editors Truly Shape Their Faces.

      I have a confession to share. When it comes to makeup, I struggle with contouring. You might be wondering, "Is it really that serious?" In the big picture, it’s not, but as a beauty editor and a trained makeup artist, it feels somewhat ridiculous to admit that I can’t master one of the leading makeup trends of 2026. The worst part is that I own some of the top contour sticks available, yet I still have a hard time defining my (rather non-existent) cheekbones. My goal is to achieve a subtle contour that creates a naturally sculpted appearance, but that seems to be quite challenging.

      Therefore, when I participated in a masterclass led by the renowned makeup artist Wendy Rowe, and she introduced me to "tantouring," I was instantly intrigued. This method offers a natural, luminous, and easily achievable way to contour this summer without the use of any bronzer, and it might just become my new favorite technique. Keep reading to find out more...

      What Is Tantouring?

      As the name implies, tantouring involves contouring using fake tan instead of your usual bronzer. "Tantouring is about creating subtle structure and definition. It’s contouring through tone rather than makeup," Rowe explains. "I've always believed that skin should appear like skin, and what I appreciate about tantouring is that it integrates into the face rather than sitting on top of it."

      So how does this work? "You’re warming and defining the areas where the sun would naturally highlight—the cheekbones, temples, jawline—so your face appears healthy, lifted, and well-rested," Rowe informs me. "It’s incredibly sophisticated because it looks seamless. You can hardly notice what has been done; you simply look better."

      How to Tantour

      Sounds appealing, right? While I was completely convinced by the concept of tantouring, I was a bit uncertain about executing it at home. Fortunately, it's quite straightforward. "The key to tantouring is to keep it light and intuitive," Rowe advises. "I suggest doing it at night, as it serves beautifully as both an overnight skin treatment and a complexion enhancer."

      Rowe recommends starting with clean skin, then mixing a few drops of tanning drops (she prefers the Three Warriors Hydrabronze Tan Drops) into your moisturizer and applying it all over your face for "hydration and warmth." Next, use a soft brush to apply the product to the same areas where you would typically use your contour stick or powder. Rowe suggests applying the drops under the cheekbones, around the temples, along the jawline, and lightly through the eye socket.

      "The beauty of it is that it’s virtually invisible when applied," she notes. "It’s sheer, seamless, and very forgiving. There are no harsh contour lines or obvious tan lines. You’re essentially applying tone and structure that develops over time. The next morning, you wake up looking fresher, healthier, and more defined."

      My Tantouring Results

      I must admit, I was somewhat skeptical about trying this approach myself, but it ended up being incredibly easy. I applied my tanning drops in the evening and woke up with a naturally bronzed and sculpted look. In the morning, I applied my foundation and skipped bronzer entirely, allowing my tantour to shine throughout the day. Not only did this save me precious time in the morning, but I was thrilled with the seamless result. I’ll definitely be using this all summer long.

      The Best Products for Tantouring

      Three Warriors Hydrabronze Tan Drops

      These lightweight tanning drops are perfect for tantouring this summer.

      St. Tropez Expert Tantour and Application Face Brush

      A quality brush is essential for achieving that natural-looking finish.

      Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Acid Cream Moisturizer

      Combine your tanning drops with a hydrating moisturizer for luminous results.

      Caudalie Self-Tan Sun Drops

      THREE WARRIORS Face Tan Aqua Mist

      For an all-over glow that complements your contour, this face tan mist is a fantastic choice.