How to Contour Your Nose With a Small Brush

To contour your nose with a small brush, draw two soft lines of contour down the sides of the nose, blend them so there are no hard edges, and add a touch of highlight down the center. The small brush head keeps shadow in a narrow area, which is what makes nose contour look subtle instead of stripy.

What you'll need

  • A contour shade a little deeper and cooler than your skin
  • A small, precise brush
  • A light highlighter or concealer
  • A clean fluffy brush for softening

A small brush for detail work

The Uexim 270 concealer and contour brush is a precision brush with a plastic handle, designed for detailed work such as concealer application, foundation blending, and contouring around the eyes and nose. The listing describes its shape as helping deliver targeted, buildable coverage. Model E7-600-A.

270 concealer and contour brush
From the Uexim shop
270 Concealer & Contour Brush

A precision brush for concealer, foundation blending, and eye and nose contouring.

From $36.52 View product →

How do you contour your nose step by step?

  1. Start from the brow. Place contour at the inner corner of each eyebrow.
  2. Draw down. Pull a thin line down each side of the nose, stopping just above the nostrils.
  3. Shape the tip (optional). Add a small curve under the tip to make it look shorter or more defined.
  4. Blend. Use short strokes along the lines, then soften the edges with a clean brush.
  5. Highlight. Tap a thin line of highlight down the bridge and a dot on the tip.

Common looks

Goal Where to contour Tip
Narrower-looking nose Lines closer together Keep highlight thin
Shorter-looking nose Add shadow under the tip Blend upward
Softer look Very light lines Blend thoroughly

Mistakes to avoid

  • Lines that are too dark or too wide
  • Skipping the blend
  • Contour that stops abruptly at the brow
  • Using a warm bronzer instead of a cooler contour shade

For more on shades, read bronzer vs contour vs highlighter.

Other uses for a small contour brush

The same brush can place concealer under the eyes, blend foundation around the nose, or add shadow in the eye crease. Wipe it between products.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use cream or powder contour?

Either works. Apply cream before powder products.

What is the handle made of?

Plastic.

Where can I find more contour tools?

Browse the Makeup Brushes & Sponges collection.

The bottom line

Two soft lines, a good blend, and a touch of highlight are all nose contour needs. A small brush keeps it precise.

Precision for small areas

A brush for concealer and contour detail.

Shop the contour brush →

Browse more tools in Beauty Tools & Essentials.

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