‘Draping’ – The Latest ‘Sculpting’ Craze For A Fresher, Younger Look

Contouring, tontouring, clown contouring, non-touring, sandbagging, baking, strobing – the ‘sculpting trend’ is endless, and there is always a ‘new kid on the block.’ If you are a true makeup junkie who never fails to keep herself updated about the latest trends, then you must know about the most recent addition to this ongoing face-shaping craze. Yes, we are talking about ‘draping,’ which has taken the makeup world by storm for the last few months. So, what is this newest beauty buzzword all about? How is it different from other methods in achieving a sculpted look? Let’s crack on:

What Is Draping?

Draping is a term coined by Marc Jacobs, which refers to ‘sculpting with color’ or ‘draping angles in color.’ This contouring technique uses blush instead of contour sticks or colors for a softer, fresher, and brighter look. To be more precise, draping does not focus on creating a tanned and highlighted look by using shades of dark browns. Instead, it revolves around the application of blush along the natural bone structure of the face in a swirling motion while focusing on the highest points like temples, eyebrow bones, and the top of the cheekbones. Draping gives a flushed yet chiseled look by flattering the facial features instead of enhancing the face shape. In short, this makeup technique is excellent for achieving a subtle, natural look with a youthful and sculpted glow.

Also Read – Move Over Contouring. It Is Time For ‘Non-Touring’!

History Of Draping

Draping is not entirely new; it has roots in the makeup trend of ‘the 60s-’70s. The technique was first conceptualized by the renowned celebrity makeup artist and the ‘father of contouring’ Way Bandy. He worked with some of that decade’s most famous faces, including Cher, Diana Ross, Farrah Fawcett, etc., and won makeup-lovers’ hearts with his ‘natural’ yet ‘transformative’ makeup techniques. The most interesting fact about Bandy is that “he embraced the concept of ‘color glow’ as a way of bringing out the natural ‘drape’ of the face.” He is the first person to teach beauty enthusiasts to sculpt their faces depending on their unique features rather than their shape.

Also Read – All You Need To Know About the Latest Trend Of Baking Or Cooking Face

Comeback Of Draping

The revolutionary idea of the iconic artist Bandy has seen a grand comeback this year with the Air Blush Soft Glow Duo ($42) by Marc Jacobs Beauty. This is a compact blush duo palette with two complementary shades that can be used individually or collectively. It is also known as the ‘contouring and highlighting duo’ in which the deeper hue is used for contouring while the lighter is used for highlighting. The product is perfect for creating the bold cheek trend of the ’70s while giving a very made-up look with a luminous flush.

Different Ways Of Draping

Draping can help you achieve whatever you desire with your facial features. Lift, sculpt, volumize, or get a balanced look. We tell you how:

1. Lifting: Combine two complementary shades and apply the blush mixture to the top of your cheekbones; blend it along the length of the cheekbones and the sides of the neck. You can also blend it along the corners of your eyes to your temples.
2. Sculpting: Apply the deeper shade of the blush underneath the apples of your cheeks, focusing on the lower section of your face to offset the roundness. Then, apply the lighter shade on top of the cheeks in a swirling motion and blend away along the edges.
3. Volumizing: Combine two complementary shades of blush and apply on the apples of your cheeks in a swirling motion while making a smiling face. Blend thoroughly, and you are done!
4. Balancing: Mix two complementary blush shades and apply to your temples at the top of your brows. Also, apply to the chin, earlobes, sides of the neck, and nose bridge. Blend away as much as possible.

Tips And Tricks

Now, here are a few essential tips and tricks that would make your draping efforts completely flawless:

• Pick deeper and lighter shades of blush from the same family for a single application. Using soft, neutral shades is recommended for a subtly beautiful look.
• Women with light skin tones might opt for peach, pink, etc., while bold hues are the best for dark-skinned beauties.
• Blending is the key to a naturally glowing look. So, blend away the harsh edges and avoid a choppy look.
• Make use of two separate brushes for draping. A setting brush for the smaller areas and a blush brush for the cheeks will give the most flattering effects.
• You should always start slow and keep adding more colors as needed. The levels of color can also be customized easily in the case of draping.

Summary

Draping, a makeup technique introduced by Marc Jacobs, focuses on sculpting with blush for a softer, fresher look. Instead of contour sticks, it uses blush along natural bone structures, creating a flushed, chiseled appearance. Rooted in the ’60s-’70s, it came back with Marc Jacobs Beauty’s Air Blush Soft Glow Duo. Draping techniques include lifting, sculpting, volumizing, and balancing. Tips include choosing complementary shades, blending for a natural look, and starting slowly.