Have you noticed how a simple makeup technique can instantly transform your appearance? As the fall 2025 season approaches, one beauty rule is making waves among makeup artists and enthusiasts alike: keep your forehead contour high and lifted instead of placing it too low. This subtle adjustment can dramatically enhance your facial structure, creating a more youthful and refreshed look perfect for the cooler months ahead.
Why your forehead contour placement matters
When applied correctly, forehead contouring can sculpt and define your face. However, placing contour too low on the forehead can create a heavy, droopy appearance that ages you instantly.
“The position of your forehead contour can make or break your entire makeup look,” explains Dr. Robert Applebaum, Beverly Hills plastic surgeon. “The brow lift will be key in 2025 to avoid an over-Botox look and to maintain a younger, expressive brow position that keeps the forehead high and eyes open.”
The science behind lifted contours
Our faces naturally lose volume and elasticity as we age, causing features to appear lower and heavier. By strategically placing contour higher on the forehead, you create an optical illusion that counteracts gravity’s effects.
A facial feminization surgeon from Dr. MFO Facial Feminization Center notes, “A masculine brow sits low, so during feminization, a carefully elevated brow creates a lifting effect that complements forehead contouring perfectly.” This principle applies to everyone seeking a more youthful appearance.
Perfect your technique with these expert tips
- Apply contour powder or cream at least one finger-width above your brows
- Blend upward rather than downward to maintain the lifting effect
- Use a lighter hand near the temples for a natural transition
- Pair with a volumizing hairstyle to enhance the lifted effect
The “frame and lift” method
Think of your forehead as a picture frame – the contour should frame your features upward, not weigh them down. This concept works beautifully with face-slimming haircuts that create vertical visual interest.
“Drag your contour lightly upward under the lash line and on the forehead to lift the area rather than pulling the shadows down into a droopy or heavy look,” advises a prominent makeup artist in recent tutorials.
Fall 2025 beauty trends embrace the lift
This season’s beauty trends favor fresh, luminous skin with strategic contouring. The high forehead contour pairs perfectly with autumnal makeup palettes featuring warm browns and subtle terracottas that enhance your natural bone structure.
Consider complementing your lifted contour with a long necklace over fall layers to create a cohesive elongating effect from face to figure.
Beyond makeup: complementary beauty techniques
- Facial massage to stimulate circulation and reduce puffiness
- Gua sha techniques targeting the forehead and brow area
- Strategic highlighting to enhance the lifted appearance
For those seeking more dramatic results, Dr. Spiegel from The Spiegel Center explains, “Forehead surgery should involve resetting the bone to a new, higher position to create a youthful, refreshed look. Keeping contour too low flattens the face and ages the look.”
The finishing touch: fragrance that elevates
Complete your lifted look with an intriguing rose-anise perfume or consider vintage aldehydes instead of citrus fragrances for an unexpected dimension to your fall beauty routine.
A beauty influencer and makeup educator notes, “Contouring is about lifting the forehead and cheeks. Placing contour too low only drags down the face, whereas high placement opens and brightens your eyes.”
How will you incorporate this uplifting technique into your fall beauty routine? Remember that makeup isn’t about masking your features, but rather enhancing what’s already there. By keeping your forehead contour high and lifted, you’re not just following a trend—you’re embracing a technique that celebrates your natural beauty while giving it that perfect seasonal refresh.