Why we need to stop taking beauty tips from Kim Kardashian

I’ve reached saturation point with this contouring business – let’s call it the uber-contour.

Brands all over the world are cashing in on the trend; instructional videos on how to contour à la Kim K are some of YouTube’s most watched. Instagram is also flooded with tutorials that can, at times, make some of the most beautiful girls look, well, a little caked.

Being a woman with some disposable income and a die-hard interest in cosmetics, I’m not immune to the craze myself. I bought the Anastasia powder contour kit online (from Cult Beauty, if you’re interested) and absolutely love it for giving my face a bit of dimension – but there’s no need to smother yourself in layers of concealer in order to tap into the trend.

However, you only need to watch one video to realise that red-carpet makeup simply isn’t practical for real life. The most exaggerated, full-coverage, unblended version of contouring is steadily gaining popularity. The all-too-common brown line, dragged all the way down to the corners of the mouth, is most definitely unflattering.

Surely, true contour shouldn’t really look like contour?! Why on earth would anyone want to make it look like they have visibly created shading on their face with heavy stage make-up for everyday wear?

The purpose of this piece isn’t really to put anyone down on the basis of their appearance. Honestly, it’s just about highlighting (ha!) how high-maintenance we’re all under pressure to be – what works for Kim K won’t work for us all.

Some handy advice: follow whatever feels good for you. Whether that’s going to the supermarket in full drag, or legging it to work bare-faced; do you, and don’t ever be fooled into anything else.

Deirdre Foley is a history grad, sceptic, wearer of red lipstick and self-confessed 'beauty maniac'. She is also the co-founder of fabulous Irish beauty blog, Viva Adonis.