Nailing that perfect contour isn’t as hard as you think. Just know your face and grab the right tools. Contouring transforms features when done right, but it’s never one-size-fits-all. First things first – figure out what works for your unique face! Some want subtle definition; others crave red-carpet drama.
Understanding face shape is everything in contouring. Different shapes need different approaches to shadows and highlights. Face shapes vary widely – oval, round, square, heart, diamond – each with pros and cons. Round faces? They pop with techniques that create sharper angles. Got an oval face? Lucky you! They need minimal work since nature already blessed you with balance. Not sure of your shape. Simply check your reflection or find a face chart to guide you thru your contouring journey.
Your product choices make or break the look. The beauty industry has exploded with options – from silky powders to buttery sticks and everything between! Makeup genius Keita Moore says product selection depends on the look your going for. Want dramatic definition. Powders deliver precision. Craving a natural glow? Creams are your best friend. The Makeup by Mario SoftSculpt Shaping Stick is a game-changer with its clever two-sided design – blending brush on one end, buildable color on the other. This stick lets anyone sculpt like a pro!
Product on Amazon: MAKEUP.BY.MARIO SoftSculpt® Shaping Stick Medium Dark (0.37 oz / 10.5g) + Bonus Acne Patch (36 Pieces)
Brand: MAKEUP.BY.MARIO
Price: 53.47 USD
Rating: 5.0 Total reviews: 2
Top Review from US: “My daughter is in love with with this makeup. We have ordered it numerous times from Amazon and it never disappoints. She refuses to use any other product. I highly recommend”
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Choosing colors that go well with your skin tone is another important factor. The goal of contouring, according to professional guidance from artists like Kelli Anne Sewell, is to create the appearance of shadows. Since they replicate natural shading, neutral or cool-toned cosmetics are usually your best option. For best results, always choose a contour shade that is two to four shades darker than your skin tone. Products such as the Fenty Beauty Match Stix Matte Contour Skinstick offer a creamy, blendable application for lighter skin types without overpowering the complexion. However, because of its contrast and pore-blurring properties, darker skin tones may find comfort in products with deeper depth, such as Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder.
Product on Amazon: FENTY BEAUTY BY RIHANNA Match Stix Matte Skinstick Amber – contour shade with cool undertones Matte finish
Brand: FENTY BEAUTY
Price: 32 USD
Rating: 4.5 Total reviews: 620
Top Review from US: “Everything about this product is great, BUT I personally prefer a radiant, glowy, or dewy finish to my face. I prefer my finish to still look like healthy happy skin! I’ve got some texture to my skin, mostly a few scars from bumps I didn’t leave alone 🤦♀️😫😫! I was SO excited to use this product because it really is the PERFECT CONTOUR SHADE FOR FAIR/LIGHT SKIN, so I popped it on, blended it out, loved the process, loved the blend, loved the color.. for whatever reason, I noticed that my skin has a lot more scars than I realized😳🫢😬! I don’t know if it was a used flaw, or other products I used with it… im still rating it five stars because it’s a fantastic product! It just isn’t the right fit for me. If you are fair/light with neutral undertone, try this. Shade can NOT be beat.”
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Dual-ended contour sticks, like the Maybelline Facestudio Master Contour Stick, are a great option for beginners because they combine contour and highlight in one intuitive applicator, making them ideal for on-the-go touch-ups. If you prefer multipurpose products, the Tom Ford Shade and Illuminate Contour Duo offers a level of elegance and versatility that’s difficult to match for those looking for luxury.
Product on Amazon: Maybelline New York Makeup Facestudio Master Contour V-Shape Duo Stick, Medium Shade Contour Stick, 0.24 oz
Brand: Maybelline
Price: 18.99 USD
Rating: 4.3 Total reviews: 704
Top Review from US: “This is my second concealer/ highlighter. Very attractive around the eyes. Brights and wears well.”
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Your contour product’s format may also determine how it works for you. For novices or those wishing to experiment with delicate detailing, slim precision sticks such as the Victoria Beckham Beauty Contour Stylus are perfect. Tracing delicate regions, like the lip line or nose bridge, is a breeze with their tiny applicators. On the opposite end of the spectrum, the Patrick Ta Major Sculpt Crème Contour & Powder Bronzer Duo provides a multipurpose blend of powder and cream for a daylong, natural glow.
Product on Amazon: PATRICK TA Major Sculpt Creme Contour & Powder Bronzer Duo – SHE’S CHISELED
Brand: PATRICK TA
Price: 50.98 USD
Rating: 4.6 Total reviews: 7
Top Review from US: “Excellent product
I really recommend it”
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The decision between cream, liquid, or powder products ultimately comes down to your preferences and the type of finish you want. Another well-known makeup artist, Kirin Bhatty, suggests using cream formulas if you want a delicate, dewy look. Conversely, powders are excellent for creating dramatic high contrast. To achieve the best of both worlds, think about locking in the look with a cream contour and matching powder.
The accessibility of contemporary contouring is what makes it so lovely. Even novices may get started without worry with easy-to-use tools like Nyx Professional Makeup Wonder Stick Cream Highlight & Contour Stick. This dual-sided stick has a creamy consistency that makes blending almost impossible, as well as a thinner applicator for accurate placement. The fact that contouring has overcome its scary reputation and established itself as a mainstay in makeup regimes worldwide is evidence of how far the technique has come.
Product on Amazon: NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Wonder Stick, Highlight & Contour – Universal
Brand: NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP
Price: 9.85 USD
Rating: 4.3 Total reviews: 31,651
Top Review from US: “This contour stick is my favorite to use for my nose. I don’t really use it on the rest of my face cuz I don’t think it is dark enough. But that’s why it’s perfect for the nose because it’s not too dark and it’s very easy to blend but it can get over blended if you don’t do it correctly.”
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Remember to experiment and discover what suits your own style as you start your contouring journey. Since contouring is an art form that embraces individuality, the only rule is that there are none. The correct tools and a thorough knowledge of your face form will put you on the way to makeup expertise, whether you’re highlighting your jawline or shaping your cheekbones.
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