Best Contour Stick: Advantages, Disadvantages

January 20, 2025 By Salva Off

What is a Contour Stick?

A contour stick is a makeup product designed to help shape and define your face by using darker shades to create shadows and highlight your features. It’s become a must-have for many, thanks to its ability to sculpt cheekbones, jawlines, and noses effortlessly. Contouring was once a technique reserved for makeup pros, but now, with a rise in makeup tutorials and products, even beginners can master it with ease. A good contour stick should be blendable, have a range of shades that work for various skin tones, and last throughout the day. We’ve tested many on different skin types to find the ones that truly stand out in terms of formula, ease of use, and lasting power.

Best Contour Sticks

Ideal for Dark Skin: BLK/OPL True Color Skin Perfecting Stick Foundation

Price: $24 at Amazon, $15 at Ulta, $10 at Walmart

Pros: Wide shade range tailored for darker skin tones, doubles as foundation and contour, full coverage with SPF 15.

Cons: Requires setting powder for longevity.

Best for Nose Contouring: Em Cosmetics So Soft Multi Faceplay Bronze + Sculpt

Price: Available only on Emcosmetics.com

Pros: Infused with squalane and vitamin E, creamy and hydrating.

Cons: Limited availability.

Overall Favorite: Makeup by Mario Softsculpt Shaping Stick

Price: $32 at Sephora, $34 at Kohl’s

Pros: Versatile shade range, easy blending, built-in brush.

Cons: Slightly tricky packaging.

Top Budget Option: NYX Professional Makeup Wonder Stick

Price: $14 at Amazon, Ulta, Target

Pros: Affordable, dual-ended with a highlighter, blends smoothly.

Cons: Firmer texture.

Luxury Pick: Westman Atelier Face Trace Contour Stick

Price: $48 at Credo Beauty, $26 at Sephora

Pros: Luxurious formula with jojoba oil, smooth blendability.

Cons: Limited shade selection.

Most Diverse Shade Range: Fenty Beauty Match Stix Matte Contour Skinstick

Price: $32 at Sephora, Ulta, $30 at Walmart

Pros: Extensive shades, long-lasting, buildable pigment.

Cons: Drier texture.

Precision Best: Victoria Beckham Beauty Contour Stylus

Price: $38 at Violet Grey, Bluemercury.com

Pros: Small for targeted application, natural contour shades.

Cons: Limited product for the price.

Best Liquid Formula: Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Contour Wand

Price: $42 at Sephora, Ulta

Pros: Lightweight liquid, buildable, luminous finish.

Cons: Only two shades available.

Multipurpose Favorite: Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick

Price: $57 at Sephora, Nordstrom

Pros: Functions as foundation and contour, hydrating.

Cons: Too creamy for oily skin.

Best Long-Wearing: Rare Beauty Warm Wishes Effortless Bronzer Stick

Price: $28 at Sephora, Kohl’s

Pros: Creamy texture, lasts all day, versatile as contour and bronzer.

Cons: May be too dewy for oily skin.

Hydrating Winner: LYS Beauty No Limits Bronzer Stick

Price: $20 at Sephora

Pros: Moisturizing ingredients, precise application, lightweight feel.

Cons: Product can get stuck in the cap.

Best Cream Formula: Milk Makeup Cream Contour Stick

Price: $24 at Sephora, Walmart

Pros: Silky finish, great undertones, easy to blend.

Cons: Smaller size.

Matte Must-Have: NudeStix Nudies Bronzer Stick

Price: $35 at Sephora, Target

Pros: Matte finish, soft built-in brush, creamy.

Cons: Insecure packaging.

Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Merit The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick

Price: $38 at Sephora, Kohl’s

Pros: Non-comedogenic, full coverage, lightweight.

Cons: Limited shade depth.

Best Drugstore Find: Wet n Wild MegaGlow Makeup Stick Conceal and Contour

Price: $5 at Amazon, $8 at Walmart

Pros: Budget-friendly, easy to use, creamy texture.

Cons: Limited shade variety.

FAQS

What makes a good contour stick? & How we chose the best contour sticks?

A good contour stick has the power to sculpt and define your face in ways that even a Greek statue would envy. While bronzers add warmth for a sun-kissed glow, contour sticks use cool tones to enhance shadows, helping to recede certain areas and carve out sharp cheekbones and a defined jawline.

For beginners, contouring might seem daunting, but a contour stick simplifies the process. With just a swipe, a blend, and you’re ready to go. When paired with concealer, blush, and highlighter, it creates impressive depth and dimension. With so many creamy and blendable options available, finding the right one can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve rounded up the top 10 contour sticks, loved by beauty experts, celebrity makeup artists, and online reviewers alike.

Should you use a cool-toned contour stick?

Using a cool-toned contour stick isn’t always the best choice for every skin tone. For some, it can appear muddy or unnatural. Instead, opt for warm-toned contour shades like those from LYS Beauty. These offer subtle warm undertones that enhance areas like your cheekbones, jawline, and nose without creating an ashy effect. Plus, the creamy formula and unique triangle shape make it easy to draw precise lines and blend seamlessly for a naturally sculpted look.

How much does a contour stick cost?

If you’re looking to snag a contour stick without breaking the bank, the Wet n Wild MegaGlo Makeup Contour Stick is a total steal. This affordable gem will cost you less than $5, so you can contour to your heart’s content without emptying your wallet. You can grab it for as low as $4.49 on Amazon and Ulta Beauty—what a deal!

Should you use a powder contour stick with a cream contour stick?

If you’re aiming for a deeper, more defined contour, using a powder contour in combination with your cream contour stick can really elevate the look. For deeper skin tones, instead of just relying on a cream contour, it’s better to enhance the shadow effect. This works because deeper skin tends to reflect more light. After applying your cream contour stick, you can add a matte powder contour on top to really define your features and create that sharp, sculpted appearance. It’s like the perfect combo for shaping your face.

What is the best contour stick for fair skin?

For fair skin, the NYX Wonder Stick is highly recommended. Its cool-toned formula creates realistic shadows wherever you apply it, making it ideal for sculpting. Beauty expert Chiara Butler loves it for fair skin, especially given its rare eight shade range for a drugstore brand. The creamy texture and rounded tip ensure smooth application and easy blending. Plus, if you’re going for a full makeup look, it features a shimmer highlighter on the other end to complement the contour perfectly.

Other top choices for pale and fair skin include:

Best Overall: Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze & Glow in Light to Medium
Best Drugstore: Makeup Revolution Ultra Contour Palette
Best For Dry Skin: KVD Beauty Shade + Light Refillable Powder Face Contour Palette
Best Cream Contour Stick: Fenty Beauty Match Stix Matte Contour Skinstick
Best Cream Palette: Lorac Pro Conceal/Contour Palette and Brush
Best For Beginners: NYX Professional Makeup Highlight & Contour Pro Face Palette
Best For Mature Skin: Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick
Best Matte Contour: Smashbox Step-By-Step Contour Kit
Best Drugstore Stick: NYX Wonder Stick, Highlight & Contour in Light
Best For Sensitive Skin: Physicians Formula Bronze Booster Highlight & Contour Palette

How to use a contour stick?

To start using a contour stick, it’s important to first understand your face shape. Figueroa suggests finding your cheekbone and placing two fingers just below it to determine where to contour. If you want to alter the appearance of your forehead or nose, apply contour along the outer edges to create a slimming effect. You can also contour beneath your jawline to define it more sharply.

When applying the product, you can either dot it directly onto the skin in the areas you want to contour or use a fluffy tapered brush for better control. If you’re using the stick directly, blend the contour outward and upward toward the edges of your face. This technique allows you to build up the color gradually, giving you a more precise, natural-looking result.

Conclusion

In the search for the best contour stick, the ideal product will depend on individual skin tones, preferences, and desired results. A good contour stick should seamlessly sculpt and define your features with ease, providing a natural yet defined look. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, a luxurious formula, or a versatile product that combines contouring and highlighting, there are plenty of choices available. Consider factors like blendability, shade range, and longevity to find the right product for your needs. Ultimately, the best contour stick enhances your features, offering precision and control, while allowing you to achieve a beautifully sculpted look with minimal effort.

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