Editor Tip: Though its buttery formula is spiked with moisturizing coconut oil, you can expect a natural-looking, matte finish that won’t slip and slide throughout the day.
# of Shades: Nine | Who It’s For: Anyone who wants a tried-and-true contour stick that’s beloved by makeup artists, editors, and readers.
Beginner-Friendly: Westman Atelier Face Trace Cream Contour Stick
Why It’s Worth It: Gerstein loves how user-friendly the Westman Atelier Face Trace Cream Contour Stick is. “Whether you apply with fingers or a brush, blending this product out is a snap (read: you will not end up with zebra stripes, no matter your skill level),” she tells Allure. The creamy formula is enriched with a slew of conditioning skin-care staples like moisturizing jojoba seed oil and sebum-balancing kaolin clay.
Editor Tip: If you want higher, more prominent-looking cheekbones, Los Angeles-based makeup artist Robin Black previously told Allure to glide your contour stick just below your natural cheekbone and blend upward for a natural, seamless finish.
# of Shades: Three | Who It’s For: Anyone who wants a fuss-free, easy-to-use product.
Best Dual-Ended: Nyx Professional Makeup Wonder Stick
Why It’s Worth It: The dual-ended NYX Professional Makeup Wonder Stick is one-part contour stick, one-part highlighter stick that creates the illusion of a sculpted, defined face in (almost) no time. Best of all, it’s cruelty-free, clocks in at under $15, and comes in eight versatile shades.
Editor Tip: To prevent breaking your contour stick, make sure you only twist out a little product at a time and use a brush or sponge instead of gliding it directly on your face.
# of Shades: Eight | Who It’s For: Anyone who wants a two-in-one product for shaping and highlighting.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you use a contour stick?
You asked, and we’re bringing you a quick Contouring 101 lesson. Contour sticks are relatively easy to work with since their creamy formulas are easy to blend out, which is key to achieving a natural finish. Per Gerstein, “Anything too densely pigmented or dry on texture will require more effort and precision.”
In terms of application, you have two options. For some subtle sculpting, consider warming the product up on the back of your hand before going in with a makeup brush or beauty sponge. Alternatively, Los Angeles-based makeup artist Shadi Malek recommends applying the product “directly where you want it to be the most concentrated and blend outwards.” Regardless of how you choose to apply your contour, remember that less is always more.” For me, contouring is about subtly defining your natural features,” says makeup artist Alexa Persico. “When you contour, it should be barely noticeable.”
How do you select your proper shade?
Whereas bronzers tend to be warmer-toned and often add a touch of shimmer to the skin on the highest points of the face, contour products lean more matte and cool-toned, and ideally one shade deeper than your bronzer in order to mimic natural shadows along your face shape. When it comes to choosing the best contour stick shade for a natural-looking finish, Persico recommends picking ones that offer cooler-toned shades, which “tend to look the most natural on all skin types.” Persico also advises using a color that’s two shades darker than your normal skin tone to create a subtle shadow effect.
How we test and review products
Before reviewing any makeup, we ask questions about a number of factors: What ingredients are in it? Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones? Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses? Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge? Is its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?