11 Contour Sticks That Will Chisel Your Features to Perfection

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We honestly can’t remember a time before contouring existed. Although the technique was first used on stage in Elizabethan England, it has evolved to a shading style that highlights facial features in a natural, subtle way. There are many methods that you can use to shape your face. However, our favorite is the contour stick method.

Why choose contour sticks over powder and how to use them

Powder bronzers or contour shades can be just as effective as contour sticks. However, the cream formulation and packaging of contour sticks has its benefits. Powders have a tendency to sit on top of the skin, so if you’re using other powder products, a cake-y look may develop — which is far from the most appealing. Creamy formulas sink in the skin and can even be blended to create the most natural effect.

Plus, if you’re not an expert at contouring, using a stick to get the look makes it ThatIt’s much simpler. You just need to apply the product in four key areas. With contour sticks, the application process is much simpler because you have more control of the product, and if you make an initial mistake, it’s a breeze to fix. After that, just blend in your lines with a contouring brush or a classic makeup sponge to make everything look seamless — and you’re done! The entire process shouldn’t take you longer than approximately 10 minutes, and the results are immaculate.

Fact: There are many creams that you can use to contour. Some have more concentrated pigments, while others have a less intense hue — and of course, you can choose between a matte or dewey finish. Those details come down to your personal preferences, but if you aren’t sure what type of contour stick will suit you best, we have the low-down on all of the best options to choose from. Check out our top picks!

11 Creamy Contour sticks that will chisel your features to perfection

Julep Cushion Combinion 5-in-1 Multitasking Skin Perfecter

This is technically an all-in-one product which you can use for everything related to your makeup base — but if you want to use it as a contour, there are a number of brown hues to choose from. Because the formula can also be used as a concealer or foundation, the color is very concentrated — so a little bit can go a long way!

Pros

• High pigment
• Tip for thinner applicator
• Affordable price

Cons

• It can be difficult to find the perfect shade

Available at: Amazon, Target, Nordstrom, Walmart

Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour & Highlight Sticks

The blendable and lightweight formula of this contour stick may have some advantages. Shoppers who have struggled to find the right contour hue that didn’t appear discolored on their skin were able to get exactly what they were looking for with this stick!

Pros

• Shades that suit fair skin tones
• Natural matte finish

Cons

• There are fewer shades for darker skin tones

Available at: Sephora. Ulta. Amazon

NYX Professional Makeup Beauty Wonder Stick

This product comes with a 2-for-1 deal! The contour stick comes with a perfectly matched highlight color that you can use to really make your beat pop! It’s by far one of the most popular contour products around, and reviewers say that it’s ideal for anyone who’s a beginner!

Pros

• Super affordable
• Simple to use
• Two products for the price of one

Cons

Available at: Amazon. Target. Ulta

MILK MAKEUP Matte Cream Bronzer Stick

This stick is perfect for those who want a more natural contour, but with a bronzer-like look. It’s extra chubby and the color is lighter, plus it has a dewier finish despite being a matte bronzer. This means you’ll get a touch more glow than some of the other contour sticks we’ve covered.

Pros

• Buildable color
• Hydrating formula
• Super blendable

Cons

Available at: Sephora

PÜR 4-In-1 Foundation Stick

Another foundation stick that can also be used for contouring is the one above. Essentially, the color has a medium-to-full coverage capacity and you likely won’t need as much product. The formula has a velvet matte finish, so it won’t give you any shimmer or leave your skin looking parched.

Pros

• Great shade range
• More opaque coverage
• Hydrating formula

Cons

Available at: Ulta and Amazon

UNDONE BEAUTY Water Bronzer

Although it may seem dark, the stick bronzer is actually lightened by water. This product is great for creating a subtle contour or to lighten your skin.

Pros

• Sheer finish
• Affordable price
• Extremely hydrating

Cons

• Limited shades available
• It may be too light for some

Available at

Stick of bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Hydrating Foundation Stick

Again, we have another foundation stick that you can use for contouring — and it’s chock full of amazing ingredients. It’s fully vegan and free of any harmful chemicals or additives that may irritate the skin, so if you’re particularly prone to sensitivity, this is a safe bet.

Pros

• Gentle formula for sensitive skin
• There are many shade options

Cons

Available at: Ulta, Nordstrom

Fenty Beauty Matte Contour Skinstick

We simply couldn’t have a contour stick lineup without mentioning this specific product! It’s arguably one of the most popular options for contouring on the market because of how blendable and buildable it is — and how easy it is to find the shade that fits your skin tone to perfection.

Pros

• Easy match of shades
• All-time bestseller
• Blendable and adaptable

Cons

Available at: Sephora, Ulta

UOMA Beauty Double Take Contourstick

Two for one! With this contour stick, you’ll receive your darker shade to chisel and a shimmery shade on the other end to use on the high points of your face. Just a few steps away is a radiant complexion!

Pros

• Comes with a highlighter
• It is easy to find your shade

Cons

Available at: Ulta, Nordstrom

Bobbi brown Skin Foundation Stick

This foundation stick will not give you the perfect contour, even though it is a foundation stick. You can start out light and build to the coverage you like best, plus it’s also sweat- and water-resistant so your makeup stays in place for more than just a couple of hours!

Pros

• Buildable color
• There are many shades available

Cons

Available at: Sephora and Nordstrom

NUDESTIX Nudies All Over Face Matte Bronzer

You won’t have to get a special brush to use this contour stick — it’s already built-in! This handy feature is loved by shoppers and is perfect for travel or touch-ups on the go.

Pros

• Blending brush included
• Mixable and great formulas

Cons

• There are not as many colors available

Available at Target, Sephora and Nordstrom

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