Shop the 11 Best Contour Palettes for an Elevated Complexion

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Unlike Beyoncé, we do not wake up looking “flawless.” It usually takes a full skincare routine and makeup magic for Use to feel our best. No longer are we able to just get out of bed and be ready to conquer the world. We now often replace our morning iced teas with ice rollers to de-puff our skin. According to Harvard HealthAs fat loses volume with aging, skin begins to sag. For so long, we thought that the only sculpting solution was cosmetic surgery — but you don’t need a face lift to flatter your features! We have a beauty hack to do the trick without having to undergo expensive surgery.

So, what’s our secret to achieving a chiseled complexion? Contour. This technique, which was popularized by the Kardashians is used to add dimension to your face using makeup to highlight your natural features. To make your bone structure stand out, darker tones create the illusion of shadow. Lighter shades highlight your skin and create a flattering contrast. Although it may seem a little more complicated at first, this strategy is worth it. Use — the effect is astonishing. It’s a glam game-changer!

How we chose the best contour palettes

There are many palettes available for contour makeup, which has been a mainstay in makeup. Some include a variety contour shades while others include concealer and highlighter. As usual, we tried to find products that appealed to a wide range skin types and tones. Whether you’re a contour beginner or a seasoned pro, there’s something for everyone on this list!

I’ve been a contour convert for years now. Contour is my best friend when I want to create a smooth complexion with a defined jawline and cheekbones. And if I’m hoping to make certain features appear smaller, contour also serves as a slimming solution. I’ve tried many of the products below, and others have come highly recommended from some of the most trustworthy sources in the beauty industry. These contour palettes are top-of-the-line!

1. Aesthetica Cosmetics Cream Contour Kit and Highlighting Makeup Set

Cream of the Crop Contour

This palette is perfect for those who prefer cream contour to powders. Contour like a pro with the kit’s step-by-step instructions, face shape diagrams and mapping guide. This set includes six shades in a variety of creamy shades as well as a mirror. This set is perfect for touch-ups and travel. This palette is cruelty-free and non-irritating. It provides pigmented payoff that suits all skin types. This palette is loved by many because it hides imperfections. Plus, it’s on sale for 50% off!

Pros:

• Blendable creams
• Pigmented
• 50% off

Cons:

• Hard to find — almost entirely five-star reviews

It’s Amazing!

Available at

2. NYX Professional Makeup Highlight & Contour Pro Palette

The Great Eight

You are looking for a one-stop solution for all your contouring needs? NYX offers this customizable palette! This versatile palette includes eight matte shades that can be used as refills. They shimmer and sculpt like a dream. One reviewer reported, “It’s pigmented perfectly and applies evenly.” Bonus: this top-rated palette is currently on sale!

Pros:

• Eight creamy shades
• Pigmented
• Reasonable price (and sale!)
• Caters to all skin types

Cons:

• As one shopper said, “Literally nothing”

Available at

3. Black Radiance True Complexion Contour Palette

Rolling in the Deep

This contour palette is a popular treasure, featuring a trio of colors that sculpt, shape, and highlight. Black Radiance is a beauty brand that celebrates women of color through inclusive makeup products. This product is ideal for medium- to dark skin tones. This contour collection is only $7 and a steal!

Pros:

• Affordable and on sale
• Ideal for darker skin tones
• Easy to use even for beginners

Cons:

• Some suggest that the highlighter could have a brighter glow.

It’s Amazing!

Available at

4. Lorac Pro Contour Palette & Contour Brush

Pro Tip

 

The pros can create a palette that will give you flawless contour. This kit comes with six standard shades to help you master this style of makeup, as well as a brush for smooth application. This powder palette has a mix of matte and shimmer finishes and offers versatility. This contour blends seamlessly according to shoppers.

Pros:

• Blendable
• Versatile shades

Cons:

• Some reviewers don’t love the highlighter

It’s Amazing!

Available at

5. Smashbox Cali Contour Face Palette

California Dreaming

Get a taste of SoCal sunshine with this Cali Contour palette, available at Smashbox. This is a Sephora bestseller and an essential makeup kit. This palette contains six neutral shades, which include a combination matte and pearlescent pigments. You can use it on your eyes and cheeks to create highlighter, blush and bronzer. One shopper declared, “This palette is my holy grail,” while another called it an “everyday essential.”

Pros:

Cons:

• Some customers claim that the colors appear darker in person than they do in the photos.

Available at: Sephora 

6. Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Powder palette

Powder Power

Powder-based contour palettes are best for oily skin. They can sculpt and absorb moisture. Anastasia Beverly Hills’ bestseller set includes six removable powders in six highlighting or contouring shades: Java, Vanilla (pale crème), Fawn/tawny), Havana/warm russet), Banana/pale yellow, Sand (radiantchiffon). This contour palette is suitable for light to medium skin types. It can be used to highlight your eyes and jawline. One customer gushed, “It’s flawless! Beautiful colors! Long-lasting! I get compliments all the time!”

Pros:

• Oily skin is a good choice
• Set of two, removable and refillable

Cons:

• Not recommended for darker skin tones

It’s Amazing!

Available at: Nordstrom

7. MAC Studio Fix Sculpt & Shape Contour Palette

MAC Daddy of Contour

Even at first glance, you can already tell that MAC’s contour palette is a universal crowd-pleaser for all skin types. The three matte contouring powders have a rich texture, while the three shimmering highlighting powders are subtle and subtle. The application is smooth and natural. We love how the contour provides sheer coverage so you don’t have to cake on the product to get great results. In fact, one customer called this contour palette the “best investment for subtle natural beauty.”

Pros:

• All-in-one palette
• Natural-looking, not muddy 

Cons:

See it!

Available at: Nordstrom

8. e.l.f. Cream Contour Palette

Cream Dream

This palette is versatile and blendable. It has a creamy formula that melts in your skin. Between the contour collection’s affordable price and smooth finish, we can’t get enough! And we’re not the only ones — shoppers say that the product glides onto skin and blends effortlessly. This vegan palette costs less than $10 and is more than just palatable.

Pros:

Cons:

• It takes a while to get color

It’s amazing!

Available at: Ulta

9. Kevyn Aucoin Contour Book: The Art of Sculpting & Defining Volume III

Take a Page from This Contour Book

This is a contour palette and not a book. But read between the lines — this set is spectacular! Each palette includes three shades of sculpting contours, two highlighters in gold and an exclusive Neo-Bronzer blush. For flawless results, prepare for flawless! One shopper said, “This palette took all of the guesswork out of contouring, and actually made me look like a professional had done my face. Absolutely incredible results from one makeup palette.”

Pros:

• Beautiful colors
• Silky powders

Cons:

See it!

Available at: Nordstrom

10. Smashbox Step by-Step Contour Kit

Beginner’s Luck

Some might say this three-shade palette is simple, but we say it’s simply the best! The user-friendly kit includes a simple-to-follow application guide as well as an angled brush. These powders are suitable for all skin types and levels. They can be mixed and built up. There’s a reason this palette is so popular with beauty experts and insiders!

Pros:

• Simple, yet powerful
• Great for beginners

Cons:

It’s Amazing!

Available at: Nordstrom

11. Ruby Kisses 3D powder contour artist

Sealed with a Kiss

For only $6, you can’t beat this unbelievable deal! This set includes eight shades to sculpt and enhance skin. It comes in five different color options (both powder and cream varieties). This contour set is lightweight and provides complete coverage. It’s easy to use every day.

Pros:

• Super affordable
• There are many color options

Cons:

It’s Amazing!

Available at

Other Contour Palettes We Like:

Are you looking for ways to enhance your beauty routine? You can find more ideas below.