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If you've been on TikTok recently, you'll know that contouring is back in a big way. But while some people still stand by the classic cream contour palettes, for beginners–or people who love a quick, easy look–contour sticks are the way to go. In my day, contour sticks were good for adding a big orange streak across your face. But these days, you can find incredible products that blend like a dream, look natural, and can convince everyone you know that you have the chiseled jawline of an A-list celeb.
Here, find the 10 best contour sticks that will actually look believable. Plus, keep reading for some great tips and tricks from makeup artists on how to apply these products.
FENTY BEAUTY by Rihanna Match Stix Matte Contour Skinstick
Pros
- Easy to blend
Cons
- Pricey
With a total of eight shades, this contour stick from Fenty makes it easy to find a color that suits your skin tone. These products are easy to blend, won't budge your foundation, and make it look like you just naturally have the cheekbones of a supermodel.
Pros
- Affordable
Cons
- Can feel greasy on the skin
If you're perusing your local drugstore beauty aisles, pick up one of these babies. Not only does this product effortless contour, but on the other end, it has a highlighter stick so you can really emphasize your bone structure.
Pros
- Comes with a brush
Cons
- Pricey
It is honestly a miracle that this product is still available to buy, given how quickly they're flying off the shelves. This stick sculpts and bronzes, and comes in six beautiful shades for most skin tones. Buy it now before it sells out everywhere.
Pros
- Wide shade range
Cons
- Might need multiple layers for intense pigment
With a whopping 30 shades available, Juvia's Place doesn't play around. From very pale to extremely deep tones, you can find a contour stick that works perfectly for you. Plus, the formulation is creamy and easy to blend.
Pros
Cons
- Limited shade range
Looking for a facelift minus the huge price tag? These contour sticks do it all, from sculpting, to highlighting, to concealing any blemishes. If the tones don't suit your skin perfectly, mixing a bit into your foundation or concealer can help get the perfect color.
Pros
- Easy to blend
Cons
- Limited shade range
For smooth, creamy contour, look no further. Not only is this contour stick easy to use and blend, but it also contains hydrating walnut oil to soothe dry skin.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour & Highlight Stick
Pros
- Pigmented
Cons
- Can be hard to blend
Looking for a believable contour? This contour stick is matte and highly pigmented, making it appear completely natural when blending into your foundation.
Pros
- Great shade range
Cons
- Some shades can be too warm
If you want a truly chiseled jawline, this contour and highlighting stick is a one-stroke wonder. This product is incredibly pigmented, so a little goes a long way.
Westman Atelier Face Trace Cream Contour Stick
Pros
- Easy to blend
Cons
- Pricey
For an upscale, chic contour stick, this product is a great choice. It has a beautiful satin finish that blends like a dream, without ever looking patchy or budging your foundation.
Clinique Chubby Stick Sculpting Contour
Pros
- Easy to blend
Cons
- Only one shade
For a sheer, buildable contour, this stick is almost too easy to use. Simply swipe on, and dab in the product with a brush or your fingers. There's truly no way to mess it up.
FAQs
Why should someone use a contour stick in their routine?
"A contour stick is the easiest way to apply and create contour because it allows for such precision and are usually blendable with a brush or your fingers," says Espinal. They're also incredibly versatile, allowing people to create both natural and bold looks. "Someone who likes more natural skin would benefit from a contour stick," says Tricome. "Cream makeup has a more natural finish and melts into the skin, whereas powders can sometimes settle on top and look grainy. If you are interested in a very sculpted look, a contour stick is also beneficial. You can start with the contour stick as a base to sculpt the face, and then further enhance the contour or set the product with a powder contour."
Do you have any tricks to help people apply or blend a contour stick?
"When blending out your contour, you can blend with fingers, but I prefer to use a brush," says Espinal. "I think brushes do the best job of creating the most natural yet professionally-blended look." The method of application is also important. "Do not apply too much product at once," adds Tricome. "It is always best to build up the color in layers."
How can people avoid moving their foundation when applying a contour stick over top?
"I like to wait until the foundation is fully set on the skin before going in with contour sticks. I'd definitely recommend starting with a mattifying primer or matte setting powder—really anything with a mattifying formula that dries quickly and sets nicely to create a solid, set base that won't budge," says Espinal.
What’s the best trick to making a contour look natural?
"A light hand," says Tricome. "Starting out with too much product makes it harder to blend seamlessly into the skin and keep the placement where you want it. Always make sure you are blending upward. I find when the contour shade is below the hollow of the cheek it tends to look messy and emphasize an area where you don't want a darker shade." Finding the right shade will make the entire look appear more natural. "Pick the shade that's right for you and make sure to blend it out completely," adds Espinal. "I'm so proud of the work that Rihanna put into creating this shade range and Fenty Beauty makes it so easy to find your shade so you don't have to compromise and use a shade that's maybe not perfect for you."
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