The 10 Best Contour Sticks, According to Makeup Artists and Editor Testing (2024)

$32

Think of the Makeup by Mario Sculpting Stick as a BOGO deal — one side features a creamy, blendable formula with a matte finish, while the other side boasts an easy-to-use angled buffing brush, eliminating the need to carry a makeup brush when applying makeup on the go (raise your hand if you’ve ever applied your makeup in a moving vehicle). While many brushes attached to makeup products are so-so, this one is the exception with five nubs within the head of the brush to ensure an even application. It melts right onto the skin and goes on like butter, making it super easy to blend into the skin. It’s almost always sold out, so act fast when you see it in stores — it’s the best cream contour stick you can find.

Editor testing and review notes: “This contour stick got me back into the sculpting category when it launched in 2021. The main selling points: It’s blendable and buildable, making it nearly impossible to mess up; the built-in brush is honestly perfect for applying the product; a little goes a long way. I also love that the shade range provides plenty of options for my fair skin during winter as well as warmer options that can carry me through summer, when my skin’s a little warmer.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $32

$24

$24

Ranging from fair to very deep, this Sculpt Cream Contour Stick from Milk Makeup is both matte and cool-toned, ideal for those desiring a more natural look. Enriched with sunflower seed oil for hydration and a thyme extract blend for nourishment, this formula blends seamlessly, ensuring no harsh lines are left behind. This best cool-toned contour stick’s teeny-tiny size makes it perfect for on-the-go touch-ups, fitting easily in your makeup bag (or even pockets), and rest assured, you’re not shortchanged — each stick provides more than 1000 swipes.

Editor testing and review notes: “This tiny contour stick provides major bang for your buck — a few dots are all you need to cover my cheeks, jawline, and perimeter of my forehead. The product seal on the top of the pigment does remove a bit of the product before the first use, but beyond that, I have no critical notes. The chubby shape of the product goes on in soft strokes, helping me to create a believable sculpted look.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $24

$42

$42

Allen’s pick for the best splurge contour stick is Charlotte Tilbury’s Hollywood Contour Wand. “It’s definitely a keeper in my makeup kit,” she says. This water-based formula blends flawlessly, and leaves you looking super snatched. Unlike a traditional contour stick, it’s more of a wand with a cushion applicator that requires you to squeeze the tube and tap, tap, tap it onto the skin. This application method allows for a less harsh and more natural appearance. Just be careful not to squeeze too hard, or you’ll end up wasting product.

Editor testing and review notes: “Few liquid contours hold a candle to Charlotte Tilbury’s gorgeous formula. Beyond carving out my cheekbones and creating a shadow effect on my jaw, it also warms up my complexion to the point that bronzer is optional —and rest assured that it doesn’t read orange. The cushion tip delivers a good amount of product per dot, so I really only need two dots per cheek and three on my forehead to get great dimension.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $42

$13.14$146% off

$14

According to Allen, Nyx’s Makeup Wonder Stick is versatile and easy to use, making it a great option if you’re in search of an affordable two-in-one contour stick that combines a deep, long-lasting contour with a highlighter to bring it all together. “The colors are so beautiful,” she says. I still remember saving my allowance money to purchase this when I was in middle school, and while I have an arsenal of products at my disposal nowadays, I still reach for this when I don’t want to splurge but need something reliable. There are eight shades to choose between, and all of them are vegan and cruelty-free.

What testers say: “The contour sticks works well and blends well for long wear use. The highlighter goes on smooth and isn’t too bright. Great addition to your makeup routine!”

Price upon publish date of this article: $13.14

$32

$32

Both Allen and Scibelli love Fenty’s Match Stix Matte Contour Skinstick, a subtle yet highly-pigmented contour with a matte finish for natural definition. The last thing you want is a contour that’s actually a bronzer, as contour is meant to be cool-toned because you want to create shadows. Fenty recently released more shades in the cool-toned family, so there’s no worry of looking overly bronzed or, god forbid, orange.

What testers say: “Amazing!! I’ve been looking for a contour that has more of a grey undertone as contour products easily look orange on me. This is easy to apply, very smooth, and the finish leaves a beautiful contour without the orange!”

Price upon publish date of this article: $32

$36

Approved by none other than Alix Earle herself, the Tarte Sculpt Tape is worth trying if you’re a fan of cushioned-tip products. It contains moisturizing shea butter, licorice root to color correct, and diamond powder to blur imperfections. You only need a few drops and a good buffing brush to blend it into the skin for a natural your skin but better makeup look. There are five different shades to choose from, offering both cool and warm-toned options, so it really is a matter of personal preference.

Editor testing and review notes: “I expect full-coverage, high-glam products from Tarte — so I was surprised to see how beautifully natural this product looks when I buff a few dots on my skin. Once used, it can be tricky to twist the product open and closed (pro tip: use a brush to pick up any excess near the cushion tip so you don’t waste the precious formula, then use a tissue to seal it closed or open it up).”

Price upon publish date of this article: $36

$20

$20

After being sold out for months, the viral Lys No Limits bronzer stick is finally back in stock. Super creamy and chock-full of skin-friendly ingredients like hydrating niacinamide and rosehip oil, you can apply it with a brush or directly on your face — its angular shape makes it easy to sculpt different parts of the face. It’s so creamy that you can even blend it in with your fingers if you’re short on time. And because it’s highly pigmented, there’s no fear that it’ll disappear into the abyss as you blend it into the skin.

What testers say: “The best cream bronzer I’ve ever tried. The melt into my base perfectly and are super long wearing as well.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $20

$13.75

$14.99

If you ever won an award for your childhood coloring skills, then you’re all set to master the Maybelline Contour Stick, no matter how bad you think you are at contouring. Similar to a crayon, this contour stick easily glides across the face and is dual-ended, with one side for adding definition and another side for highlighting. It’s super affordable and comes in three creamy matte shades. Some reviewers warn that it may wear off throughout the day, but it’s nothing a little setting powder or face mist can’t fix.

What testers say: “This works really well! Goes on smoothly and stays put. The crayon-like tube is user friendly — anyone can master.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $13.75

$35

$35

Fans of Sofia Richie know that, thanks to her role as the beauty director for Nudestix, she’s almost always wearing the brand. So, if you’re looking to recreate her signature glowy makeup look, the key is the Nudestix Nudies Matte stick, a long-wearing, all-over sculpting stick. The shades vary, leaning more towards warm tones than cool, making it perfect for achieving that beachy glow. True to its name, all of Nudestix’s products come in a stick format, showcasing their mastery of stick formulations. The product blends on super easily and even comes with a blending brush at the bottom, making it easier than ever to get ready quickly.

What testers say: “This product glides on so smoothly and leaves a really nice glowing finish. I love that there is a brush included which works amazing to help spread out the product.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $35

$48

$48

It’s nearly impossible to mess up your contour with the Westman Atelier Face Trace. It easily glides across your skin and blends in without the need for force, thanks to hydrating berry flux vita and jojoba seed oil. It also contains kaolin clay, which absorbs excess oil, so there’s no worry of a shiny face — you want your contour to be subtle, after all. For fans of the no-makeup-makeup look, this is one of those rare makeup products you may use until its dying day.

What testers say: “Best contour I have ever used! Perfect shade, not too warm or ashy. Blends beautifully with brush or fingers and works well layered under powder bronzer. Will be repurchasing when I run out!”

Price upon publish date of this article: $48