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Molly Calhoun Contributor Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own.
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Once an intimidating technique used by seasoned makeup professionals, contouring is now a mainstream—and invaluable—beauty practice. It involves using shadow and light to create the appearance of chiseled cheekbones, a defined jawline, and even a sculpted nose and pouty lips. The best contour sticks (like our favorites from Fenty and NYX) create flattering definition, are extremely easy to use and buildable, and last all day.
We’ve rounded up top picks in the category that are moisturizing, blend easily, offer foolproof definition and have good shade variety. Read on for all the best contour sticks to help you create face-enhancing dimension, whether you’re going for soft and sculpted or full-on glam.
- Best Contour Stick Overall: Fenty Match Stix Contour Skinstick
- Best Drugstore Contour Stick: NYX Wonder Stick
- Best Luxury Contour Stick: Westman Atelier Face Trace
- Best Contour Stick For Beginners: Rare Beauty Warm Wishes
- Best Contour Stick For Mature Skin: LYS Beauty No Limits
- Best Multitasking Contour Stick: Merit Beauty The Minimalist
- Best Contour Stick For Oily Skin: Makeup By Mario SoftSculpt
- Best Contour Stick For Dry Skin: Milk Makeup Sculpt Cream
- Best Liquid Contour Stick: Tarte Sculpt Tape Contour
Best Contour Stick Overall
A Top Pick That Creates Gorgeous Depth And Dimension
MOST POPULAR
Fenty Match Stix Contour Skinstick
Formula: Cream-to-powder | Finish: Matte | Shades: 9 | Cruelty-free:Yes | Size: 0.25 ounces
More makeup layers can sometimes feel heavy, but this formula maintains a lightweight, airy feel from application to end-of-day. Formulated with ingredients including vitamin E, and coconut oil, it blends easily without settling into creases or fine lines. Swipe this master multitasker across your cheekbones, forehead or jawline to conceal, brighten, define and highlight. Users say it works well on a variety of skin tones, especially cooler and neutral tones.
What you’ll love:
- Long-wearing
- Angular packaging makes it easy to grip and helps with targeted application
- Good shade range
Keep in mind:
- Some say it may require effort to blend
Best Drugstore Contour Stick
An All-In-One Contour And Highlighter Stick
NYX Wonder Stick
Formula: Cream | Finish: Natural | Shades: 11 | Cruelty-free: Yes| Size: 0.14 ounces
We love that this popular, dual-sided stick packs a punch—it not only shapes, but it also brightens to give you a lit-from-within glow. Reviewers say it has great staying power even on oily skin, but some comment that you may need to be careful when applying because the packaging can be delicate.
What you’ll love:
- Great price point
- Shape allows for precise application
- Beginner friendly
Keep in mind:
- The highlighter is too shimmery for some users
Best Luxury Contour Stick
A Splurge-Worthy Formula With Beauty Benefits
Westman Atelier Face Trace Contour Stick
Formula: Cream | Finish: Satin | Shades: 3 | Cruelty-free:Yes | Size: 0.21 ounces
This formula contains hydrating jojoba oil and berryflux vita extract, so it aids in maintaining the skin’s moisture balance and makes it appear youthful. It melts seamlessly into skin—which means no creases or lines with extended wear—and it contains kaolin clay to absorb excess oil throughout the day so the product won’t migrate. It also blends easily so you won’t swipe off foundation and concealer during the contouring process.
What you’ll love:
- Natural look
- Cool undertones for sculpting
- Luxe packaging
Keep in mind:
- Limited shade options
- Pricey
Best Contour Stick For Beginners
A Foolproof Contouring Tool For Novices
Rare Beauty Warm Wishes Effortless Bronzer Stick
Formula: Cream | Finish: Natural | Shades: 8 | Cruelty-free:Yes | Size: 0.25 ounces
For those who are new to contouring and don’t want to overdo it, or if you just prefer a more subtle, no-makeup look, these pigmented sticks offer understated definition and a sun-kissed glow. Made with a botanical blend of white water lily, gardenia and lotus, the formula soothes skin while wearing. Even better, there’s no need to watch endless beauty tutorials to get this one right.
What you’ll love:
- Non-greasy formula won’t cause breakouts
- Blends out well
- Buildable
Keep in mind:
- Some say it can become patchy
Best Contour Stick For Mature Skin
A Highly Pigmented Product With Added Skin Benefits
LYS Beauty No Limits Cream Bronzer Stick
Formula: Cream | Finish: Natural | Shades: 5 | Cruelty-free:Yes | Size: 0.25 ounces
LYS Beauty’s contour stick has a cult following and is beloved for its like-butter texture. It has a trifecta of all-star ingredients: Green tea extract soothes and reduces the appearance of redness; watermelon seed extract retains moisture and boosts radiance; and rosehip oil works to reduce the appearance of dark spots. The angled shape also makes it simple to swipe on round or bony spots, or in hard-to-reach areas.
What you’ll love:
- Good for dry skin types
- More palatable price than many others
- Highly blendable
Keep in mind:
- Can be slippery on oily skin
Best Multitasking Contour Stick
A Do-It-All Formula To Stash In Your Makeup Bag
Merit The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick
Formula: Cream | Finish: Natural | Shades: 20 | Cruelty-free:Yes | Size: 0.23 ounces
While this is often used as a foundation or concealer stick, it’s also a wildly popular contour option if you choose a shade two to three deeper than your base. It’s formulated with sea daffodil extract to minimize the appearance of hyperpigmentation, and fatty acids to seal in moisture so you don’t get a cakey look. Many report this is lighter on pigment, so it gives a more natural, no-makeup look.
What you’ll love:
- Won’t trigger breakouts
- Buildable
- Impressive shade options because it’s also a foundation and concealer
Keep in mind:
- Some say it breaks easily and product falls out of the packaging
- Can be difficult to set
Best Contour Stick For Oily Skin
An Option That Adds Soft Definition Without Shine
Makeup By Mario SoftSculpt Shaping Stick
Formula: Cream | Finish: Matte | Shades: 6 | Cruelty-free:Yes | Size: 0.37 ounces
Many formulas have a hard time staying put on oily skin, and adding layers of product can cause breakouts and amplify greasiness. But this creamy contour stick dries matte so it doesn’t add extra shine, and it looks completely natural by day or night. Added bonus: It has an angled buffing brush to ensure a flawless application, so no extra tools are required to blend.
What you’ll love:
- Lots of product for the price
- Works on a variety of undertones
- Long-wearing
Keep in mind:
- Packaging breaks easily
Best Contour Stick For Dry Skin
A Hydrating Stick That Creates Natural Shadows
Milk Makeup Sculpt Cream Contour Stick
Formula: Cream | Finish: Natural | Shades: 4 | Cruelty-free:Yes | Size: 0.19 ounces
This cool-toned, cream-based contour stick from clean brand Milk Makeup consistently rates highly for its universal ease of use and creamy, blendable consistency. Formulated with thyme extract as well as moisturizing emollients to nourish skin, reviewers love that it glides smoothly when applying and never looks cakey or muddy.
What you’ll love:
- Silky feel
- Blends easily with no harsh lines
- Users say it stays all day
Keep in mind:
- Limited shade range
Best Liquid Contour Stick
An Option That Blends To Define Facial Features
Tarte Sculpt Tape Contour
Formula: Liquid | Finish: Natural | Shades: 8 | Cruelty-free:Yes | Size: 0.4 ounces
Some prefer liquid-to-cream formulas if they have mature or dry skin since they feel like the product has less drag and isn’t as likely to settle into fine lines or parched areas. This formula is chock full of skin-boosting ingredients. It has shea butter and porcelain flower to moisturize, licorice root to brighten skin and color correct, diamond powder to blur pores and skin imperfections, and mineral pigments that soften and balance skin’s appearance for a flawless finish. Pro tip: Use a brush to blend before the product begins to dry.
What you’ll love:
- A little goes a long way
- Blends seamlessly
- Offers buildable color
Keep in mind:
- Some say it can be messy to apply and color can fade over time
MORE FROMFORBES VETTED
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
At Forbes Vetted, our seasoned team of writers and editors has covered all facets of the beauty industry—from highlighting new product launches to researching innovative formulas to seeking out the invaluable insight of dermatologists, makeup artists and hair experts. We believe in intensive product research and testing, and perhaps most importantly we focus on price, practicality and value. We know firsthand that finding the right beauty product for you can involve lots of trial and error—and lots of money in the process. Our goal: To streamline that process for you with detailed, candid, insightful and invaluable advice. This article was written by Molly Calhoun, a lifestyle writer and editor who has spent more than a decade with a focus on beauty. Deputy editor Jane Sung, a trusted beauty powerhouse, oversaw the editing of this piece.
How We Chose The Best Contour Sticks
We sought out the expertise of professional makeup artist Anabelle LaGuardia and New York-based makeup artist Amanda Shackleton to learn their application tips, preferred formulas and what to avoid when shopping for the right products. We then researched all the top options on the market today, as well as newer up-and-comers, and we heavily weighed reviews of hundreds of consumers who have real-life experience with these products. Finally, we looked specifically at each product’s formula, finish, ease of use, staying power and effectiveness at creating the perfect sculpted look.
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