The Best Contour Sticks for Face Sculpting

A contour stick is one of the fave parts of our makeup bag. We just love how it can completely transform your look by defining and enhancing the natural structure of your face. So, what is contouring? Contouring involves using different shades of makeup - lighter shades to highlight certain areas of the face, while contouring with darker shades where you want to create shadows. Where there's darkness, there must also be light, right? The goal? To create the illusion of more defined facial features including distinct cheekbones, a slimmer nose and a sculpted jawline.

Typically coming in the form of a stick or pencil, a contour stick is convenient, portable and super easy to apply - making it ideal for makeup beginners and enthusiasts alike. You can also use powder, cream or liquid contour. And it's not limited to the face; contouring is an art that sculpts the face and body, such as the collarbones or décolletage. Whether for everyday makeup or special occasions, contour has the ability to transform your makeup look without the need for multiple products. You had us at contour.

When learning how to use contouring, it largely depends on your face shape, skin type and tone, and placement of contour. Start with a clean, moisturised face and apply your base makeup. Then apply a darker shade of contour in the areas where you naturally have shadows: by adding depth to the hollows of your cheeks, under your cheekbones, along the jawline, and on the sides of the nose. From here, blend your contour upwards, towards your forehead and into the hairline for warmth and definition. Or for a more subtle look, start in the centre and follow the natural shape of your temples and jawline.

Using a lighter shade, highlight where the light would naturally hit. We like to focus on the top of the cheekbones, the bridge of the nose, forehead, brow bones and the cupid's bow. Grab a makeup sponge, brush, or use your fingertips to blend, blend, blend. Smoothing out any harsh lines is key for a natural-looking finish. Set with a translucent setting powder to give your look the ultimate staying powder.

The best trick? Using products that aren’t too dark or too light for your skin tone - helping to give you a healthy, contoured glow. If you have oily skin, avoid shades that are too warm or orange-toned – these can make your skin appear even oilier. Instead, opt for powder-based contour sticks with cooler-toned shades to help absorb excess oil and give you a more natural-looking contour.

For dry skin, darker shades can make your skin appear even drier. Choose cream-based, moisturising ingredients like Shea Butter or Coconut Oil in a contour shade that’s only one or two shades darker than your natural skin tone. Enhance your features even more with additions of highlighter and blush for a beautiful glow. Finish off with your fave setting spray to lock all your hard work in place.

Now you know how to use a contour stick and how to apply contour makeup with confidence, you need to know the differences between a contour and bronzer. While both are used to enhance the face, they offer difference purposes, shades and application areas. Meant to sculpt and shape facial features, contour is used to define and add dimension to areas of the face by creating shadows. These products are typically matte and a few shades darker than your natural skin tone, helping to mimic the natural shadows on your face.

Bronzer, on the other hand, is used to add warmth and a sun-kissed glow to the face. Your complexion will look healthier and more radiant once applied and you'll be good to glow. Ranging from matte to shimmer, bronzers often have warm undertones in various shades. Play with different colours and shapes to find your perfect match.