Blog

Jun 11, 2024

11 Best Contour Sticks for Sculpting, According to Makeup Artists

Our editors handpick the products that we feature. We may earn commission from the links on this page. These creamy, blendable formulas help you score a more defined look. At this point in your life,

Our editors handpick the products that we feature. We may earn commission from the links on this page.

These creamy, blendable formulas help you score a more defined look.

At this point in your life, you've probably mastered most of your makeup routine—mascara, blush, lipstick...you know your go-tos and have no trouble applying these products. You may have even perfected more advanced techniques like winged eyeliner. But contouring? That's a tricky one.

Makeup artists say it's worth your best effort, though. "Using a contour stick just under the cheekbones will help create the illusion of more defined cheeks," says Azesha Ramcharan, a professional makeup artist in New York. "Applying contour around the jawline and under the chin will also help strengthen the shape of the jaw and reduce the appearance of a double chin," she adds. "You can even apply contour along the sides of the nose and just under the tip of the nose to help the nose appear more symmetrical or shorten the appearance of a long nose."

And while it may seem intimidating to draw all kinds of dark lines on your face, the pros we talked to said the technique is easier than it looks—but the key is honing in on the right product first. "Be sure to choose a contour stick with cool or neutral undertones," says Ramcharan. "Contour makeup should be somewhat cool-toned, because it's used to mimic shadow areas on the face, and shadows don’t have much warmth to them." And if you have combination or oily skin, consider a powder formula instead of a creamier stick, which can make skin look borderline greasy, says celebrity makeup artist Andrew Velázquez.

Once you've plucked the right product from the shelves, there are a few tips that can help you nail the look. First, always apply your contour after concealer and foundation, says celebrity makeup artist Elaina Badro. "Drawing a '3' on your face is a great tip for beginners, because it will allow you to reach the temples, cheekbones, and jawline." Just remember to thoroughly blend out, so you don't end up with any harsh lines. "Letting the product warm up for a moment or two on the skin will help the contour color blend seamlessly," adds Ramcharan.

Ready to give it a try? We asked makeup artists to recommend their favorite products, plus scoured top retailers like Amazon, Sephora, and Ulta for the most highly rated and well-reviewed contour sticks out there.

Whether you're a beginner just testing the waters or someone who's always on the hunt for a good bargain, this budget-friendly buy won't disappoint. More than 16,000 five-star reviews on Amazon praise the dual highlighter and contour stick, noting it's easy to work with—it goes on smooth and blends like a dream. It's also surprisingly long-lasting, even in humid weather.

Whether you have pale skin or dark skin, you really can't go wrong with the contour stick in Rihanna's makeup line. "There really is a contour shade for everyone in this collection," says Ramcharan. "And the undertones are spot-on." Reviewers say it's one of the smoother, more blendable formulas, too. Plus, the lightweight cream-to-powder is suitable for oily skin and lasts all day—even professional dancers say this product doesn't fade.

When working with mature skin, it's important to choose creamy products, since more matte finishes can settle into fine lines and wrinkles. This super creamy and blendable formula fits the bill. "The pigment is in a base of skin-hydrating oils yet isn’t greasy," says Ramcharan. "I even use this formula on the eyelids as a base and to contour the eye socket."

If you have fair skin, it's important not to choose a contour stick with too much color. "This one is great for a subtle glow around the face," says Becca Raziuddin, director of artist education at Blo Blow Dry Bar. Still, the sheer color is nice and buildable to help you achieve the sculpted look you're going for.

Comparatively well-priced, this contour stick is easy to apply, not too pigmented, and a cinch to blend, says professional makeup artist Stevi Christine. It's also a great size. Overall, a perfect product that works for both beginner and more savvy users.

Not blending properly is the biggest mistake beginners can make when contouring, but this product is more forgiving than most, says Badro. That's because it has a natural finish that's great for everyday use, she says. Simply swipe on, blend, and enjoy a sun-kissed glow.

Ideal for those who've already mastered the art, this product offers maximum coverage and maximum saturation, says Velázquez. Blend it the right way, and you'll have no trouble creating the appearance of structure, whether on the cheekbones, jawline, or nose.

If you have combination or oily skin, opt for a powder formula for your contouring needs, says Velázquez. Sticks are typically emollient-based, so they have more water and oxygen, which can create too much dew, he explains, noting this powder is one of his go-tos. It comes in 14 shades, all of which deliver natural dimension for a wide range of skin tones.

Though technically a foundation stick, not a contour stick, it has a triangular shape that hugs the contours and curvature of your face really nicely to enhance your features for a flawless, balanced look, says Velázquez. As a nice bonus, it comes in a whopping 32 shades, so you can find exactly the right one for your complexion.

"Anastasia Contour and Highlight Stick is another product that I highly recommend because of its ranges in tones," says Velázquez, noting the brand has more neutral and cool shades without too much warmth. Just note that because this foundation cream stick has a very cylindrical tip, you’ll want to use a brush for blending to eliminate any harsh lines.

Raziuddin recommends this contour stick for its neutral tone range, but that's not all there is to love. Reviewers say the vegan and cruelty-free formula is super creamy and easy to apply, plus blends seamlessly. And because it dries into a matte finish, the product is suitable for those with combination or oily skin, too.

Brigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women's Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more.

The O-Ward Winners Oprah’s Makeup Artist Loves

LED Face Masks for Clear, Bright, and Smooth Skin

The Best Cream Bronzers for a Sun-Kissed Glow

Perfect Fall Nail Colors for Sweater Weather

The Best Body Oils for All Skin Types

The Best Makeup for Mature Skin

The Best Eyebrow Gels, According to Makeup Artists

The Best Blush for Your Skin Type and Tone

Best Bronzers for Fair Skin Tones

20 Best Eyelash Serums for Growth and Lengthening

12 Best Lip Masks for Dry Lips, According to Derms

Beam Me Up