Contouring has undergone a rebrand. The application of this once-complicated technique was reserved only for professional makeup artists and was loved only by those who preferred a heavier makeup look (think: 2013 Kardashians). The antithesis of no-makeup makeup has since become the staple of an effortless regimen and there’s one cylindrical-shaped product to thank for it: the contour stick.
No longer linked to a strict three-step routine (though you’re more than welcome to add blush and highlighter, if you so please), this stand-alone stick swipes straight onto your face and can be blended out using nothing but your fingers.
The only skill required? Knowing how to locate your cheekbones, jawline, forehead and anywhere else you require a little added definition and sculpt.
What are the best contour sticks?
MECCA MAX Off Duty Cream Contour Stick
Looking for something cheap and cheerful? This silky MECCA MAX stick sits under the $20 mark (almost unheard of for a contour stick). Forget feeling flat; with a few swipes in the right places, you’ll be wondering where that sharp jawline has been hiding all these years.
$19 at MECCA
Fenty Beauty Match Stix Matte Contour Skinstick
For a soft, matte finish, draw Fenty’s best-selling contour stick straight onto your face, then blend out with your fingers, brush or a sponge and enjoy a natural sculpt.
$48 at Sephora
Clinique Chubby Stick Sculpting Contour
We say: The OG of contour sticks, Clinique’s creamy formulation brings instant depth and definition to your cheekbones, jawline and wherever else you require a bit of added sculpting.
You say: “This product makes it so easy to target the exact area that I want to contour. It is so easy to blend and it does seem to set in place really well to after several minutes and I noticed that it lasts a long time on my face. It’s creamy and non-drying for the skin.” – Clearcrystalwater
Want to know more? Read Clinique Chubby Stick Sculpting Contour reviews here…
$48 at Adore Beauty
Rare Beauty Warm Wishes Effortless Bronzer Stick
This Rare Beauty number may be featured in our contour sticks roundup, however, its offering doesn’t end there. On top of adding dimension and definition, you can use this cream product as a warm bronzer or even apply it to your eyelids for a natural wash of colour.
$45 at Sephora
Makeup By Mario Soft Sculpt Shaping Stick
Hailing from Jennifer Lopez‘s makeup artist, this natural sculpt stick will carve out your cheekbones in one effortless, butter-soft swipe. The Makeup By Mario contour stick wins the award for best handbag-friendly tool. Why? Because it comes with a built-in brush, of course.
$46 at Sephora
Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Contour Wand
You’ve likely seen this wand being dotted down the cheekbones of every TikToker on the internet and for good reason. The cushion applicator effortlessly stamps a juicy amount of pigment straight onto the skin and blends in just as easily. Your only hurdle? Finding one in stock.
$60 at Charlotte Tilbury
Skin O2 3D Face Stick – Contour & Highlight
We say: If you favour a precise applicator, the Skin O2’s fine-tip pen is the easiest way to ensure you’re colouring between the lines.
You say: “When I use this I feel like I achieve a really pretty look which looks completely natural and so it’s great to use over simply a foundation. It takes seconds to apply and blend. Colours are buildable too.” – Clearcrystalwater
Want to know more? Read Skin O2 3D Face Stick – Contour & Highlight reviews here…
$40 at Skin 02
Have you tried any of these contour sticks? If not, which one would you like to try?
I want to try the Fenty and Makeup By Mario contour sticks.
I liked the sound of the Fenty one too
They look pretty, I don’t do contouring.
These all sound great but I would love if there was a video demo showing us how to use them for best results
I am starting to try contouring and finding it good in small doses
I google where I want to apply and give it a go . If it looks wrong my partner is quick to tell me
I don’t bother contouring apart from a touch of bronzer sometimes.
I’m the same.
MECCA MAX Off Duty Cream Contour Stick looks so nice and compared to all the others very good value.
Not for me, as I do not do insta makeup or work on tv. I think that in real life on broad daylight, countouring looks weird.
It just sounds like too much effort
I don’t know enough about makeup to use one, makeup artists really are Artists
I am starting to try contouring and finding it good in small doses
So many great ones here that I would love to try.
mecca’s is in my price range
There are so many I need to try!
Before contouring became a common thing, I used to use a flat brown eyeshadow to contour under my cheek bones for special events. Love my Skin02 and Clinique ones. Love to try the others too!
Really want to try the Rare Beauty sticks! Currently loving the Australis Dewy+Daring Bronzer sticks!
I never really got into contouring. Still prefer to drape.
Don’t something I am into, more effortless the better for me.
it’s like airbrushing but in real life… will have to try it next time I get fancy and wear make up!
I’ll stick to my powder blush. I’m hopeless at anything else.
Hmm, I think that would look strange on me. I’ll pass.
Some lovely products
Have been using Barry M Contour Stick and Highlighter they do a beautiful job, and they are quite affordable.
I’ve tried contouring a few times, but it’s not part of my daily makeup routine.
I use the Clinique Chubby Stick it’s great.
Not sure how these differ from a concealer
I don’t own one.
I cannot contour well to save my life.
Ive wanted to try the Fenty one for so long.
I have a true grey contour stick. It’s so good. It gives great shadows which is what contouring is meant to do.
I would think of some of these and bronzer not contour exactly. Although I’ve heard the fenty Is anazing