At this moment in your life, you’ve likely mastered most of your cosmetic routine–mascara or bl- mascaraick…you know the essentials you use, and you’re not having trouble applying these products. You might have developed more sophisticated techniques, such as the winged eyeliner. But what about contouring? This is a difficult task.
Makeup artists believe it’s worth all the effort, but. “Using a contour stick just under the cheekbones will help create the illusion of more defined cheeks,” says Azesha Ramcharan, an experienced makeup artist who works 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 says. “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.”
How do you choose the right contour stick?
It may be difficult to draw all kinds of dark lines across your face, but the professionals interviewed by us said that it’s more simple than it appears. However, the crucial thing is to focus on the correct product first. “Be sure to choose a contour stick with cool or neutral undertones,” advises 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.” If you’ve got oily or combination skin, think about using a powder formulation instead of a more creamy stick, which could cause your skin to appear oily, according to celebrity makeup artist Andrew Velazquez.
How do I utilize the contour stick?
When you’ve found the perfect makeup product from the store, a few guidelines help you get the ideal appearance. The first is to apply your contouring after applying the concealer or foundation, advises famous makeup artist Elaina Goodro. “Drawing a ‘3’ on your face is a great tip for beginners because it will allow you to reach the temples, cheekbones, and jawline.” Make sure to blend it out so you don’t get sharp lines. “Letting the product warm up for a moment or two on the skin will help the contour color blend seamlessly,” Ramcharan adds.
Are you ready to give it a Do you want to give it a go? We requested makeup artists to share their top products, and we scoured the top retailers such as Amazon, Sephora, and Ulta for the best evaluated and well-reviewed contouring products available.
Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Match Stix Contour Skinstick
No matter if you have light skin or dark there is no way to get wrong with the contour sticks from Rihanna’s makeup line. “There is a contour shade for everyone in this collection,” says Ramcharan. “And the undertones are spot-on.” Some reviewers have said it’s among the more blendable, smoother formulations. The light cream-to-powder is also suited for oily skin and lasts for a long time. Even professional dancers swear by this product’s ability not to fade.
Westman Atelier Face Trace Contour Stick
If you’re working on mature skin, it is essential to use creamier products, as more matte products can cause wrinkles and fine lines. This incredibly light and blendable formulation fits the requirements. “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.”
NYX Professional Makeup Wonder Stick Cream Highlight & Contour Stick
It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner trying out the waters or who’s always looking for the best deal; the budget-friendly option will not disappoint. Over 16,000 5-star reviews on Amazon recommend this dual contoured and highlighter stick, saying it’s simple to use, is smooth, and blends effortlessly. It’s also quite durable, even in humid conditions.
Merit Bronze Balm Sheer Sculpting Bronzer
If you’re fair-skinned, it is essential not to pick a contour stick with an excessive hue. “This one is great for a subtle glow around the face,” says Becca Raziuddin, director of artist education at Blo Blow Dry Bar. The sheer color is lovely and can be built to give you the contoured look you’re hoping for.
Milk Makeup Sculpt Cream Contour Stick
According to the professional makeup artist Stevi Christine, it’s a good value for money, and the contour stick is simple to apply, not overly saturated, and easy to blend. It’s also a good size. Overall, it’s an excellent product for novice and advanced users.
Rare Beauty Warm Wishes Effortless Bronzer Sticks
Incorrectly blending is the most common mistake that people make when contouring. However, this product is more tolerant than the majority, according to Badro. It’s due to a natural look that’s perfect for daily use. Just apply the product to the foundation, blend it, and you’ll be able to get a sun-kissed glow.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour & Highlight Sticks
“Anastasia Contour and Highlight Stick is another product that I highly recommend because of its ranges in tones,” says Velazquez, who notes that the brand offers more relaxed and neutral shades that don’t have excessive warmth. As this cream foundation stick has the most cylindrical tip, you’ll need the brush for blending to eliminate any rough lines.
Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick
While it is technically a foundation stick, it, is not a contouring stick; it’s triangular t, it its curves and contours your face beautifully to give your ,face a more attractive appearance. Flawless,it looks, According to Velazquez. A nice benefit is that it comes in 32 shades so that you’ll find the shade that suits your face.