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Whilecontouring your facecan seem intimidating, the right products can make a world of difference.

Best Contour Sticks 2024 Makeup contour sticks from Fenty Beauty Makeup by Mario and Em Cosmetics on a light pink background

No wonder it’s anAllure2023 Best of Beauty Awardwinner.

of Shades:Four |Who It’s For:Anyone who wants an award-winning contour stick.

Whatever the case, it never hurts to ensure everything stays in place with a setting powder.

Milk Makeup Sculpt Cream Contour Stick dark gray twist-up contour stick on light gray background

of Shades:Eight |Who It’s For:Anyone who wants a radiant, sun-kissed glow.

Its buttery formula glides and blends effortlessly on skin, leaving a satin-finish wash of radiant color behind.

It has a sheer, buildable tint that can be used for subtle and dramatic looks alike.

Tarte Sculpt Tape Contour bronze tube with puff top applicator and gold cap to the side on light gray background

Plus, with nine contour shade options, it’s easy to find the perfect hue for your skin.

(Thanks, Rihanna.)

of Shades:Three |Who It’s For:Anyone who wants a fuss-free, easy-to-use product.

Rare Beauty Warm Wishes Effortless Bronzer Sticks light pink and gold twist up contour stick on light gray background

How do you use a contour stick?

You asked, and we’re bringing you a quickContouring 101 lesson.

Per Gerstein, “Anything too densely pigmented or dry on texture will require more effort and precision.”

LYS Beauty No Limits Cream Bronzer and Contour Stick bronze twist up contour stick on light gray background

In terms of software, you have two options.

Regardless of how you choose to apply your contour, remember that less is always more."

For me, contouring is about subtly defining your natural features," says makeup artistAlexa Persico.

Makeup by Mario Soft Sculpt Shaping Stick white and black twist-up contour stick on light gray background

“When you contour, it should be barely noticeable.”

How do you select your proper shade?

Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones?

Em Cosmetics So Soft Multi FacePlay ivory twist-up contour stick on light gray background

Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses?

Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge?

Is its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?

Fenty Beauty Match Stix Matte Contour Skinstick peach twist up contour stick on light gray background

This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions.

For more on what’s involved in our reporting, check out our completereviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

A beauty product is a personal purchase.

Westman Atelier Face Trace Cream Contour Stick black and silver twist up contour stick on light gray background

Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if its never been tested on curls?

Meet the Experts

Find moreAllure-approved makeup products:

NYX Professional Makeup Wonder Stick double ended contour stick on light gray background