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While many makeup trends fall in and out of favour over the years, few have made such a lasting impression as contouring. Made famous by Kim Kardashian and her makeup artist, Mario Dedivanovic, back in 2014, this technique of defining the facial contours using bronzer transformed the way many of us approach and apply makeup, even to this day.
Yet, there’s no denying, contouring can be intimidating, especially if, unlike Kim, you don’t have an A-list makeup artist on speed dial. From how to apply it to what products work best, there is so much to consider before you even begin.
So, I turned to my very own makeup artist on speed dial (or at least at the end of an email), Aarti P, beauty educator and founder of South Asian Beauty Collective, to get her expert advice on the subject.
What Is Contouring?
Contouring is a technique where makeup, slightly darker than your skin tone, is placed at certain points on the face, like the cheekbones, nose or forehead, to create the illusion of shadows and highlights. These contours add definition and dimension to the area, resulting in a chiselled, sculpted look.
Rather than appearing heavy or harsh, however, in 2025, we’re approaching contouring in a much softer way. “It feels much more subtle and wearable now,” explained Pal. “It’s more about enhancing what you already have, not trying to completely reshape your features. It’s more about lifting the face, creating light shadows and making it look natural.”
How To Contour
So, how do we create these natural-looking contours? Well, firstly, it’s all down to your tools. “[Contouring] sticks make it simple because you can draw them exactly where you want the shadow and then blend it out,” says Pal. “[They’re also] creamier, easier to blend and they don’t sit on the skin in the same way [as contour products of the past].”
“[To apply] I would say start light,” Pal continues. “Put a small amount under your cheekbones, along your temples, maybe under the jawline, then blend upwards. That upward blend is what gives the face a lift. I also like to use the leftover product on my makeup brush to add the tiniest bit of definition down the sides of the nose or in the crease of the eye, just to tie it all together.”
So, now you know how to contour, what about the best tools for the job? As Pal mentions, contour sticks offer the most foolproof method of application, as well as blending seamlessly into your base (whether it be foundation, tinted moisturiser or skin tint) for a natural-looking finish. So, I asked her to share her recommendations for the best contour sticks as well as her tips on how to apply them. Plus, I’ve also included a few favourites of my own, too. Keep scrolling to see our picks…
The Best Contour Sticks 2025
1. Victoria Beckham Contour Stylus
Victoria Beckham Beauty
Contour Stylus
Pros
- Small applicator allows for precise application
- Great for nose contouring
Cons
- Limited shade range
- Needs a few swipes to build enough product for defining cheekbones
With a concise edit of products and luxury formulations, Victoria Beckham Beauty is a staple in many beauty editors’ makeup routines. Unsurprisingly, then their contouring stick tops this list as one of my absolute favourites. Not only is the product creamy, lightweight and blendable, but the slim wand also allows for super-precise application, making it incredibly easy to use and apply. Simply swipe on and press into the skin with your finger for a natural yet defined contour.
2. Westman Atelier Petite Face Trace Contour Stick
If you find your contour often applies patchy or cakes and flakes on the skin throughout the day, try switching to Westman Atelier’s skincare-infused formula. Not only does it give a pigmented swipe of colour, but the creamy formula is also infused with a blend of jojoba oil and raspberry extract, which works to hydrate the skin as it colours for a smoother application. Additionally, you’ll find kaolin clay, which helps absorb excess oil to ensure your contour lasts all day, even on oily skin types. Pal dubs this her favourite luxe contour wand as it “melts seamlessly into the skin.” After trying it for myself, I couldn’t agree more.
3. L’Oréal Paris Infallible Face Sculptor
L’Oréal Paris
Infallible Face Sculptor
Pros
- Affordable price
- Targeted applicator
- Great shade range
Cons
- Just skew slightly warm so many not suit all skin tones
Priced at just £11.99, L’Oréal Paris Face Sculptor is the ideal option for those who are new to contouring and want an affordable way to try the trend or who simply want a contour stick that delivers on quality without the expense. Pal describes this stick as “creamy, transfer-proof and long-lasting,” three things you definitely want to hear in relation to your makeup. Apply directly from the bullet over makeup and use a brush to buff into the skin for a seamless finish.
4. Nudestix Nudies All Over Face Colour Matte
Nudestix
Nudies All Over Face Colour Matte
Pros
- Blending brush included
- Nourishing formula
Cons
- A matte finish that not everyone will love
Most days, I reach for Nudestix matte stick to define my cheekbones and give a hint of warmth to the skin. What I love most about this contour wand is that, unlike some formulas, which can pull or tug as you apply them, this creamy stick has no problem slipping smoothly over the skin thanks to a blend of vitamin E and emollients. Rather than looking glossy, however, it’s totally matte, providing a natural-looking contour that won’t slip or slide.
5. Milk Makeup Sculpt Stick
While all of the contour sticks on this list are great for achieving a natural-looking finish, if you want a sheerer coverage that melts into the skin, I’m a big fan of Milk’s Sculpt Stick. Offering a finish that is on the lighter side, this stick is my go-to on days when I want an easy no-makeup makeup look. And, Pal agrees. “[Milk’s Sculpt Stick is] perfect for those who want a softer, more natural contour, especially for light to medium skin tones,” she says, as the cool undertones make them particularly well suited.
6. Anastasia Beverly Hills Smooth Blur Contour Stick
Anastasia Beverly Hills
Smooth Blur Contour Stick
Shade range: 4
If the paint-by-numbers style contouring of the past has left you a little scarred, you may be looking for a formula that blends effortlessly into the skin. Enter Anastasia’s Blurring Contour Stick, which applies beautifully, thanks to its creamy, buttery smooth texture, and provides the perfect soft-sculpt finish. On top of that, each of the four shades features a cool undertone, ensuring the shadow looks natural no matter your skin tone.
Pros
- Cool-toned for a natural finsih
- Infused with vitamin E to hydrate
Cons
- May slip on oily skin types
7. Makeup By Mario Soft Sculpt Shaping Stick
Makeup By Mario
Soft Sculpt Shaping Stick
Shade range: 7
Offering six shade options, Makeup by Mario’s contour stick is a great choice for all skin tones; however, the lightest tones are especially great for those with pale skin or who prefer a lighter finish. Each shade features a cool undertone, so there’s little chance of them appearing orange or muddy on the skin, and you can easily tailor the intensity to your taste. “The wide shade range that works across skin tones,” say Pal, while the formula “blends effortlessly and gives a really natural finish.”
Pros
- Great shade range
- Blendable
Cons
- You need to make sure you get your shade selection right
8. Fenty Beauty Match Stix Contour Skinstick
Fenty Beauty
Match Stix Contour Skinstick
Shade range: 9
Finally, if you’re looking for a contour stick for darker skin tones, Rihanna’s Fenty Skinstick is for you. With nine shades, ranging from light to deep, they offer the most extensive range of shade options I’ve seen for a contour product. These include Ebony, a warm dark brown, and Caviar, a deeper cool brown shade, both ideal for adding dimension to dark skin. Plus, the domed wand allows for easy application with no sharp lines, allowing a seamless finish that blends out easily.
Pros
- Excellent shade range
- Blendable
Cons
- Rounded tip isn’t ideal for nose sculpting
How We Tested
As someone who delved headfirst into the contouring trend back in the 2010s, I’ve been trialling and testing the best contour products for many, many years. I’ve tested everything from powders and cream bronzers to liquid formulas to discover which finish allows for not only a seamless application but also makes contouring as foolproof and easy as possible. It was through this process that I discovered contour sticks, and since then, I’ve never looked back.
Each contour stick on this list has found its way into my own makeup bag before I’ve passed it onto you, so you can rest assured that every recommendation has the beauty editor seal of approval.
But, I didn’t stop there, I also quizzed makeup artist, beauty educator and founder of South Asian Beauty Collective, Aarti Pal, to get her expert recommendations too. Thankfully, many of our favourite contour sticks are aligned, and so, you can trust that these contour sticks really are the best of the best.
Why Trust Us
At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products over the years—spanning skincare, makeup, hair and nails—and work closely with trusted experts including dermatologists, makeup artists and leading industry insiders to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.
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