Contour sticks are multipurpose tools that can be used to accentuate facial features, define the jawline, thin the nose, and give the entire face a more sculpted appearance.
Their natural-looking appearance, ease of use, and convenience have made them popular among cosmetics fans. Contour sticks can be a useful tool in your makeup arsenal for producing beautiful and polished looks provided it is done in the right manner.
Our detailed guide covers the best contour sticks and some valuable tips and tricks for making the application process a breeze. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
What is a Contour Stick?
Contour sticks are a versatile makeup product designed to accentuate facial features and create the illusion of sculpting the face by adding depth and shadows. Typically available in a creamy stick or pencil form, they are easy to apply and blend into the skin.
Contour sticks are available in multiple shades to suit different skin tones. Darker shades are used to mimic shadows, while lighter shades are used to highlight and add brightness to specific areas of the face.
Applying the darker shade to areas such as the sides of the nose, the jawline, and the hollows of the cheekbones creates the illusion of depth.
On the other hand, the lighter shade is applied to areas like the cupid’s bow, the bridge of the nose, and the tops of the cheekbones to draw attention and add radiance.
Benefits of Using Contour Sticks
Contour sticks provide numerous benefits, from enhancing facial features to creating a sculpted look. Incorporating contour sticks into your makeup routine offers several key advantages :
1. Face Definition
Contour sticks are essential for defining and sculpting facial features. By strategically applying darker hues to the sides of the nose, along the jawline, and in the hollows of the cheeks, contour sticks create natural-looking shadows. This technique enhances the bone structure, giving the appearance of a more sculpted and defined look.
2. Enhanced Cheekbones
Contour sticks are fantastic for enhancing the appearance of cheekbones. By carefully applying a darker shade just below the cheekbones and blending it outwards, contour sticks can create the illusion of more defined and prominent cheekbones. This technique can add a more angular and sculpted look, especially for individuals with softer, rounder facial features.
3. Thinner Nose
Furthermore, contour sticks also offer the benefit of creating the look of a slimmer nose. They achieve this by using a darker shade to blend along the sides of the nose, giving the appearance of a more defined and narrower nose. This technique can be particularly helpful for individuals seeking to achieve a more proportionate facial profile, especially those with wider or more prominent noses.
4. Defines The Jawline
Contour sticks are a great way to sculpt and define the neck and chin area which enhance the appearance of the jawline. By using a darker shade and blending it downward along the jawline, contour sticks can create the look of a more defined and angular jawline. This technique is especially beneficial for individuals seeking a more contoured look and wishing to soften the appearance of a rounder jawline.
5. Natural-Looking Results
Contour sticks offer a unique advantage with their seamless ability to blend into the skin. Their creamy texture effortlessly melts into the skin and delivers a more realistic and flattering finish. Unlike powder contours, which may appear cakey or streaky at times, contour sticks provide a more refined and polished look. This makes them a perfect choice for everyday use as well as special occasions.
Tips & Tricks For Effective Contour Application
No matter whether you’re a makeup novice or an expert, mastering the contouring technique is essential for enhancing your appearance. For that have a look at the below mentioned points and utilize these tips and strategies while using contour sticks.
1. Pick the Correct Shade
When it comes to contouring, it’s crucial to select the right shade. A contour stick that is one or two shades darker than your skin tone is ideal. If you have a cool undertone, opt for a contour shade with taupe or gray undertones. For those with warm undertones, a contour shade with a hint of warm, soft brown is best. Avoid overly muddy or orange shades as they can look unnatural on the skin.
2. Determine Your Face Shape
Different face shapes require different contouring techniques. Identify whether your face is diamond, heart, round, oval, or square, and then tailor your contouring method accordingly. For example, individuals with round faces can create the illusion of more defined cheekbones by focusing on contouring the outer edges.
3. Prepare Your Skin
Preparing your skin before applying makeup is essential for a flawless finish. Start off by cleansing and moisturizing your skin to create a smooth base. Next, apply a primer to ensure that your makeup lasts longer and that products like contour sticks glide on seamlessly.
4. Plan Your Contour
To achieve a sculpted appearance, it’s important to apply your contour methodically. Start by using a contour stick to draw lines to define the hollows of your cheeks, the sides of your nose, and the line along your jaw. Blend thoroughly to avoid harsh lines and ensure a natural look.
5. Blend Well
To achieve seamless contouring, it’s important to focus on flawless blending. Whether you’re using a makeup sponge, brush, or your fingertips, the key is to seamlessly blend the contour lines with your skin. Apply gentle pressure at first and then gradually increase it as needed. Also be extra careful while blending around the edges to avoid any harsh lines.
6. Layering Technique
For newbies, it’s best to start with a small amount of product and gradually build up the intensity as needed. Begin with a gentle touch and add more products as you go along. It is always easier to add more product than to remove excess, so take your time to achieve the look you desire.
7. Highlight and Conceal
To enhance your facial contours, consider using a highlighting product to bring focus to the highest points on your face. Apply highlighter to areas such as your cupid’s bow, the bridge of your nose, and the tops of your cheekbones.
8. Set with Powder
To ensure your contour stays all day long, apply a matching powder product over it to set the makeup. This step helps to stabilize the contour and prevent it from fading or smudging. When applying the powder, use a gentle touch to avoid disrupting the contoured areas. Also make use of a soft and fluffy brush to lightly dust the powder over the contoured sections to ensure a seamless finish.
9. Blend Into Hairline and Jawline
When applying contour, be sure to blend it seamlessly into your hairline and jawline to avoid any harsh lines. This will create a natural shadow effect and prevent any noticeable edges between the contoured areas and the rest of your face.
10. Use Natural Lighting
To achieve the most realistic contouring results, it’s best to do so in natural lighting. Natural light allows you to easily spot any harsh lines or areas where the blending takes some effort.
11. Blend Downward
Last but not the least! When applying contour lines, remember to blend downward to avoid any appearance of artificial texture in your facial hair. This technique not only prevents a harsh look but also ensures a seamless and smooth finish.
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The Best Contour Sticks A Must Have!
1. SUGAR Face Fwd >> Contour Stick
Achieve flawless features with this versatile and user-friendly beauty contour product stick from Sugar. This is a Milk Chocolate Brown contour stick. With a highly pigmented and super blendable formula it allows you to add precise definition to your face. This helps in achieving a beautifully sculpted look that enhances your natural features.
2. Lakme Facelift MultiSlayer Contour Stick
Introducing the versatile on-the-go contour stick from Lakme that will elevate your makeup routine to the next level. These sticks offer intense pigmentation while maintaining a smooth, creamy, and lightweight texture on the skin. Their highly blendable formula makes them suitable for various applications. With a range of 11 stunning shades, the Lakme Multilayer Face sticks are designed to make you stand out with every application.
3. Kay Beauty Contour Stick
Get ready to elevate your contour game with the Kay Beauty Contour Stick. This versatile stick is designed to add depth and definition to your face, whether you want to sculpt your jawline, define your cheekbones, or create a radiant glow.
Formulated with nourishing marula oil, it effortlessly blends into your skin and leaves a seamless, non-cakey finish. Packed with vitamin C, this contour stick also helps to protect and maintain your skin’s natural moisture barrier. The convenient stick format allows for easy and precise application. With three flattering shades to complement Indian skin tones, this contour stick is a game-changer.
4. Swiss Beauty Double Trouble Contour & Highlighter Stick
Introducing an innovative contouring and face sculpting duo stick that effortlessly adds dimension to your face. This versatile product features a contouring shade to define your facial features and a highlighter to accentuate them. Its smooth texture glides on seamlessly and blends easily and results in a flawless finish. Additionally, the compact and travel-friendly packaging makes it convenient for on-the-go touch-ups.
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5. Nykaa SKINgenius Foundation Stick Conceal Contour & Corrector
This versatile stick from Nykaa can be used as a concealer to cover imperfections and as a contour to define your features. Whether you’re on the go or busy working, this stick allows you to complete your base makeup quickly.
The creamy formula is buildable and provides a natural matte finish. It effortlessly blends into your skin and is enriched with Vitamin E. Additionally, it has a super long-lasting formula, SPF 15 which provides sun protection. Furthermore, the twist-up packaging adds to its comfortable and convenient use. That’s not all, it is also cruelty-free.
6. Nudestix Tinted Blur Sculpt Stick
Introducing the lightweight and ultra-soft matte contour stick from Nudestix. This unique product seamlessly blends from cream to powder, effortlessly giving your face dimension and a subtle, natural shape.
The Tinted Blur Sculpt Stick features lightweight pigments that effortlessly match your skin tone. This simple approach to skin sculpting looks authentic and natural, and the product is both vegetarian and cruelty-free.
7. Makeup Revolution Fast Base Contour Stick
The Fast Base Contour Stick from Makeup Revolution is the perfect solution for effortlessly contouring and highlighting in a single step. Its lightweight and blendable formula allows for a smooth application. This makes it perfect for defining, sculpting, and lifting the face. This easy-to-use cream-to-powder stick product creates a seamless, airbrushed look without settling into fine lines or creases.
8. L.A. Girl Velvet Contour Sticks
This product from L.A Girl blends seamlessly which makes the application process a breeze. Additionally, there are no parabens added while crafting this contour stick. It has the beneficial and nourishing qualities of ingredients such as jojoba seed oil, shea butter, cocoa seed butter, and grape seed oil.
Conclusion
Contouring sticks are a versatile and enjoyable tool for elevating your natural features and adding depth and definition to your facial structure. By carefully selecting high-quality products, mastering various application techniques, and dedicating time to honing your skills, you can attain a flawless contoured appearance that accentuates your beauty.
These are some of the best contour sticks available online. Scan the list and choose your favorite now!
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