Contouring for Newbies

Whether you like a little shading under your cheekbones, or want to map out your face, contouring really comes down to great products (and even better blending). Here are some ace kits for every skill level!

1. Clinique Chubby Sticks in Curvy Contour and Hefty Highlight

Ignore the cheesy names. 

Just scribble to matt brown crayon right under your cheekbone and the pinky highlighter above them. Blend the colour with a makeup sponge for the easiest, most subtle contour ever. 

Easy!

2. Smashbox Step-by-Step Contour Stick Trio

These three skinny sticks are perfect fr contouring detail work. You can easily draw lines around your nose or mouth without putting your whole face in danger. Plus, the forumula is creamy, leaving behind no harsh lines.

Easy!

3. BareMinerals California Bronze Multi Effect Bronzing Trio

If you're the kind of girl who contours her face before going to the beach (no judgement), this is the palette for you. These are two matte contour shades and a shimmery golden highlighter. It makes for a pretty- and sparkly- glow when swept on with a fluffy foundation brush. 

Intermediate!

4. Stila Shape & Shade Custom Contour Duo

This matte cream contouring duo has absolutely no shimmer, yet leaves your skin looking dewy. It's because the cream blends right into the skin and enhances your natural glow so those cheekbones look like they could really be yours!

Intermediate!

5. Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Cream Kit

If you love the Anastasia powder kit, wait until you try the cream version. These six shades sink right into the skin but can be layered for a more dramatic effect. The undertones differ in each of the three palettes for the most flattering and believable contouring. 

Advanced!

6. NYX Highlight and Contour Pro Palette

"Pro" is in the name. Don't ignore it, because you kind of need to be one to handle this palette. There are eight powder highlighting and contouring shades. The powders are soft and majorly blendable and pigmented so a light touch is recommended. The pots are also refillable, so you can pop a fresh one on should you gravitate to one shade more than others. 

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