Contour kits are now such a staple in our makeup arsenal, it's hard to believe that only a few years ago barely any of us paid attention to our cheekbones. Sure, we smothered our face in bronzer, but carefully sculpt and shade we certainly did not. Drugstore contour makeup kit may not include a special sculpting brush, but we strongly recommend investing in this item. The middle-sized angled wide brush is the best tool for sculpting your face. FYI: We updated this article in January 2023 to give you the most up-to-date info on contouring makeup kits, including several we personally tested, makeup artist tips for how to apply them, and how to choose the best contouring makeup for yourself.

Start by using circular motions to apply a small amount of bronzer under the cheekbones. Start from the top of the ear, and follow the hollows of your face. If you’re wondering where to buy contour makeup kit, we suggest you to find your best product first, then learn what contouring makeup tools you really need. Once you’ve worked out your undertone, select a contour shade that’s two or three times darker than this. Remember, all good contours will likely contain at least some grey pigments.’ Still unsure? ‘Knowledge of how your skin reacts to the sun is also useful here,’ explains Lauren. ‘If you have cool skin you’ll tend to go more pink than olive, so to achieve a natural look, choose contours with a subtle hint of pink. Warm undertones tan easily so they lend well to deep terracotta and chocolate hues, while those with neutral tones may burn then tan, making earthy toned, olive shades good for them.’ Feeling overwhelmed? ‘It’s all trial and error,’ reassures Lauren. ‘Be patient and play around with products until you find what works best for you.’ Many will have questioned the difference between contouring product and a bronzer. While a bronzer is typically used to warm the face and add a sunkissed glow to the skin, a contouring product will be used to define and sculpt the face. It is generally believed that the use of contour in makeup is best-suited for special occasions like an event or a photoshoot. Since it takes a long time to contour, daily use can be skipped. Instead, learn to strategically place your blush, to add subtle contour without using as many products. Does contouring make you look older?

That being said, we all know that when it comes to makeup, there are no set rules and it all comes down to having fun experimenting and figuring out what best works for you. So if you're all about using a bronzer as contour, we're definitely not here to judge. How to apply cream contour Highlighters, on the other hand, can have either a matte or shimmery finish, delivering a glowy or brightened look. What different types of contour palettes are available? A contour palette traditionally comprises several different shades of product, but can be available in different formulations. If you’re looking for a natural effect, we recommend using a powder contour palette, since these are the most easy to blend out.

The best part is that unlike traditional powdery contour products, cream contour is a lot easier to blend and doesn't result in a cake-y finish (think dewiness all around, instead). That being said, mattifying creamy formulas are also very much a thing, so if that's up your alley, there's definitely more than enough to choose from. Plus, one of the main reasons why I adore cream contour is because of how versatile it is. I love using it as cream eyeshadow in my crease for an everyday look. Blending cream contour, liquid or powder sculptor is as important as mapping it out. Use the larger surface area of a damp makeup sponge to blend the contour shades into your base makeup. You can switch to a smaller blender for areas like your nose or the eye crease. Use small, circular motions while tapping, and make sure you only stop when the contour looks seamless.I generally find that powder formulas are great for oilier skin types due to their longevity and mattifying properties,’ explains Laren. ‘For drier or more mature complexions, cream and gel contours are better for achieving a dewy, hydrated finish.’