Trust Me: This Overlooked Makeup Item Makes Achieving Sculpted Cheeks Effortless

      Makeup trends often come and go, but few have made as significant an impact as contouring. Popularized by Kim Kardashian and her makeup artist, Mario Dedivanovic, in 2014, this method of enhancing facial contours with bronzer changed how many of us view and apply makeup, even today. However, contouring can seem daunting, especially if you don’t have a top-tier makeup artist like Kim. There are numerous factors to keep in mind, from application techniques to choosing the right products. To gain some expert insights, I reached out to my go-to makeup artist (or at least someone I can contact via email), Aarti P, founder of South Asian Beauty Collective and beauty educator, for guidance on contouring.

      What is Contouring?

      Contouring is a method of using makeup slightly darker than your skin tone to mark specific areas on the face, such as the cheekbones, nose, or forehead, creating the appearance of shadows and highlights. These contours provide definition and dimension, leading to a sculpted appearance. However, in 2025, contouring is being approached in a gentler manner. “It feels much subtler and more wearable now,” Pal notes. “It’s about enhancing your natural features rather than dramatically altering them. It focuses on lifting the face, producing soft shadows, and appearing natural.”

      How to Contour

      So, how can one achieve these natural-looking contours? It all starts with the right tools. “[Contouring] sticks simplify the process because you can draw precisely where you want the shadow and then blend it out,” Pal explains. “[These sticks are also] creamier, easier to blend, and don’t sit on the skin like contour products used to.”

      “In terms of application, I would recommend starting light,” Pal adds. “Apply a small amount under the cheekbones, on the temples, and perhaps under the jawline, then blend upwards. This upward motion is what helps lift the face. I also like to use any leftover product on my brush to add a slight definition down the sides of the nose or in the crease of the eye, tying everything together.”

      Now that you’re familiar with contouring, let’s discuss the best tools for it. According to Pal, contour sticks provide a reliable application method and blend beautifully into your base makeup (be it foundation, tinted moisturizer, or skin tint) for a natural finish. I also asked her for recommendations on top contour sticks and additional application tips. Here are our selections:

      The Best Contour Sticks 2025

      Best Overall Contour Stick: Victoria Beckham Contour Stylus (£35)

      Best Natural-Looking Contour Stick: Milk Makeup Sculpt Stick (£22)

      Best Affordable Contour Stick: L’Oréal Paris Infallible Face Sculptor (£11.99)

      Best Contour Stick for Pale Skin Tones: Makeup by Mario Soft Sculpt Shaping Stick (£32)

      Best Contour Stick for Dark Skin Tones: Fenty Beauty Match Stix Contour Skinstick (£25)

      1. Victoria Beckham Contour Stylus

      Best Overall Contour Stick

      Pros: Small applicator for precise application, great for nose contouring.

      Cons: Limited shade range, may require multiple swipes for definition.

      Victoria Beckham Beauty is known for its curated selection of luxury products, making their contour stick a favorite among beauty editors. The product is creamy, lightweight, and easily blendable, with the slim wand allowing for precise application. Just swipe it on and pat it in with your finger for a defined yet natural contour.

      2. Westman Atelier Petite Face Trace Contour Stick

      If your contour tends to apply unevenly or flakes during the day, consider Westman Atelier’s skincare-infused formula. It offers vibrant color with a creamy texture that hydrates the skin, thanks to jojoba oil and raspberry extract, while also containing kaolin clay to absorb excess oil for long-lasting wear. Pal loves this luxury contour wand for how it “melts seamlessly into the skin.”

      3. L’Oréal Paris Infallible Face Sculptor

      Best Affordable Contour Stick

      Pros: Budget-friendly, targeted applicator, great shade variety.

      Cons: Slightly warm tones may not suit all skin types.

      At just £11.99, L’Oréal Paris Face Sculptor is perfect for those new to contouring or anyone seeking quality without spending too much. Pal describes it as “creamy, transfer-proof, and long-lasting,” which are desirable traits in makeup. Apply directly from the stick and blend with a brush for a smooth finish.

      4. Nudestix Nudies All Over Face Colour Matte

      Best Creamy Contour Stick

      Pros: Includes blending brush, nourishing formula.

      Cons: Matte finish may not appeal to everyone.

      I often choose the Nudestix matte stick for defining cheekbones and warming up my complexion. Its creamy texture glides smoothly on the skin due to a combination of vitamin E and emollients. Although matte, it