Trust Me on This: This Overlooked Makeup Item Ensures Perfectly Sculpted Cheeks Every Time

Trust Me on This: This Overlooked Makeup Item Ensures Perfectly Sculpted Cheeks Every Time

      While numerous makeup trends come and go over the years, few have left as significant an impact as contouring. Popularized by Kim Kardashian and her makeup artist, Mario Dedivanovic, in 2014, this method of outlining facial contours with bronzer has reshaped the way many of us apply makeup even today. However, it’s clear that contouring can be daunting, particularly if you don’t have a celebrity makeup artist at your disposal, like Kim does. There’s so much to think about, from application techniques to which products are most effective, before you even start. To get expert guidance on the matter, I consulted my go-to makeup artist (available via email), Aarti P, beauty educator and founder of South Asian Beauty Collective.

      What Is Contouring?

      Contouring is a makeup technique where slightly darker products than your skin tone are applied at specific areas of the face, such as the cheekbones, nose, or forehead, to create shadows and highlights. This approach enhances definition and dimension, achieving a sculpted look. Unlike previous years, in 2025, the trend is shifting towards a softer application. “It now feels much more subtle and wearable,” Pal explained. "It’s about enhancing your natural features rather than drastically altering them. The focus is on lifting the face, creating gentle shadows, and achieving a natural appearance.”

      How To Contour

      So, how can you achieve these natural-looking contours? It all starts with the right tools. “[Contouring] sticks are straightforward to use because you can draw them precisely where you want shadows, and then blend out,” says Pal. “[They’re also] creamier, easier to blend, and they don’t sit on the skin like older contour products].”

      “[To apply], I recommend starting lightly,” Pal continues. “Place a small amount beneath the cheekbones, along the temples, perhaps under the jawline, and then blend upwards. That upward blending technique gives the face a lift. I also like using the leftover product on my brush to define the sides of the nose or the crease of the eye, just to tie everything together.”

      Now that you know how to contour, what about the best tools for the task? As Pal highlights, contour sticks provide the most fail-proof application method and blend seamlessly into your makeup base (whether it's foundation, tinted moisturizer, or skin tint) for a natural finish. I asked her for her top recommendations for contour sticks and her application tips, and I’ve included a few of my own favorites as well. Keep reading to see 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

      Victoria Beckham Beauty

      Contour Stylus

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

      Cons: Limited shade range, requires several swipes to build enough product for defining cheekbones.

      With a curated selection of products and high-quality formulations, Victoria Beckham Beauty is a favorite among many beauty editors. Unsurprisingly, their contour stick ranks as one of my top choices. The product is creamy, lightweight, and easily blendable, and the slim wand enables precise application, making it user-friendly. Simply swipe it on and blend it into the skin with your finger for a natural yet defined look.

      2. Westman Atelier Petite Face Trace Contour Stick

      If your contour tends to apply unevenly or becomes flaky during wear, consider trying Westman Atelier’s skincare-infused formula. This stick not only delivers a pigmented splash of color but also contains jojoba oil and raspberry extract to hydrate the skin while applying for a smoother finish. Kaolin clay is incorporated to absorb excess oil, ensuring your contour looks fresh all day, even on oily skin. Pal affectionately refers to this as her favorite luxe contour wand because it “melts seamlessly into the skin.” After trying it, I wholeheartedly agree.

      3. L’Oréal Paris Infallible Face Sculptor

      Best affordable contour stick

      L’Oréal Paris

      Infallible Face Sculptor

      Pros: Affordable price, targeted applicator, and great shade range.

      Cons: May lean slightly warm, which may not suit all skin tones.

      At just £11.99, the L’Oréal Paris Face Sculptor is perfect for those new to contouring who want a budget-friendly way to experiment or for anyone looking for a quality contour stick without high costs. Pal describes this stick as “creamy, transfer-proof, and long-lasting”—qualities every makeup user

Trust Me on This: This Overlooked Makeup Item Ensures Perfectly Sculpted Cheeks Every Time Trust Me on This: This Overlooked Makeup Item Ensures Perfectly Sculpted Cheeks Every Time Trust Me on This: This Overlooked Makeup Item Ensures Perfectly Sculpted Cheeks Every Time Trust Me on This: This Overlooked Makeup Item Ensures Perfectly Sculpted Cheeks Every Time Trust Me on This: This Overlooked Makeup Item Ensures Perfectly Sculpted Cheeks Every Time Trust Me on This: This Overlooked Makeup Item Ensures Perfectly Sculpted Cheeks Every Time Trust Me on This: This Overlooked Makeup Item Ensures Perfectly Sculpted Cheeks Every Time Trust Me on This: This Overlooked Makeup Item Ensures Perfectly Sculpted Cheeks Every Time Trust Me on This: This Overlooked Makeup Item Ensures Perfectly Sculpted Cheeks Every Time Trust Me on This: This Overlooked Makeup Item Ensures Perfectly Sculpted Cheeks Every Time

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Trust Me on This: This Overlooked Makeup Item Ensures Perfectly Sculpted Cheeks Every Time

Hi there, cheekbones.