Trust Me on This: This Overlooked Makeup Item Guarantees Effortless Sculpted Cheeks.

Trust Me on This: This Overlooked Makeup Item Guarantees Effortless Sculpted Cheeks.

      While various makeup trends come and go over the years, few have left such a lasting mark as contouring. Popularized by Kim Kardashian and her makeup artist, Mario Dedivanovic, in 2014, this method of defining facial features with bronzer has changed how many of us apply makeup, even today. However, contouring can indeed feel daunting, especially if you don't have a top-tier makeup artist at your fingertips like Kim does. There are numerous factors to consider, from application techniques to suitable products, before you start. Therefore, I reached out to my own go-to makeup artist (at least via email), Aarti P, a beauty educator and founder of the South Asian Beauty Collective, for her expert insights on the topic.

      What Is Contouring?

      Contouring is a makeup technique where a shade slightly darker than your natural skin tone is applied to specific areas of the face, such as the cheekbones, nose, or forehead, to create the illusion of shadows and highlights. This technique adds depth and dimension, resulting in a sculpted appearance. However, in 2025, contouring has taken on a softer approach. “It feels much more subtle and wearable now,” explained Pal. "It's more focused on enhancing your existing features rather than completely altering them. The aim is to lift the face, create soft shadows, and keep it looking natural.”

      How To Contour

      So how do we achieve these naturally defined contours? It all starts with the right tools. “[Contouring] sticks simplify the process because you can draw them exactly where you want the shadow and then blend it out,” Pal notes. “[They’re also] creamier, easier to blend, and don’t sit on the skin like some previous contour products.”

      “When applying, I suggest starting light,” Pal advises. “Apply a small amount under your cheekbones, along your temples, perhaps under the jawline, and then blend upwards. That upward blending technique gives the face a lift. I also like to use any leftover product on my brush to define the sides of the nose or the crease of the eye slightly, just to bring everything together.”

      Now that you know how to contour, what about the essential tools? As Pal pointed out, contour sticks offer a foolproof method for application and blend effortlessly into your base (be it foundation, tinted moisturizer, or skin tint) for a natural look. I asked her to share her favorite contour sticks and how to apply them, along with a few of my own recommendations. 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 nose contouring

      Cons: Limited shade range; may require several swipes to define cheekbones

      With a concise selection of products and luxurious formulations, Victoria Beckham Beauty is a favorite in many beauty editors' makeup kits. It's no surprise that their contour stick is among my top picks. This creamy, lightweight, and blendable product features a slim wand for extremely precise application, making it easy to use. Simply swipe it on and blend 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 the day, you should try Westman Atelier’s skincare-infused formula. It delivers a pigmented color while the creamy formula is enriched with jojoba oil and raspberry extract for hydration and a smoother application. Additionally, kaolin clay helps absorb excess oil, ensuring your contour lasts throughout the day, even on oily skin. Pal considers this her favorite luxury contour wand because it “melts seamlessly into the skin,” and I wholeheartedly agree.

      3. L’Oréal Paris Infallible Face Sculptor

      Best affordable contour stick

      L’Oréal Paris

      Infallible Face Sculptor

      Pros: Affordable; targeted applicator; good shade range

      Cons: Slightly warm hues may not suit all skin tones

      At just £11.99, the L’Oréal Paris Face Sculptor is perfect for those new to contouring looking for an affordable way to try it or anyone seeking a quality contour stick without breaking the bank. Pal describes this stick as “creamy, transfer-proof, and long-lasting,” which are essentials for any makeup product. Simply apply it directly from the bullet over your makeup and buff into

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Trust Me on This: This Overlooked Makeup Item Guarantees Effortless Sculpted Cheeks.

Hi there, cheekbones.