The sculpted, makeup-perfected look is always one to turn to in magazines and on Instagram. It’s true — a good cream bronzer can make all the difference, and that’s exactly why New York Post Shopping put them to the test.
As someone who considers their makeup vanity a safe haven (seriously, it took me two years to get it to a museum-like state), testing out contour sticks was a challenge I was up for. Truthfully, I’ve been resorting to powder bronzers as opposed to creams and liquids, so I turned to a makeup artist to teach me exactly how to apply it, so I can test it for the masses.
“Not long ago, contouring was something that was left to professional makeup artists and used for still photographs,” Katie Mellinger, fashion and celebrity makeup artist, told the New York Post. “But influencers started walking the red carpets with contour, and it gradually gained popularity. Now contour is almost a given in any makeup application, and brands are developing these products for consumer use. It’s all over the socials. Stick versions have become popular due to their ease of use.”
Ahead, find more on how to apply contour sticks — step-by-step in our in-depth FAQ section — along with a full review of the best ones I tested on the market. Alongside the best ones tested, you can find more to shop below, including some of the best drugstore contour sticks and more creamy goodness.
Consider this your all-in-one guide to creating a makeup look that’s easy to call sculpt du jour.
How we tested
Before diving in to the world of contour sticks and buffing them out with a brush or a sponge, here’s the criteria I kept in mind while testing each one:
- Pigmentation: This is majorly dependent on preference. At least for me, I don’t want something oozing out like paint, but I don’t want a product that barely shows and makes my skin look dull, either. I kept this in mind when reviewing each one.
- Blend-ability: I totally think I just created a word here, but finding a contour stick that’s easy to blend is simply *chef’s kiss*; it’ll make your life a whole lot easier.
- Longevity: Of course, you’ll want your makeup look to last — as is the case with liquid eyeliners and eyeshadow palettes. I took note of how long each “sculpting effect” lasted.
1. Best overall: LYS Beauty No Limits Cream Bronzer and Contour Stick
Pros:
- Blends well and lasts all day
- Generous shade variety
- Contains hyaluronic acid in its formula
Cons:
- None to speak of
And the winner is…LYS Beauty No Limits Cream Bronzer and Contour Stick! This product has a little bit of everything going on: it’s easy to apply, sultry on the cheeks and anywhere you’d like to sculpt and define, blends like a dream and has premium packaging that’s safe to travel with.
More, its shade variety is quite extensive — as far as contour sticks go — and it impressively contains hyaluronic acid in its formula to help hydrate the skin’s barrier (the culprit as to why it’s so smooth!) Its natural finish is sublime, and it’s just $20 for that affordable grab to add to your beauty pile.
2. Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Contour Wand
Pros:
- One of the easiest to apply
- Highly pigmented, making it easy to sculpt and define
Cons:
- Its shade range isn’t expansive
- Price point is more expensive than others tested
All hail Queen Charlotte — not only did I interview miss Queen CT herself (and review most of the brand) but the Hollywood Contour Wand is a product you can’t ignore. It went TikTok-viral for its dot-and-go application, blending out beautifully with a sponge.
While it’s more pigmented than most, it doesn’t look caked on. In fact, a little goes a long way, and its pen-sized tube is the perfect size to stash with you at all times. However, its shade range is not at all extensive — a surefire con — and it sells out quickly, so it’s one of those products that you’ll have to stock up on.
More, its semi-matte — perfect to top above your full-coverage foundation.
3. MILK MAKEUP Sculpt Cream Contour Stick
Pros:
- One of the most blend-able
- Hydrating once on the skin
- Generous shade range
Cons:
- Could be more pigmented, though not a deal-breaker
- Doesn’t last as long as others tested
Upon first swipe, I was colored impressed by the MILK MAKEUP Sculpt Cream Contour Stick. Its chubby base makes it easy to hold in your hand and apply, while its formulation is buildable to the max. Just shy of $25, the value you’ll be receiving is pretty great, especially for its hydrating formula and ability to provide a natural shadowy look to your face — wherever you want it.
Even better, its Lip + Cheek Cream Blush ($24) is perfect to finish off your look.Then, use a makeup setting spray, and voilà .
4. MAKEUP BY MARIO SoftSculpt Shaping Stick
Pros:
- Easy to blend for a sculpted finish
- Lasts for the entire day
Cons:
- The twist-up maneuver could be a bit more well-made, though not a deal-breaker
If you decide to add the MAKEUP BY MARIO SoftSculpt Shaping Stick to your cart, you’ll be getting a contour stick with quite a lot of product — a checkmark in the brand’s favor. Its flat-dome product applicator makes it easy to simply swipe the bronzer on your cheekbones without worry.
After you twist up and use to your liking, this particular contour stick won’t budge, much like its SurrealSkin Liquid Formulation ($42). It’s also the contour stick trifecta: cream-based, matte-finish and swipes on flawlessly.
5. Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Match Stix Contour Skinstick
Pros:
- Easy to build and apply
- Lasts for pretty much the entire day
Cons:
- Not as pigmented as others tested
Thank you, Queen RiRi, for coming out with the Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Match Stix Contour Skinstick. In my opinion, it’s ideal if you don’t want to apply too much product at once. Because of its crayon-like application, it takes a lot of product to make a noticeable difference, which could be a pro or a con depending on your preference.
At large, the brand is a standout when it comes to shade range. Not only is it long-wearing but it’s a medium-coverage product, appealing to a wide consumer base and allowing your skin to have a natural finish.
6. NUDESTIX Tinted Blur Sculpt Stick
Pros:
- Includes a carrying case
- Easy to blend and has a beautiful, pigment
Cons:
- Doesn’t last as long as others tested
- Its shade range could be better
If you’re looking for a creamy product that also doubles as a great liquid eyeshadow, NUDESTIX Tinted Blur Sculpt Stick has you covered. Cute and practical carrying case aside, this product is fairly priced, though only has three shades available: light, medium and dark.
Like most other contour sticks, it has a beautiful and striking matte finish — wonderful to wear on top of your foundation or just with concealer, your choice. Though it doesn’t last as long as others, it blends beautifully, so I don’t mind reapplying.
Our Top Brands , Compared
| Brand | Pros: | Cons: | Price: |
|---|---|---|---|
| LYS Beauty | Blends well and lasts all day; generous shade variety; contains hyaluronic acid in its formula | None to speak of | $20 |
| Charlotte Tilbury | One of the easiest to apply; highly pigmented, making it easy to sculpt and define | Its shade range isn’t expansive; price point is more expensive than others tested | $42 |
| MILK MAKEUP | One of the most blend-able; hydrating once on the skin; generous shade range | Could be more pigmented, though not a deal-breaker; doesn’t last as long as others tested | $24 |
| MAKEUP BY MARIO | Easy to blend for a sculpted finish; lasts for the entire day | The twist-up maneuver could be a bit more well-made, though not a deal-breaker | $30 |
| Fenty Beauty by Rihanna | Easy to build and apply; lasts for pretty much the entire day | Not as pigmented as others tested | $32 |
| NUDESTIX | Includes a carrying case; easy to blend and has a beautiful, pigment | Doesn’t last as long as others tested; its shade range could be better | $32 |
An FAQ on Contour Sticks
Ahead, Mellinger shares the 411 on how to properly use a contour stick, what to look for in one, how to choose your go-to shade and more.
First things first: What is a contour stick?
A contour stick is a cream product in stick form used for contouring areas of the face such as the cheekbones, nose, jawline and other areas you’d like to define. When using one, you may feel like your makeup is a bit more defined, as opposed to using a powder formulation.
What are the benefits of using a contour stick?
“Contour sticks make the act of contouring less daunting,” Mellinger told The Post. “It’s easier to draw directly on the face areas you would like to contour rather than trying to figure out where to place your brush or fingers.”
How do contour sticks differ from powder bronzers?
Some contour sticks can also work as cream bronzers and vice versa, but it depends on the shade of the contour stick and the skin tone of the person wearing it.
“For example, the LYS Beauty No Limits Cream Bronzer Stick can be both, but that’s because there is no shimmer in it (we love a product that can do more than one job!)” Mellinger says. “However, a lot of bronzers often tend to be warmer toned and many have shimmer. A good contour stick will have neither of those things, but don’t rule out the bronzer sticks!”
However, there is usually an undertone of gray in a product specifically branded as a contour stick, and you definitely don’t want to use one of those as a bronzer.
How to use a contour stick, step-by-step
There are many ways to use a contour stick, but for the sake of simplicity, Mellinger explains how to use one after foundation:
- After applying foundation and concealer, reach for your favorite contour sticks.
- Using the contour stick and no extra tools (yet) apply the stick directly on the areas you want to contour.
- For simple contouring, apply under the cheekbones, each side of the nose, and under the outer parts of the jawline where the jaw meets the neck. Try to do just one swipe; you don’t want to rub it back and forth as you might apply too much product.
- Don’t worry too much about making the lines perfect—you’re about to blend. Using a sponge (I love a Beauty Blender) or a soft fluffy brush, diffuse and blend the edges of your contour into your foundation being careful not to blend into areas you want to highlight. Then move on to the rest of your application.
How do you select your proper shade range?
“Depending on how dramatic you want your contour to be and how deep your skin tone is, reach for a contour two to four shades darker than your skin tone,” Mellinger recommends. “The darker you go, the more intense the contour will be — just be careful because if you’re adept at contouring, the bigger the contrast of the contour and darker you go, the more skill you will need in application and blending.”
More Contour Sticks to Shop
1. NYX Wonder Stick Face Shaping & Contour Stick
The NYX Wonder Stick Face Shaping & Contour Stick has garnered nearly 27,000 rave reviews on Amazon alone for its dual-sided design that’s both a contour and a highlight. There are plenty of shades to choose from, depending on your skin tone, and it’s said to be easy to blend because of its marker-like positioning in your hand.
2. Wet n Wild MegaGlo Makeup Contour Stick
Enter the most affordable contour stick on the market. The Wet n Wild MegaGlo Makeup Contour Stick is perfect for those who want to be snatched on a budget (don’t we all), and this makeup essential won’t cost you more than $5. Cha-ching, cha-ching.
3. Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Warm Wishes Effortless Bronzer Stick
Selena Gomez’s beauty brand has a Warm Wishes Effortless Bronzer Stick (so *naturally*, we had to include it in our list. Though we haven’t gotten around to testing it quite yet, it’s said to offer light coverage, comes in a variety of shades and boasts a “second-skin finish.”
4. Westman Atelier Face Trace Contour Stick
Splurge on your contour game this year with the Westman Atelier Face Trace Contour Stick. This luxe option supposedly glides on like butter, defining the cheekbones instantaneously. What’s more, one Sephora reviewer says this is the “best cream bronzer [she’s] used…so easy to blend and looks really seamless on the skin.”
Check out the New York Post Shopping section for more content.