We can thank Kim K for bringing contour products to the forefront of our makeup bags. Similar to the way in which lip liner makes our lips look plumper – and mascara defines our eyes – “contouring helps define the natural bone structure, sculpt the face and create the illusion of shadows and highlights for a more polished and balanced look in photoshoots, events, or special occasions,” explains global celebrity makeup artist Harold James. And Kim K nails it.
Although contouring is often associated with her full-beat looks, top MUAs like Mary Phillips – whose clientele includes Addison Rae, Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner – have helped mark “soft sculpting” as the hottest trend on #BeautyTok. Mary’s famous underpainting technique (which sees contour applied beneath foundation) is still praised as one of the most genius hacks for a natural-looking base.
Whether it’s a subtle whisper of the best bronzer or a red carpet chisel, today’s best contour products have come a long way — offering creamier textures, skin-like finishes, and improved shade ranges that don’t lean too grey or too orange. So, whether you’re after a cream, powder or a liquid formula – or you’re into the versatile contour and highlighter makeup palettes – there are plenty of options to choose from.
Below, I’ve curated a definitive round-up of all the best contouring products out there, which have been tried and tested by team GLAMOUR.
Meet the experts:
Your contouring FAQs, answered:
Can you use bronzer to contour?
Although bronzers do add dimension and colour to your face, they’re not to be confused with contour products. Priscilla Ono, global makeup artist at Fenty Beauty, shared: “The biggest difference is that bronzing products typically have a warmer undertone, while contouring products have a cooler undertone.” This is because bronzer creates the look of a golden tan, while contour creates the look of shadows.
And while contour is applied to where shadows would naturally fall (hollows of cheeks, jawline, edges of your forehead and sides of your nose), bronzers are applied where the sun would naturally hit your face and leave that bronzy glow. “This includes the high points of the cheeks, temples and bridge of the nose,” Priscilla said.
Why contour in the first place?
If you’re wondering whether contouring is strictly necessary, it’s not – but it can help add definition to your face and makeup. “Contouring can be especially effective for creating a more chiselled jawline and nose, and higher cheekbones. I actually use it quite often in a softer way,” shares celebrity MUA Harold James, whose clients include Laura Harrier, Rosie Huntington Whiteley and Whitney Peak.
“I always contour my clients. I think it’s really important to add a subtle sculpt to the skin for dimension,” top celebrity makeup artist, Diane Buzetta told GLAMOUR. Meanwhile, pro celebrity makeup artist, Shelby Smith agrees. “I contour my clients to bring dimension to their face by building and enhancing their bone structure,” she says.
What’s the best way to contour?
Contour is different from blusher and bronzer. Essentially, it creates a shadow. It should be precisely placed in areas where you would naturally see shadows created on your face – so think the hollows of cheeks, jawline, edges of your forehead and sides of your nose.
“The best way to contour is to choose a contour product that is a few shades darker than your natural skin tone and has a matte finish to mimic shadows,” advises Harold. “Start by applying the contour product along the hollows of the cheeks, temples, jawline, and sides of the nose using a contour brush or makeup sponge. Blend the contour product well using circular motions or tapping motions to avoid harsh lines and ensure a seamless transition between the contour and the rest of the makeup,” he adds.
As for when to apply it, that depends on what finish you would like. Traditionally, it was mainly scribbled on top of foundation, but it’s increasingly popular to apply it under foundation or blended into bare skin. “I learned from Mary Phillips, so I’m an under-painter always and forever,” says Shelby. “I like to contour first and then buff the foundation over it. This process looks the most natural because it gets rid of any harsh lines,” she says. “I like to underpaint light layers of contour under the foundation and set with powder,” agrees Diane.
For liquid and creamy formulas, we recommend reaching for a makeup sponge or dabbing it in with your fingers, whereas powdered compacts and palettes work best with makeup brushes.
Is it better to contour with powder or cream?
It all comes down to your own preferences. While some makeup artists advise layering cream products with powder formulas, at the end of the day, it depends on the kind of look and finish that you’re trying to achieve. And lucky for us, when it comes to versatility, today’s contour products are nothing short of impressive.
If you’re after a more glowy and natural look, you can definitely try using cream or shimmer-infused liquid products without following up with a powder. However, if you’re after a more blurring finish, powder contour may be the best option. It’s also worth noting that if you’re a new to the world of contour, you might be better off using a cream contour stick, as such formulas are generally considered more beginner-friendly. Plus, due to their hydrating natural creamy and liquid formulas also pair extremely well with mature skin.
Then there’s the longevity element. If you want a long-wearing result for a special event, it might be a good idea to consider layering both kind of formulas. Start with a thin layer of cream, then set your face with a pressed powder compact (or a powder contour kit).
Which brands have the best contour products?
Since makeup isn’t exactly a “one-size-fits-all” category, there isn’t one exact product or brand that singlehandedly outshines every other option. That said, there’s definitely a handful that have earned their spot in the contouring hall of fame. Based on our testing and expertise, we’d recommend considering brands like Westman Atelier, Makeup By Mario, Charlotte Tilbury, Victoria Beckham Beauty, Anastasia Beverly Hills and Rare Beauty.
How we tested the best contour products & why you should trust us:
When it comes to testing contouring makeup products, our expertise knows no bounds. After all, the GLAMOUR team has collectively tested dozens (if not hundreds) of formulas to deliver the most comprehensive edit that meets every budget and preference. To ensure a fair verdict, we made sure to review every formula on a variety of skin tones and undertones while assessing each product’s shade range. From cool-toned iterations that create a natural shadow to bronzer/contour hybrid formulas that add a bit of warmth, only the crème de la crème that managed to impress us most managed to make it to the roundup below.
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We also judged each entry based on innovation and versatility, particularly whether or not it delivers a seamless blend that doesn’t require an MUA-level skillset. Elsewhere, we also considered equally important factors like the level of pigment and whether the formula resulted in any patchiness or lifting. Most importantly, we certainly didn’t want to include any products that leaned too orange or too grey.
Our editors tested each contour product in real-life settings: whether it’s to create a speedy office-friendly look or to add a bit more oomph for a date or a girls’ dinner. Find out more about how we test here.
Meet our testers
- Fiona Embleton, GLAMOUR’s Associate Beauty Director: Fiona is an award-winning beauty editor with over 15 years of experience in the industry. Previously a senior beauty editor at Marie Claire, Fiona has also contributed to other magazines, including Stylist, Allure and Cosmopolitan. When it comes to makeup, she’s all about finding innovative yet hardworking formulas.
- Ali Pantony, GLAMOUR’s Website Director: Ali is a highly experienced and award-winning editor and book author, currently serving as GLAMOUR’s Website Director who oversees all of the magazines digital content. Previously Acting Features Director roles at Grazia and ES Magazine, her writing and product testing expertise knows no bounds – whether it comes down to fashion, beauty or tech.
- Denise Primbet, GLAMOUR’s Beauty Contributor: Denise has half a decade’s worth of product testing experience under her belt, especially when it comes to makeup. Having written for esteemed international publications like Vogue, GQ, Who What Wear, Refinery29, Cosmopolitan and Marie Claire, she’s particularly passionate about spotlighting formulas that work on all skin tones and democratising information on MUA-approved application techniques.
- Lian Brooks, GLAMOUR’s Senior Audience Development Manager: Having joined GLAMOUR in 2022, Lian previously held positions at The Times, The Sunday Times and Hearst UK. Apart from overseeing audience development at GLAMOUR, Lian also contributes to the magazine’s entertainment, beauty, fashion and wellness verticals.
- Robyn Eugene, GLAMOUR’s Social Media Manager: Since joining GLAMOUR UK as the magazine’s Social Media Manager, Robyn has been leading the strategy, direction, and vision for GLAMOUR’s social channels. Elsewhere, she’s also heavily involved in the team’s effort to elevate the site’s shopping content – having reviewed dozens of fashion, interior and beauty products.
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