Whereas contouring your face can appear intimidating, the correct merchandise could make a world of distinction. Enter contour sticks, which, based on New York Metropolis-based make-up artist Suzy Gerstein, provide “a fast and efficient strategy to actually improve the facial options.” Contour sticks are comparatively simple to work with since their creamy formulation are simple to mix out, which is vital to attaining a pure end. Per Gerstein, “something too densely pigmented or dry on texture would require extra effort and precision.”

We interrupt this intro to carry you a fast Contouring 101 lesson. Whereas bronzers are usually warmer-toned and infrequently add a contact of shimmer to the pores and skin on the best factors of the face, contour merchandise lean extra matte and cool-toned, and ideally one shade deeper than your bronzer with a purpose to mimic pure shadows.

Now, again to the good things, a.ok.a contour sticks. When it comes to utility, you may have two choices. For some refined sculpting, take into account warming the product up on the again of your hand earlier than moving into with a make-up brush or magnificence sponge. Alternatively, Los Angeles-based make-up artist Shadi Malek recommends making use of the product “instantly the place you need it to be probably the most concentrated and mix outwards.” No matter the way you select to use your contour, keep in mind that much less is all the time extra.” For me, contouring is about subtly defining your pure options,” says Persico. “Whenever you contour, it needs to be barely noticeable.”

Moreover, on the subject of selecting the very best contour sticks, make-up artist Alexa Persico recommends choosing ones that provide cooler-toned shades, which “are likely to look probably the most pure on all pores and skin sorts.” Persico additionally advises utilizing a shade that is two shades darker than your regular pores and skin tone to create a refined shadow impact.

Now that you have the lowdown on all issues contouring, learn on for the very best contour sticks in the marketplace, together with beloved Better of Magnificence Award-winning staples, underrated drugstore finds, and make-up artist-approved picks.