Want to arrive anywhere looking like you’d own the red carpet? Try the contouring technique. Contouring shapes the face by using darker hues to create shadow effects that allow make-up highlights to really do their work. You don’t need need to be a Hollywood stylist to do it; contour sticks are easy to use and they’re essential for any serious make-up case. With just a few swipes you can achieve a great look that brings out your best features no matter what your complexion or skin tone. Lighter complexions should aim for a greyish browns whilst darker skin tones should favour deeper chocolate browns and colours such as cognac.
How to use a contour stick
1. Prepare your skin with a moisturiser and a makeup primer.
2. Next, apply a cream highlighter to your cheekbones, nose, brow lines, and the inner corners of the eyes.
3. Use a damp make-up sponge to blend some foundation, mixed with a little beauty oil across your face.
4. Always be aware that less is more when it comes to contouring. You can try and sculpt your entire face but the reality is it’s better to be strategic than over-do it. The best places to concentrate on are forehead, nose, jawline and especially the cheeks. Draw a line using your contour stick from just near the middle ear and apply the contour towards corner of your mouth, stopping midway along the cheek. From there you should apply additional contour based on what you’d like to achieve whether it’s a subtle shading of your forehead (contour the hairline and temples), chiseling your jawline (some simple buffing under the chin) or making the nose appear thinner (blend lines down each side of the nose). Whatever you choose, it pays to practise and work out what’s best for your face.
5. Blend the product in to create a subtle shadow effect.
The best contour sticks on the market
5 – NYX Professional Makeup Wonder Stick 8
A good contour stick for the beginner is this highlighting/contouring, double sided pen from NYX. The lighter contour colour is perfect for everyday use.
Customer review – ‘I love the contour side for a subtle look for an everyday professional make up look. Great starter for learning contour and highlighting without going overboard as well.’
Available from Priceline (AUD $19.95)
4 – Rimmel Insta Duo Contour Stick 300
A great affordable contour stick is Rimmel’s double-sided stick that highlights and contours. The non-sticky formula makes it easy to apply and the dark contour colour is great for selfies.
Customer review – ‘It’s my go to for a perfect contour, it glides on and blends out so easily’
Available from Chemist Warehouse (AUD $15.99)
3 – Fenty Match Stix Matte Skinstick
This versatile range of make-up sticks from Fenty come in a host of different shades. Easy to apply and perfect for contouring no matter what complexion or skin tone you have.
Customer review – ‘Such a great product for contouring. I love that I can use it under or over foundation.’
Available from Sephora (AUD $37.00)
2 – Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Quickie Contour Stick
This fantastic contour stick from Benefit Cosmetics is easy to use and suits a variety of skin tones. The round head hugs your contours and the soft bronze cream is easy to blend. Get out there and be fabulous in no time!
Customer Review – ‘It’s a really nice neutral shade that I could see suiting many skin tones.’
Available from Adore Beauty
1 – Clinique Chubby Stick
This contouring stick is long wearing, oil free and glides on effortlessly. The tone is perfect for just about any complexion and makes contouring easy and hassle free. It’s also small enough to be perfect for the traveller who wants a contour stick for their handbag.
Customer Review – ‘I am more of a natural make-up girl so this contour blends perfectly, nice texture, great colour.’
Available from Myer (AUD $42.00)
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