Whether you’re looking for a subtle sculpting effect or a super snatched look, contouring is the transformative makeup technique that can totally reshape your face – or simply boost your best features. And it’s not just for special occasions or when you need to be camera-ready; these contouring wonders can also take pride of place in your ‘no-makeup’ makeup routine.
Kevyn Aucoin The Sculpting Powder Founded by a true makeup master, it’s no wonder Kevyn Aucoin’s Sculpting Powder has found its way into the kits of professionals and beginners alike. Sheer yet buildable – and with a shimmer-free, neutral undertone – it’s designed to create an effortless and undetectable contoured look.
Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Contour Wand A-list cheekbones, here you come! Charlotte Tilbury’s TikTok-famous Contour Wand comes in a foolproof applicator tube, so you can dot or swipe your contour with precision worthy of Tilbury herself. The liquid formula blends seamlessly for an expertly sculpted and bronzed look.
MECCA MAX Off Duty Contour Stick New to contour? This crayon-like definer is super smooth and blendable – just stripe on and pat with your fingers or buff out with a dense brush for chiselled cheeks every time. Use over foundation or bare skin for a ‘no-makeup’ makeup look with extra dimension.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Powder Contour Kit For those with fair to medium skin tones, this six-shade palette houses everything you need to master powder contouring – plus bronzer and highlight! Featuring a mix of neutral tones in matte and shimmer finishes, use it to shape, brighten, warm up and set your face. Handy!
Westman Atelier Face Trace Contour Stick An artistry favourite for its silky-smooth application and buttery blend, this contour stick creates a sculpted look in seconds. Available in three shades – all with a cool undertone to create a natural shadowed effect – it adds flawless depth and dimension to your complexion without ever looking muddy or patchy. And it comes in a luxurious magnetic case.
Smashbox Cali Contour Palette Heading off on a winter warmer getaway? This is a highly pigmented contour, bronze and blush palette that’s ready for take-off. Combining a cool-toned true contour shade with rich bronze and peachy-pink shimmers, it’ll create a defined and sunkissed effect in just a few swipes – and save you the trouble of carrying around multiple compacts.
Clinique Chubby Stick Sculpting Contour Love Clinique’s iconic Chubby Stick for cheeks and lips? Add the contour version to your kit, stat! Featuring the same buttery-smooth, glide-on-and-go formula, this compact crayon delivers a hit of bronzing contour for defined cheeks. Plus, you can use this multitasker as an eyeshadow too.
Kevyn Aucoin The Contour Book Vol III A curated collection of Kevyn Aucoin’s bestselling contour, bronzer and highlight shades, all in one chic palette. The finely milled formulas – including a trio of Sculpting Powder shades (‘Light’, ‘Medium’ and ‘Deep’) and the beloved Neo-Bronzer – help you build colour as needed, taking you everywhere from minimal makeup days to full glam. Love the ‘airbrushed’ look? This is a must-have.
M·A·C Cosmetics Studio Fix Sculpt and Shape Contour Palette An edit of three subtle highlight shades and three matte contouring shades to help define and enhance your features in a flash. The soft-focus finish ensures each powder blends seamlessly together and across your skin for a flawless result.
Looking to learn how to contour like a pro? Book your very own personalised MECCA Makeup Lesson and let our artistry experts show you the way.
