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11 Best contour kits for beginners and pros

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6 months ago

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11 Best contour kits for beginners and pros

Contouring is an art that used to be mastered only by professional makeup artists. The secrets of exactly how to shade the cheekbones and the nose, how to blend lines and where to add light were gatekept for years.

Fast forward to today. With contour kits, we can apply these beauty techniques to define the face and walk out to a wedding, a restaurant or simply to get coffee and feel confident. We no longer have to be professionals or roast in the sun to get that perfectly sunkissed look.

In this article, I’m going to dive into my experience of trying out the best contour kits, what to consider when finding the right one and how to apply it. Let’s begin.

What to consider when buying a contour kit

Skin type

Each person’s skin is unique, so keeping your skin top of mind is essential when picking the right contour kit. For instance, oily skin may do better with powder products that absorb oil and create a matte finish, whereas dry skin might need a hydrating cream formula.

Shade range

Contour palettes have a wide variety of colors. Some kits offer two options and others offer up to eight. If you’re a beginner, start with a palette with two to four color ranges. More experienced and professional artists will look for a diversity of hues to blend and create a perfect shade. With more colors, you’re able to customize the hue, but the kit may be more complicated to use.

Highlighter

Contour and highlighters work together to create a beautiful definition and glow. Most kits come with both light and dark shades, but not all, so keep this in mind when looking for your new kit. If you’re looking for a glowy highlighter, you may need to get a separate product in addition to your contour kit.

Our top picks for the best contour kits

Best natural contour kit: Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer Contour Palette

Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer Contour Palette

If natural ingredients are important to you, the Butter Bronzer Contour Palette from Physicians Formula is an amazing option. It’s specifically formulated for sensitive skin and has a smooth application and easy blending, making it easy to build to achieve your desired look. The product has a scent of coconut which our testers enjoyed, but users who are sensitive to fragrances should be cautious. The shades are beautiful and go well with the Physicians Formula Butter Glow Liquid Bronzer and the Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Diamond Last lip color.

Specifications

  • Shade options: Six.
  • Pans per kit: Three.
  • Formula: Powder.
  • Finish: Natural.
  • Size: 0.48 ounces.
  • Cruelty-free: Yes.
  • Price on publish: $13.74.

The AP Buyline takeaway

This kit uses natural ingredients for sensitive skin, is easy to build and apply, works well on various skin tones and is excellent for travel. However, there is a lot of fallout and the coconut scent may deter some users.

Get here: Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer Contour Palette

Best buildable contour kit: The Counter Book Volume III by Kevyn Aucoin

The Counter Book Volume III by Kevyn Aucoin

Kevyn Aucoin’s Contour Book Volume III includes award-winning contour, highlight and blush that can be built up and mixed to create your desired look. The powders are lightweight, easy to use and blend well to create a natural finish. The variety of options makes this kit a versatile tool. The packaging is beautiful, giving it a modern and elegant feel from the get-go.

Specifications

  • Shade options: Three contour shades, two highlight shades and one gradient blush pan.
  • Pans per kit: Six.
  • Formula: Powder.
  • Finish: Natural.
  • Size: 0.7 ounces.
  • Cruelty-free: Yes.
  • Price on publish: $51.

The AP Buyline takeaway

Containing contour, blush and highlight, this kit is versatile and a great option for building up to your desired look. The packaging is modern and elegant, making the makeup feel high-end.

Get here: The Counter Book Volume III by Kevyn Aucoin

Best cream contour kit: Make Up For Ever HD Skin Cream Contour and Highlight Sculpting Palette

Make Up For Ever HD Skin Cream Contour and Highlight Sculpting Palette

Cream contours are helpful for any makeup kit because they’re easy to apply and smooth to blend. The HD Skin Cream Contour and Highlight Sculpting Palette from Make Up For Ever has 12 highly pigmented shades that allow the user to achieve a glam contour without a lot of product. It also blends effortlessly into a semimatte finish that resists fading even after continued wear.

Specifications

  • Shade options: 12.
  • Pans per kit: Six.
  • Formula: Creamy.
  • Finish: Natural; semimatte.
  • Size: 0.9 ounces.
  • Cruelty-free: No.
  • Price on publish: $88.

Best drugstore contour kit: CoverGirl TruBlend Contour Palette

CoverGirl TruBlend Contour Palette

Drugstore makeup can be an excellent choice for quality products without the high price tag. The CoverGirl TruBlend Contour Palette was developed by celebrity makeup artist Pat McGrath and is smooth and lightweight. The simplicity of the three-shade kit also makes this a good option for beginners.

Specifications

  • Shade options: Three.
  • Pans per kit: Three.
  • Formula: Cream.
  • Finish: Natural.
  • Size: 0.42 ounces.
  • Cruelty-free: Yes.
  • Price on publish: $14.49.

The AP Buyline takeaway

This beginner-friendly kit’s smooth application and easy blending make it a great option. However, you may need to apply more product to achieve the desired look.

Get here: CoverGirl TruBlend Contour Palette

Best budget contour kit: e.l.f. Cosmetics Cream Contour Palette

e.l.f. Cosmetics Cream Contour Palette

Looking to get the most bang for your buck? Look no further than the e.l.f. Cosmetics Cream Contour Palette. This kit is easy to apply and smoothes away pores and fine lines. Though the shades are limited, the colors are buildable and stay on even after continued wear to create a natural look.

Specifications

  • Shade options: Four.
  • Pans per kit: Four.
  • Formula: Cream.
  • Finish: Natural.
  • Size: 0.43 ounces.
  • Cruelty-free: Yes.
  • Price on publish: $9.

The AP Buyline takeaway

This palette offers a smooth finish that works for everyday use and special occasions and many skin tones, but may not be best for dry skin.

Get here: e.l.f. Cosmetics Cream Contour Palette

Best contour kit for teens: Frilliance Hydrating Go-To Glow Bronzing Glaze Drops

Frilliance Hydrating Go-To Glow Bronzing Glaze Drops

It can be difficult to find makeup that doesn’t irritate acne-prone skin. Frilliance’s Hydrating Go-To Glow Bronzing Glaze Drops are formulated to be noncomedogenic and hypoallergenic, which means they avoid clogging pores and can be used on sensitive skin. The texture of the product is light and gives a subtle glow, perfect for the summer season. Although it’s not a kit per se, the drops can be applied to different parts of the face to give it that bronzed, contoured look.

Specifications

  • Shade options: One.
  • Pans per kit: One.
  • Formula: Cream.
  • Finish: Natural.
  • Size: 1 fluid ounce.
  • Cruelty-free: Yes.
  • Price on publish: $16.99

The AP Buyline takeaway

The lightweight glow of these drops makes it a good option for acne-prone skin. Note, however, that the light pigmentation means more product might be needed to achieve the desired look, and there’s only one shade available.

Get here: Frilliance Hydrating Go-To Glow Bronzing Glaze Drops

Best contour kit from a small business: Juvia’s Place Bronzed Duo Bronzer

Juvia’s Place Bronzed Duo Bronzer

If you’d like to support small business owners, Juvia’s Place Bronzed Duo Bronzer is an excellent option, plus the makeup is stunning and comes in deep dark shades as well as lighter tones. The Bronzed Duo Bronzer is a long-lasting powder that’s easily buildable. Designed to sculpt the face while warming your skin for a natural glow, Juvia’s wide range of shades make this product suitable for any skin tone.

Specifications

  • Shade options: 10 (five options with two shades each).
  • Pans per kit: Two.
  • Formula: Powder.
  • Finish: Matte.
  • Size: 0.46 ounces.
  • Cruelty-free: Yes.
  • Price on publish: $20.

The AP Buyline takeaway

This duo offers long-lasting, highly pigmented contour in a variety of shades, including deep dark. However, some customers report difficulty blending the product.

Get here: Juvia’s Place Bronzed Duo Bronzer

Best splurge contour kit: Tom Ford Shade & Illuminate Contour Duo

Tom Ford Shade & Illuminate Contour Duo

Although expensive, the Tom Ford Shade & Illuminate Contour Duo is worth the price. It’s easy to apply and blend, offering a subtle glow and definition. This compact is offered in four shade duos.

Specifications

  • Shade options: Eight (four separate options with two shades each).
  • Pans per kit: Two.
  • Formula: Cream.
  • Finish: Radiant.
  • Size: 0.5 ounces.
  • Cruelty-free: No.
  • Price on publish: $84.99.

The AP Buyline takeaway

Though pricey, this compact provides subtle radiance and is used by professional makeup artists. That said, the highlight shade is sheer and hard to build up.

Get here: Tom Ford Shade & Illuminate Contour Duo

Best contour kit with powder and cream: PATRICK TA Major Sculpt Creme Contour & Powder Bronzer Duo

PATRICK TA Major Sculpt Creme Contour & Powder Bronzer Duo

Can’t decide between a cream or powder formula? We’ve got a solution for you. The Major Sculpt Creme Contour & Powder Bronzer Duo by PATRICK TA means you don’t have to choose. The contour is smooth and doesn’t feel oily. It’s also easy to use. The product has intense pigmentation that can build to your desired color.

Specifications

  • Shade options: Five.
  • Pans per kit: Two.
  • Formula: Cream and powder.
  • Finish: Dewy or matte.
  • Size: 0.24 ounces of cream and 0.23 ounces of powder.
  • Cruelty-free: Yes.
  • Price on publish: $49.95.

The AP Buyline takeaway

Having both cream and powder formulas in one product allows you to create dewy and matte looks. Both formulas are easy to apply and leave a smooth finish. However, it can be easy to over-apply this makeup.

Get here: PATRICK TA Major Sculpt Creme Contour & Powder Bronzer Duo

Best powder contour kit: Anastasia Beverly Hills Powder Contour Kit

Anastasia Beverly Hills Powder Contour Kit

If you have oily skin you may benefit from a powdered contour that can absorb excess oil and create a matte finish. The Anastasia Beverly Hills Powder Contour Kit has finely milled, pressed powder that’s lightweight and smooth. The neutral tones are good for beginners and blend nicely.

Specifications

  • Shade options: Six.
  • Pans per kit: Six.
  • Formula: Powder.
  • Finish: Shimmery.
  • Size: 0.11 ounces.
  • Cruelty-free: Yes.
  • Price on publish: $36.

The AP Buyline takeaway

This kit is good for beginners and leaves a smooth finish, even over cream foundation and uneven textures. However, it only offers a few shades.

Get here: Anastasia Beverly Hills Powder Contour Kit

Best contour kit for beginners: Smashbox Step-By-Step Highlighter & Bronzer Face Palette

Smashbox Step-By-Step Highlighter & Bronzer Face Palette

Contour can be intimidating for beginners, but with the Smashbox Step-by-Step Palette, it doesn’t have to be. This kit has a bronzer, highlighter and contour powder for easily blendable and buildable coverage. It also includes a brush and an instruction diagram indicating where to apply the product.

Specifications

  • Shade options: Six.
  • Pans per kit: Three.
  • Formula: Powder.
  • Finish: Matte.
  • Size: 0.4 ounces.
  • Cruelty-free: Yes.
  • Price on publish: $31.99.

How we selected the best contour kits

To choose the best contour kits, I tested many of these products personally to ensure quality and asked selected friends to do the same. I also relied on customer reviews and expert advice to select the best contour kits in each category.

How to apply contour

When applying contour, using lighter colors will make features appear more prominent, while darker shades will provide definition. Reema Kolo, director of product marketing at Physicians Formula, says to “start by highlighting the middle of your forehead, bridge of your nose, under eyes and chin.” Always make sure to thoroughly blend to create a seamless look. She adds, “Bronze above your cheekbones. Contour under your cheekbones and along the sides of your nose.”

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Can contour kits be used for body contouring?

Yes, contour will create shadows and definition everywhere, not just on the face. “You can define any feature you would like to stand out by adding highlight, bronzer or contour to accentuate your features,” says Kolo. For example, darker shades can be used to sculpt areas like the neck, arms and waistline, while highlighter shades can accentuate collarbones, shoulders and shins. If you’re unsure where and how to contour your body, you can opt to add glow to your entire body with products such as the Physicians Formula Butter Glow Liquid Bronzer. You may need to use makeup remover on your body, too.

Are contour kits suitable for beginners?

Yes, contour kits are great for beginners because they have all the contour options in one place. Make sure to look for contour kits that come with a guide or a diagram that you can follow. You can also look for kits with two to four shades, making it easier to apply without getting overwhelmed with too many color options.

Can contour kits be layered with other makeup products?

Absolutely, contour can be layered with other products. Most kits are specifically designed to work over makeup primer, foundation and other base products. When creating your overall look, “it’s best to apply contour after you put on your base makeup but before blush and highlighter,” advises Kolo.

Are contour sticks or powder better?

Both sticks and powders are great options, depending on your goal. “Contour sticks are great for targeted areas, for when you’re on the go and for quick touch-ups,” Kolo explains. “Contour powders are great for a more defined, long-lasting finish.” Whatever your desired look and objective, there is a great product out there for you.

Read more: Best concealers: Picks and advice from celebrity makeup artists

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