Best Make-Up Contouring Products for Every Skill Level

Let’s face it—contouring is still among the hottest trend in the make-up world. In 215, many were quick to say that the trend is already a passé, but perfectly-defined beauties of Jennifer Lopez and Kim Kardashian beg to disagree. Though the extreme contours are better left to these popular TV personalities, a little definition on the face gives your make-up look a 3D effect and adds dimension to the flawless yet flat look of your foundation.

However, if you’re new to the game, figuring out what products to use can be intimidating, especially with all the options you have on the market today. Here, we’re put together a list of our favourite contour and highlight products and categorized them by skill level, so aspiring make-up artists and the certified pros can find their match.

Benefit 10 Bronzing and Highlighting Duo (Beginner)

This two-in-one product combines a warm tawny bronzer with a champagne-toned highlighter. With the product’s blendability, it’s almost impossible to overdo your contour and highlight. Simply swipe the brush, which comes with the package, over the product, brush the product on the sides of your face, and then blend back and forth to diffuse the colour. Place the highlight on the peaks of your cheekbones, and voila! A sculpted, modelesque cheeks in seconds!

Lancome Le Duo Contour and Highlighter Stick (Beginner)

This dual-ended product, which comes in five beautiful shades, makes contouring fast and easy. Its best feature is the contour shade’s slightly grayish tone that makes contouring look more shadowy and natural, instead of tanned. Just make sure to use light-handedly. The sticks are so creamy (which is good for blendability) that the product can easily snap off from its tube (which is a bad thing, obviously).

Sephora Collection Contouring 101 face Palette (Intermediate)

The pattern in the product is not just for decor. The palette is purposely mapped out to mimic the placement of the products on the face to eliminate the guesswork. Choose a contouring colour, which comes in three different shades, that’s a tad darker than your skin tone and dip your brush into it. Do the same with a clean brush for your highlighter, and blend, blend, blend.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Cream Palette (Advanced)

If the Anastasia contour powder kit is a hit, wait until you try the cream version. All the shades in the palettes sink right into the skin for a more natural look. This cream palette comes in three different shades and undertones, so you’re sure to get the right product whatever your skin tone is. For fairer ladies, the lighter palette skews a little pink; while for medium to deeper skin tones, a palette with yellow undertone creates the most flattering contour.

Using the right product makes so much difference in achieving a natural looking contour. With this list, you can surely find the right product whether you are a newbie in the make-up industry, an advanced-level make-up enthusiast or a certified and professional make-up artist.