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Learn How To Contour For A Sharp Snatched Look With These Star Products

Intimidated by contour sticks but want that sharp look? We got your back. Learn how to be a pro when using a contour stick for any skin tone!

Team ZZ

A foolproof method for achieving exceptionally sharp features? Be a contouring master. To put it simply, contouring is a method of applying makeup that entails drawing attention to specific features by strategically applying light and shade. Making your nose, jawline, and cheekbones stand out is the main goal. Many people confuse contouring products—which come in powder, cream, gel, and balm form—with bronzers. But don't worry; we'll show you how to distinguish between the two.

Bronzer vs contour

There is a significant distinction between the two items, despite their superficial similarities. Bronzing is all about giving your skin a radiant, warm glow while contouring is all about giving your face shape and definition.

How to use a contour stick?

  1. Before you apply cream contour sticks, it's important to pick a hue that complements your skin tone. Also, it doesn't have to be on a stick, though most brands have their contour products on sticks.
  2. To begin with, your chosen contour stick should be darker than your skin tone. A few of them even lean towards a cooler, more greyish tone. Regarding contouring, bronzer isn't always the way to go.
  3. Use a thick synthetic brush to apply and blend cream contours into the skin, or any other liquid or cream product, for the best results. Because they don't soak up as much product, synthetic brushes are ideal for blending and creating a flawless finish.
  4. Cream contour sticks and pressed powder bronzer have distinct application techniques. A simple method for this is to make an E shape on both sides of your face. Additionally, you can create the illusion of a narrower nose by swiping down both sides of it. Making strategic use of shadows, sculpting, and lifting is what contour is all about.

Rare Beauty Warm Wishes Effortless Contour Stick

A revolutionary contour stick that gives you a sun-kissed glow in an instant with a flawless, second-skin finish; all you have to do is swipe it on, blend it, and you're good to go.
This revolutionary bronzer stick, which is more like a liquid, blends seamlessly into the skin to create a radiant, long-lasting bronze. Weightlessly applying this very blendable and buildable foundation makes delicate face shaping a breeze. Also, it won't cake, wrinkle, or block pores because of its non-greasy, water-resistant structure.

Anastasia Beverly Hills

One of the best contouring sticks, use this for an instant sun-kissed glow with a smooth, seamless, second-skin finish—just swipe on, blend, and go. This innovative, liquid-like cream bronzer stick melts into the skin for a sun-kissed warmth that won’t fade. Ultra blendable and buildable, it glides on weightlessly, making it easy to softly sculpt the face. And the non-greasy, water-resistant formula won’t cake, crease, or clog pores.

The Chubby Stick from Clinique

The CLINIQUE Chubby Stick Sculpting Contour - Curvy (6g) can help you get flawless sculptured results with ease. Applying and blending this oil-free contour is a breeze, and the result is a flawless, undetectable finish free of shimmer. For all-day comfort, this long-lasting contour will keep your skin feeling light and airy. You won't need to touch up as often with this CLINIQUE contour to keep it looking smooth and sculpted.

Sugar Face Forward Contour

Sugar Face Fwd Contour Stick - 02 Espresso Edge (Coffee Brown) (9g) is one of the best budget contour sticks for shaping and defining the face. The ultra-creamy contour solution settles to a matte finish without leaving a greasy behind. Your features will seem more defined and deepened because of its rich pigmentation. After using, this contour stick dries to a matte finish, creating the illusion of a sculpted face.

Laura Mercier Carving Stick

The Cocoa Caviar Stick Mini by Laura Mercier (0.85g) will completely change your style. The high-quality hue of this eye contour stick gives your eyes a radiant glow. For up to twelve hours, this eyeshadow will not budge or crease!

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