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10 Best Contour Sticks 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

e.l.f. Halo Glow Contour Beauty Wand, Liquid Contour Wand For A Naturally Sculpted Look, Buildable Formula, Vegan & Cruelty-free, Fair/Light

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,185
Shade Range
Formula
Blendability

Most important from
6489 reviews

Shade Range
The cool-toned brown shade is perfect for contouring, offering a more affordable option in regions where beauty products can be expensive.
Formula
The product provides a lovely, healthy glow and a natural contour, but the thicker formula can be tricky to blend seamlessly.
Blendability
The e.l.f. Halo Glow Contour Beauty Wand blends well into a natural-looking shadow that enhances facial features beautifully.

The e.l.f. Halo Glow Contour Beauty Wand is designed for anyone looking to enhance their facial features with an easy-to-use contouring product. One of its standout features is the buildable formula that allows for customizable coverage, making it suitable for both beginners and those experienced in makeup application. The lightweight liquid formula, enriched with hydrating squalane, not only provides a radiant finish but also ensures skin feels nourished rather than dry. The cushion-tip applicator simplifies application, enabling users to contour various areas effortlessly, from cheek hollows to the jawline.

This specific wand comes in Fair/Light, which might not cater to deeper skin tones, limiting its appeal for a more diverse audience. The natural finish is great for those wanting a subtle sculpted look, yet it might not offer the dramatic contour some users desire. While the product claims longevity, results can vary based on skin type and conditions, with some individuals possibly needing to touch up throughout the day.

Packaging is compact and convenient, making it easy to carry for on-the-go touch-ups. As an added bonus, e.l.f. products are vegan and cruelty-free, appealing to those who prioritize ethical beauty choices. However, those who prefer a more traditional cream or powder contour might find the liquid formula less preferable.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,185
Shade Range
Formula
Blendability

Most important from
6489 reviews

Shade Range
The cool-toned brown shade is perfect for contouring, offering a more affordable option in regions where beauty products can be expensive.
Formula
The product provides a lovely, healthy glow and a natural contour, but the thicker formula can be tricky to blend seamlessly.
Blendability
The e.l.f. Halo Glow Contour Beauty Wand blends well into a natural-looking shadow that enhances facial features beautifully.
#2

wet n wild MegaGlo Makeup Stick, Buildable Color, Versatile Use, Cruelty-Free & Vegan - Where's Walnut?

Rating
10.0
Shade Range
Formula
Blendability

Most important from
34735 reviews

Shade Range
"The shade 'Where's Walnut?' is perfect for my light skin tone. It's not too ashy or too warm, which is often a challenge to find in drugstore brands."
Formula
"The formula is creamy and blends like a dream."
Blendability
"The blendability is definitely the star feature – it doesn't leave any harsh lines, crucial for a natural-looking contour."
Longevity
"It stays put throughout the day, especially when set with a little bit of bronzer."
Packaging
"Just be mindful of the packaging quirks and the limited shade range."

The wet n wild MegaGlo Makeup Stick in the shade 'Where's Walnut?' is a versatile product that caters well to those looking for an easy-to-use contour stick. One of its main strengths is its buildable color, allowing users to achieve desired intensity, whether you're going for a subtle glow or a more dramatic contour. Its multi-use nature means it can also be used for highlighting, concealing, and adding color to the cheeks, making it a great addition to any makeup routine.

Blendability is another strong point; this stick glides on smoothly and can be easily blended with fingers or a brush, making it user-friendly for makeup beginners and experts alike. The natural finish provides a seamless look, suitable for various skin types, and its cruelty-free and vegan formulation adds appeal for those who prioritize ethical beauty products.

There are a few considerations to keep in mind. While the shade range is decent, it may not cater to all skin tones, particularly those on the deeper end of the spectrum. Longevity could also be a concern; some users report that it may require touch-ups throughout the day, especially in humid conditions. The packaging is compact and easy to carry, but the stick form might make it a little tricky for those who prefer more precise applications.

Rating
10.0
Shade Range
Formula
Blendability

Most important from
34735 reviews

Shade Range
"The shade 'Where's Walnut?' is perfect for my light skin tone. It's not too ashy or too warm, which is often a challenge to find in drugstore brands."
Formula
"The formula is creamy and blends like a dream."
Blendability
"The blendability is definitely the star feature – it doesn't leave any harsh lines, crucial for a natural-looking contour."
Longevity
"It stays put throughout the day, especially when set with a little bit of bronzer."
Packaging
"Just be mindful of the packaging quirks and the limited shade range."
#3

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Wonder Stick, Face Shaping & Contouring Stick - Universal Light

Rating
9.8
Shade Range
Blendability

Most important from
31619 reviews

Shade Range
The shade is excellent for very pale, cool-toned skin and works well even with self-tanner, providing great precision.
Blendability
It blends very easily and contours in a subtle but noticeable way, perfect for everyday use.

The NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Wonder Stick is designed to simplify contouring and highlighting for all makeup enthusiasts. With its dual-ended design, it offers a creamy contour shade and a lighter highlighter that blend seamlessly, which is great for those looking for a natural finish. One of its key strengths is the versatile shade range, allowing users to achieve a variety of looks, from subtle to defined. The formula is buildable, meaning you can enhance coverage as needed without risking a cakey appearance. Furthermore, it is vegan and cruelty-free, appealing to customers who prioritize ethical beauty products.

In terms of blendability, the Wonder Stick excels as it glides smoothly on the skin, making it easy for even beginners to use. The packaging is compact and designed for on-the-go application, which adds to its convenience. While the stick is praised for its natural finish, some users may find that the longevity of the product could be improved, as it may require touch-ups throughout the day, especially for those with oilier skin types.

Another point to consider is the range of tones; while the 'Universal Light' shade works well for a lighter complexion, those with deeper skin tones might not find a perfect match in this specific shade. This could limit its appeal for individuals looking for a more diverse range of options.

The NYX Wonder Stick is a fantastic choice for anyone wanting to enhance their makeup routine with an easy-to-use contour and highlight tool. It's particularly suited for beginners, those who favor a natural look, and users who are conscious about cruelty-free products. Just keep in mind the need for possible touch-ups and shade suitability depending on your skin tone.

Rating
9.8
Shade Range
Blendability

Most important from
31619 reviews

Shade Range
The shade is excellent for very pale, cool-toned skin and works well even with self-tanner, providing great precision.
Blendability
It blends very easily and contours in a subtle but noticeable way, perfect for everyday use.

Buying Guide for the Best Contour Sticks

Contour sticks are a popular makeup product used to define and enhance the natural structure of your face. They can help create the illusion of higher cheekbones, a slimmer nose, and a more defined jawline. When choosing a contour stick, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best product for your needs. Understanding these specs will help you make an informed decision and achieve the desired look effortlessly.
Shade RangeThe shade range of a contour stick is crucial because it needs to complement your skin tone. Contour sticks typically come in various shades, from light to dark. If you have fair skin, opt for a contour stick that is one or two shades darker than your natural skin tone. For medium skin tones, choose a medium to dark shade, and for deeper skin tones, select a contour stick that is significantly darker. The right shade will blend seamlessly and create a natural-looking contour.
FormulaThe formula of a contour stick determines how it applies and wears on your skin. Contour sticks can come in cream, powder, or hybrid formulas. Cream formulas are great for dry skin as they provide a dewy finish and blend easily. Powder formulas are ideal for oily skin as they help control shine and provide a matte finish. Hybrid formulas offer a balance between the two and can work well for combination skin. Choose a formula that suits your skin type and desired finish.
BlendabilityBlendability refers to how easily the contour stick can be blended into your skin. A good contour stick should blend seamlessly without leaving harsh lines. This is important because well-blended contouring looks more natural and professional. To test blendability, swatch the product on your hand and see how easily it spreads. If it blends smoothly without much effort, it will likely perform well on your face too.
LongevityLongevity is the staying power of the contour stick throughout the day. A long-lasting contour stick will stay put without fading or smudging, ensuring your makeup looks fresh for hours. This is particularly important if you have a busy schedule or need your makeup to last through various activities. Look for contour sticks that are labeled as long-wearing or have positive reviews regarding their staying power.
FinishThe finish of a contour stick can be matte, satin, or dewy. The finish you choose will depend on your skin type and the look you want to achieve. Matte finishes are great for oily skin and provide a more sculpted, defined look. Satin finishes offer a subtle sheen and work well for normal to combination skin, giving a natural glow. Dewy finishes are ideal for dry skin and provide a radiant, hydrated appearance. Consider your skin type and the occasion when selecting the finish.
PackagingThe packaging of a contour stick can affect its ease of use and portability. Contour sticks typically come in twist-up tubes or retractable sticks, making them convenient for on-the-go application. Some may also come with built-in applicators or brushes. Choose packaging that is easy to handle and fits well in your makeup bag. If you travel frequently, opt for a compact and sturdy design to avoid any mess or damage.

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