The Best Contour Sticks, Ranked

The world of contouring has gone from strength to strength, with everyone and their mum dabbling at sculpting and highlighting their face with makeup.

What once took hours of expert buffing and layering of powders, can now be achieved with a simple swipe of a contour stick and the flick of a blending brush. Cream contour sticks are easy to use and hassle-free, while also still giving you that killer sculpted look.

Simply apply under your cheekbones, along your jawline, down the sides of the nose and across the temples and forehead. Then blend with your favourite makeup brush or damp beauty sponge.

But which contour stick is the best? Well, here at Cosmetify HQ, we’ve ranked our faves for you to peruse.

1. SOSU by SJ Contour On The Go Cream Stick

Kicking things off is this SOSU by SJ Contour On The Go Cream Stick, which is one of the best affordable contour sticks. The chubby stick is simple to use and the creamy formula melts across your skin. The darker shade is perfect for carving out the cheeks, while the lighter stick is ideal for highlighting down the nose and the cupids bow.

2. HD Brows Sculpt Stick

Whether you’re a contour newbie or a professional MUA, this sculpting pencil is a great option to have in your arsenal. The pencil shape means you can precisely apply to all the points of the face you want to define, like the nose and temples. We recommend buffing into the skin using an expert contouring makeup brush.

3. Rose & Caramel Tan Skinstant Bronze Tanning Stick

Next, take a look at this bronze tanning stick from Rose & Caramel. This tool can be used directly on small areas for a deep contoured tanning look or applied to the body for a 24 hour tan. Waterproof and sweat proof, it's ideal for a pick me up glow or a confident boost for a summer festivities.

4. Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick

There’s nothing stopping you from using a stick foundation in a darker shade to contour your face. This one from Bobbi Brown comes in a huge range of inclusive shades, making it easier to find the perfect match for your skin tone. It’s also delivers a natural-looking finish, so you never have to worry about cakey results.

5. Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Contour Wand

Ok, technically this isn’t a stick but surely a contour wand counts, right? This Charlotte Tilbury product is a luxury option for contouring your cheekbones and forehead. It uses a lightweight formula, which you can easily layer to get a more chiselled look.

6. Bellamianta Illuminating Bronzing Drops

We may have bent the rules again here, but Bellamianta's Illuminating Bronzing Drops are a dupe for Charlotte Tilbury's Contour Wand. Not only are they easier on the pockets, but these bronzing drops are the answer to your beauty prayers. The sun-kissed silky liquid effortlessly bronzes your complexion, leaving skin looking naturally chiselled and sculpted.

7. Anastasia Beverly Hills Stick Foundation

A fave among influencers, A-listers and makeup artists, this luxe foundation stick is a must in your makeup bag. Simply choose three shades darker than your usual skin tone to transform this foundation stick into your new fave contour tool. It not only helps you define your facial features, but it’s also enriched with skin-enhancing ingredients to protect and soothe your complexion.

8. NARS Cosmetics The Multiple

If you love a do-it-all product then NARS The Multiple is a must-have. It is one of the best cream contour sticks thanks to its array of shades, which are suitable for all skin tones. It’s your one-stop-shop for shading, highlighting and defining your features as it can be used as a contour, blusher, bronzer, highlighter, lip tint and more.

9. Fenty Beauty Match Stix Matte Skinstick

And finally, these Fenty contour sticks are a staple. The Cosmetify beauties can’t get enough of Fenty Beauty, but who’s surprised? The sticks allow you to conceal, contour and highlight like a pro. They feel weightless of the skin and provide a seamless powdery soft finish. Pair with Fenty Beauty Portable Contour & Concealer Brush for an incredible blending effect.

And there you have it, our countdown of the best contour sticks in the biz. Whether you’re going for natural makeup or an evening chiselled look, there’s a product to suit every type of routine. For more makeup tips, take a look the best bronzers for a Summer glow and the ultimate blush guide for beauty lovers.