AP Buyline’s content is created independently of The Associated Press newsroom. Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we might earn commissions from our partners’ links in this content. Learn more about our policies and terms here.
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 thePhysicians Formula Butter Glow Liquid Bronzerand thePhysicians Formula Mineral Wear Diamond Lastlip 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.
What we like:
- Easy blending and application.
- Shades work well on various skin tones.
- Beautiful finish and easy for travel.
- Natural ingredients, such as tucuma butter, are reportedly good for your skin.
- Coconut scent.
What we don't Like:
- Lots of fallout from the palette.
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.
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.
What we like:
- Easy to use, glides on smoothly.
- Colors match the face’s shadows, leading to a natural finish.
- Contour shades are easily mixable so you can build to your desired look.
- Highlighter shades are sheer and create a natural glow.
- Packaging is modern and elegant, adding a high-end feel.
- Kit comes with a quick guide, making it usable for beginners and pros alike.
What we don't Like:
- May not be suitable for darker skin tones.
- Blush is sheer and has to be applied twice.
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.
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.
What we like:
- Resists fading and stays in place.
- Blends well.
- Very pigmented.
- Lighter hues in the kit allow the user to accentuate high points.
What we don't Like:
- Not for beginners.
- Not ideal for light makeup.
The AP Buyline takeaway
This kit's pigmentation and blendability make it great for glamorous makeup. However, the makeup is visible on the skin, so there may be better choices for light, natural makeup looks.
Get here: Make Up For Ever HD Skin Cream Contour and Highlight Sculpting Palette
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.
What we like:
- Smooth application that doesn’t crease.
- Colors remain even with continued wear.
- Easy blending.
What we don't Like:
- Sheer colors require more product to achieve the desired look.
- May feel a little oily.
- May need to reapply for a full day out.
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.
What we like:
- Lightweight and easily buildable.
- Smoothes pores and fine lines.
- Suitable for many skin tones.
What we don't Like:
- Some customers report that it’s not the best choice for dry skin.
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
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
What we like:
- Lightweight.
- Adds glow but isn’t shiny.
What we don't Like:
- Sheer color means extra product may be needed to achieve the desired look.
- Only one shade.
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.
What we like:
- 10 available shades ranging from light to deep dark.
- No fragrance.
- Very pigmented.
What we don't Like:
- Customers report some difficulty blending.
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.
What we like:
- Easy to blend and build the contour.
- Lightweight.
- Used by professional makeup artists and editors.
What we don't Like:
- Expensive.
- The highlight shade is sheer and can be hard to build up. This option works for those looking to create a natural look over a true highlight.
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.
What we like:
- Pigmented but buildable.
- Having both cream and powder formulas allows you to create dewy or matte looks, a satisfying option for cream blush fans.
- Contour is smooth and not cakey.
What we don't Like:
- No included highlighter, although the bronzer does allow the user to create depth.
- Easy to over-apply.
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.
What we like:
- Smooth finish that doesn’t look like powder on the skin.
- Easy to apply for beginners.
- Works over cream foundation.
What we don't Like:
- Less pigmentation means more product may be needed to achieve the desired look.
- Only a few shade options.
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.
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.
What we like:
- Easy to use, blend and build.
- Good pigmentation.
What we don't Like:
- Some customers complain the color doesn’t last the entire day.
The AP Buyline takeaway
This kit has everything a beginner needs to successfully learn to contour, but the pigmentation may not last all day.
Get here: Smashbox Step-By-Step Highlighter & Bronzer Face Palette
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
AP Buyline’s content is created independently of The Associated Press newsroom. Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we might earn commissions from our partners’ links in this content. Learn more about our policies and terms here.
