Best Contour Sticks
Contour sticks are versatile makeup tools designed for easy application of contour and highlight products. Typically in a creamy formula, these sticks allow users to define their facial features, such as cheekbones and jawlines, while also adding a luminous glow to specific areas. Their compact design makes them ideal for on-the-go touch-ups and travel.
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Contour sticks come in various shades and formulations to suit different skin tones and preferences. They often feature a blendable texture that glides smoothly onto the skin, making it easy to achieve a natural look. The application process usually involves drawing lines on areas where shadows naturally fall, like under the cheekbones and along the sides of the nose, followed by blending with fingers, a brush, or a sponge. Many users appreciate contour sticks for their convenience and control, as they can be layered for a more dramatic effect or sheered out for a subtle enhancement. Additionally, they are often paired with highlighter sticks to create a balanced and radiant complexion. With their user-friendly design and multifunctionality, contour sticks have become a staple in many makeup routines, appealing to both beginners and seasoned makeup enthusiasts alike.
Fenty BeautyView AllFenty Beauty - Inclusive cosmetics brand founded by Rihanna, celebrating diversity.
NARSView AllNARS - High-end cosmetics brand known for bold colors and quality.
Benefit CosmeticsView AllBenefit Cosmetics - Playful beauty brand known for fun makeup and skincare.
MaybellineView AllMaybelline - Trendy cosmetics brand known for accessible beauty products.
Charlotte TilburyView AllCharlotte Tilbury - Luxury makeup brand known for radiant, glamorous products.
NYX Professional MakeupView AllNYX Professional Makeup - Affordable, trendy cosmetics brand for diverse beauty enthusiasts.
Tarte CosmeticsView AllTarte Cosmetics - Cruelty-free, eco-friendly makeup with vibrant colors and quality.
Anastasia Beverly HillsView AllAnastasia Beverly Hills - Luxury cosmetics brand known for brows and contouring products.
Too FacedView AllToo Faced - Playful, cruelty-free cosmetics with colorful, innovative products.
Laura MercierView AllLaura Mercier - Luxury cosmetics brand known for flawless makeup artistry.
Best Contour Sticks
1.
Fenty Beauty
Fenty Beauty, launched by music icon Rihanna in September 2017, revolutionized the cosmetics industry with its inclusive approach to beauty. The brand is celebrated for its extensive range of foundation shades, catering to all skin tones, and promoting diversity and representation. Fenty Beauty emphasizes high-quality, innovative products, from its iconic Pro Filt'r foundation to its dazzling highlighters and lip products. With a commitment to empowering individuals to express their unique beauty, Fenty Beauty has quickly become a favorite among beauty enthusiasts worldwide.
Pros
Inclusive shade range- High-quality formulas
- Trendy packaging
- Cruelty-free
- Innovative products.
Cons
Higher price point- Limited availability
- Some products may not suit all skin types
- Frequent product discontinuation
- Potential for allergic reactions.
2.
NARS
NARS is a luxury cosmetics brand founded by makeup artist François Nars in 1994. Renowned for its bold colors and innovative formulations, NARS offers a wide range of makeup products, including foundations, lipsticks, and blushes. The brand is celebrated for its artistic packaging and high-quality ingredients that cater to diverse skin tones. NARS is also known for its commitment to empowering self-expression and individuality through makeup, making it a favorite among beauty enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Pros
- High-quality pigments
- Extensive shade range
- Long-lasting formulas
- Trendy packaging
- Cruelty-free options.
Cons
- Higher price point
- Limited availability in some areas
- Some products may cause breakouts
- Not fully vegan
- Occasional fragrance issues.
3.
Benefit Cosmetics
Benefit Cosmetics is a renowned American makeup brand founded in 1976 by twin sisters Jean and Jane Ford. Known for its playful packaging and innovative products, Benefit specializes in enhancing natural beauty with a focus on brows, complexion, and cheek products. The brand's signature offerings, such as the iconic Benetint and They're Real! mascara, reflect its fun and quirky personality. With a commitment to quality and creativity, Benefit has gained a loyal following and continues to inspire confidence through its vibrant and effective cosmetics.
Pros
- High-quality products
- playful branding
- diverse shade range
- innovative packaging
- effective marketing strategies.
Cons
- Higher price point
- limited availability in some regions
- potential for skin irritation
- not fully cruelty-free
- some products may be gimmicky.
4.
Maybelline
Maybelline is a global cosmetics brand known for its innovative makeup products that cater to a diverse range of beauty needs. Founded in 1915 in New York City, the brand combines cutting-edge technology with fashion-forward trends, offering everything from foundations and mascaras to lipsticks and eyeshadows. Maybelline is celebrated for its accessibility, providing high-quality products at affordable prices, making beauty attainable for everyone. Its iconic slogan, "Maybe she's born with it. Maybe it's Maybelline," highlights the brand's focus on enhancing natural beauty.
Pros
- Affordable pricing
- Wide product range
- Trendy colors
- Good availability
- Cruelty-free options.
Cons
- Some products may irritate sensitive skin
- Variable quality across items
- Limited shade range in certain products
- Packaging can be flimsy
- Not all products are long-lasting.
5.
Charlotte Tilbury
Charlotte Tilbury is a renowned British beauty brand founded by makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury in 2013. Celebrated for its luxurious, high-performance cosmetics, the brand emphasizes enhancing natural beauty and empowering individuals through makeup. With iconic products like the Pillow Talk lipstick and Magic Cream, Charlotte Tilbury combines innovative formulations with elegant packaging. The brand is synonymous with a radiant, glowing complexion, and it offers a wide range of products, from skincare to makeup, catering to diverse skin tones and types.
Pros
- High-quality products
- Glamorous packaging
- Wide shade range
- Effective formulas
- Strong brand reputation
-
Cons
- Higher price point
- Limited availability in some regions
- Some products may not suit all skin types
- Can be overwhelming choices
- Frequent product launches.
6.
NYX Professional Makeup
NYX Professional Makeup is a vibrant and innovative cosmetics brand known for its high-quality, affordable makeup products. Launched in 1999, it quickly gained popularity for its wide range of shades and formulas, catering to diverse skin tones and styles. NYX embraces creativity and self-expression, encouraging makeup enthusiasts to experiment and express their individuality. The brand is also recognized for its trend-driven collections and collaborations, appealing to both professional makeup artists and everyday consumers alike.
Pros
- Affordable pricing
- Wide product range
- Cruelty-free
- Trendy and innovative
- Inclusive shade selection
Cons
- Inconsistent product quality
- Limited availability in some regions
- Some products may irritate sensitive skin
- Packaging durability issues
- Shorter wear time on certain items
7.
Tarte Cosmetics
Tarte Cosmetics is a cruelty-free makeup brand known for its innovative, high-performance products that blend skincare benefits with vibrant color. Founded in 1999 by Maureen Kelly, Tarte emphasizes the use of natural ingredients, often incorporating Amazonian clay and other botanicals, to create eco-friendly formulations. The brand's diverse range includes foundation, eyeshadow, and lip products, appealing to makeup enthusiasts seeking quality and sustainability. Tarte is celebrated for its commitment to inclusivity and empowering individuals to express their unique beauty.
Pros
- High-quality ingredients
- Cruelty-free
- Wide shade range
- Eco-friendly packaging
- Long-lasting wear
-
Cons
- Higher price point
- Limited availability in some regions
- Some products may not suit all skin types
- Occasional product inconsistencies
- Packaging may be bulky.
8.
Anastasia Beverly Hills
Anastasia Beverly Hills is a renowned beauty brand founded in 1997 by Anastasia Soare, who is celebrated for her expertise in eyebrow shaping. The brand gained popularity for its high-quality brow products, which include the iconic Dipbrow Pomade and Brow Wiz. Expanding its offerings, Anastasia Beverly Hills now features a wide range of makeup, including eyeshadows, highlighters, and liquid lipsticks, known for their vibrant colors and innovative formulas. The brand emphasizes inclusivity and empowerment, appealing to beauty enthusiasts worldwide.
Pros
- High-quality products
- Wide shade range
- Trendy formulations
- Strong brand reputation
- Innovative packaging
-
Cons
- Higher price point
- Limited availability in some regions
- Potential for skin reactions
- Popularity leading to fakes
- Frequent product releases.
9.
Too Faced
Too Faced is a renowned cosmetics brand founded in 1998 by Jerrod Blandino and Jeremy Johnson. Celebrated for its playful, innovative products, Too Faced emphasizes quality and creativity, often infusing whimsical themes into its packaging and marketing. The brand is particularly famous for its cruelty-free, high-performance makeup, including iconic items like the Better Than Sex mascara and the Chocolate Bar eyeshadow palette. With a focus on empowering self-expression, Too Faced appeals to a diverse audience, blending fun with high-quality beauty.
Pros
- High-quality products
- diverse shade range
- fun packaging
- good for sensitive skin
- innovative formulas.
Cons
- Higher price point
- occasional product inconsistencies
- limited availability
- some products may not suit all skin types
- environmental concerns.
10.
Laura Mercier
Laura Mercier is a renowned cosmetics brand founded by French makeup artist Laura Mercier in 1996. Celebrated for its philosophy of "flawless face," the brand emphasizes a natural, luminous look through its high-quality makeup and skincare products. Laura Mercier offers a diverse range of items, including foundations, concealers, and setting powders, designed to enhance individual beauty. The brand is also known for its luxurious textures and innovative formulations, making it a favorite among makeup artists and beauty enthusiasts alike.
Pros
- High-quality products
- luxurious packaging
- wide shade range
- innovative formulas
- excellent customer service.
Cons
- Higher price point
- limited availability in some regions
- some products may not suit all skin types
- potential for allergic reactions
- packaging can be bulky.