{"id":1240119,"date":"2025-12-25T09:26:57","date_gmt":"2025-12-25T06:26:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1240119"},"modified":"2025-12-25T09:26:57","modified_gmt":"2025-12-25T06:26:57","slug":"the-11-best-contour-sticks-for-soft-sculpted-skin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1240119","title":{"rendered":"The 11 Best Contour Sticks for Soft, Sculpted Skin"},"content":{"rendered":"
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We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.\n<\/p>\n

The 11 Best Contour Sticks for Soft, Sculpted Skin<\/h1>\n

For a seamless sculpt.<\/p>\n

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By<\/span><\/p>\n
Ashley Rebecca<\/p>\n
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\"A\"A<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\nAshley Rebecca\n<\/div>\n
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    \nAshley Rebecca is a NYC-based contributor for Byrdie, where she covers makeup, skincare, and more. She has 20+ years of experience as a makeup artist and has contributed to Byrdie for the past ten years.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
    \nByrdie’s Editorial Guidelines\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
    and<\/span><\/p>\n
    Alyssa Kaplan<\/p>\n
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    \"Alyssa\"Alyssa<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
    \nAlyssa Kaplan\n<\/div>\n
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      \nAlyssa Kaplan is an editor at Byrdie with more than six years of beauty industry experience. She tests makeup, skincare, and haircare products to curate round-ups of the best beauty items you can buy. Alyssa is passionate about helping readers upgrade their beauty routines and make smart purchasing decisions.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
      \nByrdie’s Editorial Guidelines\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
      Updated on October 21, 2025 02:37PM<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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      In This Article<\/h2>\n
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      View All<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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      In This Article<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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        Top Picks<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n
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        Reviews<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n
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        What to Look For<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n
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        How We Tested<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n
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        Frequently Asked Questions<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n
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        Meet Our Expert<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n
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        Why Trust Byrdie<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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        \"Two\"Two<\/div>\n<\/div>
        <\/p>\n

        Byrdie<\/p>\n

        <\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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        TL;DR<\/p>\n

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        The Makeup By Mario Soft Sculpt Shaping Stick is our favorite contour stick because it is available in a wide range of shades and has a blendable formula that lasts. The NYX Professional Makeup Wonder Stick is an affordable drugstore fave and celebrity makeup artist-approved. Liquid formula fans will love the Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Contour Wand with a built-in cushion applicator for sheer color.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

        The art of contouring\u2014using shadows and darker colors to define and reshape your face\u2014has long been a makeup technique almost solely reserved for the pros. However, due to a massive influx of new contouring products and the impact of makeup artists taking their techniques to social media, contouring is now more commonplace\u2014even the newest makeup novices can do it.\n<\/p>\n

        When it comes to contouring, the goal is to achieve more defined features and to make the product undetectable. To narrow down which formulas will do exactly that, we consulted with celebrity makeup artist Alex Byrne and tested dozens of contour sticks ourselves on a variety of skin types, skin tones, and makeup preferences. Then, we evaluated their formulas, shade range, bendability, and wear. Ahead, we’re sharing the ones that impressed us the most.\n<\/p>\n

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        Top Picks<\/h2>\n
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        Best Overall:<\/div>\n

        Makeup by Mario Softsculpt Shaping Stick at Sephora<\/span>$34<\/span><\/div>\n

        Jump to Review<\/span><\/div>\n

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        Best Drugstore:<\/div>\n

        NYX Professional Makeup Wonder Stick at Amazon<\/span>$14<\/span><\/div>\n

        Jump to Review<\/span><\/div>\n

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        Best Splurge:<\/div>\n

        Westman Atelier Face Trace Contour Stick at Sephora<\/span>$48<\/span><\/div>\n

        Jump to Review<\/span><\/div>\n

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        Best Shade Range:<\/div>\n

        Fenty Beauty Match Stix Matte Contour Skinstick at Sephora<\/span>$32<\/span><\/div>\n

        Jump to Review<\/span><\/div>\n

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        Best Precise:<\/div>\n

        Victoria Beckham Beauty Contour Stylus at Victoriabeckhambeauty.com<\/span><\/div>\n

        Jump to Review<\/span><\/div>\n

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        Best Liquid:<\/div>\n

        Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Contour Wand at Amazon<\/span>$42<\/span><\/div>\n

        Jump to Review<\/span><\/div>\n

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        Best Multitasking:<\/div>\n

        Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick at Ulta<\/span>$57<\/span><\/div>\n

        Jump to Review<\/span><\/div>\n

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        Best Long-Lasting:<\/div>\n

        Rare Beauty Bronzer Stick at Sephora<\/span>$28<\/span><\/div>\n

        Jump to Review<\/span><\/div>\n

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        Best Hydrating:<\/div>\n

        LYS Beauty No Limits Bronzer Stick at Sephora<\/span>$22<\/span><\/div>\n

        Jump to Review<\/span><\/div>\n

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        Best for Beginners:<\/div>\n

        Milk Makeup Sculpt Stick at Amazon<\/span>$24<\/span><\/div>\n

        Jump to Review<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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        \nBest Overall
        \n<\/span><\/h2>\n

        Makeup by Mario Softsculpt Shaping Stick<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
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        \"Makeup\"Makeup<\/div>
        Credit: Kohl’s<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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        $34 at Sephora<\/span><\/span>View on Makeupbymario.com<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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        What We Like<\/span><\/div>\n
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          Comes in a nice variety of shades<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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          Built-in applicator<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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          Matte finish<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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          Extremely easy to blend<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n

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          What to Consider<\/span><\/div>\n
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            Packaging is a bit finicky<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

            Shades<\/strong>: Fair, light, light medium, medium, medium dark, dark, dark deep | Finish:<\/strong> Matte | Key Ingredients: <\/strong>Mica | Size<\/strong>: 0.37 oz | Cruelty-Free<\/strong>:Yes\n<\/p>\n

            With a list of celeb clients, including Jennifer Lopez and Kim Kardashian, makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic knows a thing or two about contouring. This contour stick is a staple in his eponymous makeup line, and it has a creamy, buildable formula with a matte finish, from fair to deep dark. Our tester was impressed by its lineup of shades, each with varying depths and undertones. Plus, a built-in brush makes application easy.\n<\/p>\n

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            \"Site<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

            Amanda, tester: <\/strong>\u201cI am obsessed with the formulation and pigment of this contour stick. I have olive undertones, and I often struggle to find shades that don’t appear orange on my skin. In this lineup, I found the perfect cool-toned hue that enhances the actual ‘shadow color’ of my cheekbones.\u201d\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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            \nBest Drugstore
            \n<\/span><\/h2>\n

            NYX Professional Makeup Wonder Stick<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
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            \"NYX\"NYX<\/div>
            Credit: Target<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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            <\/p>\n
            $14<\/span><\/div>\n

            $14 at Amazon<\/span><\/span>$14 at Ulta<\/span><\/span>$14 at Target<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

            \n
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            What We Like<\/span><\/div>\n
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              Affordable price range<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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              Comes in a variety of shades<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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              Dual-ended stick has a highlighter on the other end<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n

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              What to Consider<\/span><\/div>\n
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                Texture is firmer than creamier contouring sticks<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

                Shades<\/strong>: Fair, universal light, light medium, medium, medium tan, rich, deep, deep rich | Finish:<\/strong> Natural | Key Ingredients: <\/strong>Castor oil, mineral oil | Size<\/strong>: 0.3 oz | Cruelty-Free<\/strong>: Yes\n<\/p>\n

                This dual-ended stick features a contour shade on one side and a precisely paired highlighter on the other to lift and sculpt your face. Both formulas are smooth and easy to blend, and we love that they set to a natural finish on the skin. It also comes in options for fair, medium, and dark skin. Best of all, you can get it at the drugstore, which is not always true of great contouring products. The payoff and wear are impressive for a fraction of the cost of other popular contouring sticks.\n<\/p>\n

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                \"Site<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

                Ashley Rebecca<\/strong>, tester and makeup artist:<\/strong> \u201cWhen I\u00a0 first got this contour stick, I feared it might not be the right shade for my fair skin, but as soon as I blended it in, it worked like magic. The results were impressive for a budget-friendly contouring stick and exceeded my expectations.\u201d\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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                \nBest Splurge
                \n<\/span><\/h2>\n

                Westman Atelier Face Trace Contour Stick<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
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                \"Westman\"Westman<\/div>
                Credit: Sephora<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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                $48 at Sephora<\/span><\/span>$26 at Nordstrom<\/span><\/span>View on Credo Beauty<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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                What We Like<\/span><\/div>\n
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                  Luxe packaging<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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                  Creamy, blendable formula<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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                  Plays well with other base products<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n

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                  What to Consider<\/span><\/div>\n
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                    Limited shade range<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

                    Shades<\/strong>: Cool beige coffee, rich mocha, deep espresso | Finish:<\/strong> Natural | Key Ingredients: <\/strong>Jojoba oil, kaolin clay| Size<\/strong>: 0.2 oz | Cruelty-Free<\/strong>: Yes\n<\/p>\n

                    This stick is costly, but we think it\u2019s worth every penny for a few reasons. First, it\u2019s a makeup-skincare hybrid, given that the formula is packed with good-for-your-skin ingredients like hydrating jojoba oil and oil-absorbing kaolin clay. Second, it\u2019s so creamy and workable; you have a minute or two to blend it before it sets. And finally, it plays nicely with any foundation or concealer you layer it on top of. If you’re in the market for a luxe option, this is the one we recommend for you.\n<\/p>\n

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                    \"A\"A<\/div>\n<\/div>
                    <\/p>\n

                    Byrdie<\/p>\n

                    <\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

                    Shannon Stubbs<\/strong>, writer:<\/strong>\u00a0\u201cI love that this formula is so creamy and rich, and it\u2019s easy to apply and blends out very smoothly. I didn\u2019t love the shade, though, which I think was a bit too ashy\/gray for my skin tone. If they had more variety in the shades available, I think I would love using it and would definitely add it to my daily makeup rotation.\u201d\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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                    \nBest Shade Range
                    \n<\/span><\/h2>\n

                    Fenty Beauty Match Stix Matte Contour Skinstick<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
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                    \"Fenty\"Fenty<\/div>
                    Credit: Sephora<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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                    $32 at Sephora<\/span><\/span>$32 at Ulta<\/span><\/span>$32 at Kohls.com<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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                    What We Like<\/span><\/div>\n
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                      Comes in several shades with varying depths and undertones<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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                      Long-wearing<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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                      Layers nicely<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n

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                      What to Consider<\/span><\/div>\n
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                        Formula is a bit dry<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

                        Shades<\/strong>:Soft amber, amber suede, suedish, amber, truffle, mocha, caviar, ebony, espresso | Finish:<\/strong> Matte | Key Ingredients: <\/strong>Coconut oil, dimethicone | Size<\/strong>:0.3 oz | Cruelty-Free<\/strong>:Yes\n<\/p>\n

                        Leave it to Fenty Beauty to create an epic range of contour sticks. We love that the line features nine shades ranging from fair to dark and with cool or neutral undertones. While the formula is pretty dry (meaning it takes a bit of time and effort to blend), this also helps it last on the skin\u2014even on oily skin. Each stick is highly pigmented and buildable, offering a natural-looking definition or a more full-glam sculpt.\n<\/p>\n

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                        \"Site<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

                        Lauren Pardee<\/strong>, senior editor: <\/strong>\u201cI really don’t think I’ll ever come across a contour I love as much as this one. I\u2019ve used it multiple times a week for over a year and still haven’t had to buy a second. A little bit of this creamy formula goes a long way to deliver a gorgeous matte sculpt. The applicator is ideal, and the formula blends nicely without disappearing.\u201d\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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                        \nBest Precise
                        \n<\/span><\/h2>\n

                        Victoria Beckham Beauty Contour Stylus<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
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                        \"Victoria\"Victoria<\/div>
                        Credit: FWRD<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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                        View on Victoriabeckhambeauty.com<\/span><\/span>$38 at Bluemercury.com<\/span><\/span>View on Neiman Marcus<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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                        What We Like<\/span><\/div>\n
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                          Small size allows for targeted application<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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                          Formula is easy to blend<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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                          Shades offer realistic contour<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n

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                          What to Consider<\/span><\/div>\n
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                            Little product for the price point<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

                            Shades<\/strong>: Travertine, marble, sandstone, granite | Finish:<\/strong> Creamy | Key Ingredients: <\/strong>Squalane, linefill, blue lotus wax | Size<\/strong>: 0.04 oz | Cruelty-Free<\/strong>: Yes\n<\/p>\n

                            Victoria Beckham might as well be the poster child for sculpted features\u2014her cheekbones are easy to envy. So, it’s no surprise that her eponymous brand released a refreshing take on traditional contour sticks that come in four shades. While the shade range isn’t massive, we love that it ranges from fair to dark, and each shade is perfect for contouring\u2014not too warm and not too gray or ashy on the skin. With a smaller and more precise tip, this product gives more precision than its competitors.\n<\/p>\n

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                            \"Site<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

                            Amanda, tester:<\/strong> \u201cThis is the perfect contour pen for small, targeted shading. It was the ideal size and consistency to easily contour my nose and eyelids for subtle definition.\u201d\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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                            \nBest Liquid
                            \n<\/span><\/h2>\n

                            Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Contour Wand<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
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                            \"Ulta\"Ulta<\/div>
                            Credit: Ulta<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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                            $42 at Amazon<\/span><\/span>$42 at Sephora<\/span><\/span>$42 at Ulta<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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                            What We Like<\/span><\/div>\n
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                              Soft liquid formula is buildable<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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                              Built-in applicator<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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                              Natural luminous finish<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n

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                              What to Consider<\/span><\/div>\n
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                                Tube doesn’t last long<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

                                Shades<\/strong>: Fair, fair-medium, medium, medium-tan, tan, tan-deep, deep | Finish:<\/strong> Natural | Key Ingredients: <\/strong>Lindera root essence | Size<\/strong>: 0.4 oz | Cruelty-Free<\/strong>: Yes\n<\/p>\n

                                Liquid formula fans will appreciate the Charlotte Tilbury Contour Wand. It\u2019s super easy to dispense the product right out of the tube and then blend it into the skin using the built-in cushion applicator. Even though it\u2019s a liquid, it still feels lightweight and dries down extremely fast without ever streaking or smudging. It makes it much easier to impart more sheer color than you\u2019d get with a traditional cream formula.\n<\/p>\n

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                                \"Site<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

                                Lauren Pardee, senior editor:<\/strong> \u201cThe radiance this contour delivers is unmatched. It truly imparts a sun-kissed glow. I love the applicator; it’s straightforward to use, but I wish there was more formula per container as I’m going through it quickly.\u201d\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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                                \nBest Multitasking
                                \n<\/span><\/h2>\n

                                Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
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                                \"Bobbi\"Bobbi<\/div>
                                Credit: Sephora<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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                                $57 at Ulta<\/span><\/span>$57 at Nordstrom<\/span><\/span>$57 at Saks Fifth Avenue<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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                                What We Like<\/span><\/div>\n
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                                  Foundation that can work like a contour<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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                                  Natural, skin-like finish<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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                                  Seamlessly blends<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n

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                                  What to Consider<\/span><\/div>\n
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                                    Might be too creamy for oilier skin<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

                                    Shades<\/strong>: 43 | Finish:<\/strong> Natural | Key Ingredients: <\/strong>Shea butter, squalane | Size<\/strong>: 0.31 oz | Cruelty-Free<\/strong>: No\n<\/p>\n

                                    Believe it, you can use a foundation as a contour color. The nice thing about that is that if you\u2019re already using it as your base, you can stick within the line and easily find the color that\u2019s two shades darker for the best contour tone. Whether you\u2019re using it all over or just to sculpt your features, we\u2019re fans of this classic stick foundation. It\u2019s creamy and hydrating, though it also contains light-diffusing powders to create the appearance of smoother skin and absorb excess oil (not to mention it’s also water- and sweat-resistant on top of all of that). Plus, there\u2019s an option for every skin tone.\n<\/p>\n

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                                      \"Before\"Before<\/div>
                                      Credit: Byrdie<\/span><\/figcaption><\/li>\n
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                                      \"Person\"Person<\/div>
                                      Credit: Byrdie<\/span><\/figcaption><\/li>\n
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                                      \"Closed\"Closed<\/div>
                                      Credit: Byrdie<\/span><\/figcaption><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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