11 Best Contour Sticks for a More Sculpted Look

Whether you have pale skin or dark skin, you really can't go wrong with the contour stick in Rihanna's makeup line. "There really is a contour shade for everyone in this collection," says Ramcharan. "And the undertones are spot-on." Reviewers say it's one of the smoother, more blendable formulas, too. Plus, the lightweight cream-to-powder is suitable for oily skin and lasts all day—even professional dancers say this product doesn't fade.

Whether you're a beginner just testing the waters or someone who's always on the hunt for a good bargain, this budget-friendly buy won't disappoint. More than 16,000 five-star reviews on Amazon praise the dual highlighter and contour stick, noting it's easy to work with—it goes on smooth and blends like a dream. It's also surprisingly long-lasting, even in humid weather.

When working with mature skin, it's important to choose creamy products, since more matte finishes can settle into fine lines and wrinkles. This super creamy and blendable formula fits the bill. "The pigment is in a base of skin-hydrating oils yet isn’t greasy," says Ramcharan. "I even use this formula on the eyelids as a base and to contour the eye socket."

If you have fair skin, it's important not to choose a contour stick with too much color. "This one is great for a subtle glow around the face," says Becca Raziuddin, director of artist education at Blo Blow Dry Bar. Still, the sheer color is nice and buildable to help you achieve the sculpted look you're going for.

Not blending properly is the biggest mistake beginners can make when contouring, but this product is more forgiving than most, says Badro. That's because it has a natural finish that's great for everyday use, she says. Simply swipe on, blend, and enjoy a sun-kissed glow.

Comparatively well-priced, this contour stick is easy to apply, not too pigmented, and a cinch to blend, says professional makeup artist Stevi Christine. It's also a great size. Overall, a perfect product that works for both beginner and more savvy users.

Ideal for those who've already mastered the art, this product offers maximum coverage and maximum saturation, says Velázquez. Blend it the right way, and you'll have no trouble creating the appearance of structure, whether on the cheekbones, jawline, or nose.

Though technically a foundation stick, not a contour stick, it has a triangular shape that hugs the contours and curvature of your face really nicely to enhance your features for a flawless, balanced look, says Velázquez. As a nice bonus, it comes in a whopping 32 shades, so you can find exactly the right one for your complexion.

"Anastasia Contour and Highlight Stick is another product that I highly recommend because of its ranges in tones," says Velázquez, noting the brand has more neutral and cool shades without too much warmth. Just note that because this foundation cream stick has a very cylindrical tip, you’ll want to use a brush for blending to eliminate any harsh lines.

Raziuddin recommends this contour stick for its neutral tone range, but that's not all there is to love. Reviewers say the vegan and cruelty-free formula is super creamy and easy to apply, plus blends seamlessly. And because it dries into a matte finish, the product is suitable for those with combination or oily skin, too.

If you have combination or oily skin, opt for a powder formula for your contouring needs, says Velázquez. Sticks are typically emollient-based, so they have more water and oxygen, which can create too much dew, he explains, noting this powder is one of his go-tos. It comes in 14 shades, all of which deliver natural dimension for a wide range of skin tones.