Perfecting your contour technique can be life-changing. Prepare for some serious cheekbone-carving and jaw-defining looks, thanks to the hard-working ashy formula.
While most contour fans will know all about the dry muddy stripe that can occur at the worst possible moment. Far from ideal, let's be real.
Enter: the cream contour, a product that works to keep your base looking flawless, natural and, er. chiselled.
Simply swipe the product under your cheekbones and across your jaw for a more natural take on the ol' contour.
We've rounded up the very best contour creams that will up your make-up A game...
SHOP: the best cream contours for a natural finish
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SHOP: the cream contours you need on your radar
W7 Lift & Sculpt Cream Contour Palette
An affordable palette that includes six shades to help contour, highlight and bronze the skin. Whatsmore, this is Mrs Hinch's go-to cream contour palette,,, Pros: It's long-lasting, a generous range of colours and even comes with tips on how to apply. Cons: Some found this hard to blend out.
Sleek MakeUP Cream Contour Kit in Medium
If you're unsure of your ideal shade, this ultra-blendable, super-velvety cream contour kit was made for you. The product glides on the skin seamlessly and gives a natural finish. Pros: a wide shade range meaning you can really test out which tones work well with your skin tone. It offers great coverage, perfect for nights out. Cons: reviewers have pointed out that the shades are too light for black skin, (Sleek MakeUp have both a dark and light skin palette here) and some found it too much for everyday make-up.
NYX Professional Makeup Wonderstick
This duo-ended highlight and contour stick will save you dosh AND space in your make-up bag, win-win. Pros: customers loved how easy it is to apply, that it's very blendable and it's perfect for on the go. Cons: Some found that it didn't last as long as they'd hoped and found they needed an additional setting spray or primer to ensure it went the distance.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Stick Contour
For a flawless, glam look, we love this cult-favourite contour stick. Simply sweep across your natural shadows for a sculpted vibe. Pros: it blends into the skin 'like a dream' and has a really nice creamy consistency. Cons: more expensive than others on the market.
L’Oreal Paris Infallible Shaping Stick Foundation
A highly-pigmented and creamy formula that will help create a natural contour. As it's technically a foundation, the hue will be slightly warmer, making it perfect for dull complexions. Pros: very hydrating and easy to blend out. It's also available in 12 versatile shades. Cons: oily skin types may find this a little too oily. Either set with a translucent powder or try a powder contour.
Barry M Cosmetics Chisel Cheeks Contour Creams
An easy-to-use contouring set that is an absolute steal. The formula is both super blendable and cruelty-free. Pros: a really great price point, which makes it perfect for beginners. Cons: Some reviewers wish you could purchase the products separately as found some of the shades didn't quite match their complexion.
Huda Beauty Tantour Contour & Bronzer
A versatile formula that can work as a bronzer or contour (or a bit of both!) depending on your chosen shade. Pros: the long-lasting formula is both water and sweat resistant.. One reviewer commented how it didn't budge during a workout. Contour goals. Cons: some found it went patchy on their skin.
Read more contour content on Closer Online:
Mrs Hinch shares favourite contour palette and it's currently just £4.50
How to use a cream contour...
- Apply the product to the natural shadows of your face. Think underneath your cheekbones, jaw line and on the sides of your temples.
- Blend the product into your foundation using your tool of choice. We personally love a beauty blender.
- Set with a translucent powder to ensure your artistry lasts all day long.