Contouring transitioned from a backstage, makeup-artist-only sculpting tactic, to a drag queen staple, to a full-fledged, daily craze for beauty junkies. The process of sculpting, highlighting, and by the same token, deemphasizing certain features and angles of your face can seem like a rather complicated process, especially for those new to the technique. Thankfully, using the best contour palettes for your skin tone (and skill level!) can help streamline and simplify the act of sculpting, and hopefully help you put your best face forward each time.
Finish: Before selecting a palette, you'll have to decide what type is right for you. Those with oilier skin may want to opt for a powder contour palette, while those with drier skin may want to consider a cream contour palette or contour sticks. Then, decide whether you prefer more of a matte, or shine-free, look, or a shimmery contour.
Shades: Once you've landed on a finish, you want to consider skin tone. Unfortunately, with contour palettes, there are even fewer options than there are with foundation or concealer. Typically they run light/medium and medium/dark, but if you aren't sure where you fall, read the reviews and site descriptions to help you determine your shade when ordering online.
Purpose: Finally, decide whether you want a contour palette with only the basics (a highlighter and bronzer) or more (like blush, color corrector, in-between powder shades, etc.). If it’s replacing multiple products in your routine, consider a larger palette.
For our buying guide, we included highly coveted contour palettes as well as some niche winners that have everything you need to highlight and define your features, all while elevating your everyday makeup look.
Designed by the industry's queen of brows and lauded by celebrities and influencers across the board, this must-have kit comes with six refillable shades, ranging from light to deep. Shown here in Light to Medium, it's everything you need to sculpt your face in one handy palette.
A beautifully pigmented cream contour palette that's also under $8? No wonder this Black Radiance True Complexion palette is top-rated with over 6,000 five-star reviews. With Light to Medium and Medium to Dark color options for a more diverse color range, these shades effortlessly blend to contour, sculpt, and illuminate.
Whether you're new to contouring or simply looking for a budget-friendly option under $10 (yes, you read that right), this Maybelline contour palette makes application as simple as contour, blush, highlight, and go.
4
Best Under $20
Physicians Formula Bronze Booster Highlight & Contour Palette
Yet another budget-friendly option is this hypoallergenic Physicians Formula palette formulated with an infusion of vitamins, moisturizers, and antioxidants for flawless application.
The best part? They have a Matte Sculpting Palette and Shimmer Glow Palette so no matter your finish preference, you can fall in love with it.
5
Most Versatile
NYX Professional Makeup Highlight & Contour Pro Palette
NYX's Pro Palette is an affordable buy that includes eight refillable shades. With this many options, you'll always have the perfect match on hand for your skin tone.
Perfect for all skin types, this MAC Studio palette comes in Light/Medium and Medium/Dark to provide smooth, even application to sculpt, shape, and enhance your gorgeous features.
Of the six colors, three are matte and three are shimmery, giving makeup lovers the best of both worlds — depending on your mood. Not to mention the “soft-focus technology” in the highlighters formulated to reflect light perfectly.
7
Best Splurge
Tom Ford Shade & Illuminate Highlighter & Shader Duet
Aside from being one of the most luxe compacts you could ever carry, this silky highlighter and bronzer duo is the perfect consistency. Use your fingers on the go — or a makeup brush if you have time — and smooth it on to instantly define your bone structure.
8
Best for Mature Skin
It Cosmetics Your Most Beautiful You Anti-Aging Face Palette
This essential compact from It Cosmetics features everything you need to look bright and beautiful, with three pigmented powders to effortlessly sculpt your features. We love that this includes a universally flattering blush to complement the highlighting and shading powders.
9
Best for Shimmer
Uoma Beauty High Life Highlighting & Contour Face Palette
This glittering palette of irresistible hues will give you a custom glow with each shade, featuring a cream-like texture for a smooth, powder-free finish. With a rich bronzer for contouring, a natural blush for your cheeks, and not one but two highlighter options, you'll be even more radiant than usual, in no time.
Though this is not a standard palette, these contouring colors by Fenty Beauty (per usual) help fill a hole in the makeup industry. With a range of various shades for all skin tones, there is sure to be a hue for everyone, from Inda Sun to Thick Mint.
Simply mix and match to find the perfect shades that work as your bronzer and highlighter for the ideal contour. The customized look is worth the price — and the multiple containers.
Katie McBroomBeauty EditorKatie McBroom is an award-winning content creator and beauty/grooming expert.
Amanda MitchellAmanda Mitchell is a writer and podcaster with bylines at Marie Claire, OprahMag, Allure, Byrdie, Stylecaster, Bon Appetit, and more.
Taylor MeadTaylor is a freelance writer, editor, and social media manager for beauty, wellness, and lifestyle brands and publications.
This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io
