Learn the art of face sculpting with our pick of the best contouring palettes for different skill levels and skin tones
Whether you love the dramatically shaded jawlines of the Kardashians or a subtle definition to your cheekbones, contouring is a skill makeup junkies should master. But first thing’s first: you need the right tools for a natural-looking sculpt. Luckily for you, we made the hunt a whole lot easier, with this guide to the best contouring kits for all skills and skin tones. Pro tips: Always be light-handed, and blend, blend, blend!
IT Cosmetics My Sculpted Face
With four shades to flatter a range of skintones, as well as two highlighting shades, this palette’s ($58) got the full works for effortless sculpting. For newbies, it comes with a detailed instruction guide for minimal fumbling and a sculpting chart for reference.
Available at Sephora stores islandwide.
Kat Von D Shade + Light
Inspired by an artist’s palette, celebrity tattoo artist, Kat Von D, draws on her experience with this six-powder palette ($73) which boasts the hues of shadows and light. All shades are matte and are arranged according to their undertones (neutral, warm and cool). Bonus: These silky powders are made without harmful parabens, sulfates and phthalates.
Available at Sephora ION Orchard.
Cover FX Contour Kit
If you expect great things from the creators of the game-changing Custom Cover Drops, you won’t be disappointed – this Contour Kit ($74) features four ultra-creamy and blendable shades of the cult favourite Total Cover Cream Foundation.
Available at Sephora stores islandwide.
Sleek MakeUP Face Contour Kit
Made up of a dark matte pressed powder and an illuminating highlighter, the Sleek Face Contour Kit ($19) is so intensely pigmented that it only requires feather-like strokes to bring out maximum definition. Tip: Pat on a luminiser in a golden shade to bring out an ethereal, Goddess-like glow.
Available at Sleekmakeup.com and Sephora stores islandwide
L’Oreal Infallible Pro Contour Palette
The fishtail brush included in the palette ($24.90) removes all the guesswork – it picks up both the light and dark shade to shade and highlight with a single stroke. Plus, it’s got a long-wearing formula so your cheekbones will be slaying the entire day.
Available at Watsons and Guardian stores islandwide
Tarte Tarteist PRO Glow Highlight & Contour Palette
Glow like a pro with Tarte’s bestselling contour palette ($80). Each contour shade – one is a powder while the other is cream – boasts a cool undertone to mimic real shadow and light reflection while the four highlighting powders offer a micro-shimmer strobing effect. Oh and did we mention that these shades are made with nutrient-powered Amazonian clay?
Available at Sephora stores islandwide
Smashbox Step-by-Step Contour Kit
A cult fave among beauty insiders, the Smashbox Step-by-Step Contour Kit ($80) comprises of three blendable shades designed to contour, bronze and highlight the face. For my fellow ladies with deeper skintones, the range features a darker kit with a rich brown contouring hue, terracotta bronzer and a soft highlighter for medium shades and above.
Available at Sephora stores islandwide and Sephora.com.
NYX Love Contours Palette
Everything you need for full face definition is right here in this palette ($38). Totally blendable highlight and contouring shades aside, it even includes brow powders and eyeshadows to get all your features looking razor sharp.
Available at Sephora stores islandwide
Make Up For Ever Sculpting Kit
This kit ($67) may only boast two contrasting shades, but it’s more than enough to create the illusion of a more sculpted face. The matte highlight enhances your best features, while the darker contouring shade delicately defines your face.
Available at Make Up For Ever Pro Loft at 36 Armenian Street or Sephora stores islandwide
e.l.f Contour Palette
At US$6, this four-in-one palette may be the cheapest of the lot, but it’s also one of the most effective. With four shades for brightening, shading, highlighting and contouring, the pigments pack a serious punch, and are fab for solo use as well.
Available at elfcosmetics.com.
Want more makeup stories? Read our guide to the best K-beauty brands, drugstore dupes of high-end makeup and best mascaras.