The 14 Best Contour Kits Tested by Real People to Sculpt, Highlight, and Define

Mar. 15, 2025

In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleOur Top PicksReviewsOthers We TriedAdd to CartWhat to KnowBehind the ScenesFAQWhy Trust PEOPLE?What Is PEOPLE Tested?

In This ArticleView All

In This Article

View All

Our Top Picks

Reviews

Others We Tried

Add to Cart

What to Know

Behind the Scenes

FAQ

Why Trust PEOPLE?

What Is PEOPLE Tested?

Photo:People / Kristin Kempa

People / Kristin Kempa

If you’re reading this, you probably know about contouring thanks to Kim Kardashian. She divulged the beauty trick responsible for her signature sculpt around 2012.Instagram / Kim Kardashian.“I like to think of contouring as a secret weapon makeup technique that helps you to bring out your best features,” saysElyse Reneau, makeup artist and Executive Director of Global Beauty at Too Faced. “When applied right, contour is a transformative tool for creating [and] redefining the appearance of your bone structure.”A Quick History LessonThe contouring technique enhances the cheekbones and jawline. It predates Elizabethan-era stage makeup, and the first official “tutorial” can be credited tomakeup artist Max Factor Sr.in 1945.We searched high and low for the most popular contour kits on the market and tested 23 products from top beauty brands. Keep reading for the 15 contour kits that gave usKardashian-level cheekboneswith just a few swipes and a blend. (One of the best we tried is only $9!)Our Top PicksBest Overall:MAC Cosmetics Contour Palette at Amazon$47Jump to ReviewBest Budget:e.l.f. Cosmetics Cream Contour Palette at Amazon$9Jump to ReviewBest Investment:Tom Ford Shade And Illuminate Cream Contour Duo at Nordstrom$95Jump to ReviewBest Natural:Charlotte Tilbury Bronze & Glow Contour Duo at Amazon$59Jump to ReviewBest Double-Ended:NYX Professional Makeup Wonder Stick at Amazon$14Jump to ReviewBest for Deep Skin Tones:Fenty Beauty Match Stix Duo at Sephora$50Jump to ReviewBest Cream:Make Up For Ever Cream Contour and Highlight Palette at Sephora$88Jump to ReviewBest Powder:KVD Beauty Shade + Light Powder Face Contour Palette at Sephora$53Jump to ReviewBest with Powder and Cream:Patrick Ta Major Sculpt Creme Contour & Powder Bronzer Duo at Amazon$40Jump to ReviewBest Blendable:Anastasia Beverly Hills Powder Contour Kit at Amazon$40Jump to Review

If you’re reading this, you probably know about contouring thanks to Kim Kardashian. She divulged the beauty trick responsible for her signature sculpt around 2012.

Instagram / Kim Kardashian.

“I like to think of contouring as a secret weapon makeup technique that helps you to bring out your best features,” saysElyse Reneau, makeup artist and Executive Director of Global Beauty at Too Faced. “When applied right, contour is a transformative tool for creating [and] redefining the appearance of your bone structure.”

A Quick History LessonThe contouring technique enhances the cheekbones and jawline. It predates Elizabethan-era stage makeup, and the first official “tutorial” can be credited tomakeup artist Max Factor Sr.in 1945.

A Quick History Lesson

The contouring technique enhances the cheekbones and jawline. It predates Elizabethan-era stage makeup, and the first official “tutorial” can be credited tomakeup artist Max Factor Sr.in 1945.

We searched high and low for the most popular contour kits on the market and tested 23 products from top beauty brands. Keep reading for the 15 contour kits that gave usKardashian-level cheekboneswith just a few swipes and a blend. (One of the best we tried is only $9!)

Our Top PicksBest Overall:MAC Cosmetics Contour Palette at Amazon$47Jump to ReviewBest Budget:e.l.f. Cosmetics Cream Contour Palette at Amazon$9Jump to ReviewBest Investment:Tom Ford Shade And Illuminate Cream Contour Duo at Nordstrom$95Jump to ReviewBest Natural:Charlotte Tilbury Bronze & Glow Contour Duo at Amazon$59Jump to ReviewBest Double-Ended:NYX Professional Makeup Wonder Stick at Amazon$14Jump to ReviewBest for Deep Skin Tones:Fenty Beauty Match Stix Duo at Sephora$50Jump to ReviewBest Cream:Make Up For Ever Cream Contour and Highlight Palette at Sephora$88Jump to ReviewBest Powder:KVD Beauty Shade + Light Powder Face Contour Palette at Sephora$53Jump to ReviewBest with Powder and Cream:Patrick Ta Major Sculpt Creme Contour & Powder Bronzer Duo at Amazon$40Jump to ReviewBest Blendable:Anastasia Beverly Hills Powder Contour Kit at Amazon$40Jump to Review

Best Overall:MAC Cosmetics Contour Palette at Amazon$47Jump to ReviewBest Budget:e.l.f. Cosmetics Cream Contour Palette at Amazon$9Jump to ReviewBest Investment:Tom Ford Shade And Illuminate Cream Contour Duo at Nordstrom$95Jump to ReviewBest Natural:Charlotte Tilbury Bronze & Glow Contour Duo at Amazon$59Jump to ReviewBest Double-Ended:NYX Professional Makeup Wonder Stick at Amazon$14Jump to ReviewBest for Deep Skin Tones:Fenty Beauty Match Stix Duo at Sephora$50Jump to ReviewBest Cream:Make Up For Ever Cream Contour and Highlight Palette at Sephora$88Jump to ReviewBest Powder:KVD Beauty Shade + Light Powder Face Contour Palette at Sephora$53Jump to ReviewBest with Powder and Cream:Patrick Ta Major Sculpt Creme Contour & Powder Bronzer Duo at Amazon$40Jump to ReviewBest Blendable:Anastasia Beverly Hills Powder Contour Kit at Amazon$40Jump to Review

Best Overall:MAC Cosmetics Contour Palette at Amazon$47Jump to Review

Best Overall:MAC Cosmetics Contour Palette at Amazon$47

Best Overall:

Best Budget:e.l.f. Cosmetics Cream Contour Palette at Amazon$9Jump to Review

Best Budget:e.l.f. Cosmetics Cream Contour Palette at Amazon$9

Best Budget:

Best Investment:Tom Ford Shade And Illuminate Cream Contour Duo at Nordstrom$95Jump to Review

Best Investment:Tom Ford Shade And Illuminate Cream Contour Duo at Nordstrom$95

Best Investment:

Best Natural:Charlotte Tilbury Bronze & Glow Contour Duo at Amazon$59Jump to Review

Best Natural:Charlotte Tilbury Bronze & Glow Contour Duo at Amazon$59

Best Natural:

Best Double-Ended:NYX Professional Makeup Wonder Stick at Amazon$14Jump to Review

Best Double-Ended:NYX Professional Makeup Wonder Stick at Amazon$14

Best Double-Ended:

Best for Deep Skin Tones:Fenty Beauty Match Stix Duo at Sephora$50Jump to Review

Best for Deep Skin Tones:Fenty Beauty Match Stix Duo at Sephora$50

Best for Deep Skin Tones:

Best Cream:Make Up For Ever Cream Contour and Highlight Palette at Sephora$88Jump to Review

Best Cream:Make Up For Ever Cream Contour and Highlight Palette at Sephora$88

Best Cream:

Best Powder:KVD Beauty Shade + Light Powder Face Contour Palette at Sephora$53Jump to Review

Best Powder:KVD Beauty Shade + Light Powder Face Contour Palette at Sephora$53

Best Powder:

Best with Powder and Cream:Patrick Ta Major Sculpt Creme Contour & Powder Bronzer Duo at Amazon$40Jump to Review

Best with Powder and Cream:Patrick Ta Major Sculpt Creme Contour & Powder Bronzer Duo at Amazon$40

Best with Powder and Cream:

Best Blendable:Anastasia Beverly Hills Powder Contour Kit at Amazon$40Jump to Review

Best Blendable:Anastasia Beverly Hills Powder Contour Kit at Amazon$40

Best Blendable:

Best OverallMAC Cosmetics Contour PalettePHOTO: Nordstrom$47 at AmazonView on Maccosmetics.com$42 at Macy’sStar QualitiesWeightless feelNatural-looking resultsEasy to mix and customizeThe formula plays nice with acne-prone skinRed FlagsThe palette doesn’t have shimmery componentsWith two palettes, each offering 12 highlight and contour shades, the MAC Studio Fix Sculpt and Shape Contour Palette provided the most natural and most customizable looks across skin tones.Our tester had a fun time experimenting with each shade, swirling brushes across several of the deeper shades to create a hue that both bronzed and contoured in one go. Other times, they only used one shade to create a naturally sculpted look. This is a great choice for natural-looking results, as this palette doesn’t have any shimmery options for those who want a more dramatic finish.The testers quickly found that a little powder goes a long way for both natural and full-glam beats. Our tester’s skin was diffused on the areas where they applied the powder, leaving behind a matte finish that people with oily skin will appreciate. But the cherry on top is the non-acnegenic formula, which means it shouldn’t cause breakouts on acne-prone skin.Size:0.50 oz. |Shades:6 |Formula:Powder |Finish:MattePHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson

Best OverallMAC Cosmetics Contour PalettePHOTO: Nordstrom$47 at AmazonView on Maccosmetics.com$42 at Macy’s

Best OverallMAC Cosmetics Contour Palette

Best Overall

MAC Cosmetics Contour Palette

PHOTO: Nordstrom

$47 at AmazonView on Maccosmetics.com$42 at Macy’s

Star QualitiesWeightless feelNatural-looking resultsEasy to mix and customizeThe formula plays nice with acne-prone skinRed FlagsThe palette doesn’t have shimmery components

Star QualitiesWeightless feelNatural-looking resultsEasy to mix and customizeThe formula plays nice with acne-prone skin

Weightless feel

Natural-looking results

Easy to mix and customize

The formula plays nice with acne-prone skin

Red FlagsThe palette doesn’t have shimmery components

The palette doesn’t have shimmery components

With two palettes, each offering 12 highlight and contour shades, the MAC Studio Fix Sculpt and Shape Contour Palette provided the most natural and most customizable looks across skin tones.

Our tester had a fun time experimenting with each shade, swirling brushes across several of the deeper shades to create a hue that both bronzed and contoured in one go. Other times, they only used one shade to create a naturally sculpted look. This is a great choice for natural-looking results, as this palette doesn’t have any shimmery options for those who want a more dramatic finish.

The testers quickly found that a little powder goes a long way for both natural and full-glam beats. Our tester’s skin was diffused on the areas where they applied the powder, leaving behind a matte finish that people with oily skin will appreciate. But the cherry on top is the non-acnegenic formula, which means it shouldn’t cause breakouts on acne-prone skin.

Size:0.50 oz. |Shades:6 |Formula:Powder |Finish:Matte

PHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson

Best Budgete.l.f. Cosmetics Cream Contour PalettePHOTO: Ulta$9 at Amazon$9 at Target$9 at Walmart

Best Budgete.l.f. Cosmetics Cream Contour Palette

Best Budget

e.l.f. Cosmetics Cream Contour Palette

PHOTO: Ulta

$9 at Amazon$9 at Target$9 at Walmart

Star QualitiesBlendable, lightweight, and buildable cream formulasLeaves a healthy-looking, dewy finishDidn’t sink into pores or fine linesRed FlagsThe darkest contour shade is too light for deep skin tones

Star QualitiesBlendable, lightweight, and buildable cream formulasLeaves a healthy-looking, dewy finishDidn’t sink into pores or fine lines

Blendable, lightweight, and buildable cream formulas

Leaves a healthy-looking, dewy finish

Didn’t sink into pores or fine lines

Red FlagsThe darkest contour shade is too light for deep skin tones

The darkest contour shade is too light for deep skin tones

For $9, we were wholly impressed with the beautiful, blendable, and buildable results of this contour kit. It includes one highlighter shade for lighter skin tones, a tan shade to contour fair skin or highlight darker skin, a medium-tan shade to contour light to medium skin tones, and a darker contour shade for deeper skin tones. Each buttery formula blended beautifully with a brush, delivering a naturally sculpted look with a few light strokes and a deeper, more dramatic effect with a heavier hand.

Unfortunately, the darkest hue included just isn’t dark enough for dark skin tones. However, the stellar results, especially for the price, make this palette a strong option for those with light and medium skin tones.

Size:0.43 oz. |Shades:4 |Formula:Creamy |Finish:Satin

Best InvestmentTom Ford Shade And Illuminate Cream Contour DuoPHOTO: Tom Ford Beauty$95 at Nordstrom$95 at Neiman MarcusView on Tomford.comStar QualitiesEasy to blend and build upLightweight feelSeveral shades to choose fromRed FlagsThe highlight shade is very sheerThis subtly sculpting highlight and contour compact from Tom Ford is perfect for someone who prefers a natural look and a simple product that’s easy to throw in atravel makeup bag. We like that it comes in four shade combos, helping you achieve a more customized look.The compact we tested (Intensity 1.0) features a bronzy-brown contour shade and an eggshell highlighter flecked with micro glitter. Both were easy to blend out, but the highlight wasn’t so easy to build up. If your goal is natural-looking radiance over a true highlight, then this is the contour kit to try.Size:0.53 oz. |Shades:2, 4 options |Formula:Cream |Finish:RadiantPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson

Best InvestmentTom Ford Shade And Illuminate Cream Contour DuoPHOTO: Tom Ford Beauty$95 at Nordstrom$95 at Neiman MarcusView on Tomford.com

Best InvestmentTom Ford Shade And Illuminate Cream Contour Duo

Best Investment

Tom Ford Shade And Illuminate Cream Contour Duo

PHOTO: Tom Ford Beauty

$95 at Nordstrom$95 at Neiman MarcusView on Tomford.com

Star QualitiesEasy to blend and build upLightweight feelSeveral shades to choose fromRed FlagsThe highlight shade is very sheer

Star QualitiesEasy to blend and build upLightweight feelSeveral shades to choose from

Easy to blend and build up

Lightweight feel

Several shades to choose from

Red FlagsThe highlight shade is very sheer

The highlight shade is very sheer

This subtly sculpting highlight and contour compact from Tom Ford is perfect for someone who prefers a natural look and a simple product that’s easy to throw in atravel makeup bag. We like that it comes in four shade combos, helping you achieve a more customized look.

The compact we tested (Intensity 1.0) features a bronzy-brown contour shade and an eggshell highlighter flecked with micro glitter. Both were easy to blend out, but the highlight wasn’t so easy to build up. If your goal is natural-looking radiance over a true highlight, then this is the contour kit to try.

Size:0.53 oz. |Shades:2, 4 options |Formula:Cream |Finish:Radiant

Best NaturalCharlotte Tilbury Bronze & Glow Contour DuoPHOTO: Amazon$59$52 at Amazon$68$29 at Nordstrom$29 at Ulta

Best NaturalCharlotte Tilbury Bronze & Glow Contour Duo

Best Natural

Charlotte Tilbury Bronze & Glow Contour Duo

PHOTO: Amazon

$59$52 at Amazon$68$29 at Nordstrom$29 at Ulta

Star QualitiesSubtle yet very buildableIt beautifully blurred the skinThe highlight shade was more of a pressed powder than a true highlighterRed FlagsThe pearl finish may not be for everyone

Star QualitiesSubtle yet very buildableIt beautifully blurred the skinThe highlight shade was more of a pressed powder than a true highlighter

Subtle yet very buildable

It beautifully blurred the skin

The highlight shade was more of a pressed powder than a true highlighter

Red FlagsThe pearl finish may not be for everyone

The pearl finish may not be for everyone

The powders glided beautifully onto our tester’s slightly dry skin and didn’t grip onto texture. But because these shades have a pearlescent finish, both hues were quite luminous — a look that not all shoppers might want.

Size:0.35 oz. |Shades:2, 2 options |Formula:Powder |Finish:Natural

Best Double-EndedNYX Professional Makeup Wonder StickPHOTO: Target$14 at Amazon$14 at Target$16$14 at WalmartStar QualitiesBlends beautifullyTravel-friendly designPerformed like a luxury product at a drugstore priceRed FlagsThe formula dried down pretty quicklyContourandhighlighter, all in one slim, travel-friendly stick? The shade our tester tried was perfect for her skin tone, mimicking the look of a shadow rather than leaning muddy or orange. Though it dried down fast, it was incredibly easy to blend out and build if you worked quickly, whether with fingers, a sponge, or a brush.Just a little bit gave a good punch of pigment, and the non-cakey formula didn’t crease throughout the day. It did sink into pores a bit, but that’s to be expected with a drugstore product.Size:0.28 oz. |Shades:2, 8 options |Formula:Cream |Finish:SatinPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson

Best Double-EndedNYX Professional Makeup Wonder StickPHOTO: Target$14 at Amazon$14 at Target$16$14 at Walmart

Best Double-EndedNYX Professional Makeup Wonder Stick

Best Double-Ended

NYX Professional Makeup Wonder Stick

PHOTO: Target

$14 at Amazon$14 at Target$16$14 at Walmart

Star QualitiesBlends beautifullyTravel-friendly designPerformed like a luxury product at a drugstore priceRed FlagsThe formula dried down pretty quickly

Star QualitiesBlends beautifullyTravel-friendly designPerformed like a luxury product at a drugstore price

Blends beautifully

Travel-friendly design

Performed like a luxury product at a drugstore price

Red FlagsThe formula dried down pretty quickly

The formula dried down pretty quickly

Contourandhighlighter, all in one slim, travel-friendly stick? The shade our tester tried was perfect for her skin tone, mimicking the look of a shadow rather than leaning muddy or orange. Though it dried down fast, it was incredibly easy to blend out and build if you worked quickly, whether with fingers, a sponge, or a brush.

Just a little bit gave a good punch of pigment, and the non-cakey formula didn’t crease throughout the day. It did sink into pores a bit, but that’s to be expected with a drugstore product.

Size:0.28 oz. |Shades:2, 8 options |Formula:Cream |Finish:Satin

Best for Deep Skin TonesFenty Beauty Match Stix DuoPHOTO: Sephora$50 at Sephora$50 at Kohls.comStar QualitiesSeveral shade options for deep skin tonesBlends easily before drying downHighly pigmentedRed FlagsThe shimmery finish won’t be for everyoneThese twin tubes from Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty feature twist-up contour and highlight sticks, with a matte-satin finish on the contour side and a shimmery, glowing result from the highlighter. Available in four color combos, they help create natural-looking sculpts, especially on deeper skin tones.Just one swipe of each product offered medium coverage, but we could build the color up pretty easily. And since the formula didn’t dry down too quickly, our tester was able to blend before it set. Neither clung to dry spots or accentuated texture; instead, the featherweight contour and highlight complemented her foundation.Size:0.25 oz. each |Shades:2, 4 options |Formula:Cream |Finish:Matte, radiantPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson

Best for Deep Skin TonesFenty Beauty Match Stix DuoPHOTO: Sephora$50 at Sephora$50 at Kohls.com

Best for Deep Skin TonesFenty Beauty Match Stix Duo

Best for Deep Skin Tones

Fenty Beauty Match Stix Duo

PHOTO: Sephora

$50 at Sephora$50 at Kohls.com

Star QualitiesSeveral shade options for deep skin tonesBlends easily before drying downHighly pigmentedRed FlagsThe shimmery finish won’t be for everyone

Star QualitiesSeveral shade options for deep skin tonesBlends easily before drying downHighly pigmented

Several shade options for deep skin tones

Blends easily before drying down

Highly pigmented

Red FlagsThe shimmery finish won’t be for everyone

The shimmery finish won’t be for everyone

These twin tubes from Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty feature twist-up contour and highlight sticks, with a matte-satin finish on the contour side and a shimmery, glowing result from the highlighter. Available in four color combos, they help create natural-looking sculpts, especially on deeper skin tones.

Just one swipe of each product offered medium coverage, but we could build the color up pretty easily. And since the formula didn’t dry down too quickly, our tester was able to blend before it set. Neither clung to dry spots or accentuated texture; instead, the featherweight contour and highlight complemented her foundation.

Size:0.25 oz. each |Shades:2, 4 options |Formula:Cream |Finish:Matte, radiant

Best CreamMake Up For Ever Cream Contour and Highlight PalettePHOTO: Sephora$88 at SephoraView on Makeupforever.com$88 at Macy’sStar QualitiesVery pigmentedEasy to blend and spot-correctGreat for advanced makeup lovers who want full glamRed FlagsNot for beginnersThe formula clung to some dry spotsOur favorite cream palette is this compact from Make Up For Ever with 12 blendable, customizable shades, including earthy mattes and golden shimmers. With it, an experienced makeup wearer could do everything from spot-correct and bronze to highlight and contour.The palette helpfully offers cool and warm counterparts to cater to different undertones. And since the creams are super pigmented, you don’t need a lot of product to achieve Hollywood-level contour. When applied lightly, our tester achieved a glamorous sculpt that left her skin with Instagram-filter results IRL. The formula did cling to dry spots, so dry skin types shouldapply a moisturizerfirst for best results.Size:0.90 oz. |Shades:12 |Formula:Cream |Finish:SatinPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson

Best CreamMake Up For Ever Cream Contour and Highlight PalettePHOTO: Sephora$88 at SephoraView on Makeupforever.com$88 at Macy’s

Best CreamMake Up For Ever Cream Contour and Highlight Palette

Best Cream

Make Up For Ever Cream Contour and Highlight Palette

$88 at SephoraView on Makeupforever.com$88 at Macy’s

Star QualitiesVery pigmentedEasy to blend and spot-correctGreat for advanced makeup lovers who want full glamRed FlagsNot for beginnersThe formula clung to some dry spots

Star QualitiesVery pigmentedEasy to blend and spot-correctGreat for advanced makeup lovers who want full glam

Very pigmented

Easy to blend and spot-correct

Great for advanced makeup lovers who want full glam

Red FlagsNot for beginnersThe formula clung to some dry spots

Not for beginners

The formula clung to some dry spots

Our favorite cream palette is this compact from Make Up For Ever with 12 blendable, customizable shades, including earthy mattes and golden shimmers. With it, an experienced makeup wearer could do everything from spot-correct and bronze to highlight and contour.

The palette helpfully offers cool and warm counterparts to cater to different undertones. And since the creams are super pigmented, you don’t need a lot of product to achieve Hollywood-level contour. When applied lightly, our tester achieved a glamorous sculpt that left her skin with Instagram-filter results IRL. The formula did cling to dry spots, so dry skin types shouldapply a moisturizerfirst for best results.

Size:0.90 oz. |Shades:12 |Formula:Cream |Finish:Satin

Best PowderKVD Beauty Shade + Light Powder Face Contour PalettePHOTO: Sephora$53 at Sephora$53 at Ulta$53 at Kohls.comStar QualitiesUltra-silky feelA little goes a long waySmoothing and blurringRed FlagsCouldn’t find anyPowder is an essential step in every makeup routine, whether you’resetting or bakingyour makeup. While powder contour products can be categorized as drying or too matte, this contour palette from KVD Beauty is a timeless must-have that even dewy skin lovers can appreciate.Each pan of pressed powder is so light, airy, and blendable that you could be fooled into thinking it’s cream. Both brushes and sponges were perfect conduits for these powders, making it easy to buff the contour and highlight shades into the skin and create a soft-focus effect. But the best part might be how buildable they are, which lets us create looks that range from subtle to dramatic.It neither clung to nor accentuated dry spots and enlarged pores, and it didn’t settle into fine lines, either.Size:0.72 oz. |Shades:6 |Formula:Powder |Finish:MattePHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson

Best PowderKVD Beauty Shade + Light Powder Face Contour PalettePHOTO: Sephora$53 at Sephora$53 at Ulta$53 at Kohls.com

Best PowderKVD Beauty Shade + Light Powder Face Contour Palette

Best Powder

KVD Beauty Shade + Light Powder Face Contour Palette

$53 at Sephora$53 at Ulta$53 at Kohls.com

Star QualitiesUltra-silky feelA little goes a long waySmoothing and blurringRed FlagsCouldn’t find any

Star QualitiesUltra-silky feelA little goes a long waySmoothing and blurring

Ultra-silky feel

A little goes a long way

Smoothing and blurring

Red FlagsCouldn’t find any

Couldn’t find any

Powder is an essential step in every makeup routine, whether you’resetting or bakingyour makeup. While powder contour products can be categorized as drying or too matte, this contour palette from KVD Beauty is a timeless must-have that even dewy skin lovers can appreciate.

Each pan of pressed powder is so light, airy, and blendable that you could be fooled into thinking it’s cream. Both brushes and sponges were perfect conduits for these powders, making it easy to buff the contour and highlight shades into the skin and create a soft-focus effect. But the best part might be how buildable they are, which lets us create looks that range from subtle to dramatic.

It neither clung to nor accentuated dry spots and enlarged pores, and it didn’t settle into fine lines, either.

Size:0.72 oz. |Shades:6 |Formula:Powder |Finish:Matte

Best with Powder and CreamPatrick Ta Major Sculpt Creme Contour & Powder Bronzer DuoPHOTO: Sephora$40 at Amazon$42 at SephoraView on Patrickta.comStar QualitiesHaving both formula types allows for both dewy and matte looksTravel-friendly designA little goes a long wayRed FlagsIt was easy to over-applyPatrick Tais a major beauty industry player not only for his stacked list of celebrity clients, includingGigi HadidandSydney Sweeney, but also for his award-winning eponymous brand. Complete with a cream contour and a powder bronzer, this compact has everything you need for definition and warmth.We like that this product is available in five different depths to provide buildable options for all skin tones. The cream side feels buttery and smooth, blending beautifully with both a sponge and the brand’sMajor Sculpt Dual-Ended Sculpting Brush, which we got better results with. It blurred fine lines and smoothed skin, providing a glowy look wherever it was applied.Pro Tip from PatrickApply the contour shade directly on top of your cheekbones rather than underneath to define the shape and “lift” of your face. Blending contour in the hollows of your cheekbones can draw your face down or end up looking muddy.Size:0.47 oz. |Shades:2, 5 options |Formula:Cream, powder |Finish:Natural, mattePHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson

Best with Powder and CreamPatrick Ta Major Sculpt Creme Contour & Powder Bronzer DuoPHOTO: Sephora$40 at Amazon$42 at SephoraView on Patrickta.com

Best with Powder and CreamPatrick Ta Major Sculpt Creme Contour & Powder Bronzer Duo

Best with Powder and Cream

Patrick Ta Major Sculpt Creme Contour & Powder Bronzer Duo

$40 at Amazon$42 at SephoraView on Patrickta.com

Star QualitiesHaving both formula types allows for both dewy and matte looksTravel-friendly designA little goes a long wayRed FlagsIt was easy to over-apply

Star QualitiesHaving both formula types allows for both dewy and matte looksTravel-friendly designA little goes a long way

Having both formula types allows for both dewy and matte looks

Red FlagsIt was easy to over-apply

It was easy to over-apply

Patrick Tais a major beauty industry player not only for his stacked list of celebrity clients, includingGigi HadidandSydney Sweeney, but also for his award-winning eponymous brand. Complete with a cream contour and a powder bronzer, this compact has everything you need for definition and warmth.

We like that this product is available in five different depths to provide buildable options for all skin tones. The cream side feels buttery and smooth, blending beautifully with both a sponge and the brand’sMajor Sculpt Dual-Ended Sculpting Brush, which we got better results with. It blurred fine lines and smoothed skin, providing a glowy look wherever it was applied.

Pro Tip from PatrickApply the contour shade directly on top of your cheekbones rather than underneath to define the shape and “lift” of your face. Blending contour in the hollows of your cheekbones can draw your face down or end up looking muddy.

Pro Tip from Patrick

Apply the contour shade directly on top of your cheekbones rather than underneath to define the shape and “lift” of your face. Blending contour in the hollows of your cheekbones can draw your face down or end up looking muddy.

Size:0.47 oz. |Shades:2, 5 options |Formula:Cream, powder |Finish:Natural, matte

Best BlendableAnastasia Beverly Hills Powder Contour KitPHOTO: Sephora$40 at AmazonView on Nordstrom$40 at SephoraStar QualitiesBlends very easilyPlays nice with foundationDidn’t cling to dry patchesRed FlagsThe powders could have more pigmentThe shade range could be widerAs far as blendability goes, Anastasia Beverly Hills takes the cake. Its powder formulas were so airy and smooth that they truly mimicked the look of sunshine and shadows on our faces, with powders so finely milled that we couldn’t tell where one shade started and the other finished.The lightweight skin-perfecting powder didn’t cling to dry patches, nor did it intensify the appearance of texture. We do think that this product could be improved with a sister palette designed for deeper skin tones, as this one features a pretty fair-to-medium spread that doesn’t even do much for olive skin tones.Size:0.66 oz. |Shades:6 |Formula:Powder |Finish:MattePHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson

Best BlendableAnastasia Beverly Hills Powder Contour KitPHOTO: Sephora$40 at AmazonView on Nordstrom$40 at Sephora

Best BlendableAnastasia Beverly Hills Powder Contour Kit

Best Blendable

Anastasia Beverly Hills Powder Contour Kit

$40 at AmazonView on Nordstrom$40 at Sephora

Star QualitiesBlends very easilyPlays nice with foundationDidn’t cling to dry patchesRed FlagsThe powders could have more pigmentThe shade range could be wider

Star QualitiesBlends very easilyPlays nice with foundationDidn’t cling to dry patches

Blends very easily

Plays nice with foundation

Didn’t cling to dry patches

Red FlagsThe powders could have more pigmentThe shade range could be wider

The powders could have more pigment

The shade range could be wider

As far as blendability goes, Anastasia Beverly Hills takes the cake. Its powder formulas were so airy and smooth that they truly mimicked the look of sunshine and shadows on our faces, with powders so finely milled that we couldn’t tell where one shade started and the other finished.

The lightweight skin-perfecting powder didn’t cling to dry patches, nor did it intensify the appearance of texture. We do think that this product could be improved with a sister palette designed for deeper skin tones, as this one features a pretty fair-to-medium spread that doesn’t even do much for olive skin tones.

Size:0.66 oz. |Shades:6 |Formula:Powder |Finish:Matte

Best BuildableMake Up For Ever All-In-One Face PalettePHOTO: Make Up For Ever$79$69 at AmazonView on Makeupforever.comStar QualitiesIncludes shades and formulas for every step of your makeup processTravel-friendly packagingSuitable for all skin tonesRed FlagsThe lighter shade wasn’t a replacement for concealerThe Make Up For Ever All-In-One Face Palette includes 12 cream shades that can be mixed and matched for all parts of your makeup routine: foundation, concealer/color correction, contour, blush, and highlight. Each cream shade had medium coverage and can be built up to achieve fuller coverage. Plus, it comes in two versions to suit a wide variety of skin tones.The creamy formulas were easy to blend, working well with sponges and brushes but blending best with fingers. Each swipe glided smoothly onto our tester’s skin without clinging to dry spots or accentuating fine lines. However, the lighter “concealer” shades ended up settling into the creases of her eyelids. But overall, the makeup didn’t oxidize as the hours passed, keeping her face looking snatched all day long.Size:0.90 oz. |Shades:12 |Formula:Cream |Finish:NaturalPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson

Best BuildableMake Up For Ever All-In-One Face PalettePHOTO: Make Up For Ever$79$69 at AmazonView on Makeupforever.com

Best BuildableMake Up For Ever All-In-One Face Palette

Best Buildable

Make Up For Ever All-In-One Face Palette

PHOTO: Make Up For Ever

$79$69 at AmazonView on Makeupforever.com

Star QualitiesIncludes shades and formulas for every step of your makeup processTravel-friendly packagingSuitable for all skin tonesRed FlagsThe lighter shade wasn’t a replacement for concealer

Star QualitiesIncludes shades and formulas for every step of your makeup processTravel-friendly packagingSuitable for all skin tones

Includes shades and formulas for every step of your makeup process

Travel-friendly packaging

Suitable for all skin tones

Red FlagsThe lighter shade wasn’t a replacement for concealer

The lighter shade wasn’t a replacement for concealer

The Make Up For Ever All-In-One Face Palette includes 12 cream shades that can be mixed and matched for all parts of your makeup routine: foundation, concealer/color correction, contour, blush, and highlight. Each cream shade had medium coverage and can be built up to achieve fuller coverage. Plus, it comes in two versions to suit a wide variety of skin tones.

The creamy formulas were easy to blend, working well with sponges and brushes but blending best with fingers. Each swipe glided smoothly onto our tester’s skin without clinging to dry spots or accentuating fine lines. However, the lighter “concealer” shades ended up settling into the creases of her eyelids. But overall, the makeup didn’t oxidize as the hours passed, keeping her face looking snatched all day long.

Size:0.90 oz. |Shades:12 |Formula:Cream |Finish:Natural

Best RadiantHourglass Ambient Lighting PalettePHOTO: SephoraView on AmazonView on Nordstrom$73 at SephoraStar QualitiesMicro glitters made skin look ultra-glowySuper buildableSmoothed imperfectionsRed FlagsIt’s on the pricier sideSubstituting for a warm California sun is the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette, a trio of shades that produces complexions so dimensional, it looked like a lighting crew was following us around.Rather than separate contours and highlights, each pan holds a buildable finishing powder that can be applied in layers to sculpt your face or intensify your glow. Each shade was easily diffusible yet buildable, didn’t cling to dry spots, and didn’t amplify imperfections. We also loved their luminosity, which gave skin a natural-looking glow. Just an extra sweep of the deepest shade switched up the look from natural daytime to a dramatic sculpt for a night out.Size:0.30 oz. |Shades:3, 3 options |Formula:Powder |Finish:RadiantPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson

Best RadiantHourglass Ambient Lighting PalettePHOTO: SephoraView on AmazonView on Nordstrom$73 at Sephora

Best RadiantHourglass Ambient Lighting Palette

Best Radiant

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette

View on AmazonView on Nordstrom$73 at Sephora

Star QualitiesMicro glitters made skin look ultra-glowySuper buildableSmoothed imperfectionsRed FlagsIt’s on the pricier side

Star QualitiesMicro glitters made skin look ultra-glowySuper buildableSmoothed imperfections

Micro glitters made skin look ultra-glowy

Super buildable

Smoothed imperfections

Red FlagsIt’s on the pricier side

It’s on the pricier side

Substituting for a warm California sun is the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette, a trio of shades that produces complexions so dimensional, it looked like a lighting crew was following us around.

Rather than separate contours and highlights, each pan holds a buildable finishing powder that can be applied in layers to sculpt your face or intensify your glow. Each shade was easily diffusible yet buildable, didn’t cling to dry spots, and didn’t amplify imperfections. We also loved their luminosity, which gave skin a natural-looking glow. Just an extra sweep of the deepest shade switched up the look from natural daytime to a dramatic sculpt for a night out.

Size:0.30 oz. |Shades:3, 3 options |Formula:Powder |Finish:Radiant

Best Full GlamSmashbox Contour Face PalettePHOTO: Sephora$46 at Amazon$46 at Nordstrom$46 at SephoraStar QualitiesThe buttery powder is highly blendableThe highlight shades wereactuallyvisibleSuitable for all skin typesRed FlagsCouldn’t find anyIncluding matte highlight and contour shades as well as two shimmer options, this palette from Smashbox plays the full glam game well. No matter which shade we went for, each swipe was pigmented and smooth, dusting over imperfections and smoothing fine lines. Even the highlighting shades made a noticeable difference, which is where many other palettes fell short.But the best part about these powders was how they blended beautifully with our tester’s makeup. We’d trust this one to get us through a long evening out without looking any different than how we first applied it.Size:0.69 oz. |Shades:6, 2 options |Formula:Powder |Finish:Matte, radiantPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson

Best Full GlamSmashbox Contour Face PalettePHOTO: Sephora$46 at Amazon$46 at Nordstrom$46 at Sephora

Best Full GlamSmashbox Contour Face Palette

Best Full Glam

Smashbox Contour Face Palette

$46 at Amazon$46 at Nordstrom$46 at Sephora

Star QualitiesThe buttery powder is highly blendableThe highlight shades wereactuallyvisibleSuitable for all skin typesRed FlagsCouldn’t find any

Star QualitiesThe buttery powder is highly blendableThe highlight shades wereactuallyvisibleSuitable for all skin types

The buttery powder is highly blendable

The highlight shades wereactuallyvisible

Suitable for all skin types

Including matte highlight and contour shades as well as two shimmer options, this palette from Smashbox plays the full glam game well. No matter which shade we went for, each swipe was pigmented and smooth, dusting over imperfections and smoothing fine lines. Even the highlighting shades made a noticeable difference, which is where many other palettes fell short.

But the best part about these powders was how they blended beautifully with our tester’s makeup. We’d trust this one to get us through a long evening out without looking any different than how we first applied it.

Size:0.69 oz. |Shades:6, 2 options |Formula:Powder |Finish:Matte, radiant

Best Multi-UseDanessa Myricks Beauty Groundwork: Defining Neutrals PalettePHOTO: Sephora$65 at SephoraView on Danessamyricksbeauty.comView on Beautybay.comStar QualitiesIt’s a full makeup kit, not just contour and highlightSmoothed over pores and fine linesSuitable for a range of skin tonesRed FlagsMight be intimidating for beginnersExpensiveThough this Danessa Myricks palette touts a higher price tag than your average contour kit, it does so much more than contour and highlight. While there are a plethora of shades suited for fair to deep skin tones, the best part is that beside each of the 10 powder pans are smaller pans of buttery pomades in matching shades for other parts of your makeup routine.The powders were so pigmented that one tap was enough to bronze up an entire cheekbone. Its lightest shades can be used to highlight high points of your face, like under the eyes, the bridge of your nose, and your chin, while the deeper shades can be dusted along your cheekbones, jawline, and sides of your forehead to define your natural features.Size:8.43 x 0.65 x 3.54 in. |Shades:10 powder, 10 pomade |Formula:Powder, pomade |Finish:Matte, satinPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson

Best Multi-UseDanessa Myricks Beauty Groundwork: Defining Neutrals PalettePHOTO: Sephora$65 at SephoraView on Danessamyricksbeauty.comView on Beautybay.com

Best Multi-UseDanessa Myricks Beauty Groundwork: Defining Neutrals Palette

Best Multi-Use

Danessa Myricks Beauty Groundwork: Defining Neutrals Palette

$65 at SephoraView on Danessamyricksbeauty.comView on Beautybay.com

Star QualitiesIt’s a full makeup kit, not just contour and highlightSmoothed over pores and fine linesSuitable for a range of skin tonesRed FlagsMight be intimidating for beginnersExpensive

Star QualitiesIt’s a full makeup kit, not just contour and highlightSmoothed over pores and fine linesSuitable for a range of skin tones

It’s a full makeup kit, not just contour and highlight

Smoothed over pores and fine lines

Suitable for a range of skin tones

Red FlagsMight be intimidating for beginnersExpensive

Might be intimidating for beginners

Expensive

Though this Danessa Myricks palette touts a higher price tag than your average contour kit, it does so much more than contour and highlight. While there are a plethora of shades suited for fair to deep skin tones, the best part is that beside each of the 10 powder pans are smaller pans of buttery pomades in matching shades for other parts of your makeup routine.

The powders were so pigmented that one tap was enough to bronze up an entire cheekbone. Its lightest shades can be used to highlight high points of your face, like under the eyes, the bridge of your nose, and your chin, while the deeper shades can be dusted along your cheekbones, jawline, and sides of your forehead to define your natural features.

Size:8.43 x 0.65 x 3.54 in. |Shades:10 powder, 10 pomade |Formula:Powder, pomade |Finish:Matte, satin

Other Contour Kits We Tried

People / Jhett Thompson

MAC 170 Synthetic Rounded Slant Brush$42 at NordstromView on Maccosmetics.com$42 at BloomingdalesRelavel Travel Makeup Case$23 at AmazonView on Relavelbags.comToo Faced Better Than Sex Mascara$29 at Amazon$16 at Nordstrom$29$16 at SephoraCharlotte Tilbury Refillable Eyebrow Pencil$45 at Amazon$26 at Nordstrom$26 at Sephora

MAC 170 Synthetic Rounded Slant Brush$42 at NordstromView on Maccosmetics.com$42 at Bloomingdales

MAC 170 Synthetic Rounded Slant Brush

$42 at NordstromView on Maccosmetics.com$42 at Bloomingdales

Relavel Travel Makeup Case$23 at AmazonView on Relavelbags.com

Relavel Travel Makeup Case

$23 at AmazonView on Relavelbags.com

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara$29 at Amazon$16 at Nordstrom$29$16 at Sephora

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara

$29 at Amazon$16 at Nordstrom$29$16 at Sephora

Charlotte Tilbury Refillable Eyebrow Pencil$45 at Amazon$26 at Nordstrom$26 at Sephora

Charlotte Tilbury Refillable Eyebrow Pencil

$45 at Amazon$26 at Nordstrom$26 at Sephora

What to Know About Contour Kits

Formula

Contour kits typically come in one of two options: cream or powder. Reneau recommends powder for contour newbies, as these formulas are “more forgiving to apply” with their light washes of color. “Cream is incredible for a more advanced makeup wearer, people who have dry skin, or for when you know you are going to be photographed,” she adds.

Makeup artistNatalie Dresheragrees: “Working with both cream and powder products allows for the powder to lock in the cream for a longer wear time,” she explains.

While both cream and powder products work well with mature skin, certain formulas work harder to smooth over fine lines and wrinkles. Madiraju calls theDanessa Myricks Groundwork Palette(powder) andFenty Beauty Match Stix(cream) “go-to’s” for mature skin in his makeup collection.

Shade Range

Pro TipFor a naturally sculpted look, choose a contour shade that’s two to three shades darker than your skin tone. “A contour should always mimic a shadow,” says Dresher. “If you’re a more seasoned pro, you can choose a shade that’s four to five shades deeper than your skin tone and blend, blend, blend.”

Pro Tip

For a naturally sculpted look, choose a contour shade that’s two to three shades darker than your skin tone. “A contour should always mimic a shadow,” says Dresher. “If you’re a more seasoned pro, you can choose a shade that’s four to five shades deeper than your skin tone and blend, blend, blend.”

Finish

Oftentimes, powder products will produce a matte finish, meaning that your skin will look smoother, more poreless, and shine-controlled. However, some powder palettes, like theHourglass Ambient Lighting Palette, include luminous highlighting powders that leave behind a glowy wash.

Cream products often deliver a satin, shimmery, or radiant finish because of their emollient texture. The budget-friendlye.l.f. Cream Contour Kit Paletteexcelled here, leaving behind a healthy glow.

“A matte or satin highlight is more appropriate when highlighting under the eyes and in the center of the face,” Dresher explains. “Shimmery and radiant highlights are better suited for the tops of the cheekbones, cupid’s bow, and décolleté area.”

Contour Terms to KnowMatte:A smooth, flat finish that doesn’t reflect light and controls oilSatin:A cross between matte and dewy, offering a subtle radiance while keeping oil levels controlledShimmer:Flecked with micro glitter or finished with pearlescent pigment; makes your skin look glowyRadiant:Creates the appearance of dewy skin; these formulas usually have more ingredients that promote hydration and moisturization than others

Contour Terms to Know

Matte:A smooth, flat finish that doesn’t reflect light and controls oilSatin:A cross between matte and dewy, offering a subtle radiance while keeping oil levels controlledShimmer:Flecked with micro glitter or finished with pearlescent pigment; makes your skin look glowyRadiant:Creates the appearance of dewy skin; these formulas usually have more ingredients that promote hydration and moisturization than others

To find the best contour kits, we called in 23 popular kits to our PEOPLE Tested lab. We used both brushes and sponges to blend cream and powder formulas of contour and highlight shades. Throughout each step of the testing process, we rated key performance indicators of each product on a scale of 1 to 5 (worst to best).

These were the qualities we gave the highest weight when calculating product scores.

Taking all of these factors into consideration, theMAC Cosmetics Contour Palettewas our pick of the Best Overall contour kit.

Frequently Asked Questions

“I personally contour after foundation, before concealer,” says Dresher. “I like to add any shadows to the face after my complexion base and bring the light back to my face via concealer.”

“Bronzer is used to warm up the complexion and should be placed on top of the bone structure where the sun would naturally kiss your skin (think across the forehead, tops of cheekbones, bridge of nose and chin),” Reneau explains. “Contouring is a technique used to shape and define the structure of the face, add the illusion of symmetry, or to soften or sharpen features of your face.”Dresher says that you can picture it like this: “Contour products are cooler toned and about mimicking a shadow,while bronzing products are really about mimicking the sun.”

“Bronzer is used to warm up the complexion and should be placed on top of the bone structure where the sun would naturally kiss your skin (think across the forehead, tops of cheekbones, bridge of nose and chin),” Reneau explains. “Contouring is a technique used to shape and define the structure of the face, add the illusion of symmetry, or to soften or sharpen features of your face.”

Dresher says that you can picture it like this: “Contour products are cooler toned and about mimicking a shadow,while bronzing products are really about mimicking the sun.”

Since contour is meant to emulate shadows, Reneau recommends choosing a shade that’s “at least two shades deeper than your natural skin tone in a similar or cool undertone.” For the correct highlight shade, go two shades up from your typical foundation.

“Concealer, bronzer, blush, and contour are blended out, and then a thin layer of foundation is applied to diffuse the colors and harsh lines,” adds Madiraju. “It’s like baking a cake!”

We wouldn’t recommend trying this advanced technique out until you’re comfortable with your new contour kit. To dip your toes in, “you can always try applying the bronzer or contour to your face lightly to get a good base before applying your foundation,” suggests Reneau.

Alyssa Brasciais a staff shopping writer at PEOPLE, covering beauty, fashion, home, and lifestyle. She has previously written for InStyle, Shape, Southern Living, and Real Simple. For this article, Brascia analyzed testing insights, incorporated first-hand experience, and consulted cosmetic brand executives, makeup artists, and content creators to deduce which contour kits were worth recommending to readers and how they should be used.

Meet Our ExpertsElyse Reneauis the executive director of global beauty at Too Faced Cosmetics and has more than 20 years of experience in the beauty industry. Her previous work can be found on hit shows such asSaturday Night Live,The Big Bang Theory,Orange Is the New Black, and more. Based in Los Angeles, she frequently travels to New York City, including for NYFW shows such as Alice + Olivia and Selkie.Natalie Dresheris a Miami-based makeup artist and hairstylist known for her full-glam moments with content creators likeRemi BaderandDylan Mulvaney. She has extensive experience in editorial beauty, working closely with brands such as Cover FX, Milk Makeup, and Cupshe, as well as a robust portfolio of bridal clientele.Aditya Madirajuis a makeup artist and content creator based in New Jersey with over 1.4 million followers on Instagram. Madiraju makes educational beauty content across his social media platforms and has been part of the officialSephora Squadsince 2023.

Meet Our Experts

Elyse Reneauis the executive director of global beauty at Too Faced Cosmetics and has more than 20 years of experience in the beauty industry. Her previous work can be found on hit shows such asSaturday Night Live,The Big Bang Theory,Orange Is the New Black, and more. Based in Los Angeles, she frequently travels to New York City, including for NYFW shows such as Alice + Olivia and Selkie.Natalie Dresheris a Miami-based makeup artist and hairstylist known for her full-glam moments with content creators likeRemi BaderandDylan Mulvaney. She has extensive experience in editorial beauty, working closely with brands such as Cover FX, Milk Makeup, and Cupshe, as well as a robust portfolio of bridal clientele.Aditya Madirajuis a makeup artist and content creator based in New Jersey with over 1.4 million followers on Instagram. Madiraju makes educational beauty content across his social media platforms and has been part of the officialSephora Squadsince 2023.

We created thePEOPLE Tested seal of approvalto help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.

source: people.com