This was right after I applied them. See how oily it looks?! It won’t stay that way, thankfully! Cons It’s Easy To Accidentally Use Too Much Product We conducted hours of research on the best cream contour palettes, evaluating them on the number of shades, pigment level, and skin feel. We also took into account any skin concerns and how the contour formula affects different skin types. After consulting with a makeup artist, we landed on the following best in show. All e.l.f. products are free from phthalates, parabens, nonylphenol ethoxylates, triclosan, triclocarban, and hydroquinone. All skincare is also free from sulfates. What is it: A compact powder contour palette made up of four bronzing shades, designed to sculpt, shade, and brighten your complexion. What is it: Contour Palette is a compact powder contour palette made up of four bronzing shades, designed to sculpt, shade, and brighten your complexion.

If you have fair skin, you can probably use this contour kit. However, if you have pale skin closer to white, you’ll find these shades too dark for you. Instead, opt for another contour palette with cooler tones for the professional finish you would like. Setting Powder Is A Must If You Have Oily Skin

These light to deep brown products can do more than just carve out your cheeks. “Contouring can make you look more awake, hide early morning puffiness, lift and snatch the face, soften your bone structure, or make you look more chiseled,” says celebrity makeup artist Andrew Sotomayor. The beauty of cream contour products is the believable finish they impart. Powder formulas tend to mattify your complexion, whereas cream ones mimic the texture of your skin, creating believable shadows wherever you blend them. With a cream contour palette, you have everything you need for good definition in one place.

One good guideline: Look for a color (or colors) that look like the color of a shadow on your face in natural lighting. “It should be a few shades darker than your natural skin tone, but not significantly darker,” explains Cantor. Avoid contouring with bronzers—because of the warm undertones, it’ll make you look tanner rather than more defined, according to Sotomayor. If you have blush or foundation palettes, you can take the little palette of color out to swap them. This is a great way to create your custom palette from an ELF cream contour palette. Infused With Vitamin E The creamy contour pigments don’t slip and slide all over your face. Instead, you can trust that your look will last after you’re done blending. Use some setting spray or powder to seal in your look once it’s done. BuildableVitamin E helps nourish the skin, making this an excellent product for anyone with dry skin. Perfect Pigmentation This product works well with a variety of skin types. The range of artificial colors is perfect for adding a dose of healthy color while sculpting your face. However, this palette primarily works well for people with a medium-type skin tone. If your skin is extremely pale or dark, this one probably isn’t for you. Hey there, cheekbones! Highlight, contour and emphasize your best features with this easy-to-use contour and highlight palette—it’s a portable quad of four complementary bronzing shades, giving you what you need to sculpt, shade, define, illuminate, and warm up your complexion. Plus, the power formula is enriched with Vitamin E to nourish your skin all day and deliver a gorgeous, subtly satin finish. The shades are so creamy that a little does go a long way. The first time you use this palette, start with a small brush and make small strokes at a time to ensure that you don’t use too much. Not Suitable For All Dark Skin Tones

Some contour pigments show up well on the skin, but it feels like you have to break your hand to blend them in. The formula used in the ELF contouring palette makes it easy to blend these in for a flawless look. It feels like putting a smear of melted chocolate on your face. Affordable If you have a fair skin tone, the lighter color will give you the perfect amount of contrast for highlighting and sculpting your face. Stays In Place Well This isn’t a downside but something you need to keep in mind. If your skin type is oily, set this with a powder after applying. Try using a translucent powder. You can also use a powder bronzer to set it if you would like. Not Ideal For Acne-Prone Skin

FYI: We updated this article in January 2023 to give you the most up-to-date info on contouring makeup kits, including several we personally tested, makeup artist tips for how to apply them, and how to choose the best contouring makeup for yourself.