10 Best Contour Powders To Use In 2023
Define the facial features and achieve a sleek look with these contour powders.
Lucy DareProfessional Makeup Artist
Expertise: Makeup, Beauty Treatments, & Skin Care
Experience: 8 years
Lucy is a seasoned makeup artist with eight years of experience. Her creative background includes a foundation in Fine Art from Central St Martins University of the Arts, London. After completing her formal education, she furthered her skil... more
Srijita De Certified Style & Image Consultant
Expertise: Makeup & Fashion
Experience: 2 years
Srijita De is a makeup and fashion enthusiast with a passion for empowering readers through practical tips and tricks to present their best selves with confidence. Armed with a postgraduate degree in ... more
Expertise: Fitness & Lifestyle
Experience: 3 years
Rajeshwari is a dedicated fitness and lifestyle enthusiast, deeply committed to enhancing our readers’ well-being and vitality. She has a master’s degree in Journalism & Mass Communication fro... more
Srijani Roy ChowdhuryCertified In Makeup Artistry, Certified Style & Image Consultant
Expertise: Makeup & Fashion
Experience: 3 years
Srijani is an associate commerce editor with a master's degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal. She is certified in makeup techniques and is also a ce... more
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If you have been waiting to add an edge to your makeup, using the best contour powders will do the trick. Contour powders define the features of your face and make you look sleek and sculpted. As impressive as foundation and concealers are, they create a base to blend all the spots and pigmentations, but they will not give the depth and contouring that makeup artists can create with the help of simple products. The benefits of contour powders are that they can lengthen your nose, highlight your cheekbones, sculpt your jawline, and everything you wish to transform in your face. They also come in different shades to blend the colors and create a perfect illusion. Not only do they look good in photos, contouring for special occasions and parties will make you look absolutely perfect. They highlight your natural bone structure, and you can choose to correct your face as you like. They are the perfect addition to your makeup bag when you want to look your best. With a bit of practice, you can emerge as a pro without having to rush to a parlor every time you want to look perfect. Here are the top 10 highest-rated contour powders to choose from.
In This Article
10 Best Contour Powders That Help Give You A Sleek Jawline
1. Best Lightweight Formula:Coty Airspun Loose Face Powder
One way to kick off your journey to highlight and define your face is with Coty’s Airspun loose face powder. This multi-use face powder can be used as a contour powder, a setting powder, and helps disguise any wrinkles, acne, scars, or blemishes on your face with its sheer coverage. You can also use it for baking your concealer and setting your makeup look. This lightweight translucent powder uses a microspun formula that helps control oil and highlights and defines your features. Watch this video to get a detailed review of the product.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Microspun smooth formula
- Sheer coverage
- Controls oil
- Helps smoothen face
- Hides wrinkles, acne, and scars
- Can be used to bake, conceal, and set makeup
Cons
- Formula may be drying
- Contains talc
Pro Tip2. Best Velvety Matte Finish:Maybelline New York City Bronzer & Contour Powder
Image: Maybelline Maybelline’s city bronzer contour powder isn’t one to be missed, especially when it is enriched with whipped cocoa butter to give the formula an ultra-soft touch. This contour powder that doubles as a bronzer allows a subtle and soft look to be achieved with its sun-kissed glow and leaves you with a velvety matte finish. The product is made with micro-milled powder and can be used to bronze your whole face or just highlight and define your cheeks and nose. Attain a naturally sculpted look for up to 16 hours with this powder that goes on silky smooth. Here’s a video to help you know more about this product and how to ace contouring for a glamorous look.
Pros
- Bronzer and contour powder
- Lasts up to 16 hours
- Velvety matte finish
- Enriched with cocoa butter
- Made with micro-milled powder
- Naturally accentuates features
Cons
- Undertone may be too warm for some
Quick Tip3. Best For Moisturizing:Milani Silky Matte Bronzing Powder
Contour and moisturize your face with Milani’s silky matte bronzing powder that helps shape your face. Formulated with argan oil, this vegan contour powder hydrates and moisturizes your skin while also reducing signs of aging. Highlight your features with the soft, lightweight contour powder, which naturally blends into your skin, giving you a sharp and defined look. You can also apply it as a bronzer all over your face for a tanned, sun-kissed look.
Pros
- Bronzer and contour powder
- Infused with argan oil
- Vegan
- Moisturizing and lightweight
- Matte-finish
- Seamlessly blends in
- Cruelty-free
- Long-lasting wear
Cons
- May contain an overpowering scent
Pro Tip4. Best Long-Lasting Wear:e.l.f. Cosmetics Contouring Blush & Bronzing Powder
Get a 2-in-1 deal with e.l.f Cosmetics’ dual contouring blush and bronzing powder in the shade ‘Fiji’, which helps sculpt and highlight your cheeks when used together. The chocolate-brown bronzer gives your skin a warm matte finish and can be applied to your jawline, nose, cheeks, and hairline for a chiseled look that lasts all day. The coral-toned matte blush adds a pop of color to your cheeks, giving it a natural yet vibrant glow. This video takes you through this product’s details and ace the contouring for no-makeup look.
Pros
- Blush and contour powder
- Matte-finish
- Seamlessly blends in
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Long-lasting wear
- Natural-looking finish
- Hypoallergenic
Cons
- Color may be darker than expected
5. Best Blendable Formula:Wet N Wild Megaglo Contouring Palette
If you’re looking for a product that gives you light and dark shades for your contouring routine, then pick up the dual-colored contouring palette from Wet N Wild, which helps give you an accented and defined face. The palette has a lighter color that can highlight your features, and a darker color can be used to sharpen and sculpt your face. The formula doesn’t fade or smudge and the color is buildable, allowing you to get the perfect shade.
Pros
- Dual color
- Light shade for highlighting
- Dark shade for defining
- Blendable formula
- Buildable color
- Natural-looking finish
- Suitable for all skin types, including combination skin
- Travel-friendly
Cons
- Formula may not be too pigmented for some
6. Best Crease-Proof Formula:Kevyn Aucoin – The Sculpting Powder
Image: Kevyn Aucoin From the line of influential makeup artist Kevyn Aucoin, this easy-to-apply matte contour powder enhances and sculpts your facial features. The contour powder, which combines brown, red, and gray pigments, can be used to dramatically sharpen your bone structure or softly define your facial features. The product can also be used as eyeshadow and gives your skin a natural matte finish. You also don’t have to worry about the powder sinking into your pores or fine lines as it is crease-proof.
Pros
- Matte-finish
- Seamlessly blends in
- Crease-proof
- Natural-looking finish
- Can be used as an eyeshadow
- Won’t settle into pores
Cons
- Slightly expensive
- Contains talc
7. Best Shimmer Finish:Glo Skin Beauty Bronzer
Image: Gloskinbeauty If you’ve been desperately searching for a talc-free contour powder, then look no further than Glo Skin’s bronzer and contour powder which is mineral-based and infused with antioxidants. Sculpt and define your face with the bronzer while also adding a warm and radiant glow to your skin with its slightly shimmery finish. The antioxidants promote a glowing and healthy complexion and provide you with medium coverage. The product is also non-comedogenic and is suitable for all skin types, including contouring for acne-prone skin.
Pros
- Slight shimmer finish
- Talc-free
- Infused with antioxidants
- Made with pressed minerals
- Non-comedogenic
- Suitable for all skin types
- Medium coverage
Cons
- Color may be slightly orange for some
8. Best For Sun-Kissed Glow:NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Matte Bronzer- Medium
Image: Nyx The NYX Professional Makeup Matte Bronzer creates a natural, sun-kissed look without the mess of glitters. This pressed powder bronzer is perfect for achieving a tan glow. The bronzer highlights the hollows of your face and defines your facial structure. Additionally, this bronzer is available in five shades, making contouring for dark skin tone and other skin tone suitable.
Pros
- Suitable for all skin tones
- Value for money
- Long-wearing
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Has an orangish effect
9. Best Waterproof:Rimmel Natural Bronzer- Sun Bronze
Image: Rimmel The Rimmel Natural Bronzer is the perfect bronzer for those looking for a healthy tan look without the damaging effects of UV rays. Its waterproof formula applies smoothly and lasts for 10 hours. The formula is powered with SPF 15 which protects your skin against UV rays. It is incredibly easy to apply and has a comfortable feel. Use your best contouring techniques to contour your facial hollows and shape your face, making it look appealing.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Easy to use
- Pleasant fragrance
- Value for money
- Sheer feel
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Flimsy packaging
10. Best Buildable Formula:Golden Rose Long Lasting Matte Powder Contour Kit
The Golden Rose contour kit comes with three different shades that work together to give you a perfectly sculpted and well-defined contoured look. The palette contains a highlight powder, bronze powder, and contour powder, along with a mirror that you can use along your facial features to highlight and sharpen them. The paraben-free product has a buildable formula that can be applied smoothly. You can easily use this product to try out any countouring trends.
Pros
- Highlight powder included
- Contour powder included
- Bronzer powder included
- Buildable formula
- Paraben-free
- Matte-finish
Cons
- Contains talc
- Not very pigmented
This specially curated list of the 10 best contour powders is the perfect place for you to start when choosing the contour face powder for you. However, there are some things that you can keep in mind while making your decision.
How To Choose The Best Contour Powder For You
- Finish
Contour makeup powder comes in different types of finishes and you can pick between matte or shimmer. A matte contour powder is suited for oilier skin as it has a stronger hold and lasts longer. Shimmer can be used as well if you want a glowy look.
- Hydrating
Powders in general are dry, so if you’re prone to dry skin, then you may want to consider a moisturizing contour powder. You can look to see if the product has hydrating ingredients such as argan oil or shea butter to give your skin a refreshed and hydrated look.
- Crease-free
One of the worst things that can happen while you’re wearing a full face of makeup is that the product starts to sink into your fine lines and wrinkles. Opt for a crease-proof contour powder that ensures that the makeup doesn’t settle into your skin and make your face seem cakey.
- Natural-looking texture
Some contour powders also double as a bronzer to give you that sun-kissed, slightly tanned complexion. You can choose a powder highlight and contour that gives you a naturally sculpted look so that it doesn’t look like you’re wearing too much makeup. Lucy Dare, a professional makeup artist, adds, “Remember to build the bronzer in layers, that way you can gradually get the desired level of pigment and contour that you’re happy with rather than applying too much in one go, it can be trickier to tone down with translucent powder.”
The Bottom Line
So, get ready for your next night out and add a new contour makeup powder to your vanity if you’re on the lookout to enhance your natural facial structure and highlight your features. Smoothen and shape your cheekbones, jawline, nose, hairline, and even collarbones with the best powder contour that is available in matte or shimmer finish depending on your liking. If you are looking for both the bronzer and contour in one product, pick the Maybelline New York City Bronzer & Contour Powder. For everyday use, try the NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Matte Bronzer- Medium, as it adds warmth and dimension to your face without any shimmer. If you are seeking a product with sun protection, the Rimmel Natural Bronzer- Sun Bronze is an excellent option. Dab on the powder lightly with a brush during your makeup routine, and you can opt for a darker bronze color to accentuate the shadows on your face and make it look like you have a natural tan. You can use our well-curated list of the 10 best contour powders available to get started on your pick and bring one home to you for sharp and well-defined features.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Srijita De, the author of this article, is a makeup enthusiast who loves to keep up with the latest trends in the beauty industry. Her strong knowledge of makeup trends and products help her provide a well-researched article on the best contour powders available on the market. These powders are lightweight, control oil, and help hide scars, blemishes, and wrinkles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is contour powder or cream better?
For a more natural, smooth finish you can opt for a cream, which is also easier to apply to your face. For a longer-lasting more chiseled and defined look, a powder contour would definitely help more.
Can we use contour powder as bronzer?
Yes, there are some contour powders available that double as a bronzer. You can either apply it evenly all over your face for a tanned and bronzed look, or you can apply it to your target features to accentuate them.
Is contour powder or cream good for oily skin?
A matte-finish contour powder is good for oily skin.
Is contour powder or cream good for dry skin?
A contour cream would be more suited for dry skin.
Is bronzer and contour powder the same thing?
No, bronzer and contour powder are not the same. Bronzer helps add warmth and glow to the face, while contour adds definition and shadow.
Do you apply foundation before contouring?
Yes, apply foundation before contouring your face.
Can I use concealer as contour?
Yes, a concealer darker than your skin tone will work as a contour.
