A Failsafe Way To Contour (Even If You’ve Never Done It Before)
Consider this our dummies guide to creating definition in 5 seconds flat
By now, contouring has become a kind of modern-day rite of passage. And yet, despite having watched a thousand Instagram tutorials, TikToks, and makeup artists at work, it’s still one of those beauty steps that many of us quietly avoid. Sound familiar? You’re not alone.
Millie Mackintosh, influencer, mum of two, and someone who’s spent her fair share of time in makeup chairs, recently admitted she didn’t really get contouring until now. In a refreshingly honest Instagram Reel, she shared her experience trying out a beginner-friendly kit from Kiko - three creamy sticks (highlighter, blush, contour) that she applied in a few sweeps. Her approach? Hit the high points of the face where the sun naturally hits, then use contour to add a bit of shadow where it doesn’t. No filters, no fuss. And while she noted she could have gone a shade deeper with the contour stick, the result was a dewy, sculpted, “I’ve just been in the sun” kind of look that felt achievable for even the most makeup-shy among us.
Her comment section? Full of women saying the same thing: “I’ve never known how to do this, thank you.” So, in the spirit of helping more busy, beauty-curious women like Millie - those of us who want to look fresh, not filtered - here’s your beginner’s guide to contouring. No glam squads required.
Contouring 101: The Basics (We Promise You’ve Got This)
Where to put contour: under your cheekbones, around your hairline, under your jaw, and (if you want) down the sides of your nose.
Where to put highlighter: top of your cheekbones, brow bone, Cupid’s bow, and bridge of the nose.
Where to put blush: the apples of your cheeks, blended slightly upward toward your temples for a lifted effect.
How to Choose the Right Contour Shade for Your Skin Tone
The trickiest part of contouring? Honestly, it’s choosing the right shade. Go too dark, and things start to look muddy. Too light, and the effect disappears. If you wear foundation or concealer, your contour should typically be 2 shades darker, depending on how dramatic you want your sculpt to be. You're not adding colour so much as you're creating dimension.
Fair to light skin tones: go for cooler or taupe-based contours. Anything too warm can look orange fast.
Medium to tan skin tones: opt for neutral to slightly warm contours - think golden browns with just a hint of warmth.
Dark to rich skin tones: Look for rich, deep chocolate or espresso tones with warm or neutral undertones. Cooler contours can sometimes look grey on black skin.
And remember - when in doubt, go sheer. Cream sticks are extremely forgiving, and you can always build up slowly rather than dialing it back after the fact.
The Best Contour Products To Do the Thinking for You
Kiko Milano Sculpting Touch Creamy Stick Trio
LOOKFANTASTIC
£29.99
Millie’s pick and an absolute steal for beginners. These creamy sticks are super blendable, non-intimidating, and great for a soft, natural finish. The contour isn’t too ashy or too orange - a rare middle ground - and the blush gives a healthy pop without being over the top. The effect is subtle, so a great place to start.
Rare Beauty Warm Wishes Effortless Bronzer Stick
Space NK
£27.00
Selena Gomez’s brand is known for its blendability, and this bronzer is no exception. It melts into skin like a second layer, and the shade range is brilliant for warm, sun-kissed depth (we're particularly fond of shade Happy Sol). Pair it with Rare’s Positive Light Highlighter for that post-holiday glow, minus the flight.
Rare BeautySoft Pinch Liquid Contour
Space NK
£27.00
If the bronzer stick doesn't create enough distinction or you have more medium skin, give the Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Contour a go instead. It's an easy-to-blend liquid that's great for a more dramatic shadowing effect.
Fenty Beauty Match Stix Contour Skinstick 7.1g (Various Shades) - Suedish
Cult Beauty
£25.00
These matte contour shades are easy to build, especially for more dramatic sculpting moments (or just a stronger jawline).
Hollywood Contour Wand - Medium
Charlotte Tilbury
£30.00
This isn’t a stick, but it’s too easy to ignore. With a cushion-tip applicator and a glowy finish, it’s basically contouring for people who don't contour. It blends like a dream and gives that “your bone structure but better” look. Medium is a good fit for
Face Trace Contour Stick
Westman Atelier
£44.00
If you're into clean beauty with a touch of luxury, this one’s a dream. It’s super creamy and subtle, perfect for those who want soft definition without harsh lines. Plus, the packaging is satisfyingly weighty.
e.l.f. Halo Glow Contour Beauty Wand Fair/Lights fair/lights
Boots
£10.00
TikTok’s favourite for a reason. It’s budget-friendly, user-friendly, and gives serious payoff for the price. It blends out with just your fingers and plays well with foundation or bare skin.
MAKEUP BY MARIO Soft Sculpt™ Shaping Stick
Sephora
£32.00
As this has been formulated by one of Hollywood's most in-demand make-up artists, this one feels like it was made with real-life application in mind. Super creamy, easy to blend, and never ever patchy. Perfection.
Kevyn Aucoin The Duet Contour Brush
Cult Beauty
£48.00
They say two is better than one, and that’s certainly true of this pro-level brush.Why do you need two brushes? The big one is best for blending along the cheeks and jawlines with the little one is perfect for carving your nose. A worthwhile investment so a far more flawless finish that fingers can achieve.