13 best cream contour formulas that will sculpt and glide on like a dream
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It took me a while to get into the cream contour hype, but take it from me: once you've tried it, you can never go back. Seriously, my everyday makeup routine has never been simpler, thanks to these super blendable creamy formulas, impressive pigment and lightweight feel. Sure, old-school contouring makeup products used to be intimidating, largely due to their tendency to result in a muddy and grey-ish finish that's nearly impossible to fix. Luckily, newer formulas come in all shapes in sizes (literally), and the popularity of creamy consistencies is undeniable. You've got the sticks, palettes, compacts and wands – all aiming to give you the most low-effort chiselled look.
And if that isn't enough, cream contour also comes celebrity MUA-approved. Mario Dedivanovic, for one, is the ultimate contour trend-setter, alongside one of his most famous clients – none other than Kim Kardashian herself. Cream contour is also vastly involved in some of the latest trending makeup techniques - “underpainting”, courtesy of another acclaimed celebrity MUA, Mary Phillips (the artist behind the likes of Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner). In case you're unfamiliar, the technique involved applying contour before foundation for a more natural-looking and air-brushed result.
My go-to definitely has to be the Milk Makeup Sculpt Stick (£22), which launched just earlier this year. Not only is it super compact and incredibly easy to blend, but it also comes in shades that genuinely work on all skin tones. Personally, it's the best contour stick I've ever tried (and I've gone through my fair share of contouring products, so that's saying a lot).
The best part is that unlike traditional powdery contour products, cream contour is a lot easier to blend and doesn't result in a cake-y finish (think dewiness all around, instead). That being said, mattifying creamy formulas are also very much a thing, so if that's up your alley, there's definitely more than enough to choose from. Plus, one of the main reasons why I adore cream contour is because of how versatile it is. I love using it as cream eyeshadow in my crease for an everyday look.
Feeling inspired to upgrade your makeup routine? Check out our guides on the best bronzers, best concealers, best lightweight foundations, best cream blushes and best liquid blushes. We can also help you pick the best lipstick, best highlighter, best eyebrow product, best setting spray and more.
Best cream contour at a glance – our top picks:
- Best cream contour overall: Milk Makeup Sculpt Stick, £22, Cult Beauty
- Best lightweight cream contour: Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Contour Wand, £30, Charlotte Tilbury
- Best affordable cream contour: e.l.f. Cosmetics Putty Bronzer, £6, Amazon
- Best cream contour for dark skin tones: Fenty Beauty Match Stix Matte Skinstick, £23, Boots
- Best cream contour for fair skin tones: Fenty Beauty Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Bronzer, £29, Boots
Contour vs. bronzer – what are the differences?
Traditionally, contouring products usually have a cool undertone in order to create a natural-looking shadow to sculpt and add dimension to your facial features, whereas bronzers are known for their warm undertones – perfect to add warmth and a bronzy glow all over.
Otherwise, the placement is also one of the key differences between contouring and bronzing makeup products. Since the purpose of the former is to accentuate the shadows, you'd normally place the product in the hollows of your face (think underneath your cheekbones, sides of your nose, jawline etc). Meanwhile, bronzing products are usually applied on the areas where the sun would naturally hit your face (think the high point of your cheekbones, top of your forehead and so on).
That being said, we all know that when it comes to makeup, there are no set rules and it all comes down to having fun experimenting and figuring out what best works for you. So if you're all about using a bronzer as contour, we're definitely not here to judge.
How to apply cream contour
When it comes to cream contour, application is easier than ever. If you're using a stick, simply swipe it across and blend it out using either a brush, a makeup sponge or your fingers. But if you want a bit more control when blending out the product, try opting for a compact cream contour instead. All you need is to coat your brush or a makeup sponge in the product and blend it all out using circular motions. But if you're using a damp makeup sponge, just remember that it may soak up quite a lot of pigment so you may want to use it while it's dry instead. And if you're in need of more guidance, be sure to check out our step-by-step guide on how to contour.
But as is the case with most other makeup staples, there's a wide range of options to choose from coming from notable brands like Fenty Beauty, MAC, L'Oreal, Rimmel, Anastasia Beverly Hills, Charlotte Tilbury and many, many more. To help you find the perfect cream contour product for you, we've put together a roundup of all the best cream contouring products out there.
We've scoured through options that are suitable for all skin tones and skin types, including both bronzers that can work as an alternative as well as cool-toned contouring products. You'll find everything from affordable must-haves and premium buys to new releases and cult-favourites (including those that are loved in the GLAMOUR office).
We made sure to be very thorough by adding options to suit all skin types, skin tones, budgets and personal preferences too (and obviously, we made sure to add our tried-and-tested personal favourites). So sit back, relax and enjoy – hassle-free contouring is just a few clicks away…
For more beauty content from Glamour UK Commerce Writer Denise Primbet, follow her on Instagram @deniseprimbet.
Check out our edit of all the best cream contours available now…
Milk Makeup Sculpt Stick, £22, Cult Beauty
Why we love it: When it comes to face contours, there aren't many that match up against the Milk Makeup Sculpt Stick. In fact, this cool, matte mini product uses the nourishing benefits of thyme extract while it builds natural-looking shadows that complement your complexion. Check out our full review here.
Enjoy extra savings while shopping for the best cream contours using these Cult Beauty discount codes.
Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Contour Wand, £30, Charlotte Tilbury
Why we love it: Want to build a well-contoured look? Say no more – this lightweight and blendable bestseller product from Charlotte Tilbury is an easy way to achieve that in just minutes. No need to watch endless tutorials either – this cream formula is easy to use, making it perfect for both beginners and makeup artists alike.
NYX Professional Makeup Wonder Stick Highlight and Contour Stick, £11, LookFantastic
Why we love it: This 2-in-1 wonder stick is a real space saver for your handbag. Combining both a cream highlighter and a contour product, the lighter shade can help brighten your makeup look and create a dewy glow while the darker shade sculpts your jawline, cheekbones and hairline as you see fit. Did we mention it has a vegan and cruelty-free formula too?
Save more when shopping for the best cream contours using our LookFantastic discount codes.
Fenty Beauty Match Stix Matte Skinstick, £23, Boots
Why we love it: This versatile and compact product can conceal, correct and contour all at once. And it does so while being available in 20 different contour shades – take that, bulky contour kits and cream contour palettes. It has a buildable cream-to-powder formula that's weightless and is super easy to blend – what's not to love?
Looking to save some money? Take a look at our Boots discount codes while you shop for the best cream contours.
Fenty Beauty Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Bronzer, £29, Boots
Why we love it: You can aaalways count on Fenty Beauty to have a wider shade range than its competitors. With 7 different sheer, buildable tints to choose from, this versatile bronzer / cream contour has a lightweight formula that creates a sculpted look with a long-lasting and water-resistant finish. Thanks, RiRi.
Looking to save some money? Take a look at our Boots discount codes while you shop for the best cream contours.
Clinique Chubby Stick Sculpting Contour, WAS £24 NOW £21.60, LookFantastic
Why we love it: Styling on-the-go has never been easier, thanks to this simple twist-up design that reminds us of our favourite lipsticks. This product has an oil-free formula that's perfect for accentuating your cheekbones and other facial contours – all you need to do is pop off the cap and glide it over your skin before blending out with a makeup sponge or a contouring brush.
Save more when shopping for the best cream contours using our LookFantastic discount codes.
Huda Beauty Tantour Contour & Bronzer Cream, £31, Cult Beauty
Why we love it: This cream-to-powder contour cream from Huda Beauty is highly pigmented and applies like a dream. It's both sweat- and water-resistant too, meaning your efforts won't be in vain even during hot summer evenings – after all, who actually likes having to do touch-ups? Not us. Definitely one for the wishlist.
Enjoy extra savings while shopping for the best cream contours using these Cult Beauty discount codes.
e.l.f. Cosmetics Putty Bronzer, £6, Amazon
Why we love it: Lightweight, non-greasy, highly pigmented and incredibly affordable. This hydrating bronzer / cream contour from e.l.f. features vitamin E and argan oil, which help keep your skin in tip-top shape throughout the day. In other words, no need to break the bank on contour makeup just to be able to create a jaw-dropping look.
Make sure to check out our Amazon voucher codes to save money at checkout.
KIKO Milano Sculpting Touch Creamy Stick Contour, £11.49, Amazon
Why we love it: Enriched with African walnut oil and soothing pistachio extract, this compact product is one of the best contour sticks out there, providing great coverage and a matte finish. This shaping stick is also dermatologically tested and non-comedogenic (meaning it's proven not to clog up your pores), which is always a plus in our book.
Make sure to check out our Amazon discount codes.
REFY Cream Bronzer, £18, REFY Beauty
Why we love it: This REFY Cream Bronzer offers a natural, velvety finish that's buildable and allows you to add more warm undertones to your overall look. It's tested on all skin types and skin tones too, meaning you shouldn't have much trouble picking the right shade for you.
Rare Beauty Warm Wishes Effortless Bronzer, £25, Space NK
Why we love it: Thanks to Selena Gomez's Rare Beauty, you can now create a sun-kissed shimmer in just minutes. This product has a creamy yet weightless texture that doesn't feel cakey and won't clog up your pores – all-in-all, perfect if you're looking to achieve that trending ‘your skin but better’ look.
Victoria Beckham Beauty Contour Stylus, £32, Victoria Beckham Beauty
Why we love it: Continuing with the theme of successful celebrity makeup lines, we have Posh Spice and her beauty contour stylus. This slim crayon is relatively new in the market and we're already in love. It glides on smoothly with a creamy formula and can be worn on bare skin or layered over the rest of your makeup.
Vieve Modern Radiance Cream Bronzer, £31, Cult Beauty
Why we love it: A cream contour that provides natural, radiant finish that simply melts into your skin? Sign us up. Powered by the hydrating effects of squalane, avocado oil and vitamin E, this antioxidant-rich makeup product nourishes and smooths out your complexion while also protecting it from environmental aggressors such as pollution. We stan a responsible makeup routine.
Enjoy extra savings while shopping for the best cream contours using these Cult Beauty discount codes.
