Cream contour sticks are the easiest way to add shape to your face without powder. They glide on, blend with a brush, sponge or fingers, and melt into skin for a natural, skin-like shadow. Sticks like Westman Atelier Face Trace, Makeup by Mario SoftSculpt and budget options from Wet n Wild all work the same way. Here's where to put it, how to blend it and the order that keeps it from looking patchy.
Key takeaways
- Apply cream contour after foundation and concealer, but before any powder.
- Pick a shade 1 to 2 shades deeper than your skin with a neutral or slightly cool undertone, so it looks like a shadow, not a tan.
- Draw short lines in the hollows of the cheeks, along the jaw and at the temples, then blend upward.
- Start with less. It's much easier to add a second layer than to remove a heavy line.
In this guide
Contour stick vs bronzer stick
| Contour | Bronzer | |
|---|---|---|
| Goal | Creates shadow and shape | Adds warmth, like a light tan |
| Undertone | Neutral to cool, slightly grey-brown | Warm, golden or red-brown |
| Where it goes | Under the cheekbones, jaw, temples, sides of the nose | Where the sun hits: tops of cheeks, forehead, nose bridge |
| Finish | Usually matte | Matte or slightly glowy |
Many people use one stick for both. If you only have a warm bronzer stick, keep the placement soft and blend it out more so it doesn't look orange in the hollows.
How to apply a cream contour stick, step by step
Prep and base first
Moisturize, let it sink in, then apply foundation, skin tint or concealer. Contour goes on top of your base.
Find your cheekbone hollow
Suck in your cheeks lightly or feel for the bone with your finger. The contour sits just under the bone, starting near the top of the ear.
Draw a short line
Swipe the stick from your ear toward the middle of your cheek, stopping around the outer corner of your eye. Don't bring it toward the mouth, that drags the face down.
Add the jaw and temples
Trace a line just under the jawbone and a small C-shape at the temples, near the hairline.
Blend upward
Use a dense brush, damp sponge or fingertips and blend in small upward motions. Blend the edges until there's no visible line.
Set lightly if needed
On oily skin, press a little translucent powder over the contour. On dry skin you can skip this.
Want to see it done? Creator @aishapotters has a full cream contour stick application video, and @alishasapproach uses the Westman Atelier Face Trace stick in her everyday steps.
Where to place contour for your face shape
| Face shape | Focus on | Go easy on |
|---|---|---|
| Round | Slightly longer cheek lines angled up, jaw and temples | The center of the face |
| Square | Corners of the jaw and temples to soften angles | Long, straight cheek lines |
| Oval | A soft cheek line and light touch at the temples | Heavy jaw contour |
| Heart | Temples and the sides of the forehead | The chin and lower jaw |
| Long | Hairline and under the chin to shorten the face | Long vertical lines |
Common contour stick mistakes
- Applying it over powder, which makes cream products patchy.
- Picking a shade that's too warm or too dark.
- Drawing the cheek line too low or all the way to the mouth.
- Swiping the brush back and forth instead of blending upward, which moves the base underneath.
- Forgetting to blend down onto the neck when contouring the jaw.
Budget sticks work just as well with the right technique. For example, @itsbabykelz used the Wet n Wild MegaGlo Contour Stick in a drugstore makeup challenge, and @emilyheal_ used a Makeup by Mario stick for a clean girl look.
Frequently asked questions
Do you put a contour stick on before or after foundation?
After. Apply foundation and concealer first, then contour, then powder products like blush or setting powder.
Should I blend a contour stick with a brush or a sponge?
Both work. A dense brush gives the most sculpted result, a damp sponge gives the softest, and fingers warm the cream so it melts in quickly.
Is Makeup by Mario the same as Mario Badescu?
No. Makeup by Mario is the makeup brand behind the SoftSculpt contour products. Mario Badescu is a separate skincare brand known for its facial sprays and drying lotion.
Can I use a contour stick without foundation?
Yes. On bare or lightly moisturized skin it blends easily and gives a very natural shadow. Use a lighter hand since there's no base to soften it.
Can a cream contour stick go on oily skin?
Yes. Use a thin layer, blend well and press a little translucent powder on top to help it last.
This guide is for general information only and isn't medical advice. If you have a skin condition or a reaction to a product, talk to a dermatologist.
More guides in How to Use
