The Active Edit

5 Best Contour Palette to Sculpt Your Face Like A Pro

written by: Kristen - Beauty Editorpublished on 21 Mar, 2024

Contouring is always on trend, but it's tough to know which contouring products are best for you, or even how to do it right.

We've rounded up the five best contour makeup & kit options for every skin type, shade, and contouring skill level, because everyone deserves the definition and glow of a great contouring job. Whether you're just starting to explore contouring or are an expert in this space, these palettes give you something to get excited about. 

1) Youngblood Mineral Radiance

No matter your skin tone, the Youngblood Mineral Radiance palette has exactly the shades you need for contouring and highlighting your face. With a generous choice of 4 shades to contour and highlight all in one convenient package, this is one of the best contour palette options for people that enjoy various uses when it comes to contouring. Select the darker shade to sweep under cheekbones and temples, try the lightest shade above the lip’s cupid’s bow then swish all over the palette for a warm flush and glow across the apples of the cheeks. Plus, the formula is all natural mineral with the most delicate shimmer so you never have to worry about clogged pores or breakouts.
Tip: Blend the shades for your most custom, fitted hue, and embrace the natural but defined and countered look!
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2) Napoleon Perdis The Ultimate Contour Palette

Everything you need in one compact case, the Napoleon Perdis The Ultimate Contour Palette is the best contour palette on the go and for travel. With a bronzer, a blush, and a shimmering highlighter in the one compact, contouring becomes as simple as 1,2,3 (and we're all for making contouring easy). Get a natural glow thanks to the hydrating marine extracts and no parabens, because this is one palette you can feel good about applying.
Tip: This is the easiest and fastest palette to use! Simply use the darkest shade under your cheekbones and around your temples, swipe the blush lightly on the apples of your cheeks, and top with the gorgeous highlighter on top of your cheekbones for a healthy radiance.
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3) Jane Iredale PureBronze Matte Bronzer Refill

When you want a weightless and matter finish from your contouring, look no further than the Jane Iredale PureBronze Matte Bronzer and refillable compact to impart the perfect naturally sculpted effect for your makeup look. The all natural pure minerals won’t crease or settle into pores thanks to the ultra-fine formulation that is also great for sensitive skins and 100% non-comedogenic. Furthermore, this divine mineral contouring bronzer imparts a radiant and natural looking warmth as it helps create dimension over the face to bring your best features forward.
Tip: Try this with the specially designed Jane Iredale Contour Brush or Blending/Contouring Brush for your best contouring results that takes just minutes to achieve.
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4) Eye Of Horus Complexion Duo Luminate

The best contour palette for blendable shades, is the Eye of Horus Complexion Duo Luminate. This dual shade palette makes it incredibly easy to layer and build the powder shades for your perfect look. Who says lighter tones can't use contouring kits? With this duo, you can achieve a subtle, natural contouring that gives you just enough definition and glow.
Tip: These shades go on effortlessly, which is a blessing! Slowly build and blend them to your desired shade and depth for a seamless contour.
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5) Inika Organic Baked Contour Duo

This gorgeous, convenient compact is perfect for slipping in your purse for midday touch ups, or for keeping on your vanity for a luxe beauty product that meets all your contouring needs. With dual shade options to suit your skin tone, the Inika Organic Baked Contour Duo makes it easy to mix and match shades or blend together for a custom shade that's all your own. Plus, the contrasting shades allow depth and dimension for the face via a lightweight and sheer veil of products.
Tip: Get a healthy glow by blending together both shades, or use each one individually for simple, quick contouring and highlighting.
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Whether you're a mascara and lip balm type of person, or consider yourself a budding makeup pro, the best contouring products above are ready for you to find your most natural, defined glow yet. From full palettes with multiple shade options to sleek and discrete compacts, we've pulled the very best options to suit your needs to have you sculpting like a pro from the comfort of your home or in the car before a date. Say goodbye to a dull, uneven skin, and hello to a fresh, radiant complexion that will net you some serious compliments. These five contouring makeup products are your best-kept secret to skin that looks like you just came back from a tropical vacation, but don't worry – we won't tell!