Get Snatched With These Pro-Worthy Contour Palettes

Contouring transitioned from a backstage, makeup-artist-only sculpting tactic to a drag queen staple to a full-fledged, daily craze for beauty junkies. The process of sculpting, highlighting, and by the same token, deemphasizing certain features and angles of your face can seem like a rather complicated process, especially for those new to the technique. Thankfully, using the best contour palettes for your skin tone (and skill level!) can help streamline and simplify the act of sculpting, and hopefully help you put your best face forward each time.

The Best Contour Palettes

How to Shop

• Finish: Before selecting a palette, you'll have to decide what type is right for you. Those with oilier skin may want to opt for a powder contour palette, like the Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kit. On the other hand, those with drier skin may want to consider a cream contour palette or contour sticks, such as the Black Radiance True Complexion Creme Contour Palette and e.l.f. Cosmetics Cream Contour Palette. Then, decide whether you prefer more of a matte or shine-free look or a shimmery contour.

• Shades: Once you've landed on a finish, consider skin tone. Unfortunately, with contour palettes, there are even fewer options than there are with foundation or concealer. Typically they run light/medium and medium/dark, but if you aren't sure where you fall, read the reviews and site descriptions to help you determine your shade when ordering online.

• Purpose: Finally, decide whether you want a contour palette with only the basics (a highlighter and bronzer) or more (like blush, color corrector, in-between powder shades, etc.). If it’s replacing multiple products in your routine, consider a larger palette, including the Maybelline New York Master Contour Face Contouring Kit.

How We Chose

For our guide, we included highly coveted contour palettes, as well as some niche winners that have everything you need to highlight and define your features, all while elevating your everyday makeup look. We prioritized contour palettes available in multiple shades to ensure you can find products that work for your beautiful skin tone. We also considered formulation, so you can find options that are great for your skin type and the finish you're looking for.

Our beauty editor, Nicole Saunders, also read through hundreds of online reviews on retailers like Amazon, Ulta, and Nordstrom to ensure these products are legit worth your hard-earned coins. And speaking of money, we have good news for anyone who's frugal: Our most affordable contour palette costs just under $8!

These are the beauty editor-approved contour palettes we think genuinely deserve a spot in your daily beauty routine and are all waiting to be added to your cart. Never be confuddled by contour again!