Want to enhance your natural beauty with sculpted, defined features? Contour sticks are a versatile makeup tool for both subtle, everyday looks and more glam, dramatic effects. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essentials of contour sticks, provide a step-by-step application process, and highlight common mistakes to avoid. Unlock the secrets to a flawless, contoured look with Anastasia Beverly Hills! Understanding Contour Sticks Contour sticks are designed to enhance the structure of your face by creating the look of natural-looking shadows. Unlike traditional powders or creams, contour sticks offer a creamy texture that glide effortlessly onto skin, making them easy to blend and build as desired. Contour sticks are particularly beginner-friendly, since they allow for more precise application and control, with effortless, seamless blending. Compared to loose powders or liquid contour formulas, they are more versatile to use with other makeup products, and are essentially mess-free and easier for travel. Benefits of Using Contour Sticks The benefits of using a contour stick are plentiful for beginners. The creamy formulation is buildable, blendable, and glides on smoothly. It can be built up gradually, allowing you to create a contoured look that suits your comfort level, applied to different areas of the face with ease and precision. Contour sticks are usually packaged in a convenient twist-up format, eliminating the necessity for brushes to allow application to be quick and intuitive. This ease of use makes it an ideal choice for those just starting to explore the world of contouring, or people who love an innovative formula. Choosing The Best Contour Stick Shade Choosing the right contour shade for your skin tone is crucial to achieving a natural look with your contour stick. Generally, you want to select a shade that is one to two shades darker than your foundation or natural skin tone for contouring and a shade that is one to two shades lighter for highlighting. For warm undertones, opt for contour sticks with golden or peachy hues, while cool undertones are best complemented by taupe or ash-toned shades. By selecting the right contour shades, you can effortlessly sculpt your features and enhance your overall makeup look. Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply Contour Sticks Step 1: Before diving into the art of contouring, it's essential to prep your skin for a flawless finish. Start with a clean, moisturized face to create a smooth canvas. Apply a primer suited to your skin type, which will help your contour stick glide on effortlessly and last throughout the day. If you have oily skin, opt for a mattifying primer; for dry skin, a hydrating primer will do wonders. Step 2: Let’s get into basic application techniques for contouring your face. Choose a contour stick that complements your skin tone (see section above for choosing the best contour stick shade). For beginners, apply the contour stick in a few key areas: along the sides of your nose, under your cheekbones, and along your jawline. You can also add a touch to your forehead to create dimension. Use light strokes to avoid harsh lines, and remember, less is more when you’re starting out! More professional skill levels can work with different shades and application techniques.   Step 3: The final step is blending for that seamless finish. Using a damp makeup sponge, clean finger, or a brush, gently blend the contour into your skin. Start at the edges of the contour and work your way inwards, using a tapping motion to ensure a natural look. For a softer effect, you can also blend upwards towards your hairline and downwards towards your neck. Take your time with this step, as proper blending is key to achieving a beautifully blurred, professional finish. With these tips, you'll master the contour stick in no time! Common Mistakes With Contour to Avoid When diving into the world of contouring with a contour stick, beginners often make a few common mistakes that can hinder their results. One of the most prevalent errors is over-applying the product. To avoid this, start with a small amount and build gradually. Remember, it’s easier to add more product than to take it away. A good rule of thumb is to apply your contour stick in thin lines, focusing on key areas like the hollows of the cheeks, the sides of the nose, and along the jawline. Blend well to create a seamless look. Another mistake is choosing the wrong undertones. Contour sticks come in various shades, and it’s crucial to select one that complements your skin tone. If you have warm undertones, opt for a contour stick with a warm, golden hue. Cooler undertones should lean towards shades that have a cooler, taupe-like finish. Testing the product on your jawline in natural light can help you find the perfect match. Remember, application errors can happen to anyone. If you notice harsh lines or uneven blending, don’t panic! You can correct these mistakes by using a damp makeup sponge or a clean brush to blend out the edges gently. This will help soften any harsh lines and create a more natural finish. Remember, practice makes perfect, and with these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to mastering contouring with your Anastasia Beverly Hills contour stick. Shop Smooth Blur Contour Stick

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