<
Additionally, Mehta suggests building and blending the product “gradually, not all at once,” starting with short strokes and contouring into the skin to “soften harsh lines.” She also says, “Always blend up, not down. That way your face doesn’t get pulled down and you don’t get muddy cheeks.”
All of this information may seem overwhelming, but the art of contouring is actually quite simple. “When applying liquid outlines, apply the liquid to the areas you want to create [a] Shadows – just below your cheekbones, on the nostrils, on the top of your head and on your chin,” says Kaye. Also remember that liquid contours can be blended in three ways: with your fingers, a beauty sponge, or a brush.
For a more subtle look, your fingers are your best tool; However, for more defined results, a brush or sponge is ideal. According to Mehta, the best way to brush up the contour is to start with short strokes and always blend up rather than down. That way, she explains, “your face doesn’t get pulled down and you don’t end up with muddy cheeks.”
Now that you have the full rundown of liquid outlines, let’s check them all out allure picks for the best liquid contours on the market that are both buildable and beginner-friendly – from drugstore picks to luxe favorites that will chisel your complexion to perfection.
Mehta loves the ease of use of the Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Contour Wand, winner of the 2022 Best of Beauty Award. “The built-in applicator makes it easy to apply and the creamy formula makes it blend like a dream,” she says Curls. Depending on your skin tone, opt for the shade Fair/Medium or Medium/Dark. Either way, this creamy contour product will have you looking oh-so-radiant.
The Giorgio Armani A-Contour Liquid is a staple in Gerstein’s gear. “It has a nice slip that makes it easy to work with and a slightly more conservative amount of pigment, so it’s ideal for those who are afraid of overdoing it.” Despite Gerstein’s rave review, it’s worth noting that this liquid contour only comes in two shade options, 20 and 21, but we hope the brand expands to include a wider range of different shades.
Gabbay especially loves Milani’s Conceal + Perfect Liquid Contour for its wallet-friendly price. She also points out the easy-to-use sponge-tipped applicator, which she says “applies directly to the cheekbones, jawline and bridge of the nose to create a perfect contour every time.” Choose from four shades to show off your glam.
Bhatty recommends Rare Beauty’s Liquid Touch Brightening Concealer for its “airy and light” formula, which comes in a rich 48 shades. It’s even enriched with glycerin and vitamin E-rich sunflower oil, which is an added bonus in our book, as these ingredients have moisturizing properties and are great for dry skin. Also, this concealer is paraben-free, making it an excellent choice for sensitive skin types.
According to Kaye, the Tarte Shape Tape Concealer is also a Curls Editor’s favorite and three-time Readers’ Choice Award winner, doubles as an excellent liquid contour to finish off any makeup look. In terms of application, the makeup artist suggests “using a sponge to work this product into the skin [a] contoured look.” And with a broad color palette that ranges 44 deep, you’re almost guaranteed to find your perfect contour match.
For edgy cheekbones, swipe on Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear All Over Concealer in seconds. This 2022 Best of Beauty Award winner features a matte finish and a nourishing formula enriched with moisturizing glycerin and fatty acid-rich moringa seeds that glide over the skin. Buyers can choose from 20 shades in light, medium, and deep skin tones.
Gerstein likes that the KVD Beauty ModCon Long-Wear Hydrating Liquid-Gel Contour “comes in a variety of shades and undertones.” She also highlights the blendable and weightless formula, which she says is “great for layering under a powder bronzer when you want even more depth.” As a bonus, the liquid contour is also enriched with glycerin to help skin retain moisture.
Nyx Professional Makeup’s Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Contour Concealer comes in 24 shades and offers 24-hour wear, so your contour stays in place all day (and night). Its creamy, waterproof formula is cruelty-free and so highly pigmented that a small amount really goes a long way. Oh, and did we mention it’s available for under $10?
Contour effortlessly with Too Faced’s Born This Way Super Coverage Multi-Use Sculpting Concealer. Its full-coverage, long-wearing formula — which lasts up to 12 hours and comes in nearly 40 shades — is both oil-free and non-comedogenic, making it a solid choice for acne-prone skin. The diamond-shaped deer foot applicator is also ideal for working out cheekbones and the chin area.