Perhaps in our next life, we’d want to be part of the Kardashian klan, because hardly anyone can command a following so loyal — that products from their various business ventures can hardly keep themselves in stock. The most recent case in point: Kim’s Contour Kits from her KKW Beauty line. Did it crash the Internet? Well, almost — considering how an estimated amount of 300,000 kits in her inventory sold out in 2.5 hours, ringing in a hefty US$14 million. And that’s just one marketing success that banked on what her fans knew her best for — chiselled cheek bones and highlighted under-eyes.
We have to admit though, it hardly mattered to us that her contour kits sold out in a finger snap; considering that dual-ended contour sticks aren’t exactly revolutionary in the beauty world, especially when we’re in a stage where innovative beauty is on trend. Like Kylie’s Lip Kits, we’re more often than not just paying for the name of these beauty moguls, but it is what it is, KKW Beauty is officially sold out. We assure you though, you’ve hardly missed out on anything, because there’s a big, big world of dual-ended contour sticks out there.
NYX Wonder Stick
$22, available at NYX stores, Sephora and on sephora.sg
The Wonder Stick by NYX comes very close to the one by KKW Beauty in terms of the sheerness of the kit’s formula. Watch the many reviews by beauty vloggers on YouTube, and you’d see that Kim’s contour sticks blend out to a soft, diffused sheen of colour. And NYX’s one makes for a great starter product for amateur beauty junkies who are just dipping their toes into the world of contour and highlight.
PÜR Cosmetics Cameo Contour Stick
US$39.50, available on purcosmetics.com
The chubby girth of PÜR’s Cameo Contour Stick makes it incredibly easily to carve and contour larger portions of your face, such as the forehead, cheekbones and jawline. And because of the creamy and pigmented formula, contouring and highlighting is really made into a one-swipe-wonder. On top of that, there are light-reflecting microspheres in both sides so that even more dimension will be added to your face, in addition to the contouring effort. But rest assured, the formula still goes on matte on your skin to mimic actual shadow and light.
Wet N Wild MegaGlo Dual-Ended Contour Stick
US$4.99, available on wetnwildbeauty.com
While reviewers have lamented that this offering by Wet N Wild isn’t as creamy as how they’ll like their contour sticks to be, the waxy formula might actually be useful for folks who tend to over pile on pigment on their faces. Use this product sparingly, and after buffing it out you’ll end up with a natural-looking contour, which is great as an everyday look.
NARS Sculpting Multiple Duo Stick
$60, available at the NARS store and counters, Sephora and on sephora.sg
Can’t be arsed to get your hands on two different pans of product for contour and highlight? Check out NARS’ Sculpting Multiple Duo Stick then, where the brand has combined cult-favourite shades together to create the ultimate sculpting stick. Just like PÜR, the thicker width of the product allows pigment to easily glide across your face. These don’t set down to a fully matte finish, but rather, a satin one, so you’ll have to expect a teeny bit of sheen. Folks with medium skin tones will be pleased to know that the combination of Hot Sand + Laguna has been a fan-favourite among troves of beauty gurus.
Nudestix Sculpting Pencil
$37, available at Sephora and sephora.sg
If you’re looking for a subtle contour and highlight product for an everyday look, then the Sculpting Pencil by Nudestix might just be the one you’re looking for. The dual-ended pencil doesn’t possess high and full coverage pigment, but rather, just a soft flush of colour for a barely-there, fresh-faced look. It’s nothing too intense, and this will make for a great starter kit for beginners.
Maybelline V-Face Duo Stick
$19.90, available at Watsons, Guardian and major department stores
It’s a pity that the Maybelline V-Face Duo Stick comes only in two shades — medium and dark — because the product does really translate to a rather lovely finish on the skin. The contour side of the stick glides on creamy and sets matte, while the highlight end has fine sparkle specks in it, for added brightness along the areas that require highlighting. They are easily blend-able, and dry down lightweight.
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