Best Contouring Makeup For Dark Skin (2024 Update)
Finding the right contouring makeup products for dark skin can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be! With so many options on the market, it’s important to keep a few key factors in mind when shopping for contour powders, creams and kits.
First, pay attention to undertones. Since darker skin has richer, warmer undertones, contours with similar earthy reddish-brown shades will look most natural. Ashy, grey-based contours are best avoided, as they can appear chalky or fake against darker complexions. The texture of the product is also key – creams and liquids blend seamlessly into skin, while baked or powder formulas work well if they are finely milled with no visible glitter particles.
It’s also crucial to consider your specific needs and skill level. Beginners may want to choose a contour kit with a few versatile shades and easy to use applicators. Those with oily skin tend to prefer powder contours that last all day without fading or transferring. And don’t forget to check reviews to ensure the product doesn’t oxidize or cause flashback in photos.
Finding your perfect contour for dark skin is definitely achievable with a bit of knowledge about undertones, textures and formulas. Doing your research will ensure you select a high quality product that flatters your beautiful complexion. Let the sculpting begin!
10 Best Contouring Makeup For Dark Skin
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It is an ideal palette for highlighting and contouring facial features, providing a professional finish to makeup application.
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The product is ideal for illuminating, brightening, and contouring with a blendable and buildable palette suitable for dark skin tones.
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Ideal for makeup enthusiasts looking for a vegan and cruelty-free contouring foundation/concealer palette with step-by-step instructions.
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This product is ideal for adding definition and sculpting features with a variety of highlighters and contour shades.
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The product is ideal for contouring and highlighting the face with a light to medium skin tone.
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The product is ideal for adding dimension and definition to the face through highlighting and contouring.
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The product is ideal for contouring and shaping the face with its unique stick formula.
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It is ideal for those looking for a complete contour and highlighting makeup kit with accompanying brushes.
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Ideal for contouring and highlighting facial features, providing a flawless finish with easy-to-follow instructions.
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10
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The product is ideal for concealing, correcting, and contouring with a light shade range.
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1. Nyx Professional Makeup Highlight & Contour Pro Palette
The NYX Professional Makeup Highlight and Contour Pro Palette is the perfect tool for achieving a sculpted and highlighted look. This versatile palette comes with eight refillable shades of creamy colors that can be customized to suit individual preferences. Whether you want to create a subtle or dramatic effect, this contouring palette has got you covered.
With the NYX Professional Makeup Highlight and Contour Pro Palette, you can easily sculpt and highlight like a pro. The eight creamy shades can be layered, blended, and defined to accentuate your best features. The refillable feature of the palette ensures that you always have your favorite shades at hand.
Complete your makeup look with NYX's full line of face products that aid in color correction and coverage. From concealer, blush, bronzer, foundations, and contouring to palettes and powders, there is something for everyone.
NYX Professional Makeup is a cruelty-free brand that believes animals belong in our arms, not in a lab. All of their makeup is certified and acknowledged by PETA, which means none of their products are tested on animals. You can enjoy using these high-quality products with the peace of mind that comes with knowing they are ethically produced.
Discover the full range of NYX Professional Makeup products today, from eyeshadow, eyeliner, and false lashes to liquid lipstick, lip gloss, primer, concealer, setting sprays, and eyebrow makeup. With NYX, you can achieve a flawless and professional look every time.
2. Glo Skin Beauty Dark Contour Palette: Illuminate, Blendable.
The Contour Kit is the go-to palette for mastering the art of light and shadow. This blendable and buildable contouring palette is designed to sculpt and define the face, enhancing features and creating dimension for a flawless look.
Featuring four powder shades, this contouring palette allows you to create a customized contour statement that is uniquely your own. The blendable and buildable formulas allow for a softly subtle or more dramatically chiseled look, perfect for any occasion, day or night.
The Contour Kit includes two contour and two highlight powder shades, each with two shade options. The palette also comes with a contouring and highlighting step-by-step guide on the inside cover to help you achieve the perfect look.
Glo Skin Beauty is committed to delivering on the promise of healthy, beautiful skin. Their innovative skincare and nourishing mineral makeup collections work together seamlessly to reveal your authentic best. With the Contour Kit, you can achieve a flawless, sculpted look that enhances your natural beauty.
Crafted with precision and expertise, this contouring palette is an essential tool for anyone looking to elevate their makeup game. The Contour Kit is perfect for beginners and experts alike, providing a flawless finish that lasts all day. Try it today and see the difference it can make in your beauty routine.
3. Aesthetica's Contour & Highlight Makeup Kit
The Aesthetica Cosmetics Cream Contour Kit is a must-have for anyone who wants to achieve the perfect contour look. This palette contains 6 silky creams that are highly pigmented and blendable, allowing for a flawless, airbrushed effect. The kit includes 3 cream foundation/concealer shades for contouring and 3 illuminating creams for highlighting, all of which can be mixed and matched to create the perfect blend for your skin tone.
To help you contour like a pro, the kit includes step-by-step instructions, face shape diagrams, and a contour mapping guide. These tools make it easy to create the illusion of higher cheekbones, a smaller forehead, a softer jawline, or a slimmer nose while drawing light to the areas you want to highlight.
The Aesthetica Cream Contour Kit is specially formulated using the highest quality, non-irritating ingredients. This formula is free from Talc and Parabens, making it suitable for all ages and skin types, including dry, oily, or combination skin. Additionally, all of the products in the kit are 100% Vegan, Cruelty-free & Gluten-free, so you can contour with a clean conscience.
This sleek, travel-friendly mirrored palette is perfect for everyday use or for special occasions. The removable and refillable pans make it easy to replace your favorite shades when you run out. For best results, blend the creams with the Aesthetica Beauty Sponge Blender.
4. Revolutionary Vegan Contour Palette With Highlighters
Achieve a stunning and defined facial structure with the ultimate collection of face powders. This highly pigmented palette offers 8 diverse shades ranging from peachy pink to beige and coffee brown, allowing for a buildable intensity of color that works well on all skin tones. The colors blend effortlessly, providing a flawless and natural finish.
This palette is vegan and does not contain any animal-derived ingredients, making it a perfect choice for those who prefer cruelty-free products. Revolution Beauty is PETA-certified and never allows animal testing at any stage of development for both ingredients and final products.
To use the palette, apply the contour shades to the hollows of the cheekbones and the perimeters of the face. Sweep the highlighter shades over the tops of the cheeks, brow bones, and cupid’s bow for sculpted and contoured features.
Enhance your natural beauty with this high-quality powder palette.
5. Smashbox Step By Step Contour Kit With Light Medium Brush, Brown, 4 Oz
This product is proudly made in China and is identified by the model number SMA29. The item package dimensions measure 3.0 inches in length, 4.0 inches in width, and 3.0 inches in height. It has a weight of 2.0 pounds, making it easy to handle and transport. These parameters provide a clear idea of the product's size and weight, giving the buyer an idea of what to expect upon delivery.
6. Nyx Professional Makeup Cream Highlight & Contour Palette, Light
The NYX Professional Makeup Cream Highlight & Contour Palette is a must-have for anyone looking to enhance their natural features. The palette includes three silky shades that work together seamlessly to help users contour, highlight, and illuminate their best features.
Enriched with skin-loving ingredients, the luxe cream formulas in this palette help to create a soft and smooth complexion. Whether you're looking to sculpt your cheekbones, slim your nose, or define your jawline, this highlight & contour palette has everything you need to achieve a flawless look.
NYX Professional Makeup offers a full line of face products to complete your makeup look. From color-correction and coverage to blush, bronzer, foundation, and contouring concealer, this brand has everything you need to create the perfect canvas. Their palettes, powders, and setting sprays are ideal for those seeking a polished, finished look.
The brand is committed to cruelty-free cosmetics, with all of their products certified by PETA. They firmly believe that animals belong in our arms, not in a lab, and do not test any of their products on animals. You can feel confident using NYX Professional Makeup products, knowing that no animals were harmed in the process.
Discover the world of NYX Professional Makeup and try their range of professional makeup and beauty products today. From eyeshadow, eyeliner, mascara, and false lashes to lipstick, foundation, primer, blush, bronzer, brushes, and more, this brand has everything you need to achieve your desired look.
7. Nyx Professional Makeup Wonder Stick, Face Shaping & Contouring Stick – Universal Light
Introducing the Wonder Stick – a versatile makeup tool that simplifies the art of contouring and highlighting. This dual-ended stick is designed to cater to all skin types and to blend effortlessly for a natural finish. As a bonus, it is vegan and cruelty-free.
The Wonder Stick streamlines the contouring and highlighting process, making it easy for anyone to achieve a flawless finish. The deeper shade is perfect for sculpting the face's natural curves, while the lighter shade adds a luminous glow to the highest points of the face.
NYX Professional Makeup offers a full range of face products that complements the Wonder Stick. Whether it's concealer, blush, bronzer, foundation, or powder, NYX has got you covered. With their products, correcting skin tone and achieving perfect coverage has never been easier.
NYX Professional Makeup is a cruelty-free brand that believes in the ethical treatment of animals. Their products are certified and acknowledged by PETA, so you can be sure that no animals were harmed during the making of their makeup.
If you're looking to explore more makeup options, NYX Professional Makeup has an extensive collection of products. From eyeshadows, eyeliners, and false lashes to liquid lipsticks, lip glosses, primers, concealers, setting sprays, and eyebrow makeup, they have it all.
With the Wonder Stick and NYX Professional Makeup, you can effortlessly achieve a flawless, cruelty-free makeup look.
8. Pure Vie Contour And Highlight Makeup Set
The Pure Vie Makeup Contour Kit is a full coverage concealer that effectively conceals and corrects skin imperfections such as dark circles, acne, and blemishes, giving you a creaseless finish. With this kit, you can create an illusion of higher cheekbones, a smaller forehead, a softer jawline, or a slimmer nose while highlighting areas that you desire. The concealer is highly moisturizing and has a long-lasting effect of up to 24 hours, ensuring that you have a flawless matte finish throughout the day.
This multi-use formula is made of high-quality natural ingredients that are gentle on the skin and suitable for all skin types. It contains multiple moisturizing extracts that give your skin a natural and delicate look. You can use this concealer as a layer of medium to full and buildable coverage under your makeup application or wear it on your entire face.
The ultra-creamy texture of this makeup glides on easily and seamlessly blends into the skin for an attractive all-day coverage. You can apply a small amount of the concealer under your eyes and anywhere you need extra coverage, using the precision doe foot applicator provided. Blend it well for a crease-free, undetectable finish.
The kit comes with a high-quality brush set that includes a dense foundation brush, a fluffy powder brush, an angled contour brush, a concealer brush, a tapered highlight brush, and a blush brush. The bristles of the brushes are made of high-grade synthetic bristles, which are very soft and gentle on the skin. It is crucial to maintain your brushes by regularly cleaning them with a brush cleaner and allowing them to dry naturally to prolong their lifespan.
The concealer palette's packaging is lightweight and stylish, making it an ideal gift choice for your loved ones. It includes the most commonly applied shades, ensuring the best skin color match. Whether it’s for party makeup, casual makeup, wedding makeup, or any other occasion, this kit is perfect for all your base makeup needs. It is a practical and good-looking gift that anyone would appreciate.
9. Contours Made Easy: Aesthetica Highlighting Palette
This contouring kit comes with a detailed step-by-step instruction guide and face shape diagrams to help you achieve your desired look easily. The kit includes three (3) matte foundation powders for contouring and three (3) illuminating powders for highlighting. The contour shades are darker and ideal for defining your features while downplaying problem areas. On the other hand, the highlighting shades are lighter and perfect for enhancing your natural beauty.
This kit is designed to help make your face look more chiseled and structured without appearing overly dramatic or thick. It is perfect for everyday makeup application or special occasions. The even, flawless tone it provides helps thin down and soften the face while defining the cheekbones and jawline, narrowing the nose, creating fuller lips, lifting saggy eyes, minimizing large foreheads, and enhancing the appearance of small eyes.
This contouring kit is suitable for Fair, Light, and Medium skin tones, skin types, and all ages! The product is 100% cruelty-free and vegan, making it a perfect choice for those who care about animal welfare. The powders are removable and refillable, making it an eco-friendly option as well.
10. Nyx Professional Makeup Conceal, Correct, Contour Palette, Light, 0.05 Ounce
The Ultimate Color Correcting Concealer Palette is a game changer for those looking for a solution to conceal problem areas and visibly correct discolorations. This palette features six color correcting concealers that work together to provide a flawless finish.
The expertly chosen shades are designed to camouflage imperfections and discolorations while brightening and correcting skin tone. The light and medium shades work to conceal trouble spots, while the yellow and peach shades are perfect for dullness and dark circles. Green works to cover redness and purple and pink shades help to brighten.
Complete your makeup look with NYX Professional Makeup's full line of face products. From concealer to blush, bronzer, foundation, contouring, palettes, and powders, NYX has got you covered.
NYX Professional Makeup is dedicated to providing cruelty-free cosmetics. They believe that animals belong in our arms, not in a laboratory. All of their makeup is certified and acknowledged by PETA as a cruelty-free brand. They don't test any of their products on animals, so you can feel good about using their products.
Discover NYX Professional Makeup today and try all of their professional makeup products. From eyeshadow, eyeliner, and false lashes to liquid lipstick, lip gloss, primer, concealer, setting sprays, and eyebrow makeup, they have everything you need to complete your look.
Best Contouring Makeup For Dark Skin FAQs
Are cream or powder contouring products better for dark skin?
When it comes to contouring products, both cream and powder formulas can work well for dark skin. However, it ultimately depends on your personal preference and skin type.
Cream contour products tend to be more pigmented and blendable, which can make them a great choice for those with dry skin. They also allow for more precision when it comes to sculpting and defining the face.
Powder contour products, on the other hand, are often preferred by those with oily or combination skin, as they tend to be more mattifying and long-lasting. They can also be easier to apply for those who are new to contouring, as they require less blending and can be built up gradually.
Ultimately, it's important to choose a contouring product that works best for your individual skin type and needs. Experimenting with both cream and powder formulas can help you determine which one you prefer for achieving your desired look.
Can you recommend any affordable contouring makeup for dark skin?
Certainly, there are several affordable contouring makeup options available for dark skin. One great option is the Black Radiance True Complexion Contour Palette. This palette includes three shades specifically designed for contouring and highlighting on darker skin tones. It's also affordable and widely available at drugstores and online.
Another great option is the NYX Professional Makeup Highlight & Contour Pro Palette. This palette includes eight shades, four for contouring and four for highlighting, that work well on a variety of skin tones, including darker skin. It's also affordable and available at most drugstores and beauty supply stores.
Lastly, the Maybelline New York Facestudio Master Contour V-Shape Duo Stick is another affordable option for contouring on dark skin. This product comes in a convenient stick form with two shades, one for contouring and one for highlighting, and works well on darker skin tones.
Overall, there are many affordable options available for contouring on dark skin, and it's important to find a product with shades that match your specific skin tone for the best results.
Can you suggest any tutorials or guides for contouring dark skin?
Yes, absolutely! There are many tutorials and guides available online that can help you with contouring dark skin. Here are a few resources that you may find helpful:
1. YouTube: There are plenty of makeup artists on YouTube who specialize in working with darker skin tones. Some of the most popular channels include Jackie Aina, Alissa Ashley, and Nyma Tang. These creators often provide step-by-step tutorials on how to contour dark skin, as well as tips and tricks for achieving a flawless look.
2. Sephora: Sephora offers a range of makeup classes and tutorials, both online and in-store. You can visit their website or app to find classes specifically geared towards contouring dark skin, or speak to a makeup artist in-store for personalized guidance.
3. Makeup blogs and websites: There are many makeup bloggers and websites that provide detailed guides on how to contour dark skin. Some popular options include Byrdie, Refinery29, and Makeup.com.
Remember, the key to successful contouring is finding the right shades and products that work for your skin tone. Don't be afraid to experiment and try different techniques until you find what works best for you!
How can I find the right shade of contouring makeup for my dark skin?
Finding the right shade of contouring makeup for dark skin can be a bit of a challenge, but there are a few tips that can help you choose the perfect shade. Firstly, it's important to understand your undertone. Dark skin can have warm, cool, or neutral undertones, and knowing your undertone can help you choose a contouring shade that complements your skin.
Another tip is to look for contouring products that are specifically designed for dark skin. Many makeup brands now offer contouring palettes with shades that are specially formulated for deeper skin tones.
When trying out contouring shades, it's important to test them in natural light to see how they look on your skin. You can also try swatching the shades on your jawline to see how they blend with your skin tone.
Finally, don't be afraid to mix and match different shades to achieve the perfect contour. You can use a slightly lighter shade to highlight certain areas, and a slightly darker shade to contour and define your features.
Overall, with a little bit of experimentation and attention to your undertone, you can find the perfect contouring shade for your dark skin.
How do I avoid looking ashy when contouring dark skin?
Contouring is a great way to enhance your facial structure and create a more defined look. However, when it comes to dark skin, it is important to avoid looking ashy or grey. Here are some tips to help you avoid looking ashy when contouring dark skin:
1. Choose the right shade of contour: It is important to choose a contour shade that is a few shades darker than your skin tone but not too dark. Avoid using shades that are too cool or grey-toned.
2. Blend, blend, blend: Blending is key when it comes to contouring. Use a blending brush to blend out the contour and make sure it is seamlessly blended into your skin.
3. Use a warm-toned bronzer: Using a warm-toned bronzer can help add warmth and dimension to your skin without looking ashy. Apply it lightly to areas that would naturally catch the sun, like the forehead and cheeks.
4. Use a setting powder: A setting powder can help set your contour and prevent it from looking ashy. Look for a setting powder that is translucent or matches your skin tone.
By following these tips, you can achieve a perfectly contoured look without looking ashy. Remember to always use a light hand when applying and blending your makeup.
Is it important to use a setting spray or powder when contouring dark skin?
Yes, it is important to use a setting spray or powder when contouring dark skin. Contouring is a makeup technique used to create shadows and highlights on the face, giving it more dimension. However, if not set properly, the makeup can appear blotchy or patchy on darker skin tones. A setting spray or powder helps to lock the makeup in place, prevent it from smudging or fading, and also helps to control oil and shine. When contouring dark skin, it is important to use a setting spray or powder that matches the skin tone and undertone to avoid a gray or ashy appearance. Additionally, it is important to choose a spray or powder that is lightweight and does not leave a heavy or cakey finish. Overall, using a setting spray or powder is crucial in achieving a flawless and long-lasting contour on dark skin.
What are the best contouring makeup products for dark skin tones?
Contouring is a makeup technique that involves using darker shades to create the illusion of shadows and depth on the face. For dark skin tones, it is important to use products that are highly pigmented and specifically designed for deeper hues. Some of the best contouring makeup products for dark skin tones include:
1. Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kit – This palette comes in various shades, including one specifically designed for dark skin tones. It includes six highly pigmented shades that blend easily and provide a natural-looking contour.
2. Fenty Beauty Match Stix Trio – This trio includes three shades that are perfect for contouring darker skin tones. The sticks are creamy and blendable, making them ideal for creating a seamless, natural-looking contour.
3. Black Opal True Color Stick Foundation – This foundation stick can be used for both contouring and highlighting. It comes in a range of shades specifically designed for darker skin tones and has a creamy, blendable formula.
4. MAC Powder Blush in Blunt – This matte brown shade is perfect for contouring darker skin tones. It provides a natural-looking contour and is highly pigmented, so a little goes a long way.
Overall, the best contouring makeup products for dark skin tones are those that are highly pigmented, specifically designed for deeper hues, and easy to blend for a seamless finish.
What are the common mistakes people make when contouring dark skin?
Contouring is a makeup technique that helps to create definition and enhance the features of the face. However, when it comes to contouring dark skin, there are some common mistakes that people tend to make. One of the biggest mistakes is using a contour shade that is too light or ashy. This can make the skin look muddy or grayish instead of creating a natural shadow effect. Another mistake is using a contour shade that is too cool-toned, which can create a harsh and unflattering effect on dark skin.
Another mistake is applying the contour too heavily or in the wrong areas, which can make the face look too harsh or angular. It is important to blend the contour properly and apply it in the areas where natural shadows occur to create a more natural and subtle effect. Finally, using the wrong tools or brushes can also lead to mistakes when contouring dark skin. It is important to use brushes that are specifically designed for contouring and blending to achieve a flawless finish. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can achieve a beautifully contoured and defined look on dark skin.
What techniques should I use when applying contouring makeup on dark skin?
Contouring makeup can be a great way to enhance the natural features of your face, but it's important to use the right techniques when working with dark skin tones. Here are some tips to help you achieve a flawless contour:
1. Choose the right shades: When selecting contouring products, it's important to choose shades that are a few shades darker than your skin tone. For dark skin, opt for warm, deep shades that will create a natural-looking shadow.
2. Blend, blend, blend: Blending is key to achieving a subtle, natural-looking contour. Use a blending brush or sponge to blend the contouring product into your skin, making sure to blend out any harsh lines.
3. Highlight strategically: Highlighting the right areas can help to enhance your features and create a more sculpted look. For dark skin, opt for a highlighter that is a few shades lighter than your skin tone and apply it to the high points of your face, such as the cheekbones, brow bone, and tip of the nose.
4. Use a light hand: When applying contouring makeup, it's important to use a light hand to avoid applying too much product. Start with a small amount of product and build up as needed.
By using these techniques, you can achieve a gorgeous, natural-looking contour on dark skin.
Which brands offer contouring makeup specifically for dark skin?
Several brands offer contouring makeup specifically for dark skin. One such brand is Fenty Beauty, founded by Rihanna, which offers a range of shades for contouring and highlighting, specifically designed for darker skin tones. Their Match Stix Matte Skinsticks come in shades like Espresso, Truffle, and Mocha, which are perfect for contouring and sculpting the face.
Another brand that offers contouring makeup for dark skin is Black Opal. They have a range of contour kits and highlighters that cater specifically to deeper skin tones. Their True Color Contour Palette comes in three shades and is designed to help sculpt and define the face, while their True Color Illuminating Stick in Bronze Glow provides a luminous sheen to darker skin tones.
Other brands that offer contouring makeup for dark skin include MAC Cosmetics, NARS, and Cover FX. It's important to choose a brand and product that matches your skin tone to achieve the desired effect.
