These Brushes Will Make Your Contouring Look Better Than Ever

Contouring — a makeup technique designed to chisel and define the face — has become an essential part of our everyday makeup routines thanks to easy-to-use palettes and endless tutorials. What was once a face beat makeup hack started by drag queens has now become standard makeup fare. Contouring can range from creating a super-defined chisel to adding just a hint of definition — whatever is right for you. And even though it’s easier than ever to get the contoured look, it’s important to have the right tools in your makeup arsenal for flawless application. Read on for the six contouring brushes we can’t live without.

Giorgio Armani Contouring Brush

Contouring history goes deep and Giorgio Armani’s contouring brush is a blend of Japanese craftsmanship and Italian design that marries tradition with cutting-edge technology. Made with high-quality, natural bristles that adjust to your facial structure for impeccable highlights and shadows, this brush is a breeze in terms of application. The broad and narrow half-moon shape makes for easy transitions between contouring around the cheekbones and jawline. We've only got compliments to throw at this one — no shade.

Urban Decay Diffusing Blush Brush

When it comes to makeup, we believe in both taking our time and saving it where it counts. Urban Decay’s Diffusing Blush Brush is extremely versatile and works perfectly as an applicator and blender. The brush is angled enough to sculpt your cheekbones, yet soft enough to blend out the product for a natural look. Urban Decay, consider us impressed.

YSL Couture Contouring Brush

Contouring is about more than shaping — it’s about sculpting and accentuating the angles of your face with a perfect mix of highlights and shadows. YSL’s double-ended brush is a seamless unity of dark and light. The dark end is broad for contouring the cheeks and jawline, and the light end is narrower for use on the tops of cheekbones and forehead. Honestly, no matter which side you look at it from, this brush is a necessary addition to your collection of contouring products.

Lancôme Cheek and Contour Brush

We’re just going to give you a heads up right now that using this brush might bring out your inner queen. Its combo of sleek design and utility will make you feel like you’re getting a touch up backstage at Fashion Week. And the combo of an oval head and circular tip make application on your cheekbones, temples and under eyes beyond easy — a must-have in our book. 

IT Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe You Sculpted! Contour and Highlight Brush #18

We’re not exaggerating when we say that IT Cosmetics brushes are some of the best in the game. We’re particularly fond of the Heaven Luxe You Sculpted! Contour and Highlight Brush #18, an ultra dense, easy-to-hold brush designed to give even and flawless application. It’s perfect for defining and chiseling your face. Basically, it’s the one brush that will hold you down in every contouring situation — we’re sold.

Sigma F23 Soft Angled Contour Brush

Perfect for your everyday powder contour, this brush will have you checking yourself out in every mirror you can find. The synthetic antimicrobial brush hairs are cruelty-free and the handle is responsibly sourced wood. This is definitely a brush —and mission— we can feel good about.

Read More:

A Guide to Every Face Makeup Brush

How to Choose the Right Colors for Contouring Every Time

Contouring Tools and Products: The Ultimate Guide