Finding the perfect makeup product can be a never-ending journey. From trying different formulas to finding the right shade for your skin tone, there are countless factors to consider.
When it comes to complexion products—particularly contouring products—finding a formula that blends and flatters your skin tone is crucial. Contouring has become an integral part of the makeup routine in recent years, and the quest for contouring has only intensified.
That’s why we had to put Charlotte Tilbury’s Hollywood Contour Wand and its newest shades to the test.
The product, which launched in mid-January, has become a beauty cabinet favorite thanks to its lightweight liquid formula and cushion-like applicator. The $42 contour wand is designed to create a natural, sculpted look.
Charlotte Tilbury has expanded its shade range to include five new shades: Fair (neutral undertones), Medium (warm natural undertones), Bronze (warm neutral undertones), Deep Bronze (neutral undertones), and Deep (cool undertones).
With these new shades, more makeup lovers can now find their perfect contour.
The L’ OFFICIEL USA team tested both old and new shades of this contouring stick to see how it performs. Read on for our honest review of the Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Contour Stick.
“I started wearing makeup around the time that the KKW contouring palette took the beauty world by storm. While I’ve always envied those who could use bronzers and highlighters to shape their faces, I’ve never quite mastered the technique myself, but I still love playing around with these tools.”
“Charlotte Tilbury’s new Liquid Contour Pencil is a fun experiment. It has a sponge-like applicator that instantly softens your face without leaving visible lines.
I love how pigmented it is—I usually use a medium foundation with a neutral base, and I tested the medium shade with the contouring stick—but since it dries quickly to a matte finish, it’s important to blend it well and not leave it on too long.
I like to use a little around my eyes and cheekbones the most, as only a small amount goes a long way. However, I never use it without blush, which can help avoid visible lines. —Andrea Bossi, Digital Editor
“As a self-proclaimed makeup fanatic, I’m always eager to try new products to enhance my daily look. I’d always heard of Charlotte Tilbury’s Hollywood Contour Wand, but had never invested in the $42 product.
So I was excited to try it out for myself and see just how popular it really is. I chose the shade Fair-Medium because I have a cooler skin tone, and I was pleasantly surprised on my first try. ”
It’s safe to say that a small amount goes a long way. The cushion-shaped applicator makes it easy to apply the product exactly where I want it, and I found that blending with both the sponge and the brush gave me the most natural, smooth finish.
I found the formula to be lightweight yet buildable, blending beautifully into the skin without leaving streaks or feeling heavy. I also love that the Contour Wand can double as a bronzer, adding a hint of warmth to my sometimes pale face.
Whether you’re going for a softer look or a more sculpted look, this is a great tool to have. — Grace Clarke, Digital Assistant
Hollywood Contour Wand This is a beginner-friendly contouring stick, but there are some details to be aware of. I chose to test the Tan-Deep shade, but I feel that the Deep shade or applying more product would make the contour more obvious.
That being said, the contour stick is very pigmented – a small amount is enough to achieve a good effect. However, be careful when using the contour stick, as the cushion brush may smudge if you squeeze it too quickly or too hard.
This contouring method can be applied with brush strokes or stippling, but stippling proved to be more conducive to a seamless blending effect. However, as someone with darker skin, it was a little difficult to blend this product at first.
At first, it looked like dirt on my face. However, after some effort, I eventually created a soft and natural contour that subtly highlighted my cheekbones.
For those who are looking for a defined contour, this product is probably best used as a primer. I think using a powdered contour powder to enhance the contour creates a more sculpted, sculpted look.
Overall, the Hollywood Contour Wand excels at creating soft shadows and natural contours. If you’re after a low-key, everyday look, this product will definitely do the trick.
If you’re going for a bolder look, it pairs perfectly with a contour powder to create a finished look. — Megan Trasty, Writer
“I admit that despite being obsessed with makeup for as long as I can remember, I had never ventured into the world of liquid contouring until I tried the Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Contour Wand.
Liquid contouring has always been intimidating to me because, despite my love for the craft, I’m far from a makeup artist.
The shade I used is Fair, which is perfect for adding a much-needed pop of color to my face during the winter months. However, once the sun reappears, like many people, I need to switch to a darker shade.
The longevity and feel of this product make it a great choice for everyday use, especially on days when I want to look polished but want to get out the door ASAP. On the other hand, for nights out, this product is reusable and pairs perfectly with the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Matte Bronzer.
As a girl who used to only use pressed powder, I finally understand how hyped liquid bronzers are. — Danielle Jaculewicz, Writer
After trying a few contouring products, I highly recommend the Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Contour Wand to beginners because it has great coverage and glides on smoothly.
I used the Medium shade and was pleasantly surprised by how natural it was and how pigmented it didn’t overpower my other makeup products.
It blends quickly and doesn’t come off with other makeup products. Once applied, you need to blend quickly to avoid it drying out (I learned this the hard way when I left it on for a minute or so on my chin and cheeks and it didn’t blend evenly).
I recommend using a contour powder on top as a base for a more angular look. This gives me that subtle bronze look I go for in my daily makeup.
A few things to keep in mind when using this product: A small amount is enough, so it’s best to apply slowly rather than overdo it. You need to swirl the applicator and squeeze the product, so be gentle when squeezing the wand to avoid spills. – Valerie Soto, writer