Contouring On A Budget

I think it's fair to say, that since the Kardashians hit our screens nearly 10 years ago women all over the world have gone crazy for contouring, with the aim of getting the chiseled cheeks just like Kim. It used to be a Hollywood's secret to perfect cheekbones, but with the help of the budget brands, the everyday woman can now sculpt and highlight her face to her hearts content.



One of the first bronzing and contouring products I ever tried was the Sleek Contour Kit in Light, I'd always thought I was too pale for any kind of bronzer so stuck exclusively to blusher on the cheeks; but when an awards ceremony was approaching a couple of years ago I thought I'd give it a try, and y'know what? I loved it! I would use the Real Techniques Contour Brush in the hollows of my cheeks, and started to wear this on a more daily basis. It's now restricted for more evening use, it's probably the most matte and flat contour product you'll get on a budget, but also having a nice ash tone to it. The highlight is also my favourite of the bunch.

If you never tried the Bourjois chocolate bronzer - you know the one I mean - as a teenager I'll be surprised, I imagine back in the day it rivalled Dream Matte Mousse for being the number one found product in school girls makeup bags. But about 18 months ago Bourjois upped their game and brought out a whole host of new bronzing products, the Bronzing Powder + Highlighter in shade 55 being one of them. It's slightly more bronze than the rest, so if you're wanting a bit of definition but still some bronzer, this is a great option. The highlighter is a bit hit and miss, if you can get enough on your brush it's worth it, but it's hard to pick the product up to start with.

The newest for me to try is the Maybelline Master Sculpt in Light/Medium, in the packaging I had really high hopes this would be the perfect ash bronze contour powder, possibly rivalling some high-end alternatives. On use, it's not that, however it is a nice product, especially for those wanting to try contouring or wanting a product for everyday use. It's the least pigmented of the lot, but has a nice mixture of those bronze and grey tones, so you can use it everyday without looking too overdone. It's not completely matte so it can be used as a bit of a bronzer too. The highlighter is pretty pointless, it's a translucent powder with a tiny shimmer running through it, but it does come with a brush if that's important to you.

What are your favourite contouring products?
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