In theory, contouring is a magical makeup technique that makes your face look 10 pounds slimmer and gives you cheekbones that rival those of Angelina Jolie's. In practice, many things can go wrong: choose the wrong sculpting shade and look like an Oompa Loompa; don't blend it enough and wind up looking like you just completed a mud run; use too pale a highlighter and get ghostly half-moons under your eyes. The solution: These genius makeup contouring kits.

These contour palettes come with everything you need to sculpt the cheekbones of your dreams, streamlining the process and making it way simpler. Here, we put them to the test to find the best contour kits for everyone — from rookies to pros.

Image via Imaxtree

Make Up For Ever Pro Sculpting Duo, $39

Skill Level: Intermediate

The highlighter in Make Up For Ever's Pro Sculpting Duo contour kit is so luminous, it's like they've harnessed the glow of angels' wings and Beyonce's skin into makeup form. The lightweight, finely milled gel-powder formula provides the buildable and weightless coverage of a powder, while also being blendable and pigmented like a cream. The contouring bronzer and highlighter come in two shades for fair and dark complexions.

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Kevyn Aucoin the Contour Book The Art of Sculpting + Defining Volume II, $65

Skill Level: Beginner

As a palette, this contouring makeup kit works so cohesively that you can use it to contour every feature — from your eyes to your cheeks to your chin. Even if you've never wielded a contour brush before, the detailed instructions that come with this set, plus its eight strategically selected shades in soft blendable powders and creams, will give you everything you need to sculpt all of your features, while still looking totally natural.

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Nars Contour Blush, $42

Skill Level: Novice

On the cream/liquid vs. powder debate, I usually always opt for cream makeup, whether it's blush, foundation or a contouring kit. I find it easier to blend and more natural looking. That is, until Nars Contour Blush hit my desk.

An all-over foundation application makes your face appear flat — this duo adds definition back in and is perfect for everyday wear. The formula is so silky and easy to blend that I'm convinced witchcraft was involved in the making of this contouring palette. And it goes on sheer, so you can build up to your desired level of contour (from naturally blessed with high cheekbones to Blue Steel). The matte highlight shade gives skin a soft-focus effect that looks luminous and natural.

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Marc Jacobs Beauty #Instamarc Light Filtering Contour Powder, $49

Skill Level: Novice

Drawing inspiration from the flattering filters of Instagram, this contouring makeup kit comes in shades so subtle and natural, you'll never have to worry about looking like you've got dirty smudges on your cheeks. Because the highlighting and bronzing colors are so forgiving, this contour kit works for amateurs or pros. The light-filtering formula is matte, silky and blendable. Plus, the sleek packaging features a mirror big enough to actually use to apply your makeup.

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