Clinique Chubby Stick Sculpting Contour, $22 and Highlight, $22

Skill Level: Novice

I am a notorious hoarder of Clinique Chubby Sticks, so I was happy to add these guys to my collection. The contour makeup color is a dark, rich brown that goes on sheer and blends easily. I confess to using my fingertips to apply when in a rush — typically a no-no with contouring, given how precise the finished product needs to be. Hands or not, it's an effective way to add subtle definition. The corresponding Chubby Stick Highlighter is equally forgiving, and gives skin a dewy glow.

Buy the Contour Stick Now
Buy the Highlighter Now

Kat von D Shade + Light Sculpting Palette, $46

Skill Level: Intermediate

The color selection in this contour kit means it's easy to create a variety of looks, and the smooth powder blends like butta. Just be careful how much you apply — these powders are highly pigmented, making them ideal if you want a more Kardashian-esque contour versus a subtle look.

This contour palette also contains step-by-step instructions for everything from defining your cheekbones to faking the effects of a detox diet (read: your whole face will look less bloated).

Buy It Now

Stila Shape & Shade Custom Contour Kit, $40

Skill Level: Beginner

The sculpting and highlighting creams in this contouring makeup kit are super-blendable when you apply. Approximately 60 seconds later, they dry to a semi-matte, budge-proof finish (perfect for a night out when you don't want to brave the bar bathroom line).

The contour kit comes in three shades — light, medium and dark — and each kit includes a how-to pamphlet that breaks down the basics of how to contour for your face shape.

Buy It Now

Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kit, $40

Skill Level: Intermediate

There's a reason why this contouring makeup kit sold out in a matter of hours each time it was re-released at Sephora: the cruelty-free, hypoallergenic palette comes with five silky, matte shades (two for highlighting, three for contour) that look effortless and natural when applied, and one shimmery highlighter that gives skin a glow without looking sparkly.

Any girl worth her weight in face powder knows about Ben Nye Banana Powder — the yellow powder in this palette (also called Banana) is very similar, and sets under-eye concealer in place while adding brightness to the eyes.

Buy It Now

Tarte Park Ave Princess Contour Palette, $34

Skill Level: Beginner

This contouring makeup kit comes with a matte bronzer, blush and shimmery highlighter that are all formulated with the brand's signature Amazonian Clay, which helps the product stay on longer.

Each powder goes on smoothly without being streaky, and the bronzer doesn't turn orange and unnatural (even on my pale skin). This is an easy, all-inclusive, cheekbone-sculpting contour palette for beginners.

Buy It Now