Contouring is one of those trends that’s easier said (or demonstrated in a TikTok tutorial) than done IRL. For many, especially beginners, trying to determine between contour vs. bronzer can be the first point of confusion—they do, after all, look really similar. And then there’s figuring out how to use them.
Although it only just gained mainstream popularity in the mid-2010s, “contouring is a technique that adds dimension to your face and has been used by makeup artists for years,” says Sara Wren, our Director of Artistry. Since then, the idea of contouring has gotten a bit of a makeover in its own right, contributing to a riff on the OG called sculpting. “Sculpting is basically the same as contouring, but it's done a bit more natural for a softer, more real-life effect suitable for daily wear,” Sara explains. “Sculpting enhances your features rather than trying to totally change your face shape.”
You can think of sculpting as a low-key take on contouring. Nailing the technique comes down to the actual formula you’re using. Before it was everywhere, achieving a sculpted look meant having to rely on things like cool-toned eyeshadows or even concealers. And remember when all you could get were powder bronzers... that worked for only limited shade range? These days, formulas are way more advanced and diverse—you can find cream formulas that are pigmented, easy to blend, and inclusive across skin tones.
With that in mind, here's the difference between our best bronzer and contour sticks—and how to wield them to sculpt your face like a pro. Do your skincare and grab your makeup brushes: it’s time to get to work. Read on, then hit up our step-by-step guide on how to contour, the natural way.
What's the difference between contour shades and bronzer shades?If you’re still stuck on the whole contour vs. bronzer debate, we’ve got an easy way to remember the difference. “Bronzer is used to cultivate a warm, sunkissed look, whereas contouring and sculpting are meant to mimic the natural shadows found in your face that help shape your bone structure,” says Sara. In other words, contour enhances shape while bronzing adds warmth to your skin. To find the right contour shade, look for “a cream or liquid-based product that isn’t too dark or too warm,” says Sara. “The best trick is to suck in your cheeks, see the shade of the shadow that’s created in the hollows, and find the shade closest to that.” For bronzer, on the other hand, think of your skin tone when you’ve been out in the sun (Sara recommends pulling up a vacation pic on your phone) and use it as your guide for your “sunkissed” shade. Our Matte Bronzer lineup includes five warm-toned hues that come in a creamy, shimmer-free formula. It’s easier than ever to find a match. |
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Where do I apply bronzer?
Since you’re replicating a sunkissed look with bronzer, apply it “wherever the sun naturally hits your face: on your forehead, on the tops of cheekbones, and above your jawline,” says Sara. She also recommends smoothing any extra onto your neck and chest for all-over, just-got-back-from-the-beach color.
Where do I apply contour?
Contour goes anywhere you have a natural shadow. With your Sculpt Stick, “draw a line around your hairline, and buff out towards your hair,” Sara says. “For a defined cheek, place it under your cheekbone—follow an imaginary line that runs from the corner of your mouth to your ear.” She also recommends applying your contour along the underside of your jawline, bringing it all the way to the ear, and blending it well to make the area look sharper.
Can you use a bronzer to contour (and vice versa)?
That’s not a good idea, since bronzer and contour do two different things. “Use bronzer to create warmth in the skin, and use contour to create shadows and sculpt,” Sara says. However, you can (and should) learn how to use them together—they work great as a pair and add that extra je ne sais quois to your glam.
How to use bronzer and contour togetherThe first rule to remember: “Sculpt always comes first,” says Sara. “This helps create the shape of your face and informs the best placement for bronzer, blush, and highlighter—in that order.” With that in mind, start with a cream contouring product like our Sculpt Stick. Its creamy, blendable formula comes in four cool-toned shades and is super easy to apply. Once that’s blended, “Matte Bronzer can be swiped directly onto your skin from the bullet,” says Sara, who uses either a damp sponge for a dewier finish or a brush for targeted application when she blends. This cream bronzer is super easy to apply, even if you’re on the go: “fingers work well to really soften edges and make the payoff look super natural,” she explains. Then, you can stop there—or layer on Lip + Cheek for a pop of color, then Highlighter Stick onto high points of the face to make them glow. Ultimately, the beauty of the bronzer vs. contour debate is that really, there’s nothing to debate in the first place: They’re both necessary products if you’re going for a sculpted, defined makeup look, since they work in different ways to create dimension and depth. We’ll take both, please and thanks. |
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Meet the Expert
Sara Wren (she/her) is the Director of Artistry at Milk Makeup. In her role, she does all the makeup artistry and direction for our Milk Makeup global campaigns, educates the staff and field team on application methods, stars in the brand’s social media videos, and travels to different markets spreading Milk Makeup’s good vibes. When she’s not on set, Sara loves experimenting with DIY hair colors, eating tacos, watching basketball, and scouring for vintage cosmetics to add to her impressive collection.
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