SMASHBOX: Step -by- Step Contour Stick Trio. Swatches and Review

This is my first Smashbox purchase.

I have been intrigued by this brand for a while, but for some reason held off on purchasing anything.

I saw a while ago that they had a released a powder contour palette but I wasn't super interested as I had just got my hands on the Kevyn Aucoin Sculpting Powder.

A side note, even though I love Aucoins offering, if you are interested in buying your first contour product- check out the Smashbox version as it offers three powders- an ashy, grey based contour, a warm bronzer and a matte highlight. All for £35, which is still pricey, but the Kevyn Aucoin Sculpting Powder is £35 alone...just worth pointing out. 

L-R : Contour, Bronze and Highlight

ANYWAY. 

I love cream products so when I saw Smashbox had come out with a cream contour set, I had to give it a go. 

The shades appear almost identical to the powder version, but in (I feel) a much easier pencil form. 

Both sets costs £35, but bare in mind with the powder trio, you also get a brush, you don't with the pencils.

L-R: Contour, Bronze and Highlight

 I have to say I think these little sticks are fantastic. 

They just melt into the skin in such a natural seamless way, its quite hard to get it wrong.

The contour shade creates a natural shadow and due to its emollient texture, its easy enough to buff in with a blending brush, so you don't end up with grey stripes down the side of your face. 

The bronze is a warm, flattering shade that doesn't lean too orange.

The highlight is slightly more unusual....it is matte, so with this stick, you're not going to end up with super dewy, glowy skin. But don't let that deter you. 

It ever so slightly lifts the skin, and creates the illusion that your cheekbones are higher, without adding shimmer.

I love that I have now added a matte highlight to my collection because it is perfect to use at this time of year. 

I err on the side of caution when it comes to using highlighters during the warmer months, as the sun can be unflattering and can pick up shimmer and it just makes it look so obvious that you're wearing a highlighter. You won't have that problem here. 

But hey you can always add a glowy highlighter on top if you're looking for that dewy look.

The swatches after a little blending

Bottom Line: I highly recommend these sticks, I am by no means a contouring pro and to be honest, I don't like the super sculpted look...I don't think I've ever contoured my nose...it just looks too much.

But if thats what you like, then you do you.

You don't even have to use all three at once, I like adding a touch of the bronzer and just finishing there.

Its obviously not an everyday option, you do need to take an extra bit of time buffing in, but if you have the time, check these out. Just swatch them. I guarntee you will be impressed by the texture.