Whilst contouring is something I do daily, I have always stuck to the same three products for the past few years. I am that set in my ways that I have a mini melt down if I can't find my good old faithful contour brush (which is definitely coffin dodging). I have recently decided to try and open myself up to trying new products so I can switch up my makeup routine.
On a recent trip to the makeup stores I came across the Stila Contour Duo, I tested the dark shade on my arm as well as the medium. Unfortunately they didn't have any light shades in stock. I am a very pale complexion, however I do like my contour to be fairly chiseled. I also like to have different shades in so I have makeup in my kit to do other peoples faces when needed. I picked the medium due kit, this is not sold with the brush. I purchased both separately so I could use Stila's 'recommended' contouring brush with their product.
The packaging has a luxurious vibe to it, with the golden sheen and the subtle golden embossing and writing.
I have swatched both shades above on my wrist to show the heavy application shade and also a lighter application. Firstly I feel that the two shades actually behave differently; the lighter shade has a more chalky consistency than the dark, leaving the dark the easiest to blend. As you can see in the photo, the lighter shade is far too dark for me to use as a highlight with an orange tint to it, which is expected because the store didn't have any of the light Duo's in stock. I do feel however that the darker shade is perfect for my contour. Being waterproof will also make this a little beauty for holidays!
As I have been using the same contour brush for years, I have tried to give this brush a fair review.
My current contour brush is an angled tapered brush that is not as compact with the bristles. The Stila contour brush has a very dense bristles, that are super soft and pick up the product well. I did find the brush a little difficult to use at first because the head is so wide and has no angle - this is simply what I am use to. I did find that there is a knack to it, or the other option is to apply the product with the small end and then blend with the larger end.
Whilst I will probably never be able to contour like a Kardashian, both the Duo contour kit and the brush come with handy manuals which I feel would be more suited to a beginner at contouring. I cannot fault these manuals, giving basic makeup charts for different face shapes can make the whole process a lot easier for those people who aren't sure.
I will be adding the darker shade into my contour routine sometimes to switch it up, however I won't use the lighter shade simply because it isn't light enough for me. I will grab the lighter palette to test the shades when I find it in stock. I would recommend this product to anyone who may have dry skin, need a contour solution for their holidays or just someone who wants a lovely velvety cream contour option.
The packaging has a luxurious vibe to it, with the golden sheen and the subtle golden embossing and writing.
Stila's Duo Contour Kit Claims:
"Balance and brighten your complexion with Stila’s Shape & Shade Custom Contour Duo. Ultra-creamy and super-soft this velvety duo create a natural, sculpted look that brings facial features to life. With a how-to insert card, it’s never been easier to achieve perfect product placement and payoff.
Create enviable face dimensions with the help of Stila's Custom Contour Duo palette. The Shape and Shade powder's matte properties give a natural, sculpted look and provide buildable coverage without accentuating oily skin.
* Shape & Shade Custom Contour Duo Palette
* Buildable, sheer coverage
* Three shade combinations
* Long-wear, non-transfer, waterproof and sweat-proof."
(The above photo was taken in natural sunlight)
The Duo Contour palette definitely gives you two super smooth, creamy products that will glide over your skin with ease. I love the consistency of the products, they are easy to apply lightly and build from there. I have fairly dry skin so I do prefer to stick to cream products, dusting a shadow of NYX Taupe Blush over the top, however here in the UK, I had been importing this product for an overpriced rate, which I didn't mind too much because I love it. However they have changed the range and I'm not a fan of the new product replacement *massive sigh*.
My current contour brush is an angled tapered brush that is not as compact with the bristles. The Stila contour brush has a very dense bristles, that are super soft and pick up the product well. I did find the brush a little difficult to use at first because the head is so wide and has no angle - this is simply what I am use to. I did find that there is a knack to it, or the other option is to apply the product with the small end and then blend with the larger end.
Whilst I will probably never be able to contour like a Kardashian, both the Duo contour kit and the brush come with handy manuals which I feel would be more suited to a beginner at contouring. I cannot fault these manuals, giving basic makeup charts for different face shapes can make the whole process a lot easier for those people who aren't sure.
I will be adding the darker shade into my contour routine sometimes to switch it up, however I won't use the lighter shade simply because it isn't light enough for me. I will grab the lighter palette to test the shades when I find it in stock. I would recommend this product to anyone who may have dry skin, need a contour solution for their holidays or just someone who wants a lovely velvety cream contour option.
Have you ever tried this contour duo or brush? What do you think of the shades?
Samantha
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