So here we are, the people who missed out on the KKW Beauty contour and highlight kits. It sold out in just three hours, so the competition was tough to begin with. Personally, I didn’t bother even though the products seemed interesting and the packaging was quite on point.

Cream contour and highlight is nothing novel, though. There are many options out there in the market and even at prices that don’t kommand the same Ka$h money as one stamped with the Kardashian name.

If you still want to get that cream contour and highlight game, remember a few things. Makeup artist Mickey See shares that cream products are best for dry skin as it gives moisture. It’s also more natural compared to powder counterparts. “But never forget to lightly set it with a translucent powder,” he adds. Otherwise, your contour can fall victim to the humidity in the tropics. He also shares that blending the contour with your fingers is good as long as you do it in a downward motion. “You want to avoid it from looking like a check across your face.”

For highlight, Mickey suggests that you dab it in so it blends well into the skin. Don’t forget also to apply it on your face before you set your foundation with a powder. “Always wet before dry,” Mickey says. Otherwise, it’s going t to look patchy and uneven on the skin.

NUDESTIX Sculpting Pencil

This set is quite skin-friendly as it’s made with shea butter and Vitamin E. It promises to subtly accentuate your features so it’s good for everyday use. Plus, it comes in its own tin container that has a mirror with a sharpener. Available via SephoraPH.

Happy Skin Glisten Up! Precision Cheek Stick Set in Taupe And Champagne

We’ve previously reviewed this set and judged that it’s a no-fuss product for beginners. The star of this duo is the highlight which catches the light nicely and can suit a lot of skin tones. Available at Glorietta 3.

Clinique Chubby Stick Sculpting Contour

This oil-free formula could be the answer if you have dry skin but you still want to rock the natural looking contour. It is also a matte formulation so you don’t have to worry about it looking wet if you immediately set it with powder. Available at SM City North EDSA.

Maybelline V Face Duo Stick

Mickey recommended this double-ended stick to me as he says it’s in his professional kit. Both the contour and the highlight shades are easy to blend with just fingers. Plus the price won’t hurt the pocket if you’re still unsure about making a big investment. Available at The SM Store, Makati.

Banila Co. So Contouring Twin Stick

For those with fairer skin tones, this stick would suit you as it runs on the cool tone side. It’s also advisable to use if you’re not a fan of an intense highlight. It has a pink pearl sheen so you can get that healthy glow. Available at Robinsons Place Manila.

3CE Duo Contour Stick

This duo says it won’t cake up even if you layer it on. This makes it versatile as you can just use it lightly for day wear and then just re-apply when you need the contour and highlight to be a little bit more pronounced for nighttime look. Available via Sephora PH.

Laura Mercier Sunrise Highlighter Crayon

This highlighter is good for deeper skin tones as it comes in a tan-gold shift. It won’t look glittery so it’s perfect if you want to enhance your sun-kissed skin. Available at Glorietta 3.

Art by Dorothy Guya

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