12 Best Contour Brushes for Precision And Perfection

Written by Sayantani Deb, Makeup & Beauty Writer
Updated on Feb 07, 2024
Contour Brushes for Precision And Perfection
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A high-quality contour brush is an ideal tool to help you achieve those stunning results. The best contour brush is the one that sculpts your face, adds definition to your features, and creates a striking look. But don't be deceived by their name, as contour brushes are versatile and are also used for highlighting and blending makeup. In fact, many contour brushes can also be used to set under-eye concealer and apply blush. 

Based on our first-hand research, we have carefully compiled a list of the best contour brushes that can magically transform your look. The contour brushes added to this list have been regarded as the best for a number of factors including shapes, sizes, and materials that cater to different preferences and techniques. From densely packed bristles for precise sculpting to fluffy brushes for a softer, more diffused effect, we have something for everyone.

As Calvin Klein, the famous Designer once said, “The best thing is to look natural, but it takes makeup to look natural.” Thus, contouring has become an essential technique in the makeup world, to enhance facial features, create depth, and achieve that coveted chiseled appearance.

Whether you are a contouring pro or an enthusiast initiating the makeup journey, our secret of using the best contour brushes will redefine your beauty routine. Get ready to achieve a flawlessly sculpted face that will leave everyone wondering. Let's get into the world of the transformative power of contouring together!

12 Best Contour Brushes

DUAIU's premium synthetic kabuki brush set is a must-have for flawless face makeup application. Enhance your makeup game with this 15-piece marble makeup brush set. The entire set comes with a powder brush, foundation brush, blush brush, contour brush, concealer brush, eye brush, and eyebrow brush. So, whatever your makeup needs, you have the set of best contour brushes ready. It also comes with 4 makeup sponge puffs that can be used wet or dry, allowing you to achieve varied makeup looks effortlessly. The cruelty-free synthetic fiber bristles are super soft and gentle on sensitive skin, ensuring a comfortable application. With contour brushes designed in three different sizes, you can easily grasp and control them for precise makeup application.

Pros
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Gentle on skin
  • Ideal for various occasions
  • Avant-garde brushes
  • Perfect gift for makeup lovers
  • Suitable for beginners/professionals
Cons
  • Limited color options
  • Best Overall

    Yoseng Makeup Brush Set of 10

    Yoseng Makeup Brush Set of 10
  • A perfect makeup look is never a myth when you have the best contour brush set. Upgrade your makeup routine with the Yoseng Makeup Brush Set of 10. These oval-shaped brushes feature a fashionable toothbrush design and an elegant black color. The high-quality synthetic hair allows for the easy application of powders, liquids, and creams. Compatible with all types of formulations, these brushes deliver streak-free, flawless coverage and a soft, pleasing feeling on your skin. This universal cream contour brush set fulfills all your makeup needs, including foundation, contouring, concealer, eyeshadow, and eyebrow sculpting. Made from premium and safe materials, these brushes are gentle on sensitive skin.

    Pros
    • Unique shape
    • Premium materials
    • Easy to use
    • Full set of 10
    • Flawless coverage
    • Affordable
    Cons
    • Limited color options
  • Most Attractive

    jane iredale Blending/Contouring Brush

     jane iredale Blending/Contouring Brush
  • Sculpt, blend, and slay your makeup every single day with this contouring brush from Jane Iredale. It truly is more than just an average beauty tool – it's a versatile brush that can effortlessly contour while flawlessly blending your makeup. Crafted with sensitive skin in mind, it's very gentle on the face and the attractive rose gold design adds a touch of elegance to your routine. Whether you want to create a subtle everyday look or if you want to go all out with a bold work of art, this brush is bound to be a savior that will turn your vision into reality.

    Pros
    • Delivers precision
    • Longlasting
    • Cruelty-free
    • Easy to use
    • Lightweight
    • Elegant design
    • Travel-friendly
    • Multipurpose
    Cons
    • Not vegan
  • Duorime Oval Toothbrush Makeup Brush Set

    Duorime Oval Toothbrush Makeup Brush Set
  • Let's start experimenting with your no-makeup look with the Duorime Oval Toothbrush Makeup Brush Set. Seven oval brushes are included in the contour makeup brushes pack. From primer to blush, these are perfect for all your face makeup needs. The upgraded handles are durable and resistant to breakage, ensuring long-lasting use. The high-quality synthetic fiber bristles are silky soft and dense, providing excellent performance with liquid, powder, and cream products. The bristles stay intact without shedding, and the ergonomic rubbery grip ensures a comfortable and secure hold.

    Pros
    • No shedding of bristles
    • Rubbery grip for easy handling
    • Versatile and comprehensive brush set
    • Upgraded and durable handles
    • Silky soft and fine-density bristles
    • Suitable for all types of makeup products
    Cons
    • Limited color options
  • Best Dual-ended

    DUcare Makeup Brushes Duo

    DUcare Makeup Brushes Duo
  • Now you can achieve flawless face makeup with the DUcare Makeup Brushes Duo. The bling handle with gold color adds a touch of luxury to your makeup tools, making you feel like a queen. This multi-functional double-ended brush set is one of the best contour brushes designed for foundation, powder, buffer, and contour application. The set of 2-piece duo flat buffer and pointed powder brushes is perfect for liquid and powder foundations, while the duo angle contour and large powder brushes create a professional contoured look. The rounded kabuki-style face contour brush in this set is expertly designed to buff and blend seamlessly into the curves of the face. Hand-made by skilled craftsmen, these brushes provide a unique and luxurious feeling.

    Pros
    • High-quality brush
    • Soft and precise bristles
    • Multi-functional brushes
    • Luxurious design
    • Professional use
    • Hand-made
    Cons
    • Slightly expensive
  • Best cruelty-free

    Real Techniques Face Base Makeup Brush Kit

    Real Techniques Face Base Makeup Brush Kit
  • Based on our observation, Real Techniques Face Base Makeup Brush Kit is one of the finest cruelty-free and vegan bristles makeup kits for a flawless and long-lasting base. It includes four multi-use brushes that are designed to help you create a seamless and professional-looking foundation. These brushes are perfect for stippling, buffing, and blending, and can be used with cream, liquid formula, and powder formulas. The ultra-plush synthetic bristles are perfect for a beginner as well as a professional to get the best contour and highlight brushes for achieving a flawless base that lasts.

    Pros
    • Lightweight
    • Cruelty-free
    • Sculpt contour brush
    • Versatile brushes
    • Ultra-plush synthetic bristles
    • Seamless application
    • Suitable for beginners and professionals
    Cons
    • Price is on the higher side
  • Best For Nose Contour

    ENERGY Concealer Brush

    ENERGY Concealer Brush
  • The ENERGY Concealer Brush 270 is a must-have tool for sculpted, flawless makeup finishes. Its small, deeply angled nose contour brush head is perfect for applying and blending baking powder and foundation, especially around the under-eye area. This contouring brush is designed to provide an even, streak-free, and patch-free application, ensuring that your makeup stays in place all day. The high-quality synthetic bristles are soft, yet they don't absorb the foundation, making them easy to clean. With no shedding and a long-lasting design, this kabuki brush is built to bring out your natural beauty, even with heavy usage.

    Pros
    • Easy to afford
    • Long-lasting
    • Premium quality
    • Streak-free
    • Patch-free finish
    • Ideal for baking powder/foundation
    • Versatile applications
    Cons
    • Not suitable for larger areas of the face
  • Best Versatile

    Anmor Contour and Highlighter Brush Set

    Anmor Contour and Highlighter Brush Set
  • The angled-face contour brush is specifically designed to evenly apply dense color contour, bronzer, and blush, ensuring flawless coverage and precise contouring of the cheeks. Get a perfectly contoured and highlighted look with the Anmor Contour and Highlighter Brush Set. This set includes two essential brushes including an angled contour brush and a tapered highlighter brush. Both brushes are made with durable, lightweight, and soft synthetic fiber bristles, providing a comfortable and luxurious application experience. The brushes are 100% vegan and cruelty-free. Keep your brushes clean and in optimal condition by washing them after every two uses.

    Pros
    • Easy to afford
    • Angled brush head
    • Effortless application
    • Precision
    • Contour and highlighter brushes
    • Sculpts and enhances features
    Cons
    • Brush cleaning
  • Best Saver

    Dpolla Pro Foundation Brush and Flawless Concealer Brush

    Dpolla Pro Foundation Brush and Flawless Concealer Brush
  • Attain a natural-looking makeup finish with the Dpolla Pro Foundation Brush and Flawless Concealer Brush. As one of the best contour brush brands, it is suitable for various types of cosmetics, including powder, liquid, concealer, cream, blush, and foundation. With the Dpolla foundation brush, you only need a small quantity of product to achieve the best results, creating natural and poreless coverage. The flawless concealer brush, with its small bristle head, allows for precise application in delicate areas such as around the eyes, nose, and mouth. Both brushes are made with high-quality materials and do not shed, offering a more enjoyable makeup process.

    Pros
    • No shedding
    • Tapered bristles
    • Soft and dense bristles
    • Natural finish
    • Good for beginners/professionals
    • Suits multiple cosmetics
    • Easy application
    Cons
    • Slightly expensive
  • Kabuki Nose Contour Brush - Beauty Junkees

    Kabuki Nose Contour Brush - Beauty Junkees
  • With its professional-quality and affordable price, this is a great alternative to expensive brands for contour brushes. Spice up your makeup routine with the Kabuki nose contour Brush by Beauty Junkees. The high-quality synthetic bristles ensure no shedding while also enabling a soft and comfortable application. Its unique design allows for subtle and precise contouring, making it perfect for carving out cheekbones, blending bronzer on the nose, highlighting the brow, and defining the cupid's bow. The small bristle head is ideal for hard-to-reach areas, ensuring fantastic coverage and touch-up perfection.

    Pros
    • Professional-quality brush
    • High-quality synthetic bristles
    • Comfortable application
    • Easy to clean and maintain
    • Precise application
    • Sculpt contour brush
    Cons
    • Limited color options
  • Best Face contouring

    wet n wild Contour Brush

    wet n wild Contour Brush
  • The wet n wild Contour Brush is an ultra-plush angled brush that is designed to fit the contours of the face, making it easy to apply creative makeup techniques such as sculpting, shaping, and contouring. The comfort-fit handle ensures a comfortable grip, allowing for precise application even in fine details. With its curved bristles, this large powder brush effortlessly picks up the perfect amount of product for a seamless and even application. Whether you're using mineral, baked powder, or cream makeup, this versatile contour brush is suitable for any type of product.

    Pros
    • Suits all makeup
    • Comfortable grip
    • Easy application
    • Curved bristles
    • Cruelty-free and vegan
    • Angled brush for precision
    • Can be used as bronzer brush
    Cons
    • Variety
  • Best Professional

    Contour brushes for makeup by BEASOFEE

    Contour brushes for makeup by BEASOFEE
  • Your makeup skills are just getting better and we added another premium product is on the list! The Contour Brushes for Makeup by BEASOFEE are a versatile 2-in-1 makeup brush set that includes 5 brushes with 10 heads, allowing you to effortlessly apply, blend, and shade various face makeup products. These contouring brushes are perfect for eye shadow, crease shadow, concealer, contour, blush, foundation, pressed or loose powders, highlighter, and eyebrows. With their ergonomic design, these brushes are easy to grip, ensuring a comfortable and precise application. 

    Pros
    • Vegan and cruelty-free bristles
    • Soft and silky texture
    • Easy to afford
    • Great packaging
    • Easy to grip
    • Poreless coverage
    Cons
    • Lack of color options

    How to Choose Contour Brushes?

    Contouring is a makeup technique that can transform your facial features, creating definition and enhancing your natural beauty. To achieve flawless results, choosing the right contour brush is essential. A single stroke can create a huge difference in no time. Drawing from our experience, we will explore the key factors to consider when selecting contour brushes, helping you make an informed decision.

    Bristle Type And Density

    The bristle type and density of a contour brush play a crucial role in achieving a seamless blend. Opt for brushes with synthetic bristles, as they are more suitable for cream and liquid products, and provide a smooth application. Dense bristles allow for precise control and seamless blending, ensuring a natural-looking contour.


    Brush Shape And Size

    The shape and size of the brush determine the precision and versatility of your contour application. Flat contour brush, sculpt contour brush, or angled brush– pick the most suitable one. The flat one is usually the most ideal for precise sculpting, while rounded brushes offer a softer, diffused effect. Think of getting the sized brush as per your facial shape and the areas to be contoured.

    Handle Length And Grip

    The handle length and grip of a contour brush can impact your comfort and control during application. Opt for brushes with ergonomic handles that fit comfortably in your hand, allowing for easy maneuvering and precise control. Consider the length of the handle based on your personal preference and ease of use. The dual-ended brush options can be tricky to hold so be careful while going for those.

    Quality And Durability

    Investing in high-quality contour brushes ensures longevity and optimal performance. Look for brushes made from durable materials that can withstand regular use and washing without shedding or losing their shape. It's worth investing in reputable brands known for their quality brushes to ensure a reliable and long-lasting tool.

    The right contour brush is essential for achieving a flawless and professional-looking contour. Now you can select contour brushes that suit your specific needs and preferences, and master the art of contouring. Remember, experimenting with different brushes can help you find the perfect tool that enhances your features and elevates your makeup game.

    How to Use a Contouring Brush?

    Before using a contouring brush, make sure your face is clean and moisturized. Take a contouring brush and dip it into powder. Focusing on the area you need to contour, apply the product in soft, gentle, and even strokes. If you want to contour your nose, work the head of the brush along the sides of your nose. Likewise, for cheek contouring, sweep the brush on your cheekbones. Blend, blend, and blend well! After you are done with contouring, you can use a setting powder to make your makeup stay longer and get a flawless finish.

    How to Clean a Contour Brush?

    Makeup brushes must be cleaned regularly to avoid the accumulation of dirt and bacteria. Below are some easy steps to clean your contour brush set:

    1. Take the brush and run it under lukewarm water. 
    2. Take a mild cleanser and use it to clean your brush. 
    3. Once you are done, rinse with lukewarm water. Swirl the brush bristles properly to make sure the soap is removed. 
    4. Place the brush on a clean surface. 

    Voila, you are done! Once it is completely dry, you can use it again for contouring. 

    Conclusion

    We have embarked on an exciting exploration of the 11 Best Contour Brushes, delving into the world of makeup artistry and the tools that can transform your contouring game. All you need to remember is that contouring is an art, and each brush is a unique instrument in your creative toolbox. You may prefer a precise sculpting brush or a fluffy blending brush; the key is experimenting and finding what works best for you. The contour brush you choose can make all the difference in achieving a flawlessly sculpted face that exudes confidence.
    Makeup is a form of self-expression, and contouring defines your features more. So, seize the opportunity to experiment, play with different brushes, and create stunning looks. Happy contouring!

    FAQ's

    Do you use different brushes for contouring?
    Yes, different brushes are often used for contouring to achieve different effects and cater to personal preferences. The selection of the appropriate brush relies on various factors.
    Is it better to blend cream contour with a brush or sponge?
    Both brushes and sponges can be used effectively to blend cream contour products, and the choice between the two largely depends on personal preference and the desired outcome. Brushes are for precise application and blending, while sponges give a beautiful natural finish akin to an airbrushed effect.
    What brush do you use for nose contour?
    A small, precise brush with a tapered or pointed tip is typically used for nose contouring.
    What brush should I use for contour?
    Makeup experts advise using angled shape contour brushes as they offer seamless application and are easy to use.
    Can I use a sponge to contour?
    Yes, you can use a sponge for contouring.
    Contour brushes vs. sponges: Which are better?
    Both sponges and brushes can be used for contouring. However, it's recommended to use a brush for a more even and smooth application.
    Can I use a contour brush for the foundation?
    Yes, you can use a contour brush for applying foundation.
    Can you use a contour brush for highlighting?
    Yes, it can be used for highlighting facial features.
    How long does a contour brush last?
    A good quality contour brush lasts up to 2 to 3 years, However, it is recommended to change your makeup brushes every six months to one year.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Sayantani, our makeup expert, says that the best contour brushes are those that have soft bristles, provide a smooth application, have ergonomic handles, and are durable. But to find all these qualities in one product could be difficult. Hence, she has brought to you this list of the best contour brushes that can magically sculpt your face. For people who opt for cruelty-free products, Real Techniques Face Base Makeup Brush Kit is the best choice. It also comes with four brushes to give you a versatile makeup experience. Plus, it is lightweight and is suitable for both professionals and newbies. 

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Sayantani Deb
    Makeup & Beauty Writer

    Sayantani is a certified hair and makeup professional turned writer with 2+ years of experience in the same genre. Ap More