When it comes to trending beauty products for mature skin, foundations and concealers are all the rage — but have you tried using a contour stick?
Paula Brezavscek, a board-certified physician's associate and the founder of AZALA Skin Clinic, refers to contour sticks as a "game-changer for mature skin."
Why opt for a contour stick?
"They offer a softer, dewier look than traditional powders, helping skin appear fresh and subtly lifted," explains Brezacscek. "Plus, their blendable nature allows for buildable coverage, so you can sculpt as little or as much as you like without looking overdone."
Along with Brezacscek, we spoke with two makeup artists to help us find the perfect contour sticks for mature skin in order to achieve a fresher, more youthful appearance in minutes.
Keep scrolling to find the best expert-approved contour sticks for mature skin from reputable brands like Fenty Beauty, Makeup by Marion and more. Plus, as a bonus, we included an editor favorite (and my aunt's "holy grail" contour stick) as well.
Why use a contour stick for mature skin?
If you are on the other side of 50, contour sticks will instantly become your best friend.
"Unlike powder contour products, which can sometimes look harsh or settle into fine lines, contour sticks offer a more skin-friendly and forgiving finish, especially for mature complexions," explains Brezavscek.
"Their emollient-rich formulas glide on smoothly, providing definition without clinging to dry patches or emphasizing fine lines," she adds.
Lauren D͛'Amelio Ventre, a celebrity makeup artist, licensed cosmetologist, beauty educator and founder of D͛'Amelio Cosmetics, is a big proponent of contour sticks as well. "Contour sticks are ideal for mature skin because they have a creamy texture that blends seamlessly without settling into fine lines or emphasizing texture," she states.
"They create natural-looking definition while adding a soft, youthful glow, unlike powders that can look dry or cakey," she mentions.
What to look for in a contour stick for mature skin
When selecting a contour stick specifically for mature skin, Brezavscek says to keep an eye out for the following ingredients:
- "Hydrating ingredients like jojoba oil, shea butter or squalane to help maintain moisture and softness," she recommends.
- "Antioxidants such as vitamin E to support skin health and combat free radical damage," Brezavscek continues.
- "Lightweight emollients that allow for a seamless glide and minimize tugging or dragging on delicate areas."
Also, D'Amelio Ventre specifically recommends cream-to-powder finishes for long-wear without drying. She also advises users to avoid overly matte or dry formulas as they can age the skin.
The best contour sticks for mature skin, according to experts and editors
Affordable editor favorite: KVD Beauty ModCon Liquid Gel Contour
- Great for beginners
- Adds "depth and dimension"
- May be a bit wet
Shades: 7 | Size: 0.57 oz. | Key ingredients: Daisy flower extract, Glycerin | Coverage: Natural-looking
Commerce editor and producer Julie Ricevuto tested this KVD Beauty ModCon Liquid-Gel Contour. "After wearing the liquid-gel contour for a full eight hours, this makeup did not budge — even after I accidentally rubbed my cheek with the sleeve of my shirt," she shares. "No transfer! I had to do a full double cleanse at the end of the night to make sure all the makeup had been removed from my skin. Worth it," she adds.
"I’m officially a contour convert," raves Ricevuto. I even plan to incorporate this step into my makeup routine. And since this product is so easy to use, I think I can still get away with calling it 'simple.'”
This specific formula is mature-skin friendly because of its hydrating formula which helps keep the skin smooth and fresh.
Long-lasting: Merit Bronze Balm Sheer Sculpting Bronzer
- Very creamy
- Easy to use
- Long-lasting
- May be too sheer for some
Shades: 5 | Size: 0.44 oz. | Key ingredients: Microfine pigments, fatty acids | Coverage: Light
"Merit’s contour stick leans more bronzy than cool-toned, but that can be a plus for adding warmth and shape," Brezavscek suggests. "The sheer, balm-like texture offers just enough pigment to define without harsh lines, and the stick format makes it foolproof, even for makeup minimalists."
"This sheer texture is lovely on mature skin because it’s hydrating," explains New York-based makeup artist Tyler Fields. "They blend very easily into the skin (you can use your ring finger) and look just like skin!"
Formulated with vitamin E: Nudestix Tinted Blur Sculpt Stick
- Easy to apply
- Blends easilly
- Lightweight
- May be too creamy
Shades: 3 | Size: 0.22 oz. | Key ingredients: Vitamin E, green tea | Coverage: Natural-looking
"This formula is hydrating and blurring," says D’Amelio Ventre. She thinks it's perfect for a soft-focus effect on mature skin and loves that is vegan. This lightweight stick comes in multiple shades and is enriched with vitamin E to help hydrate the skin.
Along with the Merit's Sculpting Bronzer, Fields is also a super fan of this Tinted Blur Sculpt Stick from Nudestick. "What I love about them both is how rich, but sheer they are! " she shares. "So, you’re getting the bronze color and cheek lift without feeling like you’ve needed so much product to achieve that."
Shine bright like a diamond: Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Match Stix Contour Skinstick
- Easy to blend
- Gives natural look
- Pricey for amount of product
Shades: 9 | Size: 0.25 oz. | Key ingredients: Tin oxide | Coverage: Medium
D'Amelio Ventre recommends this Fenty Beauty Match Stix Contour Skinstick for its lightweight feel and cream-to-power finish that doesn't cling to texture. She also says it's great for buildable definition without overdoing it.
This blendable contour stick is easy-to-use and free of parabens.
Expert pick: Makeup by Mario SoftSculpt Shaping Stick
- Easy to apply
- Blends well
- Tube may break easily
Shades: 7 | Size: N/A | Key ingredients: N/A | Coverage: Medium
"Designed by a pro, it glides on effortlessly and includes a built-in brush — a game changer for ease and precision," says D'Amelio Ventre. This easy-to-apply contour stick is also cruelty-free and great for most skin types. Satisfied customers on the brand's website speak to this makeup product's creamy texture, ease of blending and versatility.
Best overall: Westman Atelier Face Trace Contour Stick
- Easy to blend
- Nice texture
- Some users dislike packaging
Shades: 3 | Size: 0.21 oz. | Key ingredients: Organic jojoba seed oil, berryflux vita, kaolin clay | Coverage: Medium
"This is a favorite for a reason," says Brezavscek. "It delivers subtle, realistic definition with a creamy formula that blends like a dream͘. It's infused with skin-conditioning ingredients like jojoba oil and feels more like skincare than makeup, perfect for those with dry or textured skin."
Brezavscek further explains that the stick never looks heavy, which makes it ideal for mature faces seeking a lifted, polished finish.
D'Amelio Ventre is also a big fan of this Westman Atelier pick that "melts into the skin and gives a natural shadow that never looks harsh."
In addition to the experts, my [Wise] aunt, Traci Jesen Lomb, swears by this trusted formula. "It's very blend-able and not too greasy. It makes it easy to do a subtle contour because no one wants their contouring to be noticeable!"
Frequently asked questions
The answer is a definite yes. "In fact, cream contour sticks are usually better for dry or sensitive skin than powders," says Brezavscek. "They add moisture͕ go on smoothly͕ and don't settle into creases or cling to flakiness."
"I recommend applying just under the cheekbones, along the jawline and lightly on the sides of the nose and forehead, then blending upward for lift," suggests D'Amelio Ventre. "Less is more with mature skin."
"Not always," says D'Amelio Ventre. "A cool-toned contour stick can shape the face alone, especially for a more lifted look."
D'Amelio Ventre says no, that is if you prep well with moisturizer and choose a hydrating formula.
How we chose
The Shop TODAY team rounded up the best contour sticks for mature skin by enlisting the recommendations of a board-certified physician's associate and skin care expert along with two makeup artists. We also included a couple editor (including one Shop TODAY aunt favorite) picks as well.
Meet the experts
- Paula Brezavscek, PA-C is a board-certified physician's associate and the founder of AZALA Skin Clinic in Miami, Florida.
- Lauren D͛'Amelio Ventre is a celebrity makeup artist, licensed cosmetologist, beauty educator and founder of D͛'Amelio Cosmetics͘.
- Tyler Fields is a New York City-based makeup artist.
