Best Contour Brushes of 2025

Lisa Bechard Avatar
Lisa Bechard
Last Updated: Jan 14, 2025

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Contour brushes are a must-have for anyone looking to achieve a flawless makeup look. These brushes are designed to help create dimension and definition on the face by sculpting and blending in the perfect amount of product. The bristles are typically angled or tapered to fit perfectly into the contours of the face, making it easy to apply and blend out contour powders or creams. Whether you're a makeup beginner or a pro, contour brushes can help take your makeup game to the next level. With so many options available on the market, it's easy to find a contour brush that fits your budget and personal preferences.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Real Techniques Contour Makeup Brush Cover #TOP 1
Real Techniques Contour Makeup Brush
ftb score rating icon 9.9
wet n wild Essential Contour Brush Cover #TOP 2
wet n wild Essential Contour Brush
ftb score rating icon 9.8
e.l.f. Putty Bronzer Brush Cover #TOP 3
e.l.f. Putty Bronzer Brush
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Contour Brushes

Real Techniques Contour Makeup Brush

10012800
Pink
Real Techniques Contour Makeup Brush Cover
Real Techniques Snatch + Sculpt Contour Makeup Brush, For Liquid & Cream Contour & Bronzer, Flat Top & Oval Head For Blending & Buffing, Dense, Synthetic Bristles, Vegan & Cruelty Free, 1 Count

The Real Techniques Contour Brush has an elongated oval head that helps define your face's contours. Its dense bristles efficiently apply and blend makeup, ensuring a flawless finish. This brush offers buildable coverage, giving you a natural and lifted look. Ideal for use with liquid, cream, and powder contours and bronzers, this brush's patent-pending shape allows for precise application and seamless blending.

What We Like
Flawless application
Soft and dense bristles
Great value for money
Easy to clean
Versatile for various applications
What We Don't Like
Slight shedding issues
#TOP 2

wet n wild Essential Contour Brush

1114514
Contour Brush
7.28 in
wet n wild Essential Contour Brush Cover
wet n wild Contour Brush, Sculpt, Highlight, & Blend, Luxurious Plush Fibers, Ergonomic Handle for Comfortable Precision Control , Cruelty-Free & Vegan

The wet n wild Essential Contour Brush features ultra-plush fibers and an angled design that perfectly fits the contours of your face, allowing you to apply makeup with ease, even when getting in those fine details. The comfortable brush handles make applying makeup a breeze, while the large powder brush with curved bristles picks up the perfect amount of product for even application. This cruelty-free and vegan contour brush can be used to apply any type of makeup, whether it's mineral, baked powder, or cream.

What We Like
Affordable price
Soft synthetic bristles
Ergonomic handle
Versatile for various products
Easy to clean
What We Don't Like
May be too large for detail
Short handle for some users
#TOP 3

e.l.f. Putty Bronzer Brush

83002
Black
e.l.f. Putty Bronzer Brush Cover
e.l.f. Putty Bronzer Brush, Angled Makeup Brush For Contour & Highlight, Made For The e.l.f. Putty Bronzer, Flawless Sanitary Application

The e.l.f. Putty Bronzer Brush is the perfect tool for contouring and highlighting with the e.l.f. Putty Bronzer. Its unique angled brush head and semi-stiff bristles allow for precise application, hugging your cheeks and distributing the perfect amount of product. The 100% synthetic, soft bristles blend the putty-to-powder formula into a smooth, even finish, giving you a flawless look. With this brush, you can easily pick up, distribute, and blend the product for effortless application. Plus, it's made with 100% vegan and synthetic bristles, so you can feel good about your purchase. Get a flawless, contoured look with the e.l.f. Putty Bronzer Brush.

What We Like
Soft bristles
Good size for control
Affordable price
Perfect for cream products
Easy to clean
What We Don't Like
Small size
Kinda poky

e.l.f. Liquid Bronzer & Contour Duo Brush

81810
Black
e.l.f. Liquid Bronzer & Contour Duo Brush Cover
e.l.f. Liquid Bronzer & Contour Duo Brush, Silky Highly Pigmented Formula with Dual-ended Makeup Brush, Synthetic Bristles, 100% Vegan and Cruelty-Free

The e.l.f. Bronzer Duo Brush is designed to help you achieve a beautifully bronzed and sculpted look. Its dual-ended feature allows you to apply contour with precision using the sculpted end, while the soft, fluffy end is perfect for blending your bronzer seamlessly. The brush is made with velvety synthetic bristles, ensuring a gentle touch on your skin without irritation. With a sustainably sourced wood handle, it’s not only stylish but also eco-friendly. This brush pairs perfectly with e.l.f.'s Camo Liquid Bronzer & Contour for a radiant finish.

What We Like
High-quality makeup brush
Great value for price
Soft and smooth bristles
Dual-ended for versatility
Cruelty-free brand
What We Don't Like
Not very dense bristles
Slight chemical smell initially
#TOP 5

e.l.f. Flawless Face Brush

84038
1 Count (Pack of 1)
e.l.f. Flawless Face Brush Cover
e.l.f. Flawless Face Brush, Vegan Makeup Tool For Flawlessly Contouring & Defining With Powder, Blush & Bronzer, Made With Cruelty-Free Bristles

The e.l.f. Face Brush is designed to help you achieve a natural makeup look effortlessly. Its soft, synthetic bristles allow for a gentle application, ensuring your makeup appears light and sheer. The brush features a pointed tip that fits perfectly into the contours of your face, making it easy to apply products with precision. With its two-sided design, you can use the flat side for even powder application and the skinny side for targeted blush and bronzer placement. This versatile tool is not only effective but also 100% vegan and cruelty-free, making it a great choice for conscious consumers.

What We Like
Soft and high-quality
Effective for powder and blush
Long-lasting and durable
Affordable price
What We Don't Like
Not a circular brush
Shape may surprise some buyers
#TOP 6

NQEUEPN U Shaped Nose Contour Brush

127983
Black, White
NQEUEPN U Shaped Nose Contour Brush Cover
Nose Contour Brush, U Shaped Makeup Brush Dual End Nose Contour Brush Pro Contour Duo Brush (Black, White)

The NQEUEPN Nose Contour Brush is designed to enhance your makeup routine. Made with soft synthetic fibers, it feels comfortable on your skin and prevents product waste. The unique U-shaped design allows you to easily apply contouring powder along the nose for a more defined look. The fluffy end is perfect for blending, ensuring a seamless finish. Whether you’re preparing for a special event or just a day out, this versatile brush can also be used for cheekbones and jawline contouring, giving you the flexibility to create various looks effortlessly.

What We Like
Soft bristles
Comfortable feel
Excitement to try
#TOP 7

Sigma Beauty F23 Contour Brush

819430015573
1 Count (Pack of 1)
Sigma Beauty F23 Contour Brush Cover
Sigma Beauty Professional F23 Soft Angled Contour™ synthetic Face Makeup Brush with SigmaTech® fibers for Contouring, Sculpting and Highlighting

The Sigma F23 Contour Brush is designed to help you achieve a beautifully sculpted look. With its soft, angled brush head, you can easily add depth and dimension to your face. Whether you’re aiming for a subtle enhancement or a more dramatic effect, this brush offers sheer to medium coverage, making it versatile for various makeup styles. The ergonomic design ensures a comfortable grip, allowing you to create flawless looks with precision and ease. Elevate your makeup routine and impress with stunning results using this essential tool.

What We Like
Soft, luxurious bristles
Excellent for bronzer and blush
Dense and well-structured
Easy to control application
Versatile for various makeup styles
What We Don't Like
Possible early bristle shedding
Too large for precise contouring
#TOP 8

anmor Flat Contour Brush

5829-07
Black
1 Count (Pack of 1)
anmor Flat Contour Brush Cover
Anmor Flat Contour Brush, Professional Flat Top Detailed Contour Nose Contour Makeup Brush, Perfect for Sharp Lines Contouring Liquid Cream Blender Even Application, Luxurious Cruelty Free Nano-fiber

anmor Contour Brush is a professional tool for applying contour powder, liquid, and cream. It offers flawless coverage for contouring, sculpting, and packing. The premium micro crystal fiber bristles provide a soft touch and strong toughness, ensuring even application. With its strong powder absorption capacity, this brush makes it easy to grasp and release your cosmetics. The practical design with a durable aluminum tube and long wooden handle adds an aesthetic touch to the brushes, making them easy to hold for both beginners and professionals.

What We Like
Soft bristles
Good for powder/cream application
Excellent value for money
Professional appearance
Blends makeup well
What We Don't Like
Brush head may detach
Requires careful maintenance
#TOP 9

JUNG SAEM MOOL Masterclass Contour Brush

JUNG SAEM MOOL Masterclass Contour Brush Cover
[JUNGSAEMMOOL OFFICIAL] Masterclass Contour Brush | Makeup Artist Brand | Synthetic Fanned makeup Brush | Flawless Sculpting

The JUNG SAEM MOOL Contour Brush is expertly designed to enhance your makeup application experience. Its angled bristles are tailored to follow the natural curves of your face, allowing for precise contouring. You’ll appreciate the dense bristles, which help achieve a smooth, streak-free finish without any cakiness, ensuring your makeup looks flawless and lasts longer throughout the day. This brush is perfect for anyone looking to elevate their makeup skills and achieve professional-looking results at home.

What We Like
Soft and comfortable texture
Excellent blending capability
Precision application for blush
Multi-functional use
Compact size for travel
What We Don't Like
Limited to powder products
#TOP 10

TEOYALL Flat Top Contour Brush

Black
TEOYALL Flat Top Contour Brush Cover
TEOYALL Flat Top Contour Brsuh, Soft Dense Synthetic Bristles Sculpt Contour Blending Buffing Brush For Liquid Cream Contour Bronzer

The TEOYALL Contour Brush is designed to make your makeup application effortless and professional. Its flat oval top allows you to blend and sculpt with ease, giving you a flawless finish every time. The ultra-soft synthetic bristles glide smoothly over your skin, ensuring comfort while picking up and applying any type of product, from powders to creams. With an ergonomic handle, this brush fits securely in your hand, reducing fatigue during long makeup sessions. Plus, its durable metal ferrule connection prevents shedding, so you can rely on this brush for consistent results.

What We Like
Incredible softness
Excellent value for money
No shedding
Well-made and sturdy
Great for blending
What We Don't Like
Possible shedding issues
Buying Guide Image

The Basics of Choosing the Contour Brushes

Introduction

Contour brushes are an essential tool for any makeup enthusiast. These specialized brushes are designed to help you apply makeup to the contours of your face, giving you a more defined and sculpted look. Choosing the right contour brush can be a daunting task, as there are countless options available on the market. In this article, we will discuss some key factors to consider when choosing a contour brush, as well as some tips for using these versatile tools.

Shape and size

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a contour brush is the shape and size. Contour brushes are typically tapered, with a pointed tip and a thicker base. This shape allows the brush to fit into the contours of your face, allowing you to apply makeup precisely and smoothly. The size of the brush is also important, as a larger brush will provide more coverage, while a smaller brush will allow for more precision.

Bristle type

Another important factor to consider is the type of bristles used in the brush. Synthetic bristles are a popular choice for contour brushes, as they are soft, smooth, and easy to clean. However, natural bristles, such as goat hair, can also be a good option, as they are more densely packed and may provide a more precise application. Ultimately, the best bristles for you will depend on your personal preference and the type of makeup you are using.

Brand and price

When it comes to choosing a contour brush, it can be tempting to go for the cheapest option available. However, it is important to remember that you get what you pay for when it comes to makeup brushes. Cheap brushes are often made with lower-quality materials and may not provide the precision and performance you need. Instead, consider investing in a higher-quality brush from a reputable brand. While these brushes may be more expensive upfront, they will last longer and provide better results in the long run.

Tips for using contour brushes

Once you have chosen the perfect contour brush, it is important to use it correctly in order to achieve the best results. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

  • Use a light hand: When applying contour, it is important to use a light hand and build up the color gradually. Heavy-handed application can result in an unnatural, streaky look.
  • Blend, blend, blend: Blending is key when it comes to contouring. Use circular motions to blend the contour color seamlessly into your skin, avoiding any harsh lines or streaks.
  • Clean your brush regularly: Make sure to clean your contour brush regularly to prevent bacteria buildup and ensure that it performs at its best.

Conclusion

Contour brushes are a crucial tool for achieving a defined and sculpted makeup look. When choosing a contour brush, consider factors such as shape and size, bristles type, brand, and price. Remember to use a light hand and blend thoroughly, and clean your brush regularly for the best results.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is it necessary to use a Contour brush?

Using a contour brush is not necessary, but it provides more control and versatility when applying liquid or cream contour products. The firm bristles of a contour brush allow for different techniques, such as stippling for buildable coverage or soft sweeping for a sheer look. While it's possible to achieve a contour without a brush, using one can enhance the precision and overall finish of your makeup look.

2. Do you put foundation on before or after you contour?

It is recommended to apply foundation before contouring. Applying your cream contour after foundation ensures that you don't disturb or smudge the contour when applying your base. Additionally, if you apply the contour first, the cream-based products can blend together, resulting in a darker overall shade of your base.

3. Do you blend contour before or after foundation?

It is recommended to blend your contour after applying foundation. This helps maintain the integrity of the contour and prevents smudging or disrupting it when applying the foundation. Blending the contour after foundation ensures a seamless and natural-looking finish.

4. Is it better to blend contour with sponge or brush?

If you're working with cream contour products, using a damp makeup sponge is often preferred for blending. A sponge helps mix the colors and ensures a smooth, seamless application without leaving any harsh lines. However, the choice between a sponge or brush ultimately depends on personal preference and the desired finish.

Editor's Notes

During our contour brush research, we found 48 contour brush products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 499,179 customer reviews through our big data system to write the contour brushes list. We found that most customers choose contour brushes with an average price of $7.31.

The contour brushes are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of contour brushes, including Real Techniques, wet n wild, e.l.f., NQEUEPN, Sigma Beauty. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Lisa Bechard Avatar

Lisa Bechard is a skin therapist with 12 years of working experience in the beauty industry and also an experienced beauty writer who has expertise in skincare, medical aesthetics and cosmetic surgery, and wellness. Her writing skills are excellent and all her content is very persuasive and insightful.

Contour Brushes Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand Real Techniques wet n wild e.l.f. e.l.f. e.l.f. NQEUEPN Sigma Beauty anmor JUNG SAEM MOOL TEOYALL
Recommended Uses For Product For Contouring Face Makeup Face Makeup For Contouring, For Bronzer Face Brush - makeup For Contouring Face Makeup For foundation, contour, bronzer
Color Pink Contour Brush Black Black Black - Flawless Face - F23 Black Black Black
Skin Type All, Oily, Combination, Sensitive, Dry, Normal All All All All - All Oily, Combination, Sensitive, Dry, Normal All All
Item Form Wand Wand Wand Wand Wand - Wand Flat Top Brush Wand Wand
Number of Pieces 1 1 1 1 1 - 1 1 1 1
Age Range (Description) Adult Adult Adult Adult Adult - Adult Adult Adult All People
Bristle Material Synthetic Synthetic Polymax Fibers made of an exclusive thermoplastic polymer complex that mimics natural hair Nylon - Nylon - Nylon Synthetic Hair [Synthetic] Synthetic
Material Synthetic Bristles Synthetic Nylon - Synthetic Fiber - Wood Synthetic Bristle Synthetic Synthetic & Metal
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.9
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 9.0
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