Are Charlotte Tilbury's New Contour Wand Shades Any Good? 5 Editors' Honest Reviews

Finding the perfect makeup products can feel like an endless journey. From navigating different formulas to ensuring the right shade for your skin tone, countless factors come into play. When it comes to complexion products—especially contour—it’s essential to find a formula that blends seamlessly while complementing your undertones. With contouring becoming a staple in makeup routines over the past few years, the quest for sculpting has only intensified. That's why we had to put Charlotte Tilbury’s Hollywood Contour Wand and its updated shades to the test.

The product, which got a color expansion mid-January, is a beauty cabinet favorite with a lightweight liquid formula and a cushioned applicator. The Contour Wand, which retails for $42, is supposed to create a naturally sculpted look. Charlotte Tilbury expanded the shade range, adding five new options: fair (neutral undertones), medium (warm natural undertones), tan (warm neutral undertones), tan-deep (neutral undertones), and deep (cool undertones). With these additions, more makeup lovers can now find their perfect contour match.

The L'OFFICIEL USA team tested the contour formula in its new and existing shades to see how good it works. Keep scrolling to read our honest reviews of Charlotte Tilbury's Hollywood Contour Wand. 

Andrea Bossi, Digital Editor

"I started getting into makeup around the same time KKW contour palettes were taking over the beauty scene. While I have always admired those who can chisel their face with bronzer and highlighter, I never quite mastered that technique but still like to toy with the tool.

"Charlotte Tilbury's new liquid contour made for a fun experiment. The product dispenses from a sponge-like applicator, immediately softening the application on the face to avoid harsh lines. I like that this formula is pigmented—I usually wear medium foundation with neutral undertones and tested the Contour Wand in medium—but since it dries into a matte finish rather quickly, it's important to blend it without letting it sit on the skin too long. I like using this most around my eyes and just a tiny on the cheekbones because a little goes a long way. I wouldn't wear this without some blush, though, to make sure the lines aren't too harsh." —Andrea Bossi, Digital Editor

Grace Clarke, Digital Associate

"As a self-proclaimed makeup fanatic, I'm always eager to try out new products to enhance my everyday makeup routine. I've always heard about Charlotte Tilbury's Hollywood Contour Wand, but I never invested in the $42 product. So, I was excited to try it out and see for myself what the hype was about. I chose the shade Fair-Medium as I have cooler undertones, and I was pleasantly surprised on the first go around. 

"Safe to say, a little goes a long way with this product. The cushion applicator makes it easy to dot the product exactly where I want definition, and I found that blending with both a sponge and a brush ensured the most seamless, natural-looking finish. I found the formula to be lightweight yet buildable, melting into the skin without looking streaky or heavy. I also enjoyed this wand as it doubles as a bronzer for me, giving some warmth to my sometimes-pale face. Whether going for soft definition or a more sculpted look, this contour wand feels reliable." —Grace Clarke, Digital Associate

Maegan Trusty, Writer

"The Hollywood Contour Wand offers a beginner-friendly approach to contouring, but it comes with some nuances worth noting. I opted for to test the shade Tan-Deep, but I think the shade Deep or applying a bit more product could have made the contour more pronounced. That said, the wand is incredibly pigmented—a little bit truly goes a long way. Be cautious when dispensing the product, though, as the cushion applicator can get messy if squeezed too quickly or forcefully.

"This contour is made in a way that can be drawn onto the face or dotted on, but dotting proved better method for a seamless blend. However, as someone with melanated skin, blending the product was somewhat challenging at first. It initially appeared like dirt on my face. Still, with some effort, I was able to achieve a soft, natural contour that subtly enhanced my cheekbones. 

"For those seeking a more chiseled effect, this product might work best as a base layer. I think finishing it off with a powder contour would amplify the definition and create a stronger, more sculpted appearance. Overall, the Hollywood Contour Wand excels at creating a soft shadow and natural definition. If you’re after a subtle, everyday look, this product delivers. For a bolder look, it pairs beautifully with a powder contour to complete the effect." —Maegan Trusty, Writer

Danielle Jaculewicz, Writer

"I'll admit, despite being obsessed with makeup for as long as I can remember, I have never ventured into the world of liquid contour until trying the Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Contour Wand. Liquid contour always intimidated me because, despite my love for the craft, I am far from a MUA.

"I wear the shade Fair, and it is perfect for bringing a little much-needed color to my face during the winter months. However, the moment the sun returns, like many, I will need to transition to a darker shade. The wearability of this product and its skin-like feel make it perfect for everyday wear, especially on days when I want to look put together but also want to get out the door as quickly as possible. On the other hand, for nights out, this product is buildable and pairs well with a swipe of the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Matte Bronzer. As a former powder-only gal, I finally understand the hype around liquid bronzer." —Danielle Jaculewicz, Writer

Valerie Soto, Writer

"Having tried several contour products, the Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Contour Wand is the one that I would recommend to beginners for its buildable coverage and smooth application. I wear the shade Medium and was pleasantly surprised at how natural the contour is and how it doesn’t overpower the other products I use in my makeup routine. Blending is quick, and it doesn't separate any other makeup products on my face. Once you’ve applied the product, it needs to be blended quickly before it dries down, (which I learned the hard way after letting it sit for about a minute before struggling to blend it on my jaw and cheeks).

"I would recommend that a powder contour be applied on top to set the product as the base to create a more chiseled look. This will result in a beautiful, bronzed look that I strive to achieve for my everyday makeup. A few things to keep in mind when using this product: a little goes a long way, so it’s better to build up the product than to overdo it. You have to twist the applicator and squeeze the product to apply it, so be gentle when squeezing the wand so that it doesn’t spill." —Valerie Soto, Writer