How to formulate a contour cream

By Belinda Carli | Published: 25-Sep-2026
Ingredients Colour Cosmetics

With contouring make-up projected to grow by a CAGR of 14.4% to 2033, Belinda Carli explains how to build a contour cream formula

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How to formulate a contour cream

Contour creams are the latest make-up go-to product, providing users with an easy-to-apply and even easier-to-master sculpted appearance. 

Despite their name, contour creams are not actually emulsions or liquid cream products.

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Instead they are balm-like sticks, making it easy to apply strokes of buildable colour that can be blended into the surrounding skin to give the required definition, without leaving a hardened chiseled look.

So, what are the essential ingredients in a contouring cream, and how should you build a contour cream formula?

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