Clinique Chubby Stick Contour Sculptor and NYX Professional Makeup Wonder Stick are two cream contouring products. But which one is better?
In Bougie vs. Broke, I compare two similar products at different price points. In this edition, the Clinique Chubby Stick Contour Sculptor is the bougie contour stick, NYX Professional Makeup Wonder Stick the broke.
Some Contour Basics
Contour is used to create shadows on the face. These shadows can change/tweak appearance. Contour can provide the illusion of more prominent cheekbones, a stronger jawline, a smaller nose, fuller lips, a slimmer face, and more.
I’m not going to lie, contouring is a more advanced makeup technique. Two tips: practice makes perfect and blend blend blend.
Only with repetition (and mistakes!) will you learn the shape of your face and the unique contouring that’s best for you. It’s hard to watch a contouring tutorial and learn a set routine. Contouring is such an individual experience, unique to each facial structure.
Clinique Chubby Stick Contour Sculptor Review
Ease
Frankly, this stick is too big, and that cuts into ease of use. I already find nose contouring difficult, and wielding this large brown crayon isn’t making it any easier.
I could (and have) use a brush to dip into the cream contour and then apply it to my face. This seems like an extra step that the price point doesn’t warrant.
Blendability
The Clinique Chubby Stick Contour Sculptor blends easily but sets quickly.
I recommend applying the contour stick on small areas (one half of the forehead, one cheekbone) and then blending before moving on to another small area.
Pigmentation/Color
The Clinique Chubby Stick Contour Sculptor is a warm brown.
Too warm, if you ask me. Contour products should be gray to mimic shadows. It’s bronzers that should be more warm toned (to mimic sun exposure).
Texture
The Clinique Chubby Stick Contour Sculptor feels like butter (as long as you blend it quickly enough).
But, on application straight from the tube, the product skips. I’m trying to draw a line around my forehead but the stick leaves patches of skin bare. I have to go back and fill them in.
Longevity
No complaints here.
I don’t see product coming off on my mask, nor am I sweating brown rivulets.
Verity of Product Claims
The Clinique website overview of the product is brief, stating,
Creamy contouring stick creates the illusion of depth; makes areas appear to recede. Long-wearing and oil-free.
Ok. That’s basically telling us what contour is while throwing in some positive adjectives.
Funnily enough, in the product reviews, several consumers gush about their love of using the Clinique Chubby Stick Contour Sculptor product as a bronzer.
NYX Professional Makeup Wonder Stick Review
Ease
The NYX Professional Makeup Wonder Stick is the correct size. And it comes with a highlighting end.
That’s it. End of review.
I mean, not really. But now you know how this is gonna go.
Blendability
This product blends like a dream, no matter how long it sits.
I can blend with a brush, sponge, or my fingers. It doesn’t matter.
Same for the highlighting end.
Pigmentation/Color
For my fair skin tone, the NYX Professional Makeup Wonder Stick contour is a more proper shade of gray; one that truly mimics shadows.
I also love how the highlighting end isn’t sparkly or flat white. It’s just…a flattering matte cream.
And the NYX Professional Makeup Wonder Stick comes in six shade options.
Texture
Both sides feel soft and blendable. Neither side skips.
Longevity
I continue to have no complaints.
Despite being a very sweaty individual, this product doesn’t fade, patch, or slide.
Verity of Product Claims
What’s with all the underwhelming copy, beauty industry? You should hire me.
The NYX website just describes the wonder stick as “creamy” and “vegan,” really.
This product is so much more than that.
And The Winner Is
Oh my goodness, the NYX Professional Makeup Wonder Stick, a thousand times over.
I was so happy with Clinique in my last Bougie vs. Broke article, but this Chubby Stick Contour Sculptor is just the worst. Especially for the price point. Shame on you.
I use the NYX Professional Makeup Wonder Stick all over my face, all the time.
Happy contouring!
Love,
