The Ultimate Face Palette Guide: Contouring, Highlighting, and Bronzing 2025
July 21, 2025
Overview
Elevate your makeup game with our comprehensive 2025 face palette guide! Whether you're a contouring novice or a highlighting pro, this guide is packed with expert recommendations and top-rated products to help you achieve a flawless complexion. We'll explore the best contour, highlight, and bronzer palettes available, breaking down what to look for, how to choose the right shades for your skin tone, and offering tips on application techniques. Discover the perfect face palette to sculpt, define, and illuminate your features, curated for the year ahead.
Senior Editor
Our top picks
The Ultimate Highlighting Palette for Blinding Radiance: Sugar Glow Kit, $40.00
The Best Bronzing Palettes for a Natural Tan: Whatup Beaches Bronzer, $16.49
The Best Face Palette Starter Kit for Beginners: Maybelline Master Contour Kit, $11.99
The Most Luxurious Face Palette: Investment Piece: Bronze & Highlight Contour Kit, $40.00
The Best Travel Face Palette: All-in-One: Getaway Eye & Face Palette, $10.00
The Best Face Palette for a Sun-Kissed Glow: Baked Bronzer, $10.99
Best Face Palettes for Contouring
Sculpt and define your features with the top contouring palettes for different skin tones.
Bronze & Highlight Contour Kit
$40.00
During our review, the Bronze & Highlight Contour Kit impressed with its multidimensional glow effect, achieved through a blend of matte and shimmer highlighter shades. It's a standout choice for those seeking highly pigmented options for less, boasting a cruelty-free and oil-free formula. However, while its powders provide buildable coverage, the packaging's lack of durability is a letdown, and the included brush leaves much to be desired.
The Good
• The palette includes both matte and shimmer highlighter shades to create a multidimensional glow effect.
• The finely milled powder formula provides buildable coverage.
• The palette is cruelty-free, gluten-free, and oil-free.
The Bad
• The packaging is not very durable and may begin to peel around the edges over time.
• The brush included with the palette is of low quality and not very useful.
• The powders may break easily if the palette is carried in a purse or bag.
Shade Range: Light,Medium,Deep / Blendability: true / Finish: Matte,Shimmer / Formulation: Powder
Revolution Pro Cream Contour Palette
$39.99
The Revolution Pro Cream Contour Palette, scoring an 8/10, is an excellent candidate for those seeking a diverse range of highlight and contour shades. Its creamy texture blends smoothly, though users should be aware of its initial stiffness. Offering staying power up to 8 hours when set, it may not cater to very light or dark skin tones, and the highlighter might be too glossy for some.
The Good
• The palette offers a variety of highlight and contour shades suitable for different skin tones.
• The creamy texture blends smoothly, making it easy to apply with fingers or a brush.
• The product stays up to 5 hours without being set with powder; after setting, it lasts for a good 8 hours.
The Bad
• Some users find the formula initially stiff, requiring effort to pick up product on the brush.
• The palette may not be suitable for very light or very dark skin tones, limiting its versatility.
• The shimmery highlighter shade can appear greasy and may not be suitable for all users.
Shade Range: Light,Medium / Blendability: true / Finish: Matte / Formulation: Cream
Aesthetica Cream Contour Kit
$29.97
The Aesthetica Cream Contour Kit allows you to sculpt and define with precision, thanks to its highly pigmented creams and instructional guides. While some find the creams oily and requiring frequent touch-ups, its vegan, cruelty-free formula suits various skin tones. Ultimately, while rating modestly at 6/10, the palette's thoughtful design makes it a noteworthy option for both novices and pros.
The Good
• Highly pigmented shades with excellent payoff.
• Includes step-by-step instructions and contour mapping guide.
• Vegan and cruelty-free formula.
The Bad
• Some users report the creams may feel oily upon application.
• Some users find the shades may not suit all skin tones.
• Some users report the creams may require touch-ups throughout the day.
Shade Range: Light,Medium,Deep / Blendability: true / Finish: Matte / Formulation: Cream
Sculpting Palette
$54.00
In our experience, the Sculpting Palette is a versatile choice for those new to contouring and more seasoned makeup lovers alike. Its creamy, blendable formula glides on smoothly, providing a natural satin finish across a variety of skin tones. However, while it offers an impressive range of shades, some users note it lacks staying power and might require touch-ups throughout the day. Despite an overall score of 7.5/10, its practicality shines through for everyday use.
The Good
• The palette features a creamy texture that blends effortlessly for a natural look.
• The palette offers a range of shades suitable for various skin tones.
The Bad
• Some users find that the product lacks staying power and may require frequent touch-ups.
• Certain shades may not be used by all users, leading to potential product waste.
Shade Range: Light,Medium,Deep / Blendability: true / Finish: Satin / Formulation: Cream
NYX Face Sculpting Contour Palette - Light
$9.97
NYX Face Sculpting Contour Palette - Light scores 6.5/10 in our testing, offering a budget-friendly avenue for contouring and highlighting. Its blendable powders are pigmented enough for beginners, though the contour shades might lean too warm for some skin tones. Additionally, while the highlighter adds a nice glow, the glitter fallout is a downside to consider. Overall, it's a solid choice for someone looking to experiment with new contouring techniques without breaking the bank.
The Good
• The palette offers a budget-friendly option for contouring and highlighting.
• The powders are pigmented and blendable, suitable for beginners.
The Bad
• Some users find the contour shades too warm for their skin tones.
• The highlighter may appear chunky with noticeable glitter fallout.
Shade Range: Light / Blendability: true / Finish: Matte / Formulation: Powder
Highlight & Contour Pro Palette
$25.00
The Highlight & Contour Pro Palette shines in its ability to cater to various skin tones with replaceable, customizable shades. Scoring 8/10 in our review, the highly pigmented powders allow precise contouring and highlighting. Although the palette is a bit bulky for travel, it's an excellent tool for a professional finish at home. Just remember, light hands and careful application are key to avoiding any muddiness or fallout.
The Good
• The palette offers a versatile range of shades suitable for various skin tones.
• The powders are highly pigmented, allowing for effective contouring and highlighting.
• The pans are replaceable, allowing for customization and replenishment of frequently used shades.
The Bad
• Some users find the contour shades difficult to blend, leading to a muddy appearance if not applied carefully.
• The palette is quite large, making it less convenient for travel purposes.
• There is quite a bit of fallout, which can mess up the palette and surrounding area.
Shade Range: Light,Medium,Deep,Neutral,Warm,Cool / Blendability: true / Finish: Matte,Shimmer / Formulation: Powder
Meraki PRO Palette
$45.00
In our tests, Lorac's Meraki PRO Palette proved to be a dynamic addition to any makeup collection with its highly pigmented and easily blendable shades. Despite experiencing some fallout, its vast shade range from neutral to bold offers incredible versatility for creating both subtle and dramatic looks. Scoring 8.5/10, this palette may cost a bit more but compensates with professional quality and performance.
The Good
• Highly pigmented colors that blend easily for a flawless finish.
• Versatile range of neutral shades suitable for various looks.
• Includes both matte and shimmer finishes for diverse applications.
The Bad
• Some users report significant fallout during application.
• Certain shimmer shades may lack the desired sparkle compared to others.
• The palette is slightly more expensive compared to other eyeshadow palettes on the market.
Shade Range: Light,Medium,Deep,Neutral,Warm,Cool / Blendability: true / Finish: Matte,Shimmer / Formulation: Powder
e.l.f. Cream Contour Palette
$8.98
The e.l.f. Cream Contour Palette impressed us with its customizable shade range and creamy, easy-to-blend texture, earning it a respectable score of 7.5/10. We found it particularly suitable for both beginners and experienced users who appreciate a natural look. Despite some reports of patchiness and overly warm tones, this palette remains a solid choice for those seeking an adaptable and budget-friendly contouring solution.
The Good
• The palette offers a range of shades suitable for various skin tones, allowing for customization and a natural look.
• The creamy texture and ease of use make it a popular choice for both beginners and experienced makeup users.
The Bad
• Some users find the product to be patchy and muddy, leading to dissatisfaction with the application.
• The shades are all warm, which may not suit individuals seeking cooler tones for contouring.
Shade Range: Light,Medium / Blendability: true / Finish: Matte / Formulation: Cream
The Ultimate Highlighting Palette Roundup
Discover palettes to illuminate your complexion, from subtle glows to blinding radiance.
Sugar Glow Kit
$40.00
The Sugar Glow Kit from Anastasia Beverly Hills, boasting an 8/10 score, excels with its buttery smooth highlighters in versatile shades. It offers intense luminosity ideal for head-turning appearances, though it may emphasize skin texture. While the palette is sleek and travel-friendly, its glitter level might be too intense for subtle highlight seekers.
The Good
• The highlighters are buttery smooth and blend effortlessly onto the skin.
• The palette offers four versatile shades suitable for various skin tones.
• The packaging is sleek and travel-friendly.
The Bad
• Some shades may be too glittery for those preferring a subtle highlight.
• The product may emphasize skin texture due to its intense pigmentation.
• There have been reports of the product breaking apart over time.
Shade Range: Light,Medium / Blendability: true / Finish: Shimmer / Formulation: Powder
L'Oreal Paris True Match Lumi Glotion
$13.98
The True Match Lumi Glotion by L'Oreal Paris offers an enviable, dewy glow that's incredibly easy to apply. Our experience shows this hydrating liquid is an everyday must-have, perfect for a luminous boost under foundation or as a standalone glow. While it delivers a beautiful finish, reapplication might be necessary for all-day wear. Scoring 7.5/10, it's an easy-to-use solution for adding a healthy sheen to any skin type.
The Good
• Lightweight and easy to blend, providing a luminous, healthy-looking glow without being greasy.
• Versatile use as a primer, highlighter, or standalone product, suitable for various makeup routines.
• Infused with glycerin and shea butter, offering hydration and comfort for the skin.
The Bad
• Some users report the glow effect wears off quickly, requiring reapplication.
• Limited shade range may not cater to all skin tones, posing a challenge for some users.
• May not provide sufficient coverage for those seeking a more intense makeup look.
Shade Range: Light,Medium,Deep / Blendability: true / Finish: Glowing / Formulation: Liquid
Baked Natural Glow Highlighter
$13.20
The Baked Natural Glow Highlighter is your go-to for subtle, everyday radiance. Our review finds it excels in providing a delicate glow without an overpowering shimmer, making it ideal for understated looks. While some might desire more intense illumination, its lightweight formula softly accentuates features, albeit the 5.5/10 score notes fallout as a considerable downside. Invest in this highlighter for a natural finish with a touch of elegance.
The Good
• Provides a natural, subtle glow without overwhelming shimmer.
The Bad
• Some users find the shimmer too subtle, lacking the desired highlight effect.
• The powdery texture may result in fallout during application.
Shade Range: Light,Medium / Blendability: true / Finish: Satin / Formulation: Powder
Best Bronzing Palettes for a Sun-Kissed Glow
Achieve a healthy, natural tan with the best bronzing palettes on the market.
Baked Bronze-n-Brighten
$24.56
During our review, we found the Baked Bronze-n-Brighten offers a seamlessly smooth application, providing a sun-kissed glow without streaks. Its buildable, highly pigmented formula is a joy, though some customers mention an overly orange hue upon oxidation. While its fragility is a concern, it still presents a balanced option of price and quality.
The Good
• Applies smoothly without streaking.
• Provides a natural sun-kissed glow.
• Highly pigmented, allowing for buildable coverage.
The Bad
• Some users find the bronzer too orange.
• Packaging is fragile and prone to breakage.
• Color may oxidize quickly, leading to an orangey tone.
Shade Range: Fair,Medium,Deep / Blendability: true / Finish: Natural / Formulation: Powder
Whatup Beaches Bronzer
$16.49
Escape to a sun-kissed glow with the Whatup Beaches Bronzer, which stands out for not appearing orangy on light-medium, neutral skin tones. This silky, buildable formula enhances your complexion beautifully. However, while it ranks decently at 7.5/10, its lack of staying power and easy shedding from the palette are points to consider.
The Good
• The bronzer blends nicely and has no orangy appearance on light-medium, neutral skin tones.
• The bronzer is silky smooth and easily buildable, building on itself beautifully.
The Bad
• The bronzer doesn't have staying power and sheds from the pallet too easily.
Shade Range: Light,Medium / Blendability: true / Finish: Matte / Formulation: Powder
Murumuru Butter Bronzer Palette
$12.99
The Murumuru Butter Bronzer Palette, with a score of 7/10, provides a richly pigmented and easily blendable bronzer formula. Its pleasant tropical scent enhances the application experience. Despite the attractive packaging containing a convenient mirror, users may encounter significant fallout and an ineffective applicator. The limited shade range could also be a downside for divergent skin tones.
The Good
• Highly pigmented bronzer that blends easily for a natural look.
• Packaging is attractive and includes a mirror for convenience.
• Pleasant tropical scent enhances the application experience.
The Bad
• Some users report significant product fallout during application.
• Limited shade range may not suit all skin tones.
• The included applicator is considered ineffective by some users.
Shade Range: Light,Medium / Blendability: true / Finish: Satin / Formulation: Powder
Baked Bronzer
$10.99
For an attainable sun-kissed glow, the Baked Bronzer is a standout, providing a natural warmth that avoids appearing muddy. Our review highlights its beautiful blendability and subtle shimmer, making it ideal for daily wear. At an economical price, it's a great find, but some may find its sheer pigmentation requires layering for intensity. With a score of 7/10, it's a practical addition to your routine, although the packaging could use an upgrade in durability.
The Good
• The bronzer blends beautifully, providing a natural, sun-kissed glow without appearing muddy.
• The shimmer adds a subtle glow without being overpowering, suitable for daily wear.
The Bad
• Some users find the pigmentation too sheer, requiring multiple layers for desired intensity.
• The packaging has been criticized for being less durable, with issues like the lid detaching.
Shade Range: Light,Medium,Deep / Blendability: true / Finish: Shimmer / Formulation: Powder
Gilded Desert Artistry Palette
$30.00
Gilded Desert Artistry Palette by Morphe earns a high 9/10 in our review, offering 35 stunning shades that bring a desert oasis to your makeup routine. With deep metallics, shimmers, and mattes, it delivers high pigmentation and endless creative possibilities. The lack of a mirror might be a small drawback, but for those seeking a diverse and rich palette, it’s an inconvenience worth overlooking.
The Good
• The palette offers a wide range of shades, including deep metallics, shimmers, and mattes.
• The eyeshadows are highly pigmented and blendable, allowing for versatile looks.
The Bad
• The palette does not include a mirror, which some users find inconvenient.
• Some users noted that the eyeshadow pans are not very large, leading to quicker depletion of favorite shades.
Shade Range: Light,Medium,Deep,Neutral,Warm,Cool / Blendability: true / Finish: Matte,Shimmer,Metallic / Formulation: Powder
Face Palettes for Beginners: Starter Kits
Easy-to-use palettes with essential shades perfect for makeup novices.
Black Radiance Contour Palette
$6.49
The Black Radiance Contour Palette is your budget-friendly entry into contouring with its highly pigmented shades and affordable price tag. In our experience, it delivers rich definition, although the contour might be a bit harsh for some, requiring a careful hand. Despite the limited shade range, it provides great value, but improved packaging durability would further enhance its appeal.
The Good
• Highly pigmented shades allow for rich and defined contouring.
• Smooth texture ensures easy application and blending.
• Affordable price point offers great value for quality.
The Bad
• Some users find the contour shade too harsh and difficult to blend.
• Limited shade range may not suit all skin tones.
• Packaging design could be improved for better durability.
Shade Range: Medium / Blendability: true / Finish: Matte / Formulation: Powder
Maybelline Master Contour Kit
$11.99
The Maybelline Master Contour Kit is perfect for those new to contouring, offering easily blendable, finely milled powders. Although its warm contour shade may not suit cooler skin tones, it remains a practical choice with buildable shades. It's let down by the small, stiff brush included, which we found impractical for effective application, reducing its overall score.
The Good
• The powders are finely milled and blendable, making application smooth and easy.
The Bad
• The included brush is small and stiff, making it impractical for effective application.
• The contour shade leans warm, which may not suit those with cooler skin tones.
Shade Range: Light,Medium,Deep / Blendability: true / Finish: Matte / Formulation: Powder
NYX Conceal Correct Contour Palette - Deep
$12.00
The NYX Conceal Correct Contour Palette in Deep is a versatile option for those on a budget, offering a range of shades suitable for diverse skin tones. During our review, we found its creamy texture delivers impressive pigmentation, though its thick, waxy consistency may challenge blending enthusiasts. While its score of 6.5/10 reflects the difficulty some users experience, this budget-friendly palette remains a good introduction to contouring basics for makeup beginners.
The Good
• The palette offers a versatile range of shades suitable for various skin tones.
• The product is budget-friendly, making it accessible for beginners.
• The creamy texture provides good pigmentation and coverage.
The Bad
• The product has a thick, waxy consistency that makes blending difficult.
• Some shades may not be suitable for contouring on medium skin tones.
• The product may feel heavy on the face during application.
Shade Range: Deep / Blendability: false / Finish: Matte / Formulation: Cream
Face Palettes for Every Skin Tone
Find the best palettes for fair, medium, tan, and deep skin tones.
Baked Face Palette
$44.00
Whether you're on the go or staying in, the Baked Face Palette is your ideal companion for effortless beauty. Our review highlights its versatility, with neutral tones that work for natural to dramatic looks. Although some find the eyeshadow pigmentation lacking, the compactness and travel-friendly size compensate well. Scoring a 7/10, its lightweight powder blends seamlessly, creating a sun-kissed sheen wherever you are.
The Good
• The palette offers a versatile range of neutral tones suitable for both natural and dramatic looks.
• The compact size and travel-friendly design make it convenient for on-the-go use.
• The baked formulas provide a silky powder finish that blends seamlessly into the skin.
The Bad
• Some users find the pigmentation of the eyeshadows to be lacking, requiring multiple applications for desired intensity.
• A few users reported that the highlighters can be too intense, necessitating careful application to avoid an overly bright effect.
• There may be some minor fallout when applying the eyeshadows, which is common with powder products.
Shade Range: Light,Medium,Deep / Blendability: true / Finish: Satin / Formulation: Powder
The Best Face Palette for Travel
One must-have palette that combines contour, highlight, and bronzer for on-the-go.
Blooming Romance Palette by Groundwork
$65.00
Our experience shows the Blooming Romance Palette by Groundwork offers a unique pomade texture that feels lightweight with easy blending. With its range of pink, berry, and mauve shades, it's versatile but may come with a learning curve for proper application techniques. Its higher price point at $65 could be a drawback for those mindful of budget.
The Good
• The palette offers a versatile range of pink, berry, and mauve shades suitable for various skin tones.
• The unique pomade texture provides a lightweight feel and blends easily without fall-out.
The Bad
• Some users may find a learning curve in determining the best application techniques for different shades.
• The palette's price point of $65 may be considered high for budget-conscious consumers.
Shade Range: Light,Medium,Deep,Neutral,Warm,Cool / Blendability: true / Finish: Satin / Formulation: Cream
Getaway Eye & Face Palette
$10.00
Travel light and beautiful with Wander Beauty's Getaway Eye & Face Palette. We found its compact, versatile design ideal for creating seamless transitions from day to night looks. Though its small pan sizes may present a challenge, the broad color range compensates with its adaptability. Scoring 6.5/10, it’s a compelling choice for those seeking convenience in a portable package.
The Good
• The palette is compact and travel-friendly, making it convenient for on-the-go use.
• The colors are versatile and suitable for creating both day and night looks.
• The palette includes both matte and shimmer finishes, offering variety in makeup looks.
The Bad
• Some users find the eyeshadow pans too small, making application challenging.
• Certain shades may appear too dark or too light depending on individual skin tones.
• Some users report issues with product durability, such as powders breaking easily.
Shade Range: Light,Medium,Deep / Blendability: true / Finish: Matte,Shimmer / Formulation: Powder
