Charlotte Tilbury Expands Contour Wand Shades – Do They Live Up to the Hype?

Finding the right makeup product, especially when it comes to contouring, can often feel like an endless pursuit. With the beauty industry constantly evolving and contouring now a staple in makeup routines, the demand for inclusive shade ranges has become more important than ever. Charlotte Tilbury, a brand synonymous with luxury and high-performance products, recently expanded its Hollywood Contour Wand lineup, introducing five new shades aimed at catering to a wider range of skin tones. The question remains—does this expansion truly deliver on inclusivity, and is the formula as impressive as its reputation suggests?

This liquid contour wand, already a cult favorite, boasts a lightweight formula and a cushion applicator that allows for smooth application and blending. Retailing at $42, it promises to create a naturally sculpted look with minimal effort. The five new shades introduced include fair with neutral undertones, medium with warm natural undertones, tan with warm neutral undertones, tan-deep with neutral undertones, and deep with cool undertones. These additions are designed to offer more options for beauty lovers looking to achieve a seamless, natural contour. With such high expectations, a team of editors put the product to the test, each sharing their experiences with different shades and skin types.

For those accustomed to powder contour, transitioning to a liquid formula can feel intimidating, but the consensus among testers was that the wand offers a user-friendly approach. The cushion applicator ensures the product is deposited evenly, preventing harsh lines and making blending easier. However, because of its pigmented formula, blending needs to happen swiftly to avoid patchiness. Some found that dotting the product onto the face rather than applying thick strokes led to a more natural, blended look. Despite the formula being buildable, using too much product at once could make it overwhelming to work with, especially for beginners.

A key highlight was how versatile the wand could be. Those with fair skin found it helpful for adding warmth and subtle definition, particularly in colder months when their complexion felt dull. The product’s lightweight feel made it suitable for everyday wear, yet it also built up beautifully for a more dramatic, sculpted effect when layered with powder contour. However, for some with deeper skin tones, blending required extra effort to avoid the product appearing muddy or uneven. While the shade expansion was appreciated, a few testers noted they might need to mix shades or use additional products to achieve the depth of contour they desired.

Application techniques varied among testers, with some preferring to use a sponge for a soft, diffused look, while others found that a brush helped blend the product more precisely. The quick-drying nature of the formula meant that working in sections rather than applying product all at once yielded better results. A few testers noted that the twist-and-squeeze applicator required careful handling to avoid dispensing too much product at once, which could lead to unnecessary waste.

Overall, the expanded range of Charlotte Tilbury’s Hollywood Contour Wand proved to be a welcome addition to the brand’s lineup, offering more inclusivity while maintaining the beloved formula that fans have praised for years. While it may not be the perfect solution for every skin tone and preference, its ease of use, buildability, and natural finish make it a worthy option for those looking to enhance their makeup routine. Whether used for subtle definition or full glam sculpting, this product remains a reliable choice in the world of liquid contour.