Maybelline Master Sculpt Contouring Palettes Review

Contouring is a technique that is going nowhere fast, sure we have seen a shift from dramatic chiselled cheekbones to a more subtle, enhancing what you already have approach - it will be a long time coming before the majority of us ditch contouring altogether. The good news is that grey toned sculpting powders - the undertone that mimics the shadows  naturally cast on the face, are a little more readily available on the high street. One brand leading the way is Maybelline, with not one but two shades of Maybelline Master Sculpt Contouring Palettes.

Maybelline Master Sculpt Contouring Palettes Review
Maybelline Master Sculpt Contouring Palettes Review
Maybelline Master Sculpt Contouring Palettes Review

Maybelline Master Sculpt Contouring Palettes are your all in one kit for contouring and highlighting; the small black, plastic case not only contains a sculpting, bronze shade but also a subtle highlighter. For ease of use the compact also features a brush and a mirror - you can't really ask for more. The brush provided is a little scratchy but the slim shape and design does slot into the hollows of the cheeks nicely. It would more than suffice when in a pinch and thanks to the compact design and sturdy plastic packaging it is ideal for not only everyday use but also travel. 

Maybelline Master Sculpt Contouring Palettes Review
Maybelline Master Sculpt Contouring Palettes Review
Maybelline Master Sculpt Contouring Palettes Review
Maybelline Master Sculpt Contouring Palettes Review

As mentioned the Maybelline Master Sculpt Contouring Palettes come in two shades: light/medium and medium/dark; both feature a somewhat grey undertone but oddly the light/medium contour powder leans cool, where as the medium/dark is warmer overall. A little baffling as traditionally a cool toned brown powder is the most desirable option for contouring - to create natural toned shadows. Despite this misgiving it is a great contour option as it is not orange nor shimmer based and once blended out it does look fairly natural. As far as I can tell both highlight shades are exactly the same - a light, neutral and slightly yellow toned ivory satin finish powder. The highlighting segment can be used all over the face to mimic the effect of light or as a setting powder. I do think it is a shame that there are only two shade options at this point, it would have been nice to see a few addition shades for those with a deeper than medium complexion.

Maybelline Master Sculpt Contouring Palettes Review
Maybelline Master Sculpt Contouring Palettes Review
Maybelline Master Sculpt Contouring Palettes Review
Maybelline Master Sculpt Contouring Palettes Review
Maybelline Master Sculpt Contouring Palettes Review
Maybelline Master Sculpt Contouring Palettes Review

Top to bottom: light/medium swatches, medium/dark swatches, contouring shades side by side and highlight shades side by side.

The Maybelline Master Sculpt Contouring Palettes are firm in texture yet silken and beautifully pigmented, both powder shades are easily picked up by facial brushes of any type and blend out with next to no effort. If you have struggled with contour powders in terms of blending and have found standard bronzers to produce a muddy result, then Maybelline Master Sculpt Contouring Palettes could be what you have waiting for. Not only do the powder blend and apply with ease but they are fairly long wearing (around 8 hours), as they are matte they don't settle into open pores and both shades/powder can be used in more ways than one: eyeshadows, setting powder or a stand alone bronzer. At just £6.99 a palette I am really hard pushed to find fault with either shade option. 

You can find the Maybelline Master Sculpt Contouring Palettes for £6.99 each via Boots - link.

This post contains a press sample and an item I purchased.