MissLJBeauty

Contour is one of those makeup steps that can either pull a whole look together or completely throw it off if the shade or placement is wrong. Through my makeup training, I was always taught to use contour to follow where light naturally creates shadow on the face, rather than forcing anything too heavy or obvious. When it’s done well, it should look soft and almost invisible.

That’s also why contour is one of the trickiest products to get right, especially when you’re trying to choose a shade online.

I bought the Westman Atelier Contour Stick in Biscuit myself from Cult Beauty and went for the mini size at £24 after seeing it everywhere on TikTok. I’ve now been using it regularly for around six months, so this review is based on proper, real-life wear rather than first impressions.

Quick Take

This is a beautifully formulated contour stick that blends easily and looks very natural on the skin. However, Biscuit is lighter than expected and with only three contour shades available, finding the right match is not easy. It is a lovely luxury product if you are treating yourself, but it is not essential, as there are more affordable cream contours that perform just as well.

Why Shade Matching Contour Is So Difficult

When I was learning makeup, one of the biggest things that stuck with me was that contour should mimic natural shadow on the face, not look warm like bronzer or grey and muddy. That sounds simple, but in reality it’s really hard to get right, especially when you’re buying online.

That’s where Biscuit slightly misses the mark for me. It goes on beautifully, but once it’s blended, the effect is very subtle. On my skin tone, I honestly think I should have gone one shade deeper. Biscuit works well if you want a barely there contour, but if you’re expecting visible sculpting, it can feel a bit underwhelming.

The other issue is the shade range. With only three contour shades available, choosing the right one feels like a bit of a gamble. Contour is already tricky to buy without seeing it in person, and three options just don’t cover enough skin tones and undertones.

Which Westman Atelier Contour Shade Matches Which Skin Tone?

One of my biggest frustrations with this contour stick is the very limited shade range. Contour is already one of the hardest products to shade match, and having only three options makes choosing online feel like a bit of a gamble. When you consider how many different skin tones and undertones there are, three shades simply are not enough.

Based on how the formula behaves on the skin and how Biscuit wears on me, this is how I would realistically break the shades down.

Biscuit is best suited to fair to light skin tones who want very subtle definition. It creates a soft shadow effect rather than obvious sculpting. On my skin, it blends out quickly and looks natural, but it is lighter than expected. If you want visible contour rather than just a hint of shape, Biscuit may feel too understated.

Truffle works better for light medium to medium skin tones, or for anyone who wants clearer definition. If I were buying again, this is the shade I would choose. It still has that soft Westman Atelier finish, but with enough depth to actually create contrast once blended.

Ganache is the deepest shade and is best suited to medium deep to deep skin tones. It offers the most definition in the range and is the most likely to give a true contour effect rather than blending away too softly.

Because the range is so small and the formula blends out very naturally, I would always recommend shading up rather than down if you are between shades. And if you are unsure at all, the mini size is the safest way to test whether a shade will give you the level of definition you want.

Is Westman Atelier Contour Stick a Bronzer or a Contour?

This is something people ask a lot, and I understand the confusion.

Biscuit sits in a very soft, neutral space. It is designed to act as a contour, but on some skin tones it can lean closer to a subtle bronzer once blended out. It does not have a strong cool grey tone, which is why it looks so natural, but also why it may not give strong definition.

On me, it creates gentle shadow rather than obvious sculpt. If you like contour that melts into the skin and looks effortless, that works in its favour. If you want clearly defined cheekbones, it may feel too soft.

Does Westman Atelier Contour Stick Actually Show Up?

Yes, it does show up, but it is very subtle.

When first applied, you can see the colour clearly. Once blended, the effect is soft and natural rather than bold. This product is designed to blend away rather than sit strongly on the skin.

If you like strong contour or expect obvious shaping, you may find yourself layering it or wishing you had chosen a deeper shade, as I do. If you prefer makeup that looks like skin and never feels heavy, this is where it works best.

Formula, Application and Wear

The formula itself is lovely. It is creamy without feeling greasy and blends easily without disturbing your foundation underneath. I apply mine with a brush, and it diffuses quickly, which makes it very forgiving.

On my combination, dehydrated skin, it sits comfortably and does not cling to dry patches. It wears well throughout the day and keeps a skin-like finish rather than looking flat or heavy.

On me, it lasts well through the day without breaking up, especially if I lightly set it, and I never feel the need to touch it up. I tend to wear this over lighter base products like my Kylie Skin Tint Blurring Elixir, and it blends nicely without lifting or going patchy.

It also blends nicely on bare skin if you are wearing minimal makeup. 

Is It Good for Mature or Textured Skin?

While I am not reviewing this specifically for mature skin, the formula is very forgiving.

Because it is creamy and flexible, it does not drag on the skin or settle into texture. It moves with the skin rather than sitting on top of it, which makes it a good option if you prefer cream products that do not emphasise dryness.

Is the Finish Glowy or Matte?

This Face Trace Cream Contour Stick sits somewhere in the middle rather than being fully matte or obviously glowy. It has a soft, skin-like finish that looks natural once blended, not flat and not shiny.

On my combination, dehydrated skin, it doesn’t leave any noticeable shimmer or dew, but it also doesn’t dry down matte in a way that looks heavy or powdery. It just melts into the skin and looks like natural shadow.

If you prefer a very matte, sculpted contour, this may feel too soft. If you like a subtle, polished finish that blends into the rest of your makeup without drawing attention to itself, this is where it works really well.

My Honest Review After 6 Months

I enjoy using Westman Atelier Face Trace Contour Stick. It is easy, polished and never makes my makeup look overdone. This is the kind of creamy contour stick I reach for on low-effort makeup days, not when I want to look properly sculpted. That said, I don’t reach for it because it outperforms everything else I own. It’s more that I want to love it than actually need it.

I also regularly use cream contours from Fenty and Maybelline While the Westman Atelier version feels more luxurious and blends beautifully, the end result is not dramatically better.  Yes, it blends out beautifully, and a little goes a long way, but I’m just not as wowed as I expected to be. But this could change if I shaded up. I found the swatches online very confusing and lacking when I actually tried the product myself. 

Products from the brand scream luxury, and I think I just expected more especially after I read so many contour stick reviews on this before I ordered. But you know, with me, you’re always going to get honesty here.

What you’re really paying for here is the overall experience, from the packaging to the clean, understated finish. I enjoy using it and I’m glad I tried it, but if I were being more mindful with spending, it wouldn’t be top of my repurchase list.

Westman Atelier Biscuit vs Fenty Amber Suede

These two give very different results.

Fenty Amber Suede offers stronger sculpt and more visible definition. It is better if you want contour that clearly shapes the face.

Westman Atelier Biscuit is softer and more forgiving. It blends quickly and looks more natural, but it does not give the same level of impact.

If you want subtle and polished, Westman Atelier works well. If you want structure and definition, Fenty does the job better.

Who This Contour Stick Is Good For

This contour stick suits people who prefer natural, minimal makeup and want soft definition rather than sharp sculpting. It works well if you enjoy cream products that blend easily and appreciate luxury makeup with clean, understated packaging.

If you prefer bold contour, dramatic cheekbones or very cool toned sculpting, this product may not give you the result you are looking for.

Packaging

You all know I love good packaging, and this is really beautiful. It feels weighty and well-made, with a clean, minimalist design that feels very Westman Atelier. The snap shut lid is secure and satisfying, and it genuinely feels like a treat to use.

Ingredients Overview

Westman Atelier focuses on clean formulations and this contour stick reflects that. It is made without parabens, phthalates, silicones or synthetic fragrance and contains nourishing emollients that help it glide over the skin without dragging.

This is likely why it works well on dehydrated areas and remains comfortable throughout the day.

I haven’t noticed any fragrance or scent when using it, which I personally prefer. My skin can be a bit reactive at times, and I’ve had no issues with irritation or sensitivity while using this. Because the formula is gentle and doesn’t feel heavy or fragranced, I think it would suit sensitive or easily irritated skin, especially if you tend to avoid strongly scented makeup. It also doesn’t sting or tingle on application, which is something I’m always mindful of with cream products.

Mini or Full Size: Which Should You Buy?

I would always recommend the mini first.

With contour being so personal and the shade range being limited, the mini size is the safest option. It gives you enough product to properly test the shade and decide whether the subtle finish works for you.

The full size only makes sense once you know the shade is right and you enjoy this understated style of contour. I bought mine from Cult Beauty, and that’s where I’d recommend starting if you’re unsure and want to try the mini first.

Is It Worth the Money?

In my opinion, this contour stick is only worth the price if you are treating yourself. The formula is nice and the packaging is beautiful, but it is not revolutionary. There are more affordable cream contours that deliver a similar result.

FAQs

Is Westman Atelier Contour Stick good for beginners
Yes. The creamy formula is forgiving and easy to blend, which makes it beginner friendly.

Is Biscuit too light for contour
For me, yes. It blends out very softly and I would personally choose a deeper shade next time.

Does it work on dehydrated skin
Yes. It does not cling to dry patches and sits comfortably throughout the day.

What undertone is Biscuit
Biscuit is neutral leaning soft rather than cool or grey.

Is the mini size worth buying
Absolutely. It is the safest way to test the shade before committing to the full size.