Contouring Just Got Easier: L'Oreal Sculpt & Contour Collection For Face, Lips & Eyes

Contouring has possibly been the biggest trend in beauty over the last decade. A few years ago we would have sniggered at the thought of applying deep brown concoctions underneath our cheekbones and blending as if our life depended on it, but fast forward to 2016 and daily contouring is a bigger part of our routines as a slick of winged liner. From the many bronzing features I've written over the years, I know that this concept can be somewhat intimidating to many (even when presented with products that make the process as easy as pie,) so will one of the world's biggest cosmetics companies launching a whole line dedicated to the art of contouring help make a change in our mindsets? Launching this March (although some products are available already in stores,) this brand new collection of makeup tools is endorsed by Kim Kardashian's favourite makeup artist - and if that isn't a stamp of approval then I don't know what is. So what's in this expansive collection of contouring products, and which are worth a purchase?

INFALLIBLE SCULPT CONTOURING BASE (£8.99)
Available in only two shades, this innovative base is designed to be used as the first makeup step - but it isn’t a foundation in the traditional sense. It’s been designed to perfectly work in tandem with contouring and highlighting products, giving them something to ‘stick to’ and ensuring hold for up to 24hrs. It ‘ensures seamless blending of sculpting products’ as it’s half the density of the usual Infalliable foundation, meaning you won’t overload your skin.To be honest this feels, looks and acts like a foundation - but it's a pretty great one for the price. No flaking, caking or movement throughout the day; my face loved it.

INFALLIBLE SCULPT CONTOURING PALETTE (£9.99)
Formulated with the same base ingredients as the Contouring Base, this has again been designed for flawless application and a non-cakey feel. Turning from a creamy base into a powdery finish when buffed into the skin, this is incredibly easy to buff under cheekbones and along the bridge of the nose. I'm pretty sure this is the exact same formula as the YSL Blur Bronzer I was loving so much last summer (review here,) and seeing as L'Oreal and YSL are part of the same parent company I wouldn't be surprised. Snap up a bargain and get pro results! 

BLUSH SCULPT (£7.99)
Each one of the three colour combinations is made up of three individual complementary tones, which can be buffed into the apples of cheeks using a fluffy brush, or used individually to subtly contour and highlight. The textures are lightweight and velvety to the touch, providing a subtle hit of colour without overloading the skin - especially important if you're going to be contouring first. As stand alone blushers these are actually worth a look regardless of anything else in the collection that catches your eye; the trio of tones together provides a very 'premium-esque' effect without the price tag.

BROW ARTIST SCULPT (£4.99)
A rather boring bottle hides a rather unique applicator, featuring a brush with a tapered end for 2-in-1 brow contouring results. The fluffy brush can be used to comb through and style brows, depositing a small amount of tinted product to help set them in place, while the more precise end can be used to draw in a more uniformed shape while filling in any gaps. Although I do quite like this, as someone that doesn't have the best set of brows I prefer more precise products that really allow me to add individual hairs where needs be; this has been very much developed for those will a full set of brows, so use with caution if you're not rocking your Delevingnes this season.

SUPER LINER BLACK N SCULPT (£6.99)
Upon first impressions I thought this could be a game changing eyeliner - the ball at the end of the nib helps to deliver an even amount of pigment across skin, keeping the width of the line perfectly even. However, in reality I struggled to get this to look delicate and it was impossible to create a winged effect. If you like your liner thick and heavy then this is definitely one for you; if not, stick to what you know. 

FALSE LASH SCULPT MASCARA (£7.99)
I honestly can say I've never quite created a look that competes with a set of false lashes, but this really does sculpt my lash line perfectly into a pretty close second. The uniquely shaped brush lines the waterline for a 'tightlining' no-gaps effect (where product is coated at the root to give the illusion of a fuller lash line,) while sculpting individual lashes to create tonnes of lift and volume.  I've already featured this as one of my current favourite budget buys, and the relationship shows no sign of waning. Buy it.

INFALLIBLE MATTE MAX LIP PENS (£6.99)
Oh my, L'Oreal you have been busy. I do love a matte lip (and they're totally on-trend for 2016,) but if you suffer with dry lips then they can be an absolute nightmare. These lip pens provide a matte effect without the heaviness or dryness we associate with the look, delicately covering lips with a gel-like-cream that turns to powder upon impact. You can layer the colour up for a more intense finish, mix it in with a little balm if you fancy it, or use the pens to create an ombre effect that's not going to transfer... Yep, these don't really transfer onto your coffee cup either! I've been wearing the nude and red since these landed on my desk - they're definitely a highlight of the collection and add something new to any makeup bag.

So there are some definite winners, some almost-losers and a few in-betweens. But as a collection this is really quite exciting - especially as everything is under a tenner! It's great to see affordable brands pushing boundaries and creating products that are truly innovative, proving that you don't need to spend a small fortune to look and feel great every day.

What do you think of this new Sculpt collection? Has anything caught your eye? 

The new L'Oreal Sculpt collection is available fully from March - although a few of the products will be available throughout February from Boots and Superdrug stores.

Features PR samples unless otherwise stated. To read my full disclaimer, click here.  

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