Milabu Rating

  • Overall
    (4)
  • Performance
    (3.8)

Price Category: Value

  • $9.00 Retail

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Pros

  • Affordable
  • Buildable pigment
  • Easy for beginners

Cons

  • Doesn’t blend easily when applied directly to face
  • Patchy
  • Dries fast
  • Fades quickly
  • Not the best shade colors
  • Will transfer/move around if not set with powder

Overview

The cons of elf Contour Wand outweigh the pros. It’s easy enough for beginners, but doesn’t have the performance to hold its own in the industry.

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elf Contour Wand is the newest Charlotte Tilbury dupe on the market.

We all know and love the coveted Charlotte Tilbury Contour Wand – it’s the gold standard liquid contour wand. With how much love and how often it’s sold out, it comes at no surprise that brands have created dupes. The latest Charlotte Tilbury Contour Wand dupe comes from e.l.f. elf Contour Wand is an extension of their Halo Glow Line (home to the Flawless Filter dupe). But, will this new launch live up to its expectations?

Quick Rating Rundown

This Product

(4)

:e.l.f. Halo Glow Contour Wand

Price: $9.00

0.33 oz

Value

(4.5)

Application

(4)

Finish

(4)

Longevity

(3.5)

Extra Benefits

(4)

Industry Standard

(4.1)
Charlotte Tilbury Contour Wand

:Charlotte Tilbury Contour Wand

Price: $42.00

0.4 oz

Value

(4.3)

Application

(4)

Finish

(4.1)

Longevity

(4.6)

Extra Benefits

(3.4)

Best Drugstore

(4)
Milani Contour

:Milani Liquid Contour Wand

Price: $10.99

0.2 oz

Value

(3.5)

Application

(4.2)

Finish

(4.2)

Longevity

(4.6)

Extra Benefits

(3.3)

MILABU PICKS

(4.5+)
Best Cream Blushes

:The Best Foolproof Cream Bronzers

Price: $20 – $50

various sizes

Value

(4.5+)

Application

(4.5+)

Finish

(4.5+)

Longevity

(4.5+)

Extra Benefits

(4.5+)
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Our Rating Criteria

Promises vs. Performance: Blendable, buildable contour.

elf Halo Glow Contour Wand promises to help you achieve a naturally sculpted complexion. It features an easy-to-use sponge tip to precisely place product exactly where you want it – like the hollows of your cheeks, jawline, temples, hairlines, and down the side of the nose. The formula is infused with 2% squalane to hydrate skin while adding a hint of radiance. It claims buildable pigment for a naturally defined face or more chiseled contour.

Before you apply the elf Halo Glow Contour Wand directly to your face, you’ll want to read my tips & tricks. Using the sponge tip applicator to apply directly to skin can result in difficult blending and spots left. The best way to apply is working off the back of your hand, using a brush or sponge. When applied this way, it’s pretty effortless and is easy to build the pigment. They go on pretty sheer, which makes them great for liquid contour beginners. But, if you apply too much it can start looking patchy and accentuate texture.

However, elf Halo Glow Contour Wand doesn’t have the best longevity on its own. It needs a bit of help from either a setting powder or powder bronzer/contour to lock it in place. Without a powder over top, it moves around and can transfer. Even when set, they do fade and disappear throughout the day. By around the 6 hour mark, they’re barely visible.

How It Compares: elf Contour Wand is not the best.

When I heard e.l.f. Cosmetics was coming out with their version of a contour wand, I was stoked. I’m typically a fan of e.l.f. and they have some solid dupes under the belt already, but this one really missed the mark. There are a few positives about the elf Contour Wand, but the cons definitely outweigh the pros. The good: affordable, relatively easy to apply, and buildable pigment. The bad: the sponge tip applicator leaves spots behind, they can look patchy, and they’re not long wearing. If you’re brand new to liquid contour, you may benefit from these, but there are definitely better options out there.

Is It A Charlotte Tilbury Contour Wand Dupe?

The beauty world was hoping for a good Charlotte Tilbury Contour Wand dupe, but e.l.f. did not deliver. But, there is another brand out there with a true dupe. This brand is Milani and the product is their Conceal + Perfect Liquid Contour. The formula, shades, application, and longevity is nearly identical to that of Charlotte Tilbury. If you don’t want to shell out the $42 for the OG Contour Wand, check out Milani Contour Wand for $10.99.

Performance Rating Rundown

This Product

(3.8)

:e.l.f. Halo Glow Contour Wand

Application

(4)

Finish

(4)

Longevity

(3.5)

Best Liquid Contour

(4.2)
Charlotte Tilbury Contour Wand

:Charlotte Tilbury Contour Wand

Application

(4)

Finish

(4.1)

Longevity

(4.6)

Buy now

Best Drugstore Contour

(4.3)
Milani Contour

:Milani Liquid Contour Wand

Application

(4.2)

Finish

(4.2)

Longevity

(4.6)

Buy now

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Our Rating Criteria

Advertised Product Highlights

e.l.f. Cosmetics Halo Glow Contour Beauty Wand

# OF SHADES: 5

FORMULATION: Liquid

FINISH: Natural

LONGEVITY: No claims

SKIN TYPE: All skin types and tones

BENEFITS: Infused with 2% squalane for hydration

CLEAN BEAUTY CLAIMS: Cruelty free; Vegan; Free of phthalates, parabens, nonylphenol ethoxylates, triclosan, triclocarban, and hydroquinone

By Maddie

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