Is the $84 Westman Atelier Contour Stick Worth It? Honest Review

Ever since I was young, I've seen makeup as a powerful tool. It’s a way to transform your persona, to gift yourself a touch of glamour and a much-needed boost of confidence. In the age of Instagram, with renowned makeup artists sharing their secrets, it feels like we have a backstage pass to the world of professional beauty.

One of my icons has always been Gucci Westman. Her aesthetic is the epitome of chic, effortless beauty, seen on celebrities like Cameron Diaz and Julianne Moore. So when her luxurious makeup line, Westman Atelier, finally landed at MECCA, I knew I had to try something. Using my hard-earned cash, I went straight for her most famous product: the Face Trace Contour Stick.

The Quick Verdict

My Verdict: The Westman Atelier Face Trace Contour Stick is a truly beautiful, blendable, and foolproof product for achieving a subtle, natural-looking sculpt. It’s perfect for those who love a "less is more" aesthetic and appreciate clean, luxurious beauty. However, the premium price tag is a significant factor to consider.

What Exactly Is a Contour Stick?

For those new to the concept, a contour stick is a cream-based makeup product designed to create the illusion of shadows on your face. By applying it strategically—typically under the cheekbones, along the jawline, and on the sides of the nose—you can add definition and dimension. Unlike bronzer, which adds warmth, contour shades are cooler-toned to mimic the colour of a natural shadow, resulting in a more sculpted and defined facial structure.

Putting It to the Test: My Westman Atelier Review

I have a naturally round face, so the idea of discreetly carving out my cheekbones is right up my alley. My goal isn't a dramatic, Instagram-style contour, but a subtle enhancement for everyday confidence.

The moment I first swiped the Westman Atelier stick onto my skin, I understood the hype. The formula is incredibly creamy and blends effortlessly with a brush, sponge, or even just your fingertips. There's no patchiness or muddiness. The shade "Biscuit" is the perfect cool-toned taupe for my fair skin, creating a believable shadow that never looks orange or dirty.

It has a natural, satin finish that doesn't interfere with my other makeup and feels soothing on the skin, which is a bonus. I use it to gently trace under my cheekbones and a little on my temples, and it gives me that famous, oh-so-natural Gucci Westman look in under a minute. It truly is a product that delivers on its promise of an instant, defined, and healthy-looking complexion.

What I Genuinely Love About the Contour Stick

• ✓ Effortless Blending: This is the creamiest, most forgiving contour I have ever used. It melts into the skin seamlessly without any harsh lines.
• ✓ Perfect Colour Tone: The shade "Biscuit" is a fantastic neutral-cool tone for fair skin, creating a realistic shadow effect. The brand offers other shades for different skin tones.
• ✓ Subtle, Natural Finish: If you believe "less is more," this is for you. It provides a discreet sculpting effect that enhances your features without looking like obvious makeup.
• ✓ Luxurious Experience: From the weighted, magnetic packaging to the clean, soothing formula, everything about this product feels high-end and thoughtfully designed.

The Downsides: Who Is This Contour Stick NOT For?

• ✗ Budget-Conscious Shoppers: Let's be honest—it's crazy expensive. At $79 AUD, this is a significant splurge, and there are certainly more affordable "dupes" on the market that can achieve a similar effect.
• ✗ Lovers of High-Impact Glam: If you're looking for a dramatic, highly-visible contour for a full-glam look, this subtle formula might feel a bit too understated for your taste.
• ✗ Those Who Prefer Powder Formulas: This is a cream-based stick, so if you have very oily skin or simply prefer the application and finish of a powder contour, this might not be the right fit for your routine.

The Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?

So, is the Westman Atelier Face Trace Contour Stick worth the splurge? For me, the answer is a qualified yes. I love it so much that I've already purchased it twice—once in the full size, and more recently in the mini size to better fit my budget.

You should buy it if: You are a sucker for beautiful, luxurious packaging, you subscribe to the "less is more" makeup philosophy, you value high-performing clean beauty products, and you want a foolproof way to achieve a natural, everyday sculpt.

You should probably skip it if: The high price point is a major concern, or if you prefer a strong, dramatic contour effect over a subtle one.

Your Questions Answered

Did you pay for the product yourself? Yes, absolutely. This review is not sponsored, and I purchased both the full-size and mini versions with my own money from MECCA.

Is Westman Atelier considered a "clean" beauty brand? Yes. The brand focuses on "consciously-crafted beauty" and formulates its products without silicones, parabens, PEGs, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances.

Is there a mini size available? Yes! MECCA often stocks a mini version of the contour stick, which is a great, more budget-friendly way to try out the formula before committing to the expensive full size.