In 2017 when Kim Kardashian launched her beauty line, KKW Beauty, fans and critics were skeptical. Was Kim’s new venture a cash grab or would KKW Beauty bring Kim’s iconic beauty looks to the masses? In today’s post, I am reviewing the KKW Beauty Creme Contour Stick.
Does the Queen of Contour’s creme contour stick live up to the hype? Does it last on oily skin? Please keep reading for swatches, demos, and wear-time details.
The evolution of KKW Beauty
Did you know that the Kardashian sisters’ first beauty venture, Khroma Beauty, in 2012 was a flop? Although the brand could have been a game-changer in affordable beauty, the product quality and lack of involvement with the brand proved to be problematic.
By 2015 the Kardashians’ youngest sister, Kylie Jenner, was kicking ass and taking names with the launch of the Kylie Cosmetics lip kits. Despite the initial reluctance from critics, Kylie’s brand won over detractors.
Unlike Kylie Cosmetics’ focus on lip products, when KKW Beauty launched in 2019, the brand placed a much greater focus on skin and cheek products that the Kardashian sisters are known. Like KKW Beauty’s sister brands, ColourPop and Kylie Cosmetics, the brand’s releases often sell out immediately.
As a whole, KKW Beauty is a cohesive brand that stays true to Kim’s modern, minimalist aesthetic and classically, glamorous look. All-in-all, the brand does a great job of selling Kim’s looks to adoring fans.
KKW Beauty Creme Contour Stick Claims
KKW’s Creme Contour Stick clams to be an ultra-creamy contour with a buildable formula that makes application easy and seamless. This product can be used to sculpt the hollows of cheeks, hairline, nose, and jawline.
KKW currently offers the Creme Contour Stick in 12 shades from fair to deep dark – which is very inclusive compared to contour and bronzing options offered by other prestige brands.
Packaging & Price
The Creme Contour Stick comes in a nude-colored, plastic twist tube in a crayon-like format. The contour stick, itself, arrives in a trendy plastic baggy.
Also, the Contour Stick retails for $18.00. and comes with 2.2 grams of product, which breaks down to ~$8.18 per gram.
Ingredients & Cruelty-Free Status
KKW Beauty is a Cruelty-Free brand which means that they do not test on animals. I cannot confirm whether or not this product is Vegan.
Believe it or not, I could not find ingredient information for the Creme Contour Stick on the brand’s website. Not listing ingredients online is a major issue.
Buyers with ingredient sensitivities lack any way of knowing whether this product will work for them. This is even more troubling given that KKW Beauty does not allow returns, exchanges, or cancellations for any reason.
KKW Beauty Creme Contour Stick
Swatches
I dislike the way the contour shades are displayed online. Given the brand’s strict return policy, KKW needs to provide swatch comparisons that show how each color would look on fair, medium, and deep skin tones.
After much internal debate between the shades Light I and Light II, I opted to go with Light I. I’d rather take the time to build up pigmentation than worry about being too heavy-handed.
Please see the below for swatches of the Light I Cream Contour Stick from KKW on my bare arm. The top swatch shows the shade before blending, while the bottom swatch shows how the product looks after blending.
KKW Cream Contour Stick Light I Swatches
KKW Beauty Creme Contour Stick Shade Comparisons
Please see the below shade comparisons between the KKW Beauty Creme Contour and other popular cream contour products such as the Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Contour Wand and the Milk Makeup’s Matte Radiance Baked Bronzer.
KKW Beauty Creme Contour Stick (Light 1) Swatch Comparisons
The swatches show that the KKW Beauty creme contour is a true, neutral shade. Comparatively, the Milk Makeup bronzer is much warmer.
Application & Wear-Time
This contour stick glides overtop the skin with the slightest amount of pressure. The KKW Creme Contour Stick is easy to build pigmentation without looking artificial. More importantly, the contour doesn’t mess with any base products underneath it.
As an oily-skinned gal, I have to set my face with a translucent powder after applying creme contour. Then, I apply a powder contour or bronzer to further enhance the creme contour. With this combo, my contour stays in place all day without fading or melting away.
Where is KKW Beauty Sold?
At this time, KKW Beauty sells through the brand’s online shop. As mentioned previously, the brand’s strict return policy doesn’t allow for returns, exchanges, or refunds. Thus, buyers need to do their due diligence before picking a shade in the complexion or contouring lines.
Also, KKW Beauty does not offer free shipping at this time. Please factor in this additional cost when planning to make an online purchase with KKW.
Final Thoughts on the KKW Beauty Creme Contour Stick
Despite my frustrations with the brand’s return policy, I experienced no issues with my order. Customer service is responsive and considerate. For example, I forgot to add a free goodie to my cart during the brand’s Fourth of July sale. After speaking with customer service, I was allowed to chose a free item afterward.
From a product perspective, I love how the creme contour stick is super buildable. Also, it is easy to apply. Finally, I love that this KKW Creme Contour enhances my face. After a positive experience with KKW Beauty, I fully intend to try more from the brand.
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Looking to see the other KKW and Kylie Cosmetics goodies in my collection? Check out my massive ColourPop, KKW Beauty, and Kylie Cosmetics Haul.
Intrigued by the Kylie Cosmetics High Gloss formula? Check out my in-depth review and ranking of my Kylie Cosmetics High Gloss collection.
Interested in weighing in on the validity of celebrity and influencer-owned brands? Check out my Beau-Tea Talk #2 which discusses the rise of the celeb-owned beauty brand.
Have you tried anything from KKW Beauty before? Would you consider buying from a Kardashian-Jenner brand? Please let me know in the comments below.
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I feel like the KKW swatched the nicest too among the other 2! Wow, I did not know it had such a shitty policies, maybe because it’s still growing. I’d love to get my hands on it one day, but brands like her’s Kylie’s and Jeffrey’s probably want more autonomy so they don’t wanna be in Sephora ):
In the US, Ulta carries Kylie, and will start carrying KKW!! I didn’t know about the policies either until I researched for this post!
Sounds like a really great product!
The Kardash family is hitting it big with the makeup industry. I have heard so many things about KKW beauty. The contour stick isn’t bad at all with pricing. Big plus that they are a cruelty-free brand. It is a bummer that it is an online shop – it is harder for people to find the right shade if they’re in between without spending a ton of money. It is good that you had a good experience with them overall!
Nancy ♥ exquisitely.me
They really do well with all of their biz ventures. It will be interesting to see how KKW does in Ulta and what is sold in stores!
SO pleased to see your review of this product as I’ve wanted to try it out for ages. I’ve heard only good things but I really trust your reviews and think our tastes and skin type is very similar! Glad to hear it worked well for you. The returns policy, shade comparisons and ingredients list is a shame, but at least the product worked for you!
All very true – I was surprised at the lack of ingredient list, but really have been loving the product! I just always want people to be careful before they make a purchase so I like to inform of anything I think could be an issue!
I’m glad the product works well! The return policy and lack of ingredients being known makes me hesitate to want to purchase still. I’m glad you did the heavy research though! Makes my life easier.
I was a little baffled when I realized that I couldn’t find the ingredients. KKW is supposed to be coming to Ulta, but I’m unsure of what products specifically will be sold there. Ulta would require them to list ingredients though so that is very helpful!
I’m happy for my lovely American people who can finally buy KKW Beauty products in Ulta very soon! First Kylie and now KKW Beauty, I think that’s awesome! I really hope the next step is an international option (I already would be happy with a European website, just like Morphe and ABH have) so I don’t have to go broke on custom charges anymore lol.
I love the creme contour stick too and this made me realize I have to buy a replacement soon because I’m running out!
Even though none of Kylie’s products have piqued my interest, KKW is def on my radar! I had no idea they first tried to create a drugstore brand, how interesting.
I can’t believe this is the lightest shade for her contour sticks but, I’m so glad it worked out for you! I totally understand why she has her strict policies & it’s so nice to know the customer service took care of you. 🙂 Isn’t this brand sold in Ulta stores now? I swear, I’ve seen it there.
Thank you for another awesome Bad or Rad, LP!
YES! They literally JUST launched at Ulta which has a much more forgiving return policy. Def get something there if you can / are interested bc you’ll earn points and be better protected with the Ulta return policy!