Q: Which Face Trace Contour shade is right for my skin tone?
"I've been using contour for decades as a definition tool," says Gucci of the subtle sculpting method that brings effortless dimension to the face. So when it came time to create her own contour stick, she knew the shades had to feel ultra-believable. “The best contour match should mimic the flattering shadows that appear when the light hits your face.”
With eight perfectly nuanced shades in the Face Trace Contour Stick lineup—ranging from fair and light to medium, tan, and deep—finding your match is more intuitive than ever. “Depending on the season or how much definition you like, you may switch between one to two shades,” she says. Though Gucci normally wears Biscuit, for instance, she’s been leaning into Coco—a cool mocha perfect for when she’s more sun-kissed—following a few weeks in sunny Boca Raton.
Whatever the shade, contour should feel as beginner-friendly as the Face Trace name suggests. “Simply trace and blend anywhere you want more definition—the cheekbones, bridge of the nose, forehead, or jawline,” she says.
Ahead are her guiding principles for choosing your just-right shade.
Consider Your Skin Tone & Foundation
Assessing your skin tone in natural light is a great place to start. We’ve designed a visual chart (below) that narrows down your options at a glance. But if you happen to know your exact shade in Vital Stick Foundation, it gets that much easier. Just remember: Because some skin tones change more dramatically with the season—especially if you tan easily—your winter shade may differ from your summer one. Choose based on how your skin looks today.
Match Your Natural Shadows
Contour should mimic the face's natural shadows, rather than adding bronzer-like warmth. The most believable shade is typically one to two tones deeper than your skin and leans neutral to cool. “If it’s too warm,” Gucci explains, “it may read as bronzer.”
Swipe...and Stand Back
Once you think you’ve found your shade, swipe Face Trace along the hollow of your cheekbone, then blend upwards with your fingers or your Baby Blender brush. Stand back and assess yourself in the mirror. You’ve found the right match when the creamy formula melts right into the skin, adding soft dimension without any harsh lines.
Try our Clean Beauty Concierge
Still not sure? Simply send us a selfie in natural light, and we’ll send a personalized Face Trace recommendation right to your inbox. Or book a quick, complimentary 1-on-1 appointment with our Clean Beauty Concierge. Our experts are here to find your perfect shade—and answer any makeup queries along the way.
