Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour BOOK!

Last Year I was lucky enough to be sent one of Anastasia Beverly Hills's Contour Books, containing 27 versatile shades to highlight and contour your face. This book is currently available to buy for $150.00 from anastasiabeverlyhills.com, or the pans are each sold separately, the original ABH Contour Kit palette ($40.00) held 6 pans (Banana, Vanilla, Sand, Fawn, Havana & Java)

Having used this in my kit now for a number of months, I've noticed I do tend to use some shades more than others, especially when working on paler complexions. However, the few times I've had chance to use these on deeper skin tones have just been a pleasure - they blend superbly together and create almost a soft-focus finish. With different warmths and tones you really can contour any skin tone with most of the deep shades, and highlight I'd say the majority of faces. I still like to use other highlighters by different brands with the contour shades, as I think the pearlescent highlighters are only suitable for light/day highlighting, I'll opt for a heavier option if it's a more dramatic look.

My favourite shades: Espresso, Macchiato, Java

My favourite highlights: Banana, Vanilla, Sand, 10K

I prefer powder to cream/liquid products when it comes to contour & highlighting, and this is the best powder contour compact I've come across. It has every shade you could need, and it's always a conversation piece with clients. This book is now a staple piece in my kit as I know I can also use them simply as powders to set foundations. A normal person (not a mua) could get by on 6 shades or even less for personal use. Just make sure you buy 'Banana' as it's perfect to cut a cheek or build up a central highlight. Beaut!

For skin tones similar to my own (neutral/olive and rather pale), most of the shades will be too dark for your skin, so go for the cold shades that have a touch of grey in them, this will help create a shadow instead of a brown streak! Shades I'd recommend would be Fawn, Java, Camel & Cream Soda, with Vanilla, Banana & Champagne to highlight.

For more Honey warm tones - Nutmeg, Macchiato, Nude, Golden Peach & Peaches & Cream.

For Deeper/Warm or dark tones - Cinnamon, Earth, Clay, Espresso, Carob, Copper Brown, Peachy,  L'orange, Mellow Yellow.

I hope this may help you if you're considering picking a few shades! I am a lover of ABH and cannot recommend her products enough!