7 Best Kevyn Aucoin Sculpting Powder Dupes

Scrolling through your Instagram explore page, looking at those sculpted Goddesses?

Tell me about it. As someone who owns a broad face that is mostly covered by my chubby cheeks, I know the struggle. Not that I do not love my face, mind you, I am my biggest fan. But who is immune to the appeal of some high cheekbones and a chiseled jaw?

For me, a contour or sculpting powder is the solution. However, one must pick a good sculpting powder that defines without being chalky. Kevyn Aucoin’s powders made quiet the hype, but not enough for people to sell a kidney over it.

Personally, I have enjoyed some amazing Kevyn Aucoin Sculpting Powder dupes, and I am happy to share! But what is the hype about Kevyn Aucoin?

Original Product: Kevyn Aucoin Sculpting Contour Powder

• Shade Range: 3
• Formula: Powder
• Finish: Natural Matte
• Benefits: Natural Shading; Buildable

I am sure that this contour powder is enough to change your life.

It might sound like I am exaggerating, but let me tell you where I am coming from. As I have said, I have chubby cheeks and it is very hard to bring some dimension to them. While bronzer adds some warmth, it takes a bit more to sculpt my face.

This is great as it works out for me. Its powdery texture is easy to blend, but can be built up too. That helps it to concentrate it in a certain place to give the illusion of depth and shading.

The natural matte finish enhances your structure without being overwhelming. There are 3 shades to choose from, which caters to a wide range of complexions!

There are absolutely no cons to this product. But I will say that the shade range can be extended. Another con definitely, is the price point. But for that, we have the dupes! So, are you ready to see them?

7 Best Kevyn Aucoin Sculpting Powder Dupes

01. Maybelline New York Fit Me Matte + Poreless Powder Makeup

• Shade Range: 24
• Formula: Powder
• Finish: Matte
• Benefits: Natural Shading; Buildable; Long-Lasting

Fair Disclaimer: It is a face powder, and not a contour or sculpting powder.

But the extensive shade range of 24 shades has around 7 to 10 shades that can be used to sculpt. Now let us talk about why you can use it as an alternative to Kevyn Aucoin Sculpting Powder.

You know how Kevyn Aucoin has this beautiful formula that is buildable? This helps you with that as it technically is a face powder. It can be subtle to provide a natural shading, or be built up for a more defined contour.

It is easily blendable so any harshness can be taken care of. The finish will be matte, close to Kevyn Aucoin. And this powder is long-lasting for a sculpted look all day! The price is affordable as well.

02. NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Matte Bronzer

• Shade Range: 5
• Formula: Powder
• Finish: Matte
• Benefits: Natural Shading; Sunkissed Look

If you are thinking that- wait, that is a bronzer, how will it work as a sculpting powder? Wait. Let me explain!

This is the kind of bronzer that has some lovely cool undertones. That means, they can be built up according to your needs. From a natural shading to a more contoured look- you can get it all with this!

I would suggest to use a dense, flat tapered brush to use with it to contour. Then you can use a fluffy brush to buff it out. That gives a perfect sculpted look in my opinion as I do not like harsh contouring.

A lovely sun kissed look is only a few bucks away!

03. COVERGIRL Full Spectrum Sculpt Expert Bronzer

• Shade Range: 3
• Formula: Powder
• Finish: Sheer Matte
• Benefits: Long-Lasting

The shade range is the only con to it, honestly.

If you are someone who has medium to medium-deep skin tone, this will work for you. The 3 shades are quite close to each other with little variation in undertones.

However, this reminds me of Kevyn Aucoin. Similar to Kevyn Aucoin Sculpting Powder, this has the right formula for sculpting. It is slightly more sheer, but that suits people who enjoy it. Nevertheless, you can build it up too!

Another feature that I love is that it is very easy to work with. This is because of the sheer formula that gives you enough play time. It never looks harsh or unnatural.

Covergirl is a super loved drugstore brand so this will not cost you as much as Kevyn Aucoin!

04. Maybelline Master Contour Face Contouring Kit

• Shade Range: 2
• Formula: Powder
• Finish: Natural Matte
• Benefits: Long-Lasting; Comes with Blush & Highlight

Sculpting palettes are one of my most enjoyed makeup items. There is just something so artistic about a good sculpting palette. It calls on to my soul to take a break and play.

I first started with the Maybelline Master Blush palette. Using it, I was blown away by the quality and pigmentation. After getting my hands on this, I was more impressed! The formula is pigmented but blends out effortlessly.

This has a natural matte finish. Depending on your complexion, you can use this as a bronzer or to contour. I love how it comes with a blush and highlight to complete my look!

You can avail this at an affordable price. It is basically 3 in 1!

05. NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP 3 Steps to Sculpt Face Sculpting Palette

• Shade Range: 4
• Formula: Powder
• Finish: Matte & Luminous
• Benefits: Customized Look

Tired of the same old contour palette that lets have no fun?

Not anymore! This sculpting palette allows you to have a little more fun! Each palette offers 3 shades. One can be used to contour or bronze, and the other two to highlight or illuminate.

Now here is the catch- of the two highlighting and illuminating shades, one is lighter and one darker. The darker, warmer one compliments the contour shade. This allows you to use it as an illuminating topper for your contour!

Surely you could not get this with Kevyn Aucoin, even while paying so much more! And because these palettes are available in 4 shades, they are flattering to a wide range of complexions.

06. theBalm Bahama Mama Bronzer

• Formula: Powder
• Finish: Natural Matte
• Benefits: Sunkissed Look

I will keep this one short as this is already a cult classic. Needs no introduction.

You can use this as an alternative to Kevyn Aucoin Sculpting Powder. This has that very reliable formula that you can just go to. For a sunkissed sculpted look, swirl a semi-fluffy brush in it and sweep it to shape your cheekbone.

The natural matte finish makes it look all you, none of it overwhelmingly artificial. However, this shade only suits a particular range of skin tones.

You must love that the price is much cheaper than the Kevyn Aucoin one!

07. SmashBox Step By Step Contour Kit

• Formula: Powder
• Finish: Natural Matte
• Benefits: Customizable; Pigmented

Something that is cheaper than Kevyn Aucoin Sculpting Powder, and more customizable?

That is right! This Smashbox kit lets you have all that and more. You not only get a sculpting powder, but 3 shades to really bring your look together. The contour shades have varying undertones for you to mix and match!

This means that you can get the most use out of this palette. Each shade is pigmented, but you still have control over how you want to customize the look. The highlight shade is just perfect to dust under your eyes.

Truly a helpful and functional alternative!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1# What is the Kevyn Aucoin Sculpting Powder Used for?

Ans: In simple words, the sculpting powder is either used as a contour or a bronzer. But it is mostly used to contour your cheekbones. Its formula and undertones help to really define your features and add dimension where needed.

Q2# How do you use the Kevyn Aucon Sculpting Powder?

Ans: To use it as a bronzer, take a fluffy brush and apply it in the hollow of you cheek and on the cheekbones. Add some to the edges of your forehead and jawline too.

To contour, use a denser brush and apply it on the same places that you would bronze. But do not apply it on your cheekbones, just in the hollow. Also, you can lightly use it to sculpt your nose too!

Q3# Can I use the Kevyn Aucoin Sculpting Powder as a Blush?

Ans: I would not recommend it. Especially if you are light to medium skin toned. For deeper skin tones, I think you can make it work as warm, nude blush.

A tip: Use a sheer topper from any other pan or palette to make the shade pop as a blush!

Q4# Is Bronzer and Contour the Same Thing?

Ans: No. Bronzer is more of a shade that helps you bring warmth to your face. It will add a slight dimension to your look and subtly bring out your features. A contour however, is for a more defined, sculpted look. It adds depth to the structure of your face.

Conclusion

Love what you read? I loved using them myself!

I love the Kevyn Aucoin powder, yes. But honestly there is no point in spending so much over one powder. Especially if you have such nice Kevyn Aucoin Sculpting Powder dupes! Try them out and see!

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