Kevyn Aucoin Sculpting Medium/Candlelight The Creamy Glow Duo Review, Photos, Swatches
Kevyn Aucoin Sculpting Medium/Candlelight The Creamy Glow Duo
Kevyn Aucoin Sculpting Medium/Candlelight The Creamy Glow Duo ($28.00 for 0.16 oz.) is a highlighting and contouring set of shades in a cream formula. I think this will be nice on medium and fairer skin tones, with it being subtler on medium-dark skin tones. The contouring shade may be too subtle on deeper skin tones, though the highlight should be lovely. I was impressed by the long-wear, because both shades have a creamy, thin, emollient consistency that just doesn’t seem like something that would have any longevity, but there they were, nearly eight hours later with both color and a light sheen. (I have normal skin at the moment, for reference.) The contouring shade just made me long to try The Sculpting Powder to see how it works with the Celestial Powder. My only complaint is that actual pans are quite small, and it was difficult to use any of my angled contouring brushes as they were all oversized. I ended up flattening my brushes between my fingers and focused on getting the product primarily on one side of the brush.
Sculpting Medium is a medium-dark brown with yellow undertones and a subtle gray overtone with a satin-matte finish.
Kevyn Aucoin Tropical Days (P, $48.00) is much more shimmery, powder. MAC Matte Bronze (LE, $70.00) is warmer. MAC Sculpt (P, $16.50) is warmer, powder. Too Faced Chocolate Soleil (P) is powder. MAC Pure Sculpture (LE, $20.00) is warmer. Becca Lowlight (P, $38.00) is warmer. MAC Coffee Walnut (LE, $20.00) is more olive, darker. See comparison swatches / view dupes.
Candlelight is a champagne gold with a luminous sheen and very, very fine shimmer. It translates to a dewy glow on the skin that works as well on bare skin as it did layered over foundation (even when already set with powder). Burberry Nude Radiance No. 01 (P, $48.00) is sheerer. MAC Born to Dazzle (LE) is more sparkly. Chanel Camelia de Plumes (LE, $76.00) is cooler-toned. Tarte Champagne (LE) is warmer. NARS 413 BLKR (P, $30.00) is more metallic, warmer. Giorgio Armani Belladonna (LE, $88.00) is a smidgen warmer. Kevyn Aucoin Candlelight (P, $44.00) is lighter (I think the effect is similar, but the cream version runs more golden). Becca Moonstone (P, $38.00) is similar but a powder. theBalm Solid Gold (P, $24.00) is more metallic. Illamasqua Aurora (P, $24.00) is a smidgen less golden. See comparison swatches / view dupes.
Sculpting Medium/Candlelight
PPermanent. $28.00.
Sculpting Medium
PiPPermanent in Palette.
Candlelight
PiPPermanent in Palette.
See more photos & swatches!
Kevyn Aucoin Sculpting Medium/Candlelight The Creamy Glow Duo
Kevyn Aucoin Sculpting Medium/Candlelight The Creamy Glow Duo
Kevyn Aucoin Sculpting Medium/Candlelight The Creamy Glow Duo
Kevyn Aucoin Sculpting Medium/Candlelight The Creamy Glow Duo
Kevyn Aucoin Sculpting Medium/Candlelight The Creamy Glow Duo
Kevyn Aucoin Sculpting Medium/Candlelight The Creamy Glow Duo
Kevyn Aucoin Sculpting Medium/Candlelight The Creamy Glow Duo
Kevyn Aucoin Sculpting Medium/Candlelight The Creamy Glow Duo
Kevyn Aucoin Sculpting Medium/Candlelight The Creamy Glow Duo
Kevyn Aucoin Sculpting Medium/Candlelight The Creamy Glow Duo
Kevyn Aucoin Sculpting Medium/Candlelight The Creamy Glow Duo
Kevyn Aucoin Sculpting Medium/Candlelight The Creamy Glow Duo
Kevyn Aucoin Sculpting Medium/Candlelight The Creamy Glow Duo
I have MAC’s Coffee Walnut and I hardly use it and thats because I find it stiff. I guess I am not as happy with cream contours as powders! I’d still go with the Sculpting Powder in Medium.
This is definitely more emollient than MAC’s formula!
Beautiful. The contour shade is not as deep and intense as it looks in the pan (good news for the fair).
It sheers out nicely if you have lighter skin!
I saw this in-store last weekend, but passed because the pans are sooo small. While it’s a nice amount of product for the price, I’d personally prefer to pay more for more product/larger pans. The powder counterparts have also significantly shrank in size, and I believe the price was lowered (or at least not increased). I’m thinking they took note of what people wanted in terms of pricing, and they’ll likely sell more product, but I think others will pass because the pans are too much trouble.
How does this compare to Becca Lowlight Sculpting Perfector in terms of color? I still have this on my list, but if they’re too similar, I may just pass completely. Also, in terms of color, how similar are the cream & powder versions?
Becca’s is lighter and less gray (warmer). I don’t have the powder version of the Sculpting Medium but compared the powder Celestial and the cream in the post above 🙂
I could have sworn you did a review on the sculpting powder, LOL! Anyway, I’ll probably *eventually* end up grabbing this… I’ve been on the hunt for a cream product, and while the Becca “works” for me, I’m always looking for something better. As for hoghlighters, I have more than enough at the moment, and unless something really wows me, I really shouldn’t buy any more…
I don’t recall it, and I’ve just googled to double check but didn’t see anything turn up!
So, I did just buy this today, and while I *love* the product, my initial instinct was correct-the pans are sooo teeny, I can barely fit my pointed foundation brush in the contour pan without making a smudgy mess around the pan… I do have a smaller brush, so I’ll keep it, but again, I’d rather pay more for more product.
When I saw the contour shade in the pan, I thought no way, WAY too dark on my fair skin but nice to see how it sheers out, and it doesn’t look too warm or orange at all. The candelight cream is really gorgeous. You look absolutely radiant, and the contour/highlight is so well done that there’s a “je ne sais quois” quality to your photo. I don’t have the time or contour skills to do this (yet), but someday…..
It’s seriously SO easy to do, because the contour is very forgiving! Easier than powder, I think.
Hmm, now you have me curious. I’ve been avoiding cream-based makeup products since they have a tendency to disappear on me, but you mentioned this is long-lasting. I’ve tried some powder contours, but they can be tricky to apply. Since the pans are so small, can you apply with fingers and get a decent contour/highlight, or do you still need a brush to buff it out?
You could definitely apply with fingertips, I think. I used IT Cosmetics’ angled contour brush (from the Luxe range) and then RT’s highlighting brush to apply, but it can totally be blended with fingertips, too.
Thanks, Christine! For $ 28, it’s worth checking out. I see Nordstroms carries it, and if it doesn’t work out, they are really good about returns.
Keep me posted! 🙂
Oh wow, that’s a gorgeous duo. Your skin looks so flawless.
Thank you!
I would love to try this ! Cream highlighters are my cup of tea 🙂 it doesn’t have a price next to the $ sign, I’m curious as it is rather small ! Thank you for the review 🙂
$28!
First off, let me say you look beautiful, Christine! Thank you for reviewing this product because I have been wanting this and his powder contour formula for a long time. I rarely see anyone talk about this, as I know it’s been out for a while. I have been more curious about cream contouring lately. I wondered how it compared to the Becca one and also wonder how these contour cream products hold up on oily skin. Thanks for review.
Thanks, Makura! 🙂 I think KA may be harder to find in-store, and since it’s not at Sephora/ULTA, I feel like it’s easily forgotten! Hopefully any readers who have oilier skin types and have tried this can weigh in!
Hello, Maruka! I’m oily and I use cream contours more often than my powder ones. I haven’t had any issue with cream contours sliding off or “sweating” or anything like that (my go-tos are OCC’s Creme Colour Concentrate in John Doe, Illamasqua’s “Hollow”, and if I feel like adding a hint of warmth instead of a pure contour NARS Altai). I personally prefer the look, the blendability, etc of my cream contours. If you’re worried about a cream product sliding off, you can always set with a matching contour powder. The creams tend to last me all day on their own, but if I want extra oomph or if I know I’ll be super active I’ll add some of Pumpkin and Poppy’s Oak Bark powder over top.
I’d give it a shot 🙂 The KA contour and highlight products are amazing. I’ve only used the powder forms but I will definitely be picking this cream version up.
This whole look is gorgeous! Mind sharing where you got those earrings? I love the way they drop!
Here you go! https://www.etsy.com/shop/bellaanelajewelry
This is exciting! I love smaller sizes and finger applications, and the product looks like a winner! That monstrous puck of Chanel’s Tan de Soleil never dents and keeps on giving (along with the bacteria in it). Which is why it’s never being used and delegated to the back of the stash purgatory. I’m really glad for smaller makeup sizes being released.
I only wish the actual pan was larger (even if it was just thinner!), but I definitely prefer lower price + smaller quantity in a cream product!
You look STUNNING.
Thank you, Celia!
This looks very natural and easy to wear. It’s definitely too subtle for me but it’ll be perfect for lighter complexions. I hope we see a deeper version soon
I agree! It would be great to have a deeper version.
Wow! It looks super pretty on you! I’m more for subtle contour and this looks so pretty! But it does look small. I wish it was a tad bigger!
Just big enough to fit a contour brush in there, please!
I think the sculpt shade is still too warm for me even with the grey undertone!
Aww!! They need to put out a Notorious-esque contour in one!
What a nice look, Christine! I love how sultry it is.
Thanks, Anne!
i love the makeup looks! i have the hourglass cream bronzer/highlighter, but i think this one looks better-and way less orange. i think it will be mine. i find cream contour easier to blend out and more subtle.
Definitely not orange at all! Cream contours seem to be easier to use most of the time – except if they’re really pigmented and/or very dark (compared to the person’s skin tone).
I usually don’t wear foundation. I found Becca Lowlight to be incredibly difficult for me to apply w/o the edges showing. It also seemed to be a bit dirty looking on my NW20 skin. I had the same issue with MAC Sculpt powder. Do you think that the KA Sculpting cream would work better for me and look better on me than the Becca Lowlight and MAC Sculpt did? Or should I just give up trying to contour w/o doing a full face with foundation?
And what did you apply these creams with? And where did you apply them? And was it after foundation?
Finally, dumb question but on your Dupe Swatches, is the product on the left in each photo the one you just reviewed? Or is it the same product as the one on the right, but maybe is not applied as thickly? I’ve wondered this for quite some time.
My guess is if Lowlight wasn’t the right color for you, then this might not be either. It’s not as warm-toned, but it has a similar grayish cast, which is what I think might give it a “dirty” look.
I used IT Cosmetics’ luxe contour brush and Real Technique’s highlighting brush – I applied the contour in the hollows of my cheeks and the highlight on the tops of my cheek bones. When I tested it, I wore them on bare skin, and in photos, I have foundation around the area but left my cheeks bare (that’s my general application method – one doesn’t really want 1000 photos on the internet of all bare face – they live on forever!).
Dupe swatches – do you mean the swatch photos in this post or photos elsewhere? When it’s a cheek product, I usually do a full swatch, which is just to show whether it is a pigmented product or not, and then I take less product and blend it out – more like you may see on the cheeks, since usually cheek products get diffused and blended in practice and it can be hard to “envision” what it might look like sheered out. But my skin tone ultimately impacts that, so a full swatch is useful for checking color across blushes over time and also to show whether it’s a sheer/pigmented blush. If it’s a wet/dry eyeshadow, usually left is dry, right is damp; and if it’s a cream eyeshadow, it is usually applied normally and then deliberately applied sheer/as a wash.
Thanks Christine. I know it’s better to go more gray for contour colors so it’s likely that either I can’t wear contour products at all or else I should wear a foundation underneath.
Thanks for explaining your dupe photos. I meant the ones on this page but your detailed explanation is helpful for the other ones I see when you review other products. I appreciate all of your reviews and the work that you do!
It’s possible something like Lowlight is running too olive, which can translate to dirty. Like Chanel’s Notorious is so cool and gray that with my skin tone and under tones, it doesn’t work at all as a contour on me but is amazing on others!
You may want to give it a go with something a lighter lighter, and less olivey like Christine said. You’re a bit darker than me (I would be a bit lighter than NW10 for reference), but since you’re still on the fairer side it may just be that the olive tones in the Becca product are too deep. OCC makes a great contour color called John Doe (in the Creme Colour Concentrate) that is still a grayed taupey color but isn’t as olive-based. That might be a worth a shot. You could also try some lighter-toned powders like Pumpkin and Poppy Oak Bark or NARS Olympia duo. The MUFE Artist Shadows also have some EXCELLENT powders for contouring, and because they’re almost a creamy formula they sheer out really nicely and more emolient than many powders (M548 is one that I use when I want a really subtle hint of contour, for example. But there are honestly quite a few possibilities in the line).
I’ve never personally had an issue contouring on clean skin (re: no foundation or base product), but I know others who have the same issue. So never feel like contouring just isn’t possible on you! It may indeed be easiest with some base product on your skin, though you could always try moisturizing with something that primes a bit to get a creamier base to work from (like Embryolisse). GL!
Wow! Your makeup looks perfect. I’m fair and oily. I think I may pick this up just for the highlighter!
Thanks, Valerie 🙂
I have this and definitely cannot live without it. I also had the sculpting powder and that works great too.
What brushes do you like to use with it, Joanna? Do you get good wear time out of it, too?
I expected this to be pricier than it is, so I think I’m going to grab this one. I’m traveling soon (again) and I’ve been a bit paranoid about bringing my pressed powder contouring product, so this is perfect!
On another note, I’ve never noticed that MAC Sculpt is nearly as warm as Too Faced Chocolate Soleil. I’ve always been under the impression that Sculpt is on the cooler side.
The price is quite comfortable, I think, for KA!
I am completely lost here… I have a really fair skin tone, pink undertone and a little bit of rosacea. Every sculpting/contour duo I’ve bought make me look awful (too orange, too brown). Should I give up on those duo things and buy a blush instead?
This is my first comment ever (my english is not very good) but I need to tell you that your blog change my life in 2008 when you taught me how to feel confortable wearing make up, and stil beeing able to be myself. Actually, you thaught me a lot about self esteem, and I’m not even afraid to make english mistakes here 🙂 I also trust your reviews without hesitation!! Thank you so much!!
Hi Mauren! 🙂
Happy first comment! Thank you for being such a long-time, loyal reader — it really means a lot to me!
It sounds like you would benefit from a very gray, almost purple-ish, contour color. Chanel Notorious was a lot of fair, pink-toned readers’ favorites, but unfortunately limited edition! Inglot #504 might work, as it is rosier and less yellow/brown/orange. http://www.temptalia.com/product/inglot-hd-sculpting-pressed-powder/504-2
M548 Pink Gray is also a little rose-toned but not as gray – http://www.temptalia.com/product/make-up-for-ever-artist-shadow/m548-pink-gray
NYX Taupe is also in this type of family – http://www.temptalia.com/product/nyx-powder-blush/taupe
Thank you again 🙂
OH CHRISTINE WHY!! I wish I could get Notorious so, so very much. So bummed I missed out on that color.
Wow, Christine, you look gorgeous in those pictures! That eye and lip combo rocks!
Thank you, Estefania!
Wow you look amazing!!! This makeup is SO pretty on you. Beautiful as always!!!
Xoxo from Brazil
Thank you, Mariana!
Honey…you are serving FACE in this photo! #GOALS
LOL!
Thanks. I like cream formulas so going to check it out! Sonia Kashuk’s is nice on a budget
Will have to look into SK!
You look fab Christine! Thanks for reviewing this. This contour shade Is my go-to when I contour. I still want the powder version 😉
Oh btw I’m medium in tone and oily. This stays put. I usually apply and blend with fingers, or use the BB. When I don’t feel like using my fingers I use my Mac 188.
Thanks, G! I want the powder one now, too!!
That’s a promising looking duo. I like that the contour is not too warm or orange.
Your whole makeup look in the pictures is absolutely beautiful. You look stunning.
Aw, thanks so much, Rachel!
would this work on NC35-NC42 skin? on q different note, you look gorgeous as always in the photos but I love the ones where you are smiling
I think it would for sure on NC35, but NC42 might find this gets a little lost for contouring!
He’s the master.. I’m sure this is wonderful! Not my color, I think. 😉
I wish there were more shades (one lighter, one darker).