MAC Sculpt Sculpting Powder ($23.00 for 0.21 oz.) is described as a “soft taupe matte.” It’s a medium-dark, slightly cool-toned brown with a matte finish. NARS Paloma Contour (P) is slightly warmer. NYX Taupe (P, $5.00) is cooler-toned, grayer. NARS Madly (P, $29.00) is more shimmery, slightly warmer. NARS Douceur (P, $29.00) is rosier, lighter. MAC Harmony (P, $21.00) is warmer, redder in tone. Burberry Earthy (P, $42.00) is redder in tone, slightly shimmery. See comparison swatches / view dupes.

Sculpt has long been one of my favorite contouring powders, and it’s one that I personally reach for as it is the right balance of color, tone, and depth for my skin tone (NC25/NC30). It can be purchased in pan form for $16.50, as it is part of the permanent Pro range, which is available to all online (and if you live near a Pro store or don’t mind ordering over the phone, you can also get it from Pro stores). There are also four other shades available in the Sculpting Powder range, if Sculpt doesn’t seem like the right fit. I have them all, and I’ve always loved them, just that Sculpt is “the one” for my coloring, so I haven’t used the others often. The texture is soft, smooth, finely-milled, and blendable (so key for a contouring product!). It wears eight hours on me before starting to fade.

See more photos & swatches!

MAC Sculpt Sculpting Powder

MAC Sculpt Sculpting Powder

MAC Sculpt Sculpting Powder

MAC Sculpt Sculpting Powder

MAC Sculpt Sculpting Powder

MAC Sculpt Sculpting Powder