Ring-a-ling! Ring-a-ling!
I’ll get it! That’s the sound of the NARS dupe alert. 🙂
In this case, it’s chiming for Sonia Kashuk’s new $10.99 Chic Defining Contour Stick, a near dupe of my beloved (but MUCH more expensive) $39 NARS Cappadoce Matte Multiple.
Both baked golden brown cream sticks have a matte finish (here are swatches of NARS Cappadoce), and both of them can quickly sculpt cheekbones that would rival Johnny Depp’s circa the O.G. 21 Jump Street era.
Both of them are also easy to blend on bare skin or atop foundation — probably due to how lightweight and thin they are, which is great, because it keeps my skin from feeling like it’s suffocating under an inch of plaster.
Where the two differ, most obviously, is price ($10.99 versus $39), but also in the shape of the tip. The Multiple’s is huskier, wider and flatter, and it covers more surface area while sitting flush against the skin, whereas the tip on Sonia’s Chic Defining Stick has a slightly smaller (but still husky), rounded, more precise tip that seems to fit the space under my cheekbones a bit better.
Sonia’s also has slightly grayish taupe undertones, which I think might give it a small advantage when it comes to sculpting out the hollows of the cheekbones, where the subtle gray more closely imitates the appearance of real shadows. When looking at it strictly as a contouring product, I think Sonia’s Chick Defining Stick makes a very compelling case for being better than a NARS Multiple.
But, if you’re looking for a cream product able to do more than just contouring, Cappadoce might be worth the extra booty. It’s a more buttery golden brown and, consequently, probably a bit better for adding some toasty warmth to your face, neck, shoulders, arms and anywhere else.
Cappadoce also lasts a tad longer on my combination skin — about 6-7 hours — than Sonia’s Chic Defining Stick, which I find myself touching up after 4-5.
Really, though, I think both of these contouring products are champs. One is just a lot less expensive than the other.
PRICE: $10.99
AVAILABILITY: Available nowonline (currently unavailable online)and at Target stores
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: B+
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
This stick looks awesome. Is it available in other shades? I think this one would be too dark for me.
Hi Agata,
Nope, it’s only available in this shade.
Ohh, bummer. I will have to check it out myself at Target and see if I could work with it 🙂
I think you can do it. It might actually look better on you because the contrast will be much more dramatic!
These are definitely pretty good on you! The price difference is just incredible!
I have been stalking my Target for this!
I think this would look great on you. If you end up grabbing it send me a pic! I want to see your killer cheekbones.
How was your loooong weekend? What did you guys do?
I have pretty good cheekbones, so I’m definitely excited for this!
I went to Chicago for a few days over the weekend for a girlfriend’s bachelorette party! I’d never been there before. We didn’t do a ton of sightseeing, but we went to the Navy Pier, to a karaoke bar, and to a comedy show. Good times!
Hi Karen, your skin looks so good. Are you still using SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic?
Can please share your skin care routine? Thanks
Yes! Share your skincare routine please !!
The price diff is astounding … plus the round tip i feel is better for precise application.. If I see it as just a contouring sticks it gives tough competition to NARS Multiple.. Amazing product!! 🙂
The price diff is astounding … plus the round tip i feel is better for precise application.. If I see it as just a contouring sticks it gives tough competition to NARS Multiple.. Amazing product!! 🙂 🙂
This was great!! I woulve never known about this had I not read this!! Sad because I have a Target 10 min from me!!! A few medical issues keep me in the house most of the time but I have a Target list, one of my fav stores, this will be added to my list thanks to you!!! Thank You!! XO
You’re welcome, April! I love Target too. My nearest store is 5 minutes away and I swear I am there practically every other day.
I hope that your medical issues get better soon. Sending you good thoughts and kitty hugs from Tabs. 🙂
I’ve always found the flat tip of the NARS multiples less easy and intuitive to use as compared to rounded tips. If only I could get my hands on Sonia Kashuk products!
Yeah, I usually end up using a brush to pick it up from the stick!
Nice dupe find, Karen!
Thank you!
Whenever anyones asked me what a much needed beauty product is Ive always said a cream contour stick ( like the old mac sculpting sticks). It JUST Makes sense and yet such few companies make it..I dont know why! Clearly…SK gets it lol. Good for her!
I wish this came in a darker shade. I’d be all over it!