Anastasia Beverly Hills DUPE?! - Aesthetica Contour Kit Review + Swatches!


Now, I love a good contour as much as the next person but, lately, I've found that the prices for contour kits have risen dramatically. I absolutely love my Anastasia Beverly Hills Powder Contour Series (what a mouthful!); the shades are all so pigmented and blend out beautifully. However, I don't have $40 to waste just like that, so, when it came to a point in which I needed a new contour kit, I didn't repurchase and, instead, went with a cheaper option.

This contour kit in 'Tan to Dark' from Aesthetica Cosmetics, which I managed to snag for approximately $20 from Amazon, seemed to mimic the classy layout of the Anastasia Contour Kits; it was calling my name.


This Contour Kit comes with 6 shades that are perfectly suited to dark skin; they got the range spot on because, using this one kit, I'm able to brighten, colour correct, bronze AND contour with each different colour, which is remarkable. 

A majority of these pans contain rather warm toned shades, which is totally new for me, as, normally, for contouring, we're looking to see those cool toned beiges and browns. However, due to the fact that summer is rapidly encroaching upon us (SO EXCITED GUYS!) and a bronzy glow is what I'm looking for at this particular time of year, that doesn't really put me off using this kit. 

The shades are all matte and intensely pigmented; I was honestly quite shocked at the colour payoff, even with one single swipe! As I normally like to do it, the swatches and descriptions are here for you guys (from lightest to darkest):


Shade 1: A caramel beige
Shade 2: A bright orange
Shade 3: A toffee brown
Shade 4: A milk chocolate
Shade 5: A dark chocolate
Shade 6: A true, rich cocoa

These powders are a pleasure to work with; they're not too dry and apply well, leaving a silky smooth finish to the skin. I also LOVE the fact that they add a bit of a soft focus effect to the face, as they're so finely milled. 

I have two favourite pans within this collection: 'Shade 1', for brightening my under eye area and cutting/cleaning up my contour, and 'Shade 5', for really warming up the skin and giving a beautiful shadow effect.


I almost forgot to mention that these dainty, square shaped pans are actually removable and simply pop out with ease! This means that you can mix and match the colours and order them exactly how you desire, which I thought was incredibly cool.

Overall, I really don't have anything negative to say about this product. Before spotting this gem on Amazon, I had no idea that this brand existed! They may be a small brand but their makeup certainly speaks for itself; I couldn't be happier with my purchase. 

So, if you'd like cheekbones and a jawline capable of slicing a loaf of bread (or an enemy, if you're about that life), I highly recommend this Pro Contour Series from Aesthetica Cosmetics.

Aesthetica also include a guide on how to use the product and an image of how to sculpt your face using the powders.

Thank you very much for reading this post, please leave some love and support in the comments section; it really makes my day!

Do you contour? If so, what do you recommend and what do you think of today's featured contouring product? Let me know in the comments section and, as usual, follow this blog for more enlightening beauty and lifestyle based posts.

Until next time,
Marina Rosie x

58 comments

  1. It looks like a really good palette. I always find it so hard to find shades light enough for me. I normally can only use 1-3 shades

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    1. Hey there Amy, I do understand you problem; my best friend is incredibly fair and doesn't seem to be able to find any contour shades for her. However, Aesthetica do make a lovely 'Fair to Tan' contour series, which may well work for you! You can find it here: https://aesthetica.me/collections/products/products/pressed-powder-contour-kit
      Thanks so much for reading today! x
      Lots of love,
      Marina Rosie xx

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  2. I do love the look of this but I have a feeling it would be too warm for my skin tone!

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    1. It is lovely but, yes, I have a feeling that the tones wouldn't suit everyone! x Thanks for reading Felicia! x
      Lots of love,
      Marina Rosie xx

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  3. Yay for discovering awesome affordable dupes!! Love that the shades are warm tones and the color payoff is excellent! Not sure what I'll use the bright orange for, but I can see myself using the other more "traditional" contouring shades. Thank you for sharing Marina! :)

    Jenny // Geeky Posh

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    1. Thanks so much for reading Jenny, I love finding dupes! x The bright orange is made for colour correcting on darker skintones; it cancels out dark spots and hyperpigmentation, which is really helpful for me. x
      Lots of love,
      Marina Rosie xx

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  4. I didn't know this contour palette but it seems pretty amazing! I don't do much contouring but I love highlighters instead. That said, that palette is tempting, I have to see if they have options for lighter skin tones!

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    1. Highlighters are everything; you've always gotta have that blinding glow! Yes, there are options for lighter skintones, as this palette also comes in 'Fair to Tan', which would be perfect for you if you're a little lighter. x
      Lots of love,
      Marina Rosie xx

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  5. Oooh I haven't tried an actual contour palette yet. I do contour but with the Diorblush cream contour stick. These swatches look pretty well pigmented though which is fab! Great review. Followed you on Instagram also (Beauty and the Ballroom) x

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    1. Thanks so much for reading Rach, so glad that you enjoyed the review! I love contour palettes; the Diorblush cream contour stick is outstanding, but I love to have a bit more of a range with the shades, so I tend to pick up a palette. That way, if I'm darker in the summer, they'll still be a shade for me and I won't need to purchase a new contour. That's lovely that you've followed me, I followed you back straight away! x
      Lots of love,
      Marina Rosie xx

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  6. I haven't ever heard of this brand but their powders look absolutely amazing! So glad it's working out for you :)

    Tasha // shiwashiful.

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    1. Thanks so much for reading Tasha! The powders are stunning; so smooth and they apply beautifully! x
      Lots of love,
      Marina Rosie xx

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  7. Great colors, I am the worlds worse at doing the contouring wonder if a step by step guide would help me!!

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    1. Hey Kathy, thanks for reading! I appreciate that contouring can sometimes be a bit of a challenge - it can have the tendency to look either muddy or too sharp. If you're a beginner, the step by step guide can prove to be very helpful! x
      Lots of love,
      Marina Rosie xx

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  8. Those shades are beautiful! and the price is really good too! I should check this out I hope I can find it in Greece xx

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    1. Totally agreed Foteini - it's a wonderful palette! x I do believe that they ship everywhere within the EU, so you will be able to get hold of it if you'd like! x
      Lots of love,
      Marina Rosie xx

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  9. I love watching makeup tutorials online since it gives me an idea of how to use a product. I've still never touched any contouring products!

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    1. I love makeup tutorials and reviews too Kathryn, they're so helpful, especially when the product is totally new to you. Well, if you have beautiful cheekbones, which I can see you do, there's really no need! x
      Lots of love,
      Marina Rosie xx

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  10. This looks as if it'd be up my street but I might have to buy a lighter version because I'm so pale it looks like I'm sick! thanks for sharing this cheaper version of the abh contour kit.

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    1. You're very welcome Leyla, it's a fabulous dupe! There's a 'Fair to Tan' option, so you can definitely purchase something to suit you! x
      Lots of love,
      Marina Rosie xx

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  11. Thank you so much for your lovely comment! I'd love us to follow each other, that would be lovely! x
    Lots of love,
    Marina Rosie xx

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  12. Ooh I love finding good dupes! I actually got a contour kit from amazon and love it! I will check this one when mine runs out, I love finding deals on cosmetics.

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    1. Ooh Megan, would you mind telling me a bit more about the Amazon contour kit, I'd love to see if I can give it a go! Feel free to have a look at this one or the other shade in the range; they're stunning and at such a fabulous price, you just can't help yourself!
      Lots of love,
      Marina Rosie xx

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  13. Great shades at an affordable price.looks good

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    1. You hit the nail on the head there Dipti! x
      Lots of love,
      Marina Rosie xx

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  14. I've not heard of this brand before, but this palette looks so good! I hope this brand is easy to get hold of in the UK!xx

    Hannah | luxuryblush

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    1. Thanks so much for reading Hannah! This brand is totally new for me to, but I'm loving the products so far. They also have a beautiful highlighting palette that I've got my eye on. They ship everywhere in Europe, I believe, so you can definitely make an online purchase! x
      Lots of love,
      Marina Rosie xx

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  15. Never heard of this brand before, but I love finding affordable dupes!! Will keep this in mind for when I need a new contour palette (and by that I mean for payday because I never only buy when I need things lol)
    Liv xx
    livslack.blogspot.co.uk

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    1. Affordable dupes are honestly some of the best discoveries one can make Liv! Yasss, payday awaits you! x
      Lots of love,
      Marina Rosie xx

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  16. This is my first time hearing about this brand. Their products look wonderful and I love the beautiful new shades. Just in time for spring!

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    1. Thanks very much for reading Alison! This brand is very obscure; I didn't know about them either before discovering this on Amazon. And for the price and quality, it's totally worth purchasing this spring! x
      Lots of love,
      Marina Rosie xx

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  17. The product is new for me also, but it seems that is of a good quality. Love the colors.

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    1. The colours are STUNNING, totally agreed! x
      Lots of love,
      Marina Rosie xx

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  18. I like the selection of this makeup's color palettes. Where can I buy this product?

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    1. Hello there Karen, you can buy this product on Amazon or directly from Aesthetica Cosmetics' website! I do recommend Amazon, because this palette costs €40 on the Aesthetica website, which is €18 more than on Amazon! x
      Lots of love,
      Marina Rosie xx

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  19. Wow I love this dupe! This is such a great find. I've never heard of this brand before but I'll need to check it out soon. I've always wanted the ABH palette but needed an affordable dupe. Thank you!

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    1. Hey there hun, no, thank YOU for reading! x I love this palette and am so glad to have come across it apropos of nothing! I'm loving it, it's definitely a fabulous dupe for the like of the ABH palettes! x
      Lots of love,
      Marina Rosie xx

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  20. This is exactly the palette I have been looking for, the icy tones that contour palettes normally offer do nothing for my warm olive skin tone so these warmer colours would look great on my skin. Some of them might be a bit dark but used to accentuate the cheekbones I think will be a great look x

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    1. Hey Ana!
      I'm so glad that this palette is something that you'd be interested in! I reckon that shades 2 & 3 could suit you nicely! If not, there is a lighter version that you could take a look it! xx
      Lots of love,
      Marina Rosie xx

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  21. I haven't heard of this brand before. This palette looks really good. The tones are a little too dark for me but perfect for a friend of mine.

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    1. Although the brand is obscure, the quality and pigmentation is definitely there Melanie! Do recommend this to your friend and, for yourself, there is a lighter version of the kit that looks wonderful too! x
      Lots of love,
      Marina Rosie xx

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  22. Looks like a good price for a good palette. I love how pigmented they are, so you won't need to apply a lot to get that pop of color. I am checking this Aesthetica Cosmetics on Amazon.

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    1. Hey there, thanks so much for reading! Totally agreed on pigmentation: there's something much more appealing about a palette that really has good pigmentation. It makes it so much easier to use, and lasts longer! So glad you're checking it out, I definitely recommend! x
      Lots of love,
      Marina Rosie xx

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  23. I'm not a fan of the contoured look but I know it has become hugely popular. This looks like a great set!

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    1. Thanks very much for reading - it is a lovely set of contouring shades to suit darker skin! Towards the beginning of the contouring trend, I wasn't feeling it either to be honest. But now, I can't do a full face without it; I need my cheeks to be CUT! x
      Lots of love,
      Marina Rosie xx

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  24. amazing colours, the set is so complete with the very right colours too, not so much as too many items in one but the perfect fit rightly needed, good stuff.

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    1. Agreed Lex, this is such a fabulously balanced palette! x
      Lots of love,
      Marina Rosie xx

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  25. Wow, imagine getting a dupe that works and is also $20 cheaper! That's a great deal. I rarely ever contour my face but when I do, I like to use the Sleek Contour kit in Dark. It's not like this palette though, it only has a contour powder and a highlighter. If I'm ever in need of a proper contour palette, I'll certainly check this one out.Thanks for sharing Marina. xx

    Coco Bella Blog

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    1. Hey Demilade, it's such an amazing dupe! And yes, the sleek contour kit in dark is one of my favourites too! I love the highlighter as well! xx Thanks so much for reading! x
      Lots of love,
      Marina Rosie xx

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  26. What a great product. I do not contour, but this is something that I do want to dom, but just dont have the time.

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    1. I think this kit would be perfect for your skintone Lindsey! x
      Lots of love,
      Marina Rosie xx

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  27. This looks like a very good dupe to the ABH palette. Thanks for sharing with us

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    1. It definitely is chelsea! xx
      Lots of love,
      Marina Rosie xx

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  28. This sounds fantastic! I love that you can remove and replace pans. Once of the biggest concerns for me about buying a kit with quite a few shades is that I'll use up my favourites and then have to repurchase a whole palette for one or two shades. With this system that won't be a problem! I'll definitely be looking into their lighter options. Xx

    Tania | When Tania Talks

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    1. Thanks so much for reading Tania, so grateful to see you here! I completely understand you; it gets on my last nerve when I find a shade that I really enjoy and I have to buy a new palette! That's why I love this one even more than I thought I would! Yes, their 'Fair to Tan' looks as if it would suit you wonderfully! x
      Lots of love,
      Marina Rosie xx

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  29. Great review! I liked those color palettes. Last month, I bought Armani color palette and loving it!

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    1. Thanks so much Ana! The Armani color palette sounds lovely, I'll have to check it out! x
      Lots of love,
      Marina Rosie xx

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  30. Thank you so much baby girl! x
    Lots of love,
    Marina Rosie xx

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