Dolce Glow Contour Self Tanner Sculpt + Glow Review

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As a beauty and trade editor who's seen it all, it takes something truly special to grab my attention. That's where the Dolce Glow Contour Self-Tanning Sculpt + Glow ($28) comes in. I first spotted it in a Hailey Bieber makeup tutorial, where she raved about its dual benefits: It's a contour wand (think Charlotte Tilbury's Hollywood Contour Wand) with a twist—it doubles as a self-tanner that sculpts your cheekbones. Genius, right? I had to try it out for myself, and spoiler alert: It definitely lived up to the hype (and the endless rave reviews on TikTok). Read on to learn more about my testing experience and why you might want to try it out too.

About the Dolce Glow Contour Self-Tanner Sculpt + Glow

What I like about Dolce Glow Contour Self-Tanning Sculpt + Glow

Self-tanning products are definitely a love or hate thing for me. My ideal self-tanner is easy to use, has a pleasant scent and a natural-looking glow. This self-tanner ticks all the boxes. I apply it before bed and blend it just under my cheekbones, along my hairline, jawline and the sides of my nose. In the morning, I wake up with a subtle contour that perfectly frames the rest of my makeup. I just wash my face as normal and the contour stays perfectly in place.

Not only is it a subtle self-tanner, but it can also be used as makeup. It blends better than many contour products I've used with its serum-like gel-cream formula. Even if I apply it the night before, I can apply it in the morning for more definition without it looking unnaturally dark. Like my makeup, the contour stick has no noticeable smell and gives my skin a sun-kissed glow without any UV rays. I use it over a tinted moisturizer or foundation, along with blush, a touch of highlighter, and bronzer.

What I love most about this lip liner is its subtlety. Unlike other self-tanners for the body that have left me with an intense, regrettable color, this one is practically foolproof. It blends instantly like butter over makeup or develops a natural-looking tan in about 12 hours if you apply it before bed. It's now a staple in my evening and morning routine, which is something I've never said about a self-tanning product before.

How to use Dolce Glow Contour Self-Tanner Sculpt + Glow

Using the Dolce Glow Contour Self-Tanning Sculpt + Glow is a breeze. Similar to the Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Contour Wand popular on TikTok, it features a twist-activated design. You simply twist the base of the applicator to “turn it on,” then gently press the tube to release the contouring formula through the sponge. I apply a line of product to the hollows of my cheekbones, along my jawline, hairline, and on either side of my nose before blending it in with the Dolce Glow Blending Sponge ($12). The brand also notes that you can use a contour brush or your hands, but if you choose to use your hands, be sure to wash them immediately so you don't get bronze color there, either.

What to consider before trying Dolce Glow Contour Self-Tanning Sculpt + Glow

One thing that surprised me with the Dolce Glow Contour Self-Tanning Sculpt + Glow was how quickly the self-tanning contouring effect wore off. While I can usually go four days without touching up my self-tanner, with this product I had to touch up after about two days. If you're looking for a longer-lasting contour, the more traditional “tantouring” trend (i.e. contouring with actual self-tanner) may be more suitable. However, this product is ideal for those who prefer a simpler approach and love the convenience of a product that doubles as makeup.

Another point to consider before purchasing the Dolce Glow Contour Self-Tanning Sculpt + Glow is that it only comes in one shade. It worked for my fair, warm-toned skin, but reviews are mixed. One Ulta reviewer wrote, “I have a light tan and this looked pretty, but it didn't stay or was visible and didn't 'contour.' I absolutely love the concept, but I wish it actually stayed and there were more shade ranges.” Others with fair skin found it a little dark for their complexion and advised using it “very sparingly.” If you're not sure if it's right for you, I recommend reading the Ulta Beauty reviews section for a little more insight.

This lip liner really changed my summer beauty routine, and it might do the same for you.

Where can I buy Dolce Glow Contour Self-Tanning Sculpt + Glow?

Dolce Glow Contour Self-Tanning Sculpt + Glow is available direct to consumer at DolceGlow.com.

Evaluation:
★★★★★

Marisa Petrarca is an editor at PS Shopping and has over five years of experience writing and editing beauty, fashion and lifestyle content. Her work has been published in Cosmopolitan, Allure and InStyle, among others.