AW/25 Color + Contour Kit Review: Sculpt, Glow, and Define

The AW/25 Color + Contour Kit is the latest addition to NOTO Botanics' lineup, and it's already making waves in the beauty community. As someone who loves multi-purpose products, I was eager to try this kit that promises to deliver a sculpted, glowing complexion with minimal effort. In this review, I'll break down the kit's components, performance, and how it fits into a clean beauty routine.

NOTO Botanics is known for its high-quality, skin-loving ingredients and versatile products. The AW/25 Color + Contour Kit is no exception. It's designed to streamline your makeup routine, offering everything you need for a defined, radiant face. Whether you're a makeup novice or a pro, this kit aims to simplify the contouring process while nourishing your skin.

What's Inside the AW/25 Color + Contour Kit?

The AW/25 Color + Contour Kit is thoughtfully curated to include a range of cream-based products that work together to sculpt, highlight, and add a healthy flush of color. Inside, you'll find a contour shade, a highlighter, and a multi-benefit stick for lips and cheeks. The kit is designed to be compact and travel-friendly, making it easy to take your sculpting essentials on the go.

The standout piece is the contour cream, which has a silky, blendable texture that melts into the skin without leaving any harsh lines. The highlighter adds a subtle, lit-from-within glow that looks natural in any light. And the multi-benefit stick, which can be used on both lips and cheeks, ties the whole look together with a cohesive pop of color.

• Cream contour: buildable, blendable, and foolproof
• Highlighter: soft-focus, luminous finish
• Multi-benefit stick: versatile color for lips and cheeks

How to Use the Kit for a Sculpted Look

Using the AW/25 Color + Contour Kit is incredibly straightforward, even if you're new to contouring. Start by applying the contour cream to the hollows of your cheeks, along your jawline, and at your temples. Blend with a brush or your fingers for a seamless finish. Next, apply the highlighter to the high points of your face—cheekbones, brow bone, and the bridge of your nose—to bring light and dimension.

Finish by using the multi-benefit stick on your lips and the apples of your cheeks for a natural, flushed look. The cream formulas are easy to layer, so you can build up intensity as needed. For a more precise application, pair the kit with the LIP + CHEEK DUO BRUSH, which is designed to blend cream products flawlessly.

• Use the duo brush for effortless blending
• Layer products for a more dramatic effect
• Set with a translucent powder for all-day wear

Performance and Wear Test

I tested the AW/25 Color + Contour Kit over a full day, from morning to evening. The contour cream blended out beautifully and held up well, with minimal fading even after eight hours. The highlighter gave a gorgeous, dewy glow without emphasizing texture, and the multi-benefit stick stayed put on both lips and cheeks without feeling drying.

The formulas are infused with nourishing oils, so they feel comfortable on the skin and don't cake or settle into fine lines. This is a huge plus for anyone with dry or mature skin. The kit also works well with other NOTO Botanics products, like the ROOTED OIL // BODY + HAIR, which can be used to add a subtle sheen to the skin before applying makeup.

• Long-wearing, up to 8 hours
• Hydrating, non-caking formula
• Works well with other NOTO Botanics products

Pros and Cons

As with any product, there are pros and cons to consider. The main advantage of the AW/25 Color + Contour Kit is its simplicity and versatility. It's perfect for minimalists who want a complete sculpting routine in one compact package. The cream formulas are forgiving and easy to blend, making it ideal for beginners.

On the downside, the kit may not offer enough shade range for deeper skin tones. The contour shade is more suited to light-to-medium skin, so those with richer complexions might need to look elsewhere. Additionally, if you prefer powder formulas, you may find the creams less to your liking. However, for those who love cream products, this kit is a winner.

• Pros: versatile, compact, beginner-friendly
• Cons: limited shade range, not for powder lovers

Overall, the AW/25 Color + Contour Kit is a fantastic addition to any clean beauty routine. It delivers on its promise of a sculpted, glowing look with minimal effort, and the high-quality ingredients make it a pleasure to use. If you're looking to simplify your makeup routine while still achieving professional results, I highly recommend giving this kit a try. For even more versatility, consider pairing it with the FLUXUS - MULTI-BENE STICK // LIPS + CHEEKS to expand your color options.