Dolce Glow Contour Self-Tanning Sculpt + Glow Review

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

About the Dolce Glow Contour Self-Tanning Sculpt + Glow

What I Like About Dolce Glow Contour Self-Tanning Sculpt + Glow

Self-tanning products are definitely a love-it-or-hate-it situation for me. My ideal self-tanner is all about ease of use, a pleasant scent, and a natural-looking glow. This self-tanning sculptor ticks every box. I apply it before bed, blending it just below my cheekbones, along my hairline, jawline, and the sides of my nose. By morning, I wake up with a subtle contour that sets the perfect framework for the rest of my makeup. I just wash my face as usual, and the contour stays perfectly intact.

Not only is it a subtle self-tanner, but it doubles as makeup, too, blending better than many contour products I’ve used with its serum-y gel-cream formula. Even if I apply it the night before, I can layer it in the morning for more definition without it looking unnaturally dark. Like my makeup, the contour wand has zero detectable scent and gives my skin a sun-kissed glow, without the UV rays. I use it on top of a tinted moisturizer or foundation, paired with blush, a touch of highlighter, and bronzer.

What I appreciate most about this contour wand is its subtlety. Unlike some other body self-tanners that have left me with an intense, regrettable color, this one is practically foolproof. It instantly blends 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 both my evening and morning routines, which is something I’ve never said about a self-tanning product before.

How to Use Dolce Glow Contour Self-Tanning Sculpt + Glow

Using the Dolce Glow Contour Self-Tanning Sculpt + Glow is a breeze. Much like the TikTok-famous Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Contour Wand, it features a twist-to-activate design. You simply twist the base of the applicator to “turn it on,” then give the tube a gentle squeeze to release the contouring formula through the sponge. I apply a line of the product to the hollows of my cheekbones, along my jawline, hairline, and on either side of my nose before blending it out with the Dolce Glow Blending Sponge ($12). The brand also notes that you can use a contour brush or your hands, though if you go with your hands, be sure to wash them right away so you don’t get bronzed color there, too.

What to Consider Before Trying Dolce Glow Contour Self-Tanning Sculpt + Glow

One thing that caught me off guard with the Dolce Glow Contour Self-Tanning Sculpt + Glow was how quickly the self-tanning contour effect faded. While I can usually go a solid four days without needing to refresh my face self-tanner, I found that with this product, I needed a touch-up after about two days. If you’re looking for a longer-lasting contour, the more traditional “tantouring” trend (aka contouring with actual self-tanner) might be a better fit. However, this product is ideal for those who prefer a simpler approach and love the convenience of a product that doubles as makeup.

Another thing to consider before buying the Dolce Glow Contour Self-Tanning Sculpt + Glow is that it comes in just one shade. It worked for my light, warm-toned skin, but the reviews are a mixed bag. One Ulta reviewer wrote: “I have a slight tan and this looked pretty but it did not stay or show up and ‘contour.’ I absolutely love the concept but wish it actually stayed and had more shade ranges.” Others with fair skin found it a bit dark for their complexion and advised using it “very sparingly.” If you’re unsure if it’ll work for you, I recommend checking out the Ulta Beauty reviews section for a bit more insight.

This contour wand has truly transformed my summer beauty routine, and it just might do the same for yours.

Where Is Dolce Glow Contour Self-Tanning Sculpt + Glow Available?

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

Rating:
★★★★★

Marisa Petrarca is a contributing editor for PS Shopping and has more than five years of experience writing and editing beauty, fashion, and lifestyle content. Her work has been featured in Cosmopolitan, Allure, and InStyle, among others.