Foundation sticks are the perfect choice for those who want to create a flawless base in minutes. Not only do they provide plenty of coverage, but they also can double up as a concealer or a contouring stick. Also made to be mess-free and easy to use, these products are great for when you’re short on time or are on the move.
From long-wearing options to acne-friendly picks and drugstore gems, you can choose from a variety of formulations. Lancôme’s Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundation Stick offers bulletproof coverage that won’t budge throughout the day and comes with added sun protection. Its oil-free formula is friendly for most skin types, and the soft matte finish is excellent for those who don’t want anything too drying.
What to know before you buy a foundation stick
Skin type
Foundation sticks usually have a creamy texture and feature a blend of emollients like oils and butters that help the product glide easily over the skin. Your skin type is a huge factor to consider when choosing the right formula and finish for you. Most foundation sticks are ideal for normal or dry skin because these skin types can handle the high oil content in the makeup. You can still use a foundation stick if you have oily skin, but you should opt for an oil-free formula that won’t make your skin look shiny or greasy.
Finish
Dewy: Most foundation sticks have a dewy finish. This means they add a radiant glow to the skin that’s especially flattering for dry or dull skin.
Matte: Some formulas have a matte powder finish with no glow or shine, which works well for oily or combination skin.
Satin: You can also find some foundation sticks with a satin finish. They sit somewhere in between a dewy and matte finish and deliver a slight sheen that looks natural. These are great for normal or combination skin.
Foundation stick features
Shade
Some foundation sticks only offer a few shades, but others come in as many as 50 shades. The best way to pick the right shade of foundation stick makeup is to understand your skin’s undertone. For instance, if your veins appear greenish, then you may have warm undertones.
People with purple or bluish-looking veins usually have cooler undertones. Foundation sticks with a wider shade range provide a better chance of helping you find the perfect match for your skin tone.
Coverage
Foundation sticks are available in different levels of coverage, but because they’re cream-based formulas, most offer medium to full coverage. You can also find some with light or sheer coverage. If you want your skin to look just like your skin, only more radiant, opt for a sheer to medium coverage foundation stick. Full coverage foundation sticks are your best bet if you want to conceal everything from blemishes and redness to scarring and dark circles.
Wear time
Foundation sticks vary in how long they last on your skin without fading or creasing. You’ll get the most extended wear from oil-free formulas that dry to a matte finish and don’t sink or settle into creases. These can sometimes last for up to 12 hours or more. Some foundation sticks are also waterproof, so they hold up well even when exposed to moisture.
Foundation stick cost
Foundation sticks vary in price based on their brand, the quality of ingredients, wear time and coverage. Most formulas cost $6-$90.
Foundation stick FAQ
Is it hygienic to apply foundation stick makeup directly from the tube?
A. Foundation sticks have the ability to collect bacteria if they’re applied directly to the skin, especially if your skin isn’t clean. If you’re worried about causing breakouts, it’s best to use a clean makeup brush to dab onto the foundation stick and then apply it to the skin and blend.
How can I make a foundation stick last longer on the skin?
A. As with any kind of foundation, you should always start with a good makeup primer. It doesn’t only even out the skin texture but also allows your foundation to stick better and last longer.
Which foundation stick should I get?
Best of the best foundation stick
Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundation Stick: available at Sephora and Ulta
Our take: This handy stick is designed to help you conceal, contour, cover, highlight and blend with ease. It’s ideal for those with oily skin who are looking for a more skin-like matte finish.
What we like: It’s lightweight and extremely easy to blend. It offers medium to full buildable coverage. It has an oil-free formula that won’t clog pores or cause acne. Its color stays fresh all day without fading or oxidizing. It comes with a built-in kabuki brush. It’s suitable for sensitive skin and features SPF 21.
What we dislike: The price is on the higher side.
Best bang for your buck foundation stick
Wet n Wild Photo Focus Stick Foundation: available at Ulta and Amazon
Our take: A cheap drugstore gem that delivers lasting coverage in a lightweight formula that sets to a flawless semi-matte finish.
What we like: It’s infused with argan and sunflower seed oils to help hydrate the skin. It’s easy to blend and can be built up to full coverage. It doesn’t feel cakey or heavy. It comes in 21 widespread shades. It’s fragrance-free and suits all skin types.
What we dislike: Some users with dry skin found that it tends to cling to dry spots.
Honorable mention foundation stick
bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Hydrating Foundation Stick Broad Spectrum SPF 25: available at Ulta
Our take: A clean water-based vegan foundation stick that hydrates the skin and offers a radiant finish for a flawless natural look.
What we like: Its formula is oil-free and lightweight but still creamy and moisturizing. Its coverage is buildable from light to medium. It has SPF 25 for sun protection. It helps improve the skin’s texture. It’s especially great for dry, mature, sensitive and acne-prone skin.
What we dislike: Despite its shade range of 20 shades, some users find it challenging to find a color match. Esha Saxena is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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