Stick foundations are an excellent choice for anyone’s makeup bag because they’re simple to use for lunchtime touchups, easy to pack, easy to build coverage with, and simple to apply (swipe and blend). Additionally, newer formulas, such as ILIA’s Skin Rewind Complexion Stick, feel featherlight on the skin, in contrast to many stick foundations that used to feel heavy. Additionally, there are more shade options available, similar to BASMA The Foundation Stick, which is available in 40 different shades. Are you prepared to give one a try? We’ve put together our list of the top stick foundations.
How We Chose the Best Stick Foundations
We asked the editors to submit their finest stick foundation recommendations. We also searched the internet to find stick foundations and brands with the best reviews. In order to provide you with this list of the top nine stick foundations, we then examined particular ingredients as well as additional characteristics like texture, finish, shade selection, and cost.
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1. ILIA Skin Rewind Complexion Stick
When I was younger and first starting to wear makeup, I wish I had a foundation like this. Because it applies smoothly and provides a delicate, skin-like coverage that doesn’t wrinkle or settle into my pores or even the dry area beneath my eyes, it’s practically infallible. Notably, it contains skincare elements in addition to makeup, such as winged kelp extract to add a hint of brightness to drab, exhausted skin and a ceramide-peptide complex to fortify the crucial skin barrier.
Fast Facts
- Coverage: medium
- Shade Range: 42 shades
- Finish: soft, natural
2. Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick
I adore using foundation sticks, especially when I’m traveling, because, even with the best of intentions, I don’t always get around to cleaning my makeup brushes and sponges. I can blend away with my (clean) fingertips and swiftly swipe one wherever I need coverage. Compared to many other sticks I’ve tried, this sleek one from Hourglass Cosmetics is more pigmented, can cover up dark spots and acne scars, and lasts all day on my face. Additionally, the triangular tip is useful since it may reach places that are difficult to reach, such as the area around your mouth and nose.
Fast Facts
- Coverage: full
- Shade Range: 32 shades
- Finish: natural
3. Fenty Eaze Drop Stick Blur + Smooth Tint Stick Foundation
Chelsea Candelario, associate editor, considers Fenty’s Eaze Drop Stick Foundation an essential part of her beauty regimen. “I struggle to find a foundation that complements my skin tone, but this Fenty product has solved my problem. Whether I use a brush or my fingertips, it’s simple to use and applies smoothly to the skin. It provides a smooth finish, is lightweight, and can be applied to any look. I haven’t looked at any other foundation since it became my go-to base a few months ago.
Fast Facts
- Coverage: light to medium
- Shade Range: 25 shades
- Finish: natural
4. MERIT The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick
This complexion stick might be worth a try if you have combination skin and like a softer, slightly matte look. It strikes the sweet spot in every way: it’s light enough to blend in with your skin with a few taps, but it’s creamy enough to move across it without dragging. According to one Sephora reviewer, “[This is] the only product that doesn’t make my under eyes look cakey.” “It looks so natural and provides me with very little coverage on a daily basis.” Additionally, it doesn’t cause breakouts and has a gentle matte finish. However, I believe it works best for oily or combination skin types.
Fast Facts
- Coverage: light to medium
- Shade Range: 20 shades
- Finish: matte
5. Nudestix Tinted Blur Foundation Stick
We recommend trying this giant stick if you’re the kind of person who dislikes the way makeup feels on your skin but still wants a little help balancing up your complexion. Because it contains less wax than conventional foundation sticks, it feels and feels featherlight. Thanks to light-reflective mica, you can easily glide it over any imperfections or discolored areas you wish to blend and soften to perfectly blur everything out. One reviewer for Sephora exclaims,This multipurpose stick works wonders for my skin. It’s everything and more than I could have imagined! Compared to other foundation varieties, such as liquid or powder, this one is unique. The stick application was quite simple, and the outcome is fantastic! It lasted for a very long time.
Fast Facts
- Coverage: light-to-medium
- Shade Range: 11 shades
- Finish: matte
6. Westman Atelier Vital Skin Full Coverage Stick
We would suggest this creamy stick formula by famous makeup artist Gucci Westman if you are concerned about ingredients. In case you were wondering, Westman used this identical foundation on Gwyneth Paltrow on her wedding day. It glides and melts into skin when applied, and it is full of natural antioxidants including camellia seed oil and squalene obtained from vegetables. With no silicones, parabens, or artificial perfumes, all that’s left is a clean, dewy finish.
Fast Facts
- Coverage: medium
- Shade Range: 21 shades
- Finish: dewy, satin
7. Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Invisible Cover Stick Foundation
Those who enjoy the brand’s Ultra HD Liquid Foundation might want to try the Ultra HD stick because it is much simpler to apply and has all of the same advantages. Really, it applies a thick layer of coverage that doesn’t stick to pores or rough regions of your skin and glides on without dragging or skipping. “This is a perfect foundation to use for anyone and any situation,” says one Sephora reviewer, in a very nice way.It is incredibly forgiving and adaptable. Even if you’re a total makeup novice, this foundation will still produce fantastic results. In addition, it may be applied in a number of ways to create any appearance, ranging from extremely light to extremely high coverage.
Fast Facts
- Coverage: full
- Shade Range: 20 shades
- Finish: natural to dewy
8. Basma The Foundation Stick
The main ingredient in this foundation stick is apricot butter, which nourishes skin without being overly oily and gives it a buttery soft, buildable feel. Avocado oil and aloe vera are also added to increase skin hydration and elasticity. In addition to being hypoallergenic and free of parabens and fragrances, it is commended for not causing irritation or breakouts.
One Sephora reviewer states, “I love this product because it’s easy to use and so light and breathable that I don’t even notice I’m wearing foundation.” That being said, it also conceals all imperfections, which is fantastic!I adore the texture so much that I doubled up and used a second shade as concealer. It doesn’t cake and wrinkle later in the day like other concealers do! This formula doesn’t make my sensitive skin red or bumpy, which is a huge advantage.
Fast Facts
- Coverage: medium
- Shade Range: 40 shades
- Finish: natural
9. Wet n Wild Photo Focus Stick Foundation
This Wet n Wild foundation kept showing up in reviews when we were looking for the best stick foundations. Known for its silky, semi-matte finish and creamy texture, it also contains sunflower seed and argan oils to help it integrate into your skin even more easily and prevent dry patches from appearing as it wears.
One reviewer states, “I was a little apprehensive when I bought it because I have never used a stick foundation because I was more of a liquid foundation person. Although the price appeared too good to be true, it’s actually a wonderful deal! In my opinion, the coverage outcomes are superior to those of other foundation types and brands. My makeup hides all of my flaws and lasts the entire day. It leaves the face feeling normal—not dry or greasy—and looks rather natural.
Fast Facts
- Coverage: light-to-medium
- Shade Range: 21 shades
- Finish: semi-matte
What Is the Best Way to Apply Stick Foundation?
The ideal way to apply stick foundation is to sweep it over clean, hydrated skin, according to our editors and makeup artists who have previously been interviewed. After applying it to any desired coverage areas, blend it in by tapping your skin with a moist makeup sponge, such as a BeautyBlender.
