Finding the perfect foundation can feel like a never-ending quest, especially with the myriad of options available. Among these, some of the best stick foundations have carved a notable niche, celebrated for their convenience and versatility. I remember the first time I tried a stick foundation; it was a game-changer for my morning routine. The ease of application and the flawless finish, unlike regular foundations, had me hooked from the first swipe.

Renowned makeup artist, Alex Rivera, once mentioned, "Stick foundations are a staple in my kit. Their practicality and blendability make them indispensable for quick touch-ups and full glam looks. They're definitely trending for their multitasking abilities." Inspired by Rivera's enthusiasm, I embarked on a mission to find the best stick foundations out there.

I tested a wide array of brands, paying close attention to their coverage, finish, wear time, and how well they cater to different skin types. It wasn't easy, but after thorough testing and a few makeup meltdowns, I've curated a list that I'm truly excited about. These picks not only stood up to the challenge but also left a lasting impression on my skin and my makeup routine. Scroll down to discover my top stick foundation selections that promise to simplify your beauty regimen without compromising on quality or finish.

• 1
  Editor's Choice

  wet n wild Photo Focus Stick Foundation

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I recently tried the Photo Focus Stick Foundation and was genuinely impressed by its performance. The promise of long-lasting, semi-matte coverage caught my eye, but the experience was what won me over. Its lightweight, multi-dimensional formula glided on effortlessly, leaving my skin looking flawless. The inclusion of Argan and Sunflower Seed oils made a noticeable difference in moisture levels, ensuring the foundation blended seamlessly into my skin. What truly set it apart was how it stood up under various lighting conditions. From natural daylight to the harsh fluorescents of my office, my selfies looked consistently filter-free and Insta-worthy. This foundation has undoubtedly earned its spot in my makeup bag.

Key Ingredients: Argan and sunflower seed oils

Shades: 21

Coverage: Medium to full

Finish: Semi-matte

Cruelty-free: Yes

2

Best for Long Wear

Maybelline New York Super Stay Foundation Stick

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The Maybelline New York Super Stay Foundation Stick is a versatile makeup essential ideal for those seeking an all-in-one product. Designed to conceal, contour, highlight, and cover, this foundation stick simplifies your makeup routine without sacrificing performance. Its cream-to-matte formula offers long-lasting coverage, seamlessly transitioning from a creamy texture to a matte finish that looks and feels natural on the skin. 

The stick includes a precision pointed blender sponge for easy application and touch-ups, making it a perfect companion for on-the-go adjustments. Whether you're at home or out and about, this multi-use makeup stick caters to various skin needs with ease and efficiency.

Key Ingredients: Glycerin

Shades: 9

Coverage: Full

Finish: Matte

Cruelty-free: Yes

3

Most Popular

L'Oreal Paris Infallible Longwear Shaping Stick Foundation

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L'Oreal Paris, a brand that truly needs no introduction, brings us the Infallible Longwear Shaping Stick Foundation, a marvel in the world of stick foundations. This foundation stick not only promises but delivers a perfectly sculpted look with its buildable, medium to full coverage that impressively lasts up to 24 hours. What sets it apart is its creamy formula that effortlessly glides onto the skin, melting into a weightless, comfortable layer that feels like nothing on. Plus, with added SPF, it ensures your skin is protected throughout the day. For its durability, versatility, and skin-loving formula, I give it a solid 4.5 out of 5.

Key Ingredients: Hydrogenated jojoba oil

Shades: 12

Coverage: Medium to full  

Finish: Natural  

Cruelty-free: Yes

4

Best for Dark Tone

BLK/OPL TRUE COLOR Skin Perfecting Stick Foundation

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The BLK/OPL TRUE COLOR Skin Perfecting Stick Foundation is a revelation in the beauty world, especially in the amber shade, which is a godsend for girls seeking full coverage with a velvet finish. This bestseller not only corrects and perfects but is also an all-rounder suitable for all skin types. Whether you're looking to conceal imperfections, mask under-eye circles, or sculpt and define your features, its range of 19 shades ensures there's a match for everyone. What's truly innovative is its Shade ID technology, which adapts to your unique skin tone for a true-to-tone match, while vitamins C & E along with sunscreen nourish and protect your skin. All in all, this hypoallergenic foundation stick is a testament to BLK/OPL's commitment to quality and inclusivity.

Key Ingredients: Vitamins C & E and sunscreen

Shades: 19 

Coverage: Full

Finish: Velvet

Quick tip:

For a flawless application, warm the foundation on the back of your hand before applying. It ensures smoother blendability and coverage.

5

Best Shade Range

Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick

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One of my favorite makeup brands, Bobbi Brown, truly outdoes itself with the Skin Foundation Stick. Formulated with skin tone-correcting pigments, this product effortlessly covers imperfections and redness, offering medium-to-full coverage that caters to a wide range of skin concerns. What I love about this foundation stick is its enriched formula containing olive extracts and shea butter, ensuring the skin remains moisturized and smooth throughout the day. Reviewers echo my sentiments, praising its blend-ability and how it seamlessly matches the skin without feeling heavy or cakey. 

Key Ingredients: Olive extract and shea butter

Shades: 43

Coverage: Medium to Full

Finish: Natural

Cruelty-free: Yes

6

Best for Normal Skin

Anastasia Beverly Hills Stick Foundation

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From light to full coverage, this foundation offers a customizable application that meets individual needs, whether you're aiming for a natural look or seeking more pronounced coverage. What makes it truly remarkable is its formula, designed to suit all skin types, including sensitive skin. While the specific ingredients are tailored to ensure smooth application and durability, the foundation's ease of use and portability make it a must-have. My experience with it underscores its excellence in blending and matching skin tones perfectly. Its ability to stay put without feeling heavy or cakey, coupled with the range of shades, ensures that everyone can find their perfect match. It's a tool for flawless, confidence-boosting makeup that I highly recommend.

Key Ingredients: Silica and candelilla wax

Shades: 26

Coverage: Light to full

Finish: Natural to matte

Cruelty-free: Yes

7

Best for Dry Skin

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Foundation Stick

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I recently tried the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Makeup Stick and it has quickly become a staple in my makeup routine. What drew me in was its use of purified hyaluronic acid, a powerhouse ingredient known for its hydrating properties. My experience aligns with many reviewers who praise its versatility as a foundation, concealer, and contour stick. The medium to full coverage effortlessly masks blemishes and imperfections without settling into fine lines or appearing cakey. 

Its oil-free and non-comedogenic formula ensures that my pores remain unclogged, a significant plus for my sensitive skin. The ease of application is remarkable; it glides on smoothly, allowing for buildable and blendable coverage that leaves my skin looking radiant and feeling moisturized. The dermatologist-tested contour stick not only offers a refreshing boost of hydration but also maintains a flawless finish throughout the day. 

Key Ingredients: Purified hyaluronic acid

Shades: 5

Coverage: Medium to full

Finish: Radiant and natural

Cruelty-free: Yes

8

Best for Oily Skin

Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundation Stick

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As a devotee of luxury brands for perfume and skincare, I've found the Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundation Stick to be an indispensable addition to my beauty arsenal. This full-coverage, oil-free foundation stick, complete with a built-in kabuki brush, has revolutionized my makeup routine. Its transfer-resistant, cream-to-powder formula promises up to 24 hours of wear with a natural matte finish that masterfully controls shine throughout the day. I adore the silky feeling it leaves on my skin, not to mention it doesn't irritate my sensitive skin. The buildable coverage to a beautiful medium finish is just perfect. The ease of use is another plus, making the application a breeze, although I've noticed some mixed reviews on blending and value. Nonetheless, for me, it strikes the right balance between luxury and functionality.

Key Ingredients: Not specified

Shades: 22

Coverage: Full

Finish: Natural matte

Cruelty-free: No

9

Best for Real-Skin Coverage

Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick

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In my quest for the ultimate stick foundation, the Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick earns its place near the top of my list. Its promise of combining the coverage of a concealer, the fluidity of a liquid, and the weightlessness of a powder in a long-wearing waterproof formula intrigued me. Upon testing it on my warm-toned skin, I was astounded by its performance. 

The concentration of pigment meant a little went a long way, providing maximum coverage with minimal product. It masterfully concealed all my discoloration and imperfections, leaving my skin looking flawless with a seamless finish. The way it felt on my skin—utterly weightless despite the full coverage—truly set it apart. It felt as if I wasn’t wearing any makeup at all, which is exactly what I seek in a foundation.

Key Ingredients: Candelilla wax and concentrated pigments

Shades: 32

Coverage: Full, with minimal product

Finish: Seamless, natural

Cruelty-free: Yes

10

Best Versatile Foundation

Jolie Ultra Longwear Skin Foundation & Concealer Stick

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For those girls seeking a foundation that does it all, the Jolie Ultra Longwear Skin Foundation & Concealer Stick, ranking 10th on my list, is a revelation. Its easy application and full, velvety coverage transform the skin with a rich, creamy finish that's buildable to your liking. This stick is the epitome of convenience, blending the silkiness of a cream with the ease of a stick form. It's been a game-changer for correcting my uneven complexion and masking hyper-pigmentation and blemishes. 

The dab and blend application is effortless, making it perfect for on-the-go touch-ups. What's more, it's hypoallergenic and includes SPF 8, offering protection from UV damage while conditioning the skin. For all skin types looking for a reliable foundation and concealer in one, this product is a standout choice.

Key Ingredients: Not specified

Shades: 14

Coverage: Full 

Finish: Rich, creamy

Cruelty-free: Yes

11

Tarte Clay Stick Foundation

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The Tarte Clay Stick Foundation has quickly become a staple in my makeup routine, thanks to its ingenious vegan formula. Infused with antioxidant vitamins C and E along with Amazonian clay, it's like a chameleon for your skin, offering hydration or a matte finish as needed. What truly sets it apart are the microencapsulated powders that adapt to your body heat, ensuring a shine-free and cake-free appearance all day long. I'm genuinely impressed by its versatility and performance on my skin. Rating it a solid 4.5 out of 5, it's nearly perfect. 

Key Ingredients: Amazonian clay and vitamins C and E

Shades: 6

Coverage: Medium to full

Finish: Natural

Cruelty-free: Yes

Quick tip:

I suggest blending it with a damp beauty sponge for an even more flawless finish.

12

Milk Makeup Flex Foundation Stick

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Just like its brand name, Milk Makeup's Flex Foundation Stick is a testament to flexibility and purity in makeup. This medium-coverage cream foundation stick offers a natural finish that masterfully covers, calms, and flexes your skin, ensuring no creasing or caking occurs. Its vegan, clean composition is free from alcohol, gluten, sulfates, phthalates, talc, and soy, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize skin health alongside beauty. 

The inclusion of marshmallow root extract provides elastic properties allowing the formula to layer over the skin seamlessly. Additionally, blue lotus and chamomile work together to moisturize and soothe, making it perfect for anyone with sensitive skin or prone to redness. In my opinion, this foundation stick is a must-have for those seeking a gentle yet effective makeup solution that respects the skin's natural balance.

Key Ingredients: Marshmallow root extract, blue lotus, and chamomile

Shades: 36

Coverage: Medium

Finish: Natural

Cruelty-free: Yes

13

Trestique Foundation Stick

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Last but not least on my stick foundation roundup is the Trestique Foundation Stick. This weightless, cream-based formula not only promises but delivers a buildable, medium coverage with a radiant finish, making it a joy to use every day. Its formula is a standout, featuring a Carrot Complex to protect against blue light damage, Hyaluronic Acid for deep hydration, and Vitis Vita Actives to diminish fine lines. The built-in ultra-plush sponge ensures a flawless application without streaking. Plus, its commitment to sustainability through refillable and recyclable packaging truly resonates with me. I'd rate it a solid 4.5 out of 5. 

Key Ingredients: Carrot Complex, hyaluronic acid, and vitis vita actives

Shades: 12

Coverage: Medium

Finish: Radiant

Cruelty-free: Yes

After trying and testing the top picks, I've crafted a handy buying guide just below. It ensures you make the most of your choices and utilize the best stick foundations effectively for the best results.

When shopping for a foundation stick, consider the following factors to find the best match for your needs:

1. Skin Type: Choose a foundation formulated for your skin type (oily, dry, combination, sensitive, or normal). For oily skin, look for oil-free and mattifying options. Dry skin benefits from hydrating and creamy formulas. Furthermore, the foundation shade options should cater to every skin type, providing the perfect coverage that blushes to skin, achieving a look that's both flawless and natural. With a list of ingredients that prioritize the skin's health, ypur satick foundation range should stand out as a go-to for maintaining or achieving a radiant complexion.

2. Shade Match: Look for a shade that closely matches your skin tone. Test on your jawline to ensure it blends seamlessly with both your face and neck. Consider undertones (warm, cool, or neutral) for an even more precise match.

3. Coverage: Decide on the level of coverage you need (sheer, medium, or full). Some foundation sticks are buildable, allowing you to adjust coverage as needed.When selecting skincare products, it's essential to consider your actual skin needs, whether you have neutral or yellow undertones, or if your skin is fair, light, deep, or the palest shade. For example, Basma Beauty, founded by Basma Hameed, a legendary makeup artist known for her expertise in creating healthy skin textures and tones, especially for acne-prone and acneic skins, offers a range of products designed to meet these diverse needs. Their ingredient list is carefully curated to include emollient formulas rich in mineral oils that help achieve a dewy glow, reducing dark spots for a beautiful finish. The product package often features cream products and skincare essentials that aim for perfect coverage, blending seamlessly with the skin for a real-skin appearance. Favorite products among celebrity makeup artists include their coverage foundation, known for its ability to adapt from dark to light skin, ensuring a healthy skin tone regardless of your complexion.

4. Finish: Foundation sticks come in various finishes, including matte, radiant, and natural. Choose one that complements your skin type and desired look.

5. Formula Ingredients: Look for beneficial ingredients like hydrating agents (hyaluronic acid, glycerin) for dry skin, or oil-absorbing substances for oily skin. Avoid harmful ingredients and allergens if you have sensitive skin.

6. Portability and Convenience: One of the advantages of foundation sticks is their portability. Consider packaging and ease of application, especially if you plan to use it on the go.

By keeping these factors in mind, you can find a foundation stick that suits your skin type, matches your skin tone, and meets your coverage and finish preferences.

Applying a stick foundation perfectly involves a few key steps to ensure a seamless, natural-looking finish. Here's a guide to help you achieve a flawless application:

1. Start with Prepped Skin: Cleanse and moisturize your face. Apply a primer if you use one, especially if you have large pores or fine lines. This helps create a smooth canvas for your foundation.

2. Apply the Foundation Stick: Directly swipe the foundation stick across your face in key areas: forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin. The amount depends on the coverage you want; start with less, as you can always build up.

3. Blend, Blend, Blend: Use a damp beauty sponge, a foundation brush, or clean fingers to blend the foundation into your skin. Start from the center of your face and work outward. Ensure you blend well along your jawline, hairline, and ear edges to avoid noticeable lines.

4. Build Coverage if Needed: If you need more coverage in certain areas, apply additional foundation directly to those spots and blend again. Stick foundations are great for layering.

5. Set Your Foundation: To ensure longevity and to set your foundation, lightly dust translucent powder over areas that tend to get oily or wherever you've applied the foundation. If you have dry skin, you might skip this step or use a hydrating setting spray instead.

6. Use Additional Products as Needed: After your foundation is set, you can apply your concealer, bronzer, blush, and any other makeup products as you normally would. Stick foundations typically blend well with other cream-based products.

- Keep your foundation stick clean by wiping the surface with a tissue or sanitizing it regularly to avoid bacterial build-up.

- For oily skin, consider using a mattifying primer or setting your foundation with a powder to control shine.

- If you have dry skin, ensure your skin is well-hydrated before application to avoid a cakey finish.

- Experiment with tools (sponge, brush, fingers) to find which one gives you the best blendability and finish.

Remember, the key to a perfect foundation application, regardless of the formula, is blending well and choosing the right shade and formula for your skin type.