Every makeup enthusiast would agree that the best foundation sticks make the most convenient of complexion products, delivering seamless and fuss-free application every time. Jamie Coombes, Dior Makeup International Pro Artist, for one, describes them as “a saving grace for the makeup bag.”
“There is no risk of spills, making them ideal for travel or on-the-go touch-ups," Jamie told me. "They are also straightforward to use, and they can be applied directly to the skin without initially needing a separate applicator.”
Meanwhile, Chanel MUA Kay Montano praises stick foundations for being “far more multi-purpose than they appear. They can be used as a sheer veil, full coverage, or as a concealer just where you need it,” Kay shares.
That said, it's no secret that some old-school formulas leave a lot to be desired. Some are drying, comedogenic and way too full-coverage to wear on an everyday basis. Not to mention the uncomfortably cake-y feel they come with.
Luckily, since foundation sticks have been having a bit of a resurgence (queue the latest launches from Dior and Charlotte Tilbury), there's been a drastic improvement to the formulation. The result? A hydrating feel, buttery application and natural-looking coverage.
Hailey Bieber was seen applying the newly launched Dior Forever Skin Perfect stick foundation on a handful of GRWM videos on TikTok – mixing said stick foundation with the hailed Rhode Glazing Milk toner. And I, a sworn member of team liquid foundation for the longest time (thanks, dry skin), have been reaching for these clever solid formulas more often than ever. They've helped cut down my makeup routine by half, delivering a skin-like finish and just enough coverage to mask my rosacea.
TL;DR: stick foundations are very much in. Whether you're into dewy, lightweight foundations or if you're after a blurring full-coverage foundation, there's definitely a stick formula out there that deserves your attention. Below, I've put together an edit of all the best options for every budget and preference, having also quizzed top MUAs for handy application tips.
Skip to FAQs: What is the best way to apply stick foundation? | How to prep skin before applying stick foundation | Is stick foundation better than liquid foundation? | How to choose the best stick foundation | Our full reviews.
Meet the experts:
- Jamie Coombes, Dior Makeup International Pro Artist.
- Kay Montano, Chanel Makeup Artist.
How we tested the best stick foundations
Over the years, the GLAMOUR team has trialled hundreds of stick foundations – from premium to affordable options alike. When testing each formula, we always aim to keep note of important factors such as coverage (full, natural or medium), finish (glowy, matte or satin) and packaging. Our editors also make sure to spotlight those formulas that come in a wide shade range to make it clear that it caters to a variety of skin tones. Find out more about how we test here.
Here goes: our edit of the best stick foundations of all time, tried & tested…
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1. Best overall
- Coverage: Buildable.
- Finish: Natural.
- Shade range: 18.
Why we love it: Dior has done it again and delivered – what could be – one of the best stick foundations ever made. Available in 18 shades, this clever formula offers medium coverage, a natural finish and a buttery blend.
“This is the stick foundation that did it for me. After seeing it blow up all over #BeautyTok, I knew I had to give it a go, and boy, did it live up to the hype. It delivered the most gorgeous skin-like finish and buildable coverage,” says Denise Primbet, GLAMOUR's Beauty Contributor.
2. Best for a natural look
- Coverage: Light.
- Finish: Skin-like.
- Shade range: 25.
Why we love it: You may already be familiar with the iconic Fenty Beauty Eaze Drop Skin Tint, so try to think of this stick formula as that exact product, but in solid form. It's super weightless, creamy and blurring, making it a great choice for day-to-day wear. Not only is it crease-and-transfer-proof but it's also full to the brim with hydrating ingredients such as murumuru butter and sodium hyaluronate, to offer lasting hydrating and comfortable wear.
“I used to think of stick foundations as the last option to wear if you're after a natural finish. That is, until I tried this innovative formula from Fenty Beauty. It works very well with the rest of my makeup products and delivers a stunning second-skin look,” shares Denise Primbet, GLAMOUR's Beauty Contributor.
3. Best for precise application
- Coverage: Buildable.
- Finish: Blurring.
- Shade range: 30.
Why we love it: If you're someone who loves hybrid makeup products and wants to save space in your beauty cupboard, you'll love his multi-use formula from Merit. Designed to be used as both concealer and foundation, this stick product offers light-to-medium, buildable coverage that feels breathable on the skin and lasts all day.
“I love that it features fatty acids to lock in moisture and sea daffodil to help reduce redness. This complexion hero is a must-have for creating a smooth base,” says Denise Primbet, GLAMOUR's Beauty Contributor.
4. Best for a glowy base
- Coverage: Light-to-medium.
- Finish: Natural-looking.
- Shade range: 20.
Why we love it: Infused with a number of skin-loving ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, daikon radish seed oil and vitamin E, the Charlotte Tilbury Unreal Skin Sheer Glow Tint is a no-brainer option for those of us after that coveted “clean girl” look. Delivering a natural-looking glowy finish, this stick foundation offers buildable coverage and has the unique ability to adapt to your exact skin tone. It melts into your skin like butter and leaves your complexion looking fresh and healthy-looking. A must.
5. Best full-coverage
- Coverage: Full.
- Finish: Blurring.
- Shade range: 32.
Why we love it: One of the best full-coverage foundations out there, the Hourglass Vanish Seamless Foundation Stick is a cult favourite for a reason. Combining the lightweight feel of a powder foundation and the coverage similar to that of a traditional liquid formula, this hero makeup product is the best fit to wear on special occasions or for when you need your makeup to last all day. A little goes a long way, too, which is perfect considering how great it is at covering discolouration, blemishes and other imperfections.
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6. Best for sheer coverage
- Coverage: Sheer-to-light.
- Finish: Dewy.
- Shade range: 16.
Why we love it: If you're someone who tends to avoid of full coverage formulas, you'll thoroughly enjoy this innovative launch from Anastasia Beverly Hills. Enriched with eight skincare ingredients, this stick formula steers more toward tinted moisturiser territory, offering sheer-to-light coverage and a dewy, luminous finish. Available in 16 shades in total, this skin tint stick evens out your skin tone with ease while leaving your complexion plump and rejuvenated.
7. Best with the widest shade range
- Coverage: Flexible.
- Finish: Velvety and natural.
- Shade range: 43.
Why we love it: Let's face it, you can pretty much never go wrong with a product from Bobbi Brown. Designed to give natural-looking coverage, this foundation for dark skin ensures a non-cake-y base for you to rock your favourite look. It has a silky texture too, and features olive extracts and shea butter that condition and replenish your skin with every wear. Perfect formulation for all skin types, including dry skin and oily skin.
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8. Best luxury formula
- Coverage: Buildable.
- Finish: Skin-like.
- Shade range: 21.
Why we love it: Looking for a fuss-free foundation stick that will take care of your skin by boosting hydration levels and calming irritation? We've got just the thing. Rich in antioxidants as well as skincare-like ingredients such as squalane, coconut oil and camellia seed oil, this foundation stick has a seamless finish that looks just like your skin while also reducing inflammation and the appearance of fine lines.
9. Best weightless
- Coverage: Medium and buildable.
- Finish: Natural.
- Shade range: 42.
Why we love it: Hate that dreaded cake-y feel? Us too. Meet the ILIA Skin Rewind Complexion Stick, a formula that looks like makeup but also boasts all the benefits of a hybrid skincare product. One of the most weightless foundations out there, it also ensures lasting wear of up to 12 hours while delivering buildable coverage and a blurring, skin-like finish. The best part? Thanks to the myriad of skincare ingredients, you should also notice some improvement to your complexion over prolonged use. A win.
10. Best for a special occasion
- Coverage: Buildable.
- Finish: Matte.
- Shade range: 11.
Why we love it: This unique cream foundation stick has a formula that features a nourishing complex that helps create a smooth finish. It's incredibly portable too, and can be used in many different ways, whether that's as a foundation or concealer. Its greatest strength is that it's natural-looking and undetectable and leaves a soft matte finish.
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11. Best affordable
- Coverage: Medium-to-full.
- Finish: Blurring.
- Shade range: 12.
Why we love it: L'Oreal's Infallible Shaping Stick Foundation has a long-lasting wear of up to 24 hours, making it perfect for even the busiest of days. It has an ultra-creamy formula which seamlessly melts into the skin for buildable coverage to create shine-free base for your look. And yes, you can also use it as a concealer or to highlight and contour, depending on the shade.
What is the best way to apply stick foundation?
“The first rule is to prepare your skin correctly. Start with a clean, moisturised face. To me, skincare is part of the makeup process because it creates texture. Use a primer that suits your skin type to create a smooth base and support the foundation’s wearability,” Dior MUA Jamie Coombes advises.
As far as application goes, Kay suggests opting for “a ‘stipple’ makeup brush to apply the product," starting from the centre of your face while working outward. In order to achieve a more natural look, Chanel MUA Kay Montano advises using fingers, “and if needed, pat the product around your nose with your fingertips or use a small brush to conceal any blemishes.”
Jamie shares that “foundation brushes build more coverage, makeup sponges offer a more natural finish, and fingers help warm up the stick formula for more effortless blending.” Jamie's top tip for a “polished” look consists of finishing up the application “with a light buff down using a clean brush.”
If you want to avoid a cake-y finish, Jamie suggests “focusing on specific areas of your face instead of sweeping the stick across your entire face. Target the centre of your forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin, then blend outward in circular motions”
“Stick foundations such as Dior Forever Skin Perfect are buildable, so start with a thin layer and add more only where needed. This helps avoid a heavy mask-like finish. It’s easier to add a little more than to take away.”
Lastly, Jamie recommends finishing everything off with a setting powder and a setting spray to ensure a lasting finish.
How to prep skin before applying stick foundation
“A good skincare routine is essential for foundation, as makeup can only do so much,” shares Chanel MUA Kay Montano.
“Often people think their skin is dry, when it’s actually just dehydrated, and people forget about exfoliating. Using a facecloth daily is enough to keep dead skin from ‘dulling’ the skin. Find a good exfoliator to use (around the nose and chin especially) at least once a week, and use a face serum followed by a good moisturiser after washing/cleansing,” Kay explains.
According to Dior MUA Jamie Coombes, you should start with cleansing the skin by using “a gentle cleanser to remove dirt or oil from the skin.”
Unsurprisingly, using the right moisturiser is one of the most important factors to prep your skin thoroughly. Jamie recommends the Dior Capture Day Cream to hydrate the face all over prior to application. Next up, “use a primer tailored to your skin needs (mattifying for oily skin, hydrating for dry skin, etc.)” and don't forget to “allow for the skincare products to absorb fully before applying the foundation to avoid a patchy application.”
Is stick foundation better than liquid foundation?
Stick foundation formulas are widely considered as more versatile compared to their liquid counterparts. Chanel MUA Kay Montano finds that they're super handy for touch-ups and aren't as heavy as the traditional liquid foundation bottles, making them ideal for travel.
Meanwhile, Dior MUA Jamie Coombes praises them for being very beginner-friendly and “very straightforward to use.”
“They can also double as concealer or contour products, simplifying your makeup routine,” Jamie shares.
How to choose the best stick foundation, according to MUAs
“Look for a formula that matches your skin type,” advises Dior MUA Jamie Coombes. “For dry skin, opt for a hydrating, creamy formula. Oily skin types may prefer a matte, oil-free formula.” According to Jamie, this will also play a role when choosing your desired finish (matte, dewy or satin) and coverage (sheer, medium or full).
Jamie also recommends opting for stick foundations with “skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid for hydration or natural floral antioxidants for skin protection, comfort, and control. Avoid comedogenic ingredients if you are prone to breakouts.”
As is the case with most complexion products, Jamie also emphasises that choosing the shade that matches your exact skin tone and complements your undertones is key.
Chanel MUA Kay Montano adds that the best way to shade match yourself is to ensure that the formula matches “your lower face and neck.”
Kay also suggests keeping in mind “the time of year, and the climate. In winter, skin is more dehydrated, and unless you’ve been on holiday, it is likely to be paler.”
After more foundations content? Shop the best foundation for oily skin, best foundation for dry skin, best foundation for combination skin, best oil free foundation, best lightweight foundation, best serum foundation and best drugstore foundation. Elsewhere, read our Il Makiage foundation review and our Armani Luminous Silk Foundation review.
