Stick foundations may not be everyone’s cup of tea as they tend to give fuller coverage and feel much heavier on the skin - which otherwise implies a cakey face. As a matter of fact, stick foundations were widely used within the drag community and on stage actors who required the extra glam when they performed. However, times have changed and the “I-don’t-have-enough-time” world we live in today certainly calls for quicker and easier alternatives.
These days, stick foundations have a diverse range of formulations and an endless shade range to match different skin types, colours and undertones perfectly. Furthermore, companies are even thoughtful enough to have created built-in kabuki brushes or sponges on their stick foundations so that consumers like us won’t have to worry about packing another tool when we’re out and about. The perks of stick foundations are infinite and to find one that best suits you, keep reading for more information!
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If you love yourself a pigment-packed yet cake-free foundation, Hourglass’ Vanish Seamless Foundation Stick delivers the full package. It may be a heavy duty stick foundation but it has a weightless finish and a purposeful triangle-shaped bullet that provides for precise application, especially at the under eye and nose areas.
On top of that, this waterproof formula is not only long-wearing but it also has an innovative formula that’ll adjust to your body temperature for an effortless and seamless blend. Pair this with the Hourglass’ Veil Translucent Setting Powder and your makeup is set for whatever the day has to bring!
Contrary to the traditional cream-based stick foundation, Burberry’s Beauty Fresh Glow Gel Stick Foundation & Concealer has a water-based formula that feels refreshing upon application. The water-infused foundation & concealer provides medium to full coverage with a feather-like weight on the skin. It’s also enriched with Aloe Vera which helps to soothe and hydrate the skin - best for dry and oily dehydrated skin.
Cream-based foundations, such as the stick forms, tend to contain derm-approved oils in order to produce the silky and creamy texture that is often desired. However, Nars has successfully formulated a cutting-edge stick foundation that’s completely oil-free yet highly blendable.
All thanks to Elastomer Micro-Beads, the Velvet Matte Foundation Stick is crease-proof and contains breathable Fine Powders to further enhance the flexibility of the foundation whilst mattifying the skin. This long-wearing stick foundation has a medium-buildable coverage with a clean soft-matte finish that will leave your skin with a balanced shine.
More: Protect Your Sensitive Skin with these 10 Skin-Loving Foundations
ABH’s Stick Foundation was initially created to target oily to combination skin, but its ingredient list has also been proven to be acne-prone skin friendly. Besides being paraben-free, it’s also free from sulphates and phthalates, which are the 3 most common harsh chemicals in cosmetics, known to have atrocious effects on acne and sensitive skin. Depending on the method of application, this lightweight foundation could go from the ‘no makeup-makeup’ look to a full-on ‘Instagram Baddie’ glam.
Aging skin generally looks duller and falls on the drier side of the spectrum in terms of moisture level. Hence, the ideal foundation for ageing skin is always one that is hydrating, with the ability to smoothen any fine lines or wrinkles.
With that said, the Ultra HD Stick Foundation has the ability to create a flawless complexion, not just on camera, but also to the naked eye. This foundation is described as ‘revolutionary’ because it’s specially formulated with amino acid-coated pigments that’ll allow you to build the coverage with a lightweight, second-skin like texture! Plus, it even has Hyaluronic Spheres for time-released hydration and a youthful radiant finish.
The Smashbox Shaping Stick Foundation is a dual-ended, face-shaping foundation stick that provides you with quick coverage and sculpture. The contouring stick is nicely angled for tip top precision in chiselling out your cheekbones and jawlines with a few simple strokes.
Additionally, the contouring shades are perfectly coordinated with the foundations’ and both ends have super buildable coverage with smooth blendability. On top of that, they both have long-lasting formulas with the power to resist sweat, humidity, and water.
Son&Park is a popular K-beauty brand whose Beauty Water took the beauty industry by storm. Meanwhile, their Skin Fit Foundation is also another highly raved product by the brand and it’s often seen in the clutches of Korean celebrities.
This multipurpose foundation is well loved for several reasons; one for the fact that it has a green base at the core of the foundation to even out skin tone. Secondly, it has SPF 45. Koreans take sun protection very seriously and that’s partly why they have such youthful, radiant skin even at the age of 50. Lastly, this foundation is formulated with the Sebum Capture System that balances oil and retains moisture in the skin.
Maybelline’s Clear Smooth Shine-Free BB Stick is the first ever BB cream in a stick form. Albeit it’s not labelled as a “foundation” per se, it functions exactly like a typical stick foundation, minus the wide shade range that foundations offer. This BB stick instantly smoothens the skin, refines large pores, moisturises the skin, and protects it from the sun with SPF 21. Tip: for a natural finish, blend it with your fingertips to gradually melt the product into your skin.
More: Let Your Skin Breathe With These 9 Lightweight Foundations For All Day Comfort!