Lighter than Cream, More Coverage than Tints—10 Foundation Sticks That Upgrade Your Makeup Game

They're so easy to use.

Beauty editors Alyssa Brascia and Sabrina Talbert testing and wearing foundation sticks.
(Image credit: @alyssabrascia; @sabrinasamone_)
Jump to category:
By
last updated
Contributions from
in Buying Guides

Foundation, much like mascara, can be a very personal thing. Some prefer a liquid or powder formula, while others thrive by using a quick swipe-and-blend method with a trusty stick. I will tell you one thing. Celebrity makeup artists and beauty editors alike happen to use foundation sticks the most. Why? Well, for starters, celebrity makeup artists everywhere trust these easy, no-mess formulas when crafting flawless bases. “A good stick foundation should be creamy, easy to blend, and give buildable coverage that still looks like skin,” says celebrity makeup artist Daisy Toye. The artist also highlights the fact that they make touch-ups easy when you’re on the go.

Editors and makeup artists also agree that using a beauty sponge is key when applying a product like this. It helps create a gorgeous, seamless finish no matter what level of coverage you're looking for. If you're now itching to try one for yourself (or are looking for some new favorites to add to your rotation), keep scrolling! We’ve rounded up a comprehensive list of these editor- and makeup artist-loved foundation sticks below.

The Best Foundation Sticks, At a Glance

Best Overall: Ilia Skin Rewind Blurring Complexion Stick

Best Investment: Westman Atelier Vital Skin Foundation Stick

Best Budget: Sheglam Skin Magnet High Coverage Foundation Stick

Best Drugstore: Colourpop Pretty Fresh Tinted Foundation Balm

Best Versatility: Merit The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick

Best for Dry Skin: Live Tinted Huestick Complexion Stick

Beauty editor Sabrina Talbert testing and wearing a foundation stick.

(Image credit: @sabrinasamone_)

Best Glowy: Charlotte Tilbury Unreal Skin Sheer Glow Foundation Stick

Best for Mature Skin: Dior Forever Skin Perfect Foundation Stick

Best Coverage: Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick

Best Shade Range: Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick

What to Look For in a Foundation Stick

Holm has a few ground rules she sticks to when picking out a foundation stick that will perfect her high-profile clientele’s complexions—and they’re worth applying to your own search, too. “A great foundation stick should strike the perfect balance between coverage, texture, and wearability,” she explains. Below, a few of her quality checks before clicking “purchase.”

  • Texture: “The formula should be creamy enough to glide on effortlessly without tugging at the skin, yet lightweight enough to avoid feeling cakey.”
  • Coverage: “Buildable coverage is key, allowing it to work as a spot concealer, a light tint, or a full-coverage base.”
  • Wear: “Longevity matters too—your stick should hold up throughout the day without oxidizing or breaking apart.”
  • Functionality: “Finally, versatility sets the best sticks apart: the right formula can serve as a foundation, concealer, or even contour when used in different shades.”

Which is better, regular foundation or foundation sticks?

“It really depends—sticks are amazing for convenience, travel, and spot application, while liquid foundations are better if you want seamless, all-over coverage,” says Toye. “I love sticks for red carpet touch-ups.”

Holm also points out that there is more versatility when it comes to finishes (think: matte, satin, dewy, plus sheerer formula options) when dealing with liquids. “Foundation sticks, however, are unmatched in convenience,” says Holm. “They’re portable, mess-free, and versatile, perfect for travel, quick touch-ups, or building customizable coverage. Many people find themselves using both—a liquid foundation for all-over coverage, and a stick foundation for on-the-go precision or contour.”

Which skin type works best with foundation sticks?

“Foundation sticks are most versatile for normal to combination skin, since they balance creaminess with staying power,” says Holm. “Dry skin types can use them successfully with proper prep—hydration is key. Oily skin types may lean toward liquids or powders for longer wear, but stick foundations with a semi-matte finish can still perform well if set with powder.”

Which foundation is best for mature skin?

Toye highlighted the Dior Forever Skin Perfect Foundation Stick as the best option for mature skin, but Holm also vouches for the Westman Atelier Vital Skin Foundation Stick’s efficacy on skin etched with fine lines. “It has a creamy texture with skincare benefits that create a radiant, skin-like finish without settling into fine lines,” Holm explains.

However, stick foundations may not be the best option, period, for mature skin—lighter formulas may be better suited. “Armani Luminous Silk Foundation is a classic liquid option that delivers buildable, luminous coverage while keeping the skin looking fresh and natural,” she explains. “For days when a lighter touch is preferred, a skin tint like the Summer Fridays Sheer Skin Tint can even out tone with a breathable, dewy finish that enhances rather than masks the skin.”

How to Use

Gabbay has a few application tips for when you're applying a stick foundation. "A lot of people say to use your fingers, but I don't believe in that," she says. "Stick foundations are a little bit creamier and greasier than a normal foundation so you're just going to add more oils if you use your fingers. I recommend using a brush when you apply it or a wet beauty sponge to blend it out."

"You can also use different shades on different parts of your face—that's why I love foundation sticks. Applying straight from the stick is your best bet. If you apply it onto the back of the hand it can get too warm after a while. You can buff it out better with a brush like the It Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Complexion Perfection Brush #7 ($50) or the AOA Studio Paw Paw Wonder Blender ($10)—I love those!"

How We Tested

Our team of beauty editors assessed our own collections of foundation sticks, evaluating the ones we reach for often and nixing the ones we tend to overlook. (We want the best of the best for you, after all.) Then, we consulted with celebrity makeup artists to ask the hard-hitting questions: What do you, as a makeup artist tasked with making celebrity skin look perfect under blemish-illuminating lights, look for in a foundation stick that can make those imperfections disappear? What are the qualities in a good formula?

From there, we asked which foundation sticks were their go-tos in their respective kits, and not surprisingly, their picks shared a lot of overlap with our own. Then, we laid out our real feelings about each stick, detailing our praises and pain points for each. We categorized each to explain which foundation stick is best for your specific needs and created this comprehensive guide to ensure that your shopping experience is as smooth and painless as possible.

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear, we know that beauty isn't one-size-fits-all. Over the years, our editors have tested thousands of products—including skincare, makeup, haircare, and nails—while also working closely with trusted experts, like renowned dermatologists, celebrity makeup artists, and other leading industry insiders. Together, this ensures every guide is well-researched, inclusive, and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they're affordable favorites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how, and what we'd truly recommend to our closest friends and family members.

This article was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

Shawna Hudson
Associate Beauty Editor

Shawna Hudson is a beauty, wellness, lifestyle, and travel writer with over 10 years of experience. She graduated from California State University, Fullerton, with a degree in journalism and has written for other publications such as Bustle, The Zoe Report, Byrdie, Elite Daily, and more. She is currently a beauty writer at Who What Wear and hopes to continue feeding her (completely out-of-control) beauty obsession as long as she can. Stay up to date on her latest finds on Instagram @shawnasimonee.

With contributions from
Latest
You might also like
View More ▸