Level-Up Your Makeup Bag With These Foundation Sticks

When it comes to stick foundation, The Star calls it the unsung hero of the makeup world. No matter what your skin type, foundation is an essential part of any makeup routine. Why? Because not only does it give your skin a smooth appearance, but it also helps to extend the staying power of every makeup product you apply on top of it. From concealer to powder, eye shadow, and everything in-between, failing to apply foundation could leave your makeup looking messy. While foundation is great to even out your complexion, different types of foundations can also solve a number of skin issues. Refinery 29 says common imperfections like dark circles, fine lines, or an uneven skin tone are easily concealed with a good foundation. In addition, anyone dealing with excess oil, dry skin, and sensitive skin can benefit from the use of foundation.

From Fenty Beauty to Milk Makeup, Hourglass Cosmetics, Charlotte Tilbury, and Bobbi Brown, every makeup brand on the market sells a foundation. Many of these brands come in an array of options, so whether you're looking for heavy coverage or just a slight skin tint, it's easy to find one that works well for you. Whether you're a makeup artist or someone who applies just enough makeup to pull off a polished natural look, foundation can be easily applied. There are many different ways to apply it, you can use your fingers, a makeup brush, or a sponge. When you add a little blush, powder, and lip color, you've got a complete look in minutes.

Perhaps the most convenient form of foundation, the foundation stick, is not only the easiest to apply but it's also a great way to conserve product. Because of its priming abilities, it's ideal to use before eyeshadow, blush, and even lipstick. If this sounds like a product you could use, there are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for a stick foundation. For starters, you'll want to consider not only which shade best matches your skin tone, but also whether you'd like a matte, dewy, or natural finish. Once you've pinpointed the outcome you wish to achieve, it will be a lot easier to find the right foundation stick for you. Style Caster says research is especially important because a stick foundation can give off that cakey look if you're not careful.

So, how does foundation work, anyway? According to Loreal Paris USA, it is meant to provide the groundwork for your makeup. Well, this liquid, cream, or powder product can be applied to both the face and neck after your normal skincare routine. Glo Skin Beauty says foundation provides the level of coverage needed to mask skin imperfections and promote an even complexion. So, from fine lines and wrinkles to dark spots and acne, foundation does the hard work of filling and concealing. 

If you're ready to start shopping for your new favorite stick foundation, we're happy to say that we have a few suggestions you're sure to love! That's right, there's no need to spend hours in the drugstore makeup aisle reading labels on 50+ foundation products. A foundation stick is a great way to level-up your makeup bag and it's simple to use.

Choosing the Right Foundation for Your Skin

Knowing your skin type is crucial when choosing the right foundation stick says Byrdie. To create the look you desire, it's ideal to choose the right foundation. If you choose the wrong one for your skin type, it can be problematic in many ways.

It's important to check out the ingredients your foundation stick contains if you suffer from allergies. If you notice redness, irritation, or any other adverse skin reaction, it could be an allergic reaction.  According to WebMD, many ingredients added into makeup products can trigger a reaction, especially from parabens and formaldehyde. Additionally, if your skin is very oily, excessively dry, or prone to acne, these conditions could worsen if you choose the wrong makeup product. Luckily, our guide on the best foundation sticks available, you can now confidently make the right decision.

Below we have some foundation tips for people with every possible skin type. -Check it out!

Foundation for Dry Skin

Dry skin always benefits from a product that adds hydration. Luckily, many liquid and lightweight cream foundations do just that. There are definitely some foundation sticks on this list that will work for dry skin.  However, Space NK says liquid and lightweight cream foundations are typically the way to go. Since a liquid foundation is usually heavier than others, they are able to retain moisture which prevents unnecessary dehydration and all day added protection.

Foundation for Oily Skin

While you might not think adding another makeup product to your skincare routine is great for oily skin, it can actually go a long way to help with excess oil, acne, and more. According to WebMD, the big difference between someone applying foundation to oily skin rather than dry is the absolute need for primer. Once you prime, apply your foundation and use a good setting spray, you're set for the day with complete oil control. So, if you have oily skin and you're seeking a canvas-creating product for your makeup bag, be sure to find something that is less hydrating and more on the powder side.

Foundation for Mature Skin

You may feel as though you need a heavy coverage foundation for your mature skin. However, that is not always the truth. From fine lines to age spots, while you likely need a beauty product that conceals, there are many lightweight formulas that will do just that without weighing down your skin. According to Makeup and Beauty, the first thing is to find a foundation that won't settle into wrinkles. Additionally, a product that is lightweight in feel with hydrating ingredients will promote a fresher, more youthful appearance. A lightweight liquid formula with a medium level of coverage is your best bet if you have mature skin.

Foundation for Combination Skin

Combination skin can be a difficult skin type to contend with. Whether it airs more on the oily or dry end of the spectrum, the right foundation stick for your combination skin will solve all of your issues while providing the coverage you need. According to Claire Talks Beauty, anyone with combination skin will benefit most from a water-based foundation. Aim for foundations free from oils and powders to avoid worsening skin imperfections.

Get Ready to Level-Up Your Makeup Bag With These Foundation Sticks

While skin can be a difficult topic, especially when swimming through thousands of makeup products at the drugstore – a little education goes a long way. Now that you have correctly identified your skin type and you know what you're looking for in terms of coverage and feel, you can begin searching for your new favorite foundation stick. Below we have the best foundation sticks to help you look your best and level up your makeup bag in a snap. From Laura Mercier to Westman Atelier, we've got you covered. Read on to discover which one will work best for you.

Milani Conceal + Perfect

Available in 20+ skin tint shades, Milani's Conceal + Perfect Foundation Stick is a long-lasting, full coverage foundation priced at under $14. From natural and porcelain to light beige and tan, this foundation stick is perfect for every skin tone. Additionally, Milani is proud to provide products that are both vegan and 100% cruelty-free, so you never have to worry about animal testing. Its water-resistant formula also helps you maintain your look in more challenging conditions for up to 12 hours. 

Containing natural ingredients like bamboo and lilac extract, this foundation is not only great for oil absorption but also minimizes the look of pores. Best applied directly or with a brush or sponge, this creamy foundation is both easy and quick to set, so your face is ready in minutes. Furthermore, once it sets, it stays in place so you never have to worry about it transferring. With a buildable formula, you can get the coverage you need even on your worst skin days.

Vapour Beauty Luminous Foundation Stick

While this foundation stick selection comes to us from a lesser-known brand, it definitely stands as one of our top picks. With 19 different shades to choose from, anyone looking for medium coverage and a matte finish can appreciate Vapour Beauty's Luminous Foundation Stick. Even though it's one of the more expensive options on this list at a $46 price tag, its efficiency and quality ingredients make it well worth the price. If you regularly deal with imperfections like acne, large pores, and dark spots, it doubles as a concealer! Its compact size makes it easy to throw in with your purse or bag as you head out the door.

This illuminating foundation stick is a great selection for anyone with dry or sensitive skin. Not only is it hydrating, but it also uses natural ingredients such as organic sunflower oil, frankincense, myrrh, and lotus oil. Keep in mind that Vapour Beauty recommends pairing this product with a primer; especially if you have oily skin. Its formula calms, soothes, and protects while providing customizable coverage and contour abilities.

Bare Escentuals Complexion Rescue Hydrating Foundation Stick

Priced at just under $22, this medium-priced foundation stick comes to us from the dependable bareMinerals beauty line. Available in many different shades, its slim applicator is great for both foundation and contouring. In terms of coverage, this is a formula that allows you to build and attain as much or as little coverage as you need. Because it's a bareMinerals product, you can count on it to contain 30% enhanced mineral water which will soothe and aid in the overall health of your skin.

As we mentioned earlier, all foundations have a specific focus or intended purpose. The added benefit of SPF 25 makes this foundation special. So, whether you prefer combination products to pair with your skincare routine or wish to eliminate a product altogether, this is a good option. Additionally, Bare Escentuals Complexion Rescue Hydrating Foundation Stick is by far the most protective foundation stick on this list. It adds both moisture and protection from various pollutants including harsh environmental factors and heavy metals. Whether you'd define your skin type as dry or sensitive, you might want to give this one a second look.

PUR 4-in-1 Foundation Stick

The PUR 4-in-1 Foundation Stick is another mineral-based selection that works great for anyone with sensitive skin. Priced at $34, the items in this line are a bit more expensive but deserve your consideration for many reasons. First, this creamy formula goes a long way because you'll only need to use a small amount for full coverage. It uses a variety of natural ingredients including green tea, ginseng, and vitamin B to create a smoother, firmer, and brighter complexion. Not only that, but it also creates the appearance of a completely even skin tone.

The velvety texture of this foundation stick is best applied directly to the forehead, nose, and cheeks, then blended with a sponge. It provides buildable coverage and provides you with an oil-free matte look. It's a great choice for those with mature skin because it brightens the skin and beautifully masks signs of aging. With ingredients like age-defying Ceretin Complex, it gives skin a much-needed energy boost, and you'll look good from all angles. Because this foundation stick has the unique ability to create metabolic renewal, it's easy to see why it has 4-in-1 in the name!

WELL PEOPLE Bio Stick Foundation

With the modest price of just $25, this is one of the more affordable stick foundations on the list. Complete with clean, non-toxic ingredients, the breakthrough formula of WELL PEOPLE's Bio Stick foundation is non-comedogenic and completely cruelty-free. Because it's composed of 100% natural ingredients, You can feel good about your skin's health when using this foundation stick because it's composed of 100% natural ingredients. You can set the stage for any number of makeup looks ranging from colorful eye cream shadows to dramatic lashes. With a smooth satin finish, this foundation is one of the more natural-looking foundation sticks on this list.

This stick foundation is good for a number of skin types including oily, dry, and sensitive. This is primarily true because it is free from ingredients like talc, mineral oil, parabens, and fragrances. Plus, if you're looking for portability, WELL PEOPLE's modern yet slim foundation stick fits conveniently inside any purse or makeup bag pocket. As one of the only plant-based foundations available today, you can feel good about what you're putting on your face. Keep in mind this foundation provides light coverage for a more natural appearance.

bareMinerals Escentuals Complexion Rescue Hydrating Foundation Stick

Another selection from bareMinerals, is the Complexion Rescue Foundation Stick that comes in a chic gold twist tube for easy application. Available for under $25, you can't beat the price for such a high-quality beauty product. Complete with non-chemical SPF 25, it definitely has added benefits that promote smooth and protected skin. This bareMinerals formula is 30% mineral water and contains a slew of healthy ingredients including coconut, seawater, jojoba, camellia flower extract, and black tea. These additives are great for moisture and protection from the elements. Also, it doesn't contain heavy metals or parabens. However, it does protect against blue light and environmental aggressors.

Ultimately, the bareMinerals Escentuals Complexion Rescue Hydrating Foundation Stick provides sheer to medium coverage, making it a buildable option depending on your desired results. With just a quick swipe to the t-zone, cheekbones, and chin, you'll find that with this formula, a little goes a long way. With the use of a trusty makeup brush, this formula is versatile and incredibly easy to blend. Whether you have mature, oily, or sensitive skin, this foundation stick provides lightweight but dependable coverage. This foundation stick offers coverage that floats over fine lines while masking dark spots, blemishes, and various signs of aging.

Add a Stick Foundation to Your Collection Today

Now that you've read the list of some of the best stick foundations available, hopefully you've discovered one you can't wait to try, and we don't blame you! So, if you're wondering where to look for the product you want, they are available at Amazon, the drugstore, and mall department stores. From Maybelline to Laura Mercier, it's up to you to decide which brand is best for your unique skin and makeup needs. Because as you can see, reliable foundation sticks come in all shapes and sizes, providing the perfect solution to those in need of medium to heavy coverage according to New Beauty.