10 Reviews: Best Foundation Stick (Apr 2024)

These stick foundations don't cake or crinkle and are available in a handy, spill-free, purse-friendly formula

A. Wahyu by A. Wahyu · updated on · price $4.99 - $50.00 · 375 views · 2 visitors liked products on this page

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Comparison Table

Let's jump into the specs!
Product Image
1
10 Reviews: Best Foundation Stick (Apr  2024): Best for budget
Wet n Wild
2
10 Reviews: Best Foundation Stick (Apr  2024): No-mess application
Maybelline New York
3
10 Reviews: Best Foundation Stick (Apr  2024): No smudging or fading
Black Opal
4
10 Reviews: Best Foundation Stick (Apr  2024): Lightweight but incredibly matte
Fenty Beauty
5
10 Reviews: Best Foundation Stick (Apr  2024): No pulling or dragging
bareMinerals
6
10 Reviews: Best Foundation Stick (Apr  2024):  Not heavy at all
Milk Makeup
7
10 Reviews: Best Foundation Stick (Apr  2024): For super-fresh skin
Huda Beauty
8
10 Reviews: Best Foundation Stick (Apr  2024): Conceals everything
Make Up For Ever
9
10 Reviews: Best Foundation Stick (Apr  2024): For perfect blending
Hourglass
10
10 Reviews: Best Foundation Stick (Apr  2024): Doubles as a concealer
Bobbi Brown
Product Name Photo Focus Stick Foundation Superstay True Color Match Stix Complexion Rescue Flex Foundation Stick #FauxFilter Ultra HD Vanish Skin Foundation Stick
1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Features Best for budget No-mess application No smudging or fading Lightweight but incredibly matte No pulling or dragging Not heavy at all For super-fresh skin Conceals everything For perfect blending Doubles as a concealer
Format Stick Stick Stick Stick Stick Stick Stick Stick Stick Stick
Skin Type All All Normal to dry All All Normal, dry, combination, oily Normal, dry, combination, oily Normal, dry, combination, oily Normal, dry, combination, oily Normal, dry, combination, oily
Color 19 options 6 options 26 options 7 options 20 options 35 options 39 options 19 options 32 options 30 options
Coverage Buildable Full Full Medium Medium Medium Full to Light Full Full Full
Finish Matte Matte Matte Matte Radiant Natural Natural Natural Natural Natural
price $4.99 $9.95 $13.28 $26.00 $33.00 $36.00 $39.00 $43.00 $46.00 $50.00
Buy at view product on Wet n Wild view product on Amazon view product on eBay view product on Maybelline view product on Amazon view product on eBay view product on BLK/OPL view product on Amazon view product on eBay view product on Fenty Beauty view product on Sephora view product on Amazon view product on eBay view product on bareMinerals view product on Ulta view product on Amazon view product on eBay view product on Milk Makeup view product on Sephora view product on Amazon view product on eBay view product on Huda Beauty view product on Sephora view product on Amazon view product on eBay view product on Make Up For Ever view product on Sephora view product on Amazon view product on eBay view product on Hourglass view product on Sephora view product on Amazon view product on eBay view product on Bobbi Brown view product on Sephora view product on Amazon view product on eBay

Foundation sticks are slightly larger than a typical lipstick, so you can simply put them in your handbag for a quick touch-up when needed, and the packaging ensures they never leak. And, like lipstick, these twist-up sticks are applied straight to the skin, with no need for a brush or sponge. Moreover, they can be used as a concealer or a contouring product in addition to being a straight-up covering product. Wanna try? If you’re looking for a stick foundation that can do it all, go no further than our recommendation below.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Just in case you wonder...

How do you keep your foundation from settling into wrinkles?

You can simply use a damp makeup sponge to remove any excess foundation that has accumulated in your pores and lines. If you have blemishes, avoid using too much foundation in the hopes of concealing them since this can just aggravate them worse. You can also apply the makeup using a brush if you want. 

Is SPF makeup as effective as sunscreen?

Technically, the SPF in your foundation is the same as that in your favorite sunscreen, and it can therefore help protect your skin from UV damage. However, the American Academy of Dermatology suggests reapplying SPF every two hours while out in the sun to guarantee optimum protection. Consider this: do you reapply your foundation every two hours?

How to keep using makeup without damaging the skin?

1. Take your time while picking your makeup.
2. Using a gentle cleanser, wash your face twice a day, as well as after you have finished any activity that causes you to sweat.
3. Before going to bed, take off all of your makeup, including your eye makeup.
4. Apply makeup gently.
5. Make sure you clean your makeup brushes at least once a week and that you are the only one who uses them.

Why does my foundation oxidize?

You should know that there are several causes why your foundation oxidizes. A number of the ingredients in your foundation could be reacting with the air, the oils on your skin, or other cosmetic products that you are wearing at the time of the reaction. The PH level of your skin also has an effect on your foundation.

10 Reviews: Best Foundation Stick (Apr 2024)

Here are the best foundation stick
Wet n Wild Photo Focus Stick Foundation - Best Foundation Stick: Best for budget
https://www.amazon.com/

1.
Wet n Wild
Photo Focus Stick Foundation

Best for budget

1  visitors like this
price from
$4.99
Our opinion:

This Wet n Wild Photo Focus stick foundation is presently available in 19 shades, which is pretty impressive for a low-cost stick foundation. The advertised demi-matte texture is fulfilled, and the effect on the complexion is dewy but not too glossy. It helps to prevent white cast in pictures and provides a radiant-looking complexion. And for less than $5, it checks off a lot more boxes than cosmetic goods three times the price.

Promising review:

I prefer concealer sticks because I don't use foundation on my whole face. I only use it under my eyes and on both sides of my nose because I have a lot of redness there. This concealer is very smooth and creamy and blends well. It's very light weight. I bought 2 so I wouldn't run out haha

by Patricia Begley

Format Stick
Skin Type All
Color 19 options
Coverage Buildable
Finish Matte
Maybelline New York Superstay  - Best Foundation Stick: No-mess application
https://www.amazon.com/

2.
Maybelline New York
Superstay

No-mess application

1  visitors like this
price from
$9.95
Our opinion:

Maybelline Superstay feels so good on the skin; it’s smooth to the touch and the effect is pretty thick but blends out wonderfully, so you don’t need to apply much at all. It delivers perfect, full coverage with a cream-to-matte longwear finish and a precision pointed blender sponge for quick and simple application at home or on the go. You’ll get a no-mess application that results in perfect skin that lasts all day.

Promising review:

Couldn’t find this in the shops so I was pleased to find it on amazon. Cheaper than normal price I pay. Have used this concealer for ages and love it. Good choice of shades and easy to apply, really like the sponge tip for blending. Arrived quickly too. Happy customer

by Tracy

Format Stick
Skin Type All
Color 6 options
Coverage Full
Finish Matte
Black Opal  True Color  - Best Foundation Stick: No smudging or fading
https://www.amazon.com/

3.
Black Opal
True Color

No smudging or fading

price from
$13.28
Our opinion:

True Color Skin Perfecting Stick Foundation SPF 15 by BLK/OPL glides on like butter and gives a full-coverage, velvet-smooth finish that lasts for hours without smudging or fading — and no, it doesn’t seep into fine lines or pores. This foundation stick, which is available in 21 shades designed exclusively for darker skin tones, is also infused with vitamins C and E, which work together to moisturize while providing skin-nourishing antioxidant effects.

Promising review:

It was amazingly pigmented, went on smoothly, and was very blendable!!! I have oily skin and this does pretty well with it when I set it with powder. I love this product!

by KLee

Format Stick
Skin Type Normal to dry
Color 26 options
Coverage Full
Finish Matte
Fenty Beauty Match Stix - Best Foundation Stick: Lightweight but incredibly matte
https://www.sephora.com/

4.
Fenty Beauty
Match Stix

Lightweight but incredibly matte

price from
$26.00
Our opinion:

Say hello to Fenty Beauty’s Match Stix! The texture is lightweight but incredibly matte, making it surprisingly simple to carve out face contours—all you need is a damp sponge and perhaps a little patience. If you’re new to the game, we recommend tracing the product down the bottom of your cheekbones, over the top of your forehead, and around your jaw. Blend until it’s unnoticeable, then admire your bone structure.

Promising review:

Blends sooo well. Goes from a soft cream to a light powder without loosing a beat. You can easily manipulate the product. Loyal to this product.

by GMera

Format Stick
Skin Type All
Color 7 options
Coverage Medium
Finish Matte
bareMinerals Complexion Rescue  - Best Foundation Stick: No pulling or dragging
https://www.ulta.com/

5.
bareMinerals
Complexion Rescue

No pulling or dragging

price from
$33.00
Our opinion:

The brand promotes this as the first water-based liquid foundation stick, and its moisturizing characteristics are entirely obvious. There was no pulling or dragging throughout the application process. It’s as smooth as swiping on lip gloss and blended just as well with fingers. With 30% increased mineral water, squalane, and natural seed oils, it seems more like a skincare/makeup hybrid. You’ll surely love it!

Promising review:

This is good everyday foundation. The coverage is light and I use the bare minerals concealer stick for under eyes and blemishes. It's very quick and easy to apply which is good for weekdays when you just want to get up and get going quick

by Rachel

Format Stick
Skin Type All
Color 20 options
Coverage Medium
Finish Radiant
Milk Makeup Flex Foundation Stick - Best Foundation Stick:  Not heavy at all
https://www.sephora.com/

6.
Milk Makeup
Flex Foundation Stick

Not heavy at all

price from
$36.00
Our opinion:

This is an excellent vegan and cruelty-free foundation. Milk Makeup Flex Foundation Stick gives you a natural, fresh-faced look that doesn’t feel cakey or heavy on your skin. Instead, the combination of chamomile and blue lotus feels calming and moisturizing. For a buildable/medium finish, just sweep over the areas you wish to conceal and rub them into the skin with a foundation brush.

Promising review:

Beautiful full coverage. I use this to conceal larger acne sections on my face and blend with a dense brush. This color is so perfect for fair skin. Flawless.

by bri49736

Format Stick
Skin Type Normal, dry, combination, oily
Color 35 options
Coverage Medium
Finish Natural
Huda Beauty #FauxFilter  - Best Foundation Stick: For super-fresh skin
https://www.sephora.com/

7.
Huda Beauty
#FauxFilter

For super-fresh skin

price from
$39.00
Our opinion:

Want to have super-fresh skin on the go? Huda Kattan’s FauxFilter stick is absolutely excellent makeup. The tapered, triangular tip makes it simple to apply in difficult areas, and the creamy finish makes blending a breeze. It does give skin a filtered look, but it does it in a natural, believable way. Plus, this pick is fragrance-free, transfer-proof, waterproof, as well as humidity- and sweat-resistant. Fantastic!

Promising review:

I really love that the foundation. It has a natural finish. A small amount goes a long way. You can also apply a lot for a full coverage look.

by RudeGirl7

Format Stick
Skin Type Normal, dry, combination, oily
Color 39 options
Coverage Full to Light
Finish Natural
Make Up For Ever Ultra HD  - Best Foundation Stick: Conceals everything
https://www.sephora.com/

8.
Make Up For Ever
Ultra HD

Conceals everything

price from
$43.00
Our opinion:

A creamy product that glides on like a second skin and leaves you with a lovely natural finish? This Make Up For Ever product fulfills all of your foundation fantasies. The full-coverage product, which is suitable for all skin types, conceals everything from redness and blemishes to scars and dark circles. But the nicest thing is that, despite doing a lot of masking, the result isn’t cakey. It is available in 19 shades.

Promising review:

I’ve replaced this foundation stick probably 4x by now. I love it for mid-day touch ups. It leaves my skin super dewy and poreless. Can’t be without it!

by Chilota

Format Stick
Skin Type Normal, dry, combination, oily
Color 19 options
Coverage Full
Finish Natural
Hourglass Vanish - Best Foundation Stick: For perfect blending
https://www.sephora.com/

9.
Hourglass
Vanish

For perfect blending

price from
$46.00
Our opinion:

There are so many things we love about stick foundations that it’s difficult to keep track of them all. Firstly, there’s no need for equipment or mirrors, so all you have to do is swipe it on with your fingertips and go. With its waterproof and long-lasting composition, we’re particularly fond of this one. It also reacts to your body temperature for perfect blending and has a unique triangular tip that makes it simple to apply on even the most difficult-to-reach areas.

Promising review:

I have tried so many foundations I lost count. Hourglass is amazing. I have combo skin and this does not look greasy,coverage is fantastic.

by Rocky228

Format Stick
Skin Type Normal, dry, combination, oily
Color 32 options
Coverage Full
Finish Natural
Bobbi Brown  Skin Foundation Stick - Best Foundation Stick: Doubles as a concealer
https://www.sephora.com/

10.
Bobbi Brown
Skin Foundation Stick

Doubles as a concealer

price from
$50.00
Our opinion:

A stick foundation has a lot of appeals. These creamy formulas can double as a concealer and are ideal for on-the-go touch-ups, in addition to being travel-friendly. Bobbi Brown’s is a popular option, with medium yet buildable coverage and plenty of moisture. The formula hydrates wherever skin is dry, thanks to a mix of emollients including olive extract and shea butter. To make it even better, it is resistant to water, perspiration, and humidity.

Promising review:

Perfect for dry skin!! I struggle with eczema around my eyes and this stuff does not exaggerate my dryness but instead masks it! Finally something that’s easy to apply, and doesn’t dry my skin out!

by LeelaR919

Format Stick
Skin Type Normal, dry, combination, oily
Color 30 options
Coverage Full
Finish Natural

Conclusion

You’ll never have to worry about irritating those annoying spots again if you choose one of the skin-friendly foundations from the list above. Instead, you can flaunt flawless makeup that makes pores, pimples, and zits completely invisible on your face.

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