Best foundation stick

Which foundation stick is best?

Foundation sticks are great options for those who usually apply makeup on the go or simply don’t have the patience for a long routine. They’re convenient and often high quality, with excellent coverage. Our top pick for the best foundation stick is the Lancôme Teint Idole 5-in-1 Foundation Stick.

What to know before you buy a foundation stick

Skin type

There are multiple skin types, and all have different needs for their foundation. Knowing your skin type can help you make the best choice for what you need in terms of coverage, ingredients and finish in your foundation.

• Oily: A foundation that’s oil-free and won’t exacerbate oily skin is a good bet. Matte foundations work better with oily skin, as they’re meant to dry and absorb.
• Dry: Dry skin needs moisture and will benefit from hydrating ingredients and oils. Stick foundations are often a good match for dry skin because of their moisturizing ingredients.
• Combination: Combination skin usually results in some dry and some oily patches. A well-balanced foundation is key here, to protect the skin while giving it a fresh appearance.
• Sensitive: Sensitive skin can be reactive to certain ingredients or products, so it’s best to play it safe. Avoid anything with fragrance and check ingredient lists closely. Patch testing on a small piece of skin before applying it to the whole face is a good idea.

Ingredients

Foundation sticks come in many different formulas, even if they have similar textures. Foundation worn all day can be harsh on the skin, so many formulas include nourishing ingredients. Because of the thick texture, stick foundations often have oils or butters to help the foundation smoothly cover the skin without drying it out.

What to look for in a quality foundation stick

Finish

Traditionally, most foundation dries to a matte finish. A dewier look has recently become a popular style. Matte finishes are generally longer lasting than dewy looks because the foundation is fully dry and not tacky. Because stick foundations are usually sheerer and more moisturizing, they may not have as matte a finish or be as long-wearing.

Undertones

Knowing your skin tone is important for color matching, but so is knowing your skin’s undertones. All people, regardless of skin color or tone, have undertones that lean either warmer or cooler. For a perfectly matched foundation, you must know your skin’s undertones. If the veins on your wrist are clearly visible, note if they appear more blue or more green in color. Blue veins mean cooler-toned skin, while greener veins mean warmer-toned skin.

Coverage

Stick foundations tend to be very full coverage due to the creamy, thick texture of the product. Depending on your desired makeup look, there are multiple options for stick foundation, from totally opaque to more sheer coverage. Stick foundations can also be blended out or used as concealer or contour if the coverage is too heavy.

How much you can expect to spend on a foundation stick

Foundation sticks can cost as little as $10 for cheaper drugstore brands or as much as over $50 for more expensive name brands.

Foundation stick FAQ

How long-wearing is a foundation stick?

A. Most stick foundations are not excessively long-wearing because they’re meant for a more natural look. If you want fuller coverage, look for a stick foundation that’s advertised as all-day wear or that has a matte finish.

How do you find the correct shade?

A. The most accurate way to find your shade is to have it matched in person by a professional, but you can do some color matching online. Look for reviewers with a similar skin tone to yours when shopping, and be aware of how lighting can change the appearance of a product.

Is a foundation stick vegan? Is it cruelty-free?

A. It depends on the brand and style. Many stick foundations are vegan, as they don’t usually contain the more common animal-based ingredients found in many makeup products, such as carmine, beeswax and lanolin. But check the ingredients closely. Brands that are cruelty free will usually be clearly denoted as such.

What are the best foundation sticks to buy?

Top foundation stick

Lancôme Teint Idole 5-in-1 Foundation Stick

What you need to know: This high-end foundation stick comes with a built-in brush and dries to a matte finish.

What you’ll love: It’s the perfect choice for people with oilier skin, as it’s a true matte foundation. It can be used as a foundation, concealer, highlighter or contour depending on the shade selected.

What you should consider: It doesn’t come in a large variety of shades for darker skin tones. It’s also not cheap.

Top foundation stick for the money

wet n wild Photo Focus Matte Foundation Stick Makeup

What you need to know: This matte foundation was made to look good on camera.

What you’ll love: It has a flat finish, so it won’t have needless reflections from lights and flashes. The argan and sunflower oils are moisturizing for your skin. It’s cruelty-free and works for all skin types.

What you should consider: It doesn’t last as long as some other options.

Worth checking out

Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick

What you need to know: This is a sheer, long-wearing foundation stick for a subtle, comfortable makeup look.

What you’ll love: It’s long-wearing and water-resistant without being cakey.

What you should consider: It isn’t the most full-coverage foundation out there.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

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