Meet the new breed of stick foundations: They have lightweight, easy-to-blend formulas that last all day without leaving a mask-like finish or settling into pores.
Meet the new breed of stick foundations: They have lightweight, easy-to-blend formulas that last all day without leaving a mask-like finish or settling into pores.
Stick foundations have a bad rap. Mostly associated with stage makeup, they’re favoured by actors because of the impressive coverage they afford, which hides most imperfections, and budge-proof formulas that stay put even under warm theatre lights. While the oldergeneration stick foundations didn’t make the skin look good up close – many had thick formulas that settled into pores and left a mask-like cakey finish – the slew of new offerings with lighter textures offer buildable, natural-looking coverage that withstands scrutiny. The best bit? They couldn’t be easier to use. Just swipe it on, blend with your fingers, set with powder (if needed) and you’re good to go. Perfect for busy mornings or on-thego touch-ups. Here are our new favourites.
1. Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick, $72.
Boasting a wide selection of shades, this stick foundation has a waterproof formula with reportedly twice as many pigments as traditional foundations. Though it is slightly thicker than other foundations, you get concealer-level coverage. The triangular bullet makes spot touch-ups on hard-to-reach areas, such as the corners of the nose, easy. In 26 shades.
2. VDL Perfecting Last Stick Foundation, $ 36.
This lightweight stick foundation not only gives a flawless, satiny finish, it also has ingredients said to stimulate collagen production, improve the skin’s moisture levels and minimise skin irritation – great for those with dry and sensitive skin. Thanks to Air Pore Powder, the product doesn’t settle into pores. In four shades.
3. Etude House Play 101 Stick, $24.
A chubby stick with an ultra-creamy formula, this glides on without tugging at the skin. You’ll get natural-looking, sheer coverage with a dewy finish. If you have combination or oily skin, dust on loose powder after to prolong its staying power. In four shades.
4. Moonshot Face Perfection Matt Stick, $37.
We love the handy, lipstick-sized packaging (read: it sits comfortably in your pocket). The cream-to-powder formula blends easily and doesn’t budge once it sets – great for our humid weather! If you have especially oily skin, you may need a midday touch-up on the T-zone, but generally, this foundation keeps the skin semi-matte the entire day. In six shades.
5. Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Stick Foundation, $72.
One swipe of this smooth, velvety base is all you need to hide redness and even out skin tone – impressive coverage for a foundation with such a light texture. Those with dry or blemished skin will love this; coverage is buildable without the formula emphasising dryness or looking cakey. In 15 shades.
6. 3CE Melting Foundation Stick, $44.
With a creamy and blendable formula, this melts into skin and sets to a slightly dewy finish. We love how it doesn’t oxidise even after a day’s wear, thanks to a triple hyaluronic acid complex that is said to absorb sweat (which can sometimes cause oxidisation). In two shades.
