Why Don't Stick Foundations Get The Credit They Deserve?
I've been obsessed with beauty since I was little. At 5, I used to raid my mum's makeup drawers to sneakily apply red lipstick, only to have my dad make me take it off before I left the house. I've worked in the beauty industry for the last 15 years, and I have been at Adore Beauty for seven of them.
Once upon a time, it was the hero in our makeup stash, yet somehow the humble foundation stick developed a bad reputation over the years. Deemed for being too thick, cakey and just down-right unflattering, I’m here to prove that opinion wrong.
I recently started using the Make Up For Ever's Ultra HD Stick Foundation, and it’s reignited my love for a foundation stick formula, so I thought I'd tell you all the reasons you should forget the rumours and try a foundation stick again.
What's Different About *This* Foundation Stick?
Being in isolation for the last few months, I’ve not needed to apply any foundation and it’s been a welcomed change. The idea of having to apply a full face was a dreaded event - until I found this product.
I was sceptical at first, with flashbacks of a hard-to-blend formula from my youth coming to mind, but the second the I swiped this creamy formula on my face, that dreading feeling was history.
The Ultra HD Stick Foundation literally glides onto your skin, with silky ease. I used my Real Techniques Expert Face Brush to effortlessly blend the formula into my skin, leaving a naturally glowing, flawless base.
I then applied a darker shade of the stick to contour, adding warmth and definition to my face. After applying it, my skin felt naked, as if I had applied nothing - but in the best way possible.
It feels comfortable (while still providing the coverage I was after) and has a long-wearing formula that stays put and looks like my skin but better - what more could I want in a foundation?
Why Should You Try A Stick Foundation?
Fuss-free application: My favourite part of a stick foundation is that you can apply it directly to your face, no decanting required - or you can mix it with you fave liquid to customise your own coverage and finish. See how Megan applies the Kryolan TV Paint Stick here.
Buildable coverage: You can easily choose the areas where you’d prefer more coverage, and avoid the areas where you’d prefer a more natural finish. You can even use a stick foundation to conceal and contour.
A perfect base in no time: I find that when using a stick foundation, I apply my foundation so much faster. It melts into skin easily, with little to no streaking, unlike some liquid foundations which take a little more work to blend.
What Skin Type Is Stick Foundation Best For?
According to talented and experienced Georgia Toone, Make Up For Ever’s Education and Artistry Executive, stick foundations are the most versatile formula for any skin type and condition.
Regardless of your skin type, I promise that with a perfectly prepped base (slap on those serums, and apply your moisturiser and primer), the solid foundation formula will blend effortlessly into your complexion. Gone are the days where stick foundations were thick, cakey and unflattering, you can now achieve a natural, seamless complexion.
From drugstore brands like the Maybelline stick foundation to luxe brands, like the Bobbi Brown stick foundation, there is one for all skin types and budgets.
MAKE UP FOR EVER Ultra HD Stick Foundation
The creamy, blendable formula can be worn as light to full coverage foundation, with a natural satin finish. This foundation leaves skin with a subtle glow, that is long-wearing and is best suited to normal to dry skin types. Formulated with an exclusive 4K Complex that guarantees coverage that is both invisible and natural-looking, created to withstand the scrutiny of high definition filming and trick the eye.
Benefit Hello Happy Air Stick Foundation
Benefit's Hello Happy AIr Stick Foundation is formulated with lightweight powders and shea butter to provide the skin with medium coverage and natural matte finish. The water-resistant formula has an SPF 20 coverage, with a lovely lavender scent to refresh the senses.
Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear Stick Foundation
The Tient Idole range is notorious for its long-wearing formula, and this product is no different. This oil-free, highly pigmented foundation is customisable to medium or full coverage. With a cream to powder finish, you can will eliminate redness and shine. Ideal for oily to combination skin types, the semi-matte finish will leave skin looking fresh all day long.
