13 Best Foundation Sticks 2022 For Smooth, Even and Quick Application

Posted by Reinaldo Massengill on Saturday, June 29, 2024

As far as makeup products go, foundation sticks remain one of the most under-rated. Most of us are probably more accustomed to using more traditional types of foundation (think: high-coverage liquid foundation or powder foundations), but the reality is that foundation sticks can be just as good (if not better). Especially when it comes to applying your makeup on-the-go. After all, the tube-shaped packaging makes it much easier to carry around rather than a full-sized product that has a decent chance of spilling (speaking from personal experience…). 

Another reason that we stan foundation sticks to the end? They're very versatile. On top of helping you create a blank canvas for your favourite makeup look, many foundation sticks can also double as concealers and contour sticks – making all the difference when it comes to decluttering your makeup bag

Forget what you thought you knew: just as with regular foundations, you can also play around with foundation sticks to find something which suits your skin type. Whether you're into dewy, lightweight foundations or you need something that works for your oily skin, dry skin or combination skin, there are plenty of options out there for everyone – you just need to know where to look.

Westman Atelier Vital Skin Foundation Stick£62 at Cult BeautyHuda Beauty #FauxFilter Skin Finish Buildable Coverage Foundation Stick£32 £16 at SephoraBobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick£35.50 at LookFantasticHourglass Vanish Seamless Foundation Stick£45 at Cult Beauty

Best foundation sticks at a glance

  • Best moisturising foundation stick: Westman Atelier Vital Skin Foundation Stick, £62, Cult Beauty
  • Best foundation stick for dark skin tones: Huda Beauty #FauxFilter Skin Finish Buildable Coverage Foundation Stick, WAS £32 NOW £16, Sephora
  • Best foundation stick for a natural look: Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick, £35.50, LookFantastic
  • Best waterproof foundation stick: Hourglass Vanish Seamless Foundation Stick, £45, Cult Beauty
  • If you need a little bit more guidance on the best foundation sticks on the market, we've got you covered. Below, we've put together a full edit of all the best options, including viral bits, new launches, cult classics as well as more affordable options and our own personal favourites from the GLAMOUR beauty team. Happy scrolling. 

    Best moisturising foundation stickWestman Atelier Vital Skin Foundation Stick£62 at Cult Beauty

    Why we love it: If you're looking for a fuss-free foundation stick that will take care of your skin by boosting hydration levels and calming irritation, we've got just the thing. Rich in antioxidants as well as skincare-like ingredients such as squalane, coconut oil and camellia seed oil, this foundation stick has a radiant finish that looks just like your natural skin while also reducing inflammation and the appearance of fine lines.

    Bookmark these Cult Beauty discount codes to save big.

    Best foundation stick for dark skin tonesHuda Beauty #FauxFilter Skin Finish Buildable Coverage Foundation Stick£32 £16 at Sephora

    Why we love it: This Huda Beauty buildable foundation stick comes with a wide shade range of 39 gorgeous colours, which is particularly great for darker skin tones. It also has a natural-looking, lightweight formula that melts into your skin with ease and provides customisable coverage that's long-lasting and waterproof as well as humidity- and sweat-resistant.

    Save big when shopping for the best foundation sticks using these Sephora discount codes.

    Best foundation stick for sensitive skinLancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundation Stick£30 £24 at LookFantastic

    Why we love it: Thanks to the Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundation Stick's lightweight, fragrance-free and oil-free formula, it's great for those of us with more sensitive skin. It provides buildable coverage with a natural matte finish and can be used as a foundation, spot concealer or even for contouring. You can also use it to prevent unwanted shine, which is always handy. 

    Save money on the best foundation sticks with these LookFantastic discount codes.

    Best foundation stick for medium coverageMAC Studio Fix Soft Matte Foundation Stick£29 at Fenwick

    Why we love it: This multi-tasking foundation stick is designed to be incredibly versatile, doubling as a foundation, contour stick and even a highlighter. It glides onto your skin easily, achieving buildable medium coverage upon application. It's available in 33 different shades to match your needs perfectly. A favourite among makeup artists. 

    Best foundation stick for a natural lookBobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick£35.50 at LookFantastic

    Why we love it: Let's face it, you can pretty much never go wrong with a product from Bobbi Brown. Designed to give natural-looking coverage, this foundation stick ensures a non-cakey base for you to create your favourite look. It has a silky texture too, and features olive extracts and shea butter that condition and replenish your skin with every wear. Perfect formulation for all skin types, including dry skin and oily skin. 

    Save money on the best foundation sticks with these LookFantastic discount codes.

    Best foundation stick for a soft, matte finishTom Ford Traceless Foundation Stick£66 at Sephora

    Why we love it: This unique cream foundation stick has a formula that features a nourishing complex that helps create a smooth finish. It's incredibly portable too, and can be used in many different ways, whether that's as a foundation or concealer. Its greatest strength is that it's natural-looking and undetectable, leaving a soft matte finish. 

    Save big when shopping for the best foundation sticks using these Sephora discount codes.

    Best waterproof foundation stickHourglass Vanish Seamless Foundation Stick£45 at Cult Beauty

    Why we love it: Need something that combines the fluidity of a liquid foundation and the lightweight feel of a powder? Check out this long-wear foundation stick that provides full coverage while remaining undetectable. A little goes a long way too, which is perfect considering how great it is at covering discolouration, blemishes and other imperfections. 

    Bookmark these Cult Beauty discount codes to save big.

    Best travel-friendly foundation stickMilk Makeup Flex Foundation Stick£32 at Cult Beauty

    Why we love it: A must-have if you're a fan of applying makeup on-the-go. This foundation stick from Milk Makeup provides medium coverage with a natural finish without creasing or caking (which we all hate). It comes in 36 different shades and is infused with skin-loving ingredients such as blue lotus, chamomile and marshmallow root extract. 

    Best foundation stick with a creamy formulaL’Oreal Paris Infallible Shaping Stick Foundation£8.99 £8.49 at Amazon

    Why we love it: L'Oreal's Infallible Shaping Stick Foundation has a long-lasting wear of up to 24 hours, making it perfect for even the busiest of days. It has an ultra-creamy formula which seamlessly melts into the skin for buildable coverage to create shine-free base for your look. And yes, you can also use as a foundation, a concealer or to highlight and contour.

    Best 2-in-1 foundation stickMaybelline Superstay Foundation Tool Stick£4.35 at Amazon

    Why we love it: The Maybelline Superstay foundation stick does exactly what it says – it's a full coverage foundation that lasts all day. Its greatest strength is that it's incredibly affordable and comes with a built-in blender sponge that can smooth it out on-the go. Definitely one for the makeup bag – and you don't even need to keep a foundation brush handy.

    Best lightweight foundation stickbareMinerals Complexion Rescue Hydrating SPF25 Foundation Stick£30 £24 at LookFantastic

    Why we love it: Lightweight? Yes. Water-based formula? Absolutely. SPF protection? You bet. The bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Hydrating Foundation Stick never looks cakey or dry, thanks to its vegan, hydrating formula. Perfect for a photo-ready finish and portable enough for on-the-go touch-ups.

    Save money on the best foundation sticks with these LookFantastic discount codes.

    Best foundation stick for a photo-ready finishbenefit Hello Happy Air Stick Foundation£28.50 £24.23 at LookFantastic

    Why we love it: Creating a photo-ready finish has never been easier. This foundation stick has medium coverage as well as a breathable and weightless formula. It's great for your skin too – its formula is infused with chamomile and botanical extracts, as well as shea butter and lavender to reduce discolouration and irritation. 

    Best transfer-proof foundation stickNo7 Stay Perfect Stick Foundation£14.95 at Boots

    Why we love it: Who doesn't want buildable coverage that lasts for up to 18 hours and has a transfer-resistant formula? This creamy foundation stick from No7 is lightweight and expertly blended to match your skin perfectly with a semi-matte finish. Available in 18 shades and suitable for sensitive skin.

    Save money on the best foundation sticks with these Boots discount codes.

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