12 Makeup Sticks That Will Help You Cut Down on Time and Products
December 22, 2022
What Is a Makeup Stick?
A makeup stick is the solid form of a product such as foundation, blush or eyeshadow typically presented in a twist-up tube. Since the cream or gel formula of makeup sticks easily melts into the skin, they’re ideal for creating seamless beauty looks or for applying makeup on the go without making a mess. The stick applicator also allows you to more precisely pinpoint where you want to place the product on your skin.
How to Use a Makeup Stick
It’s best to dot or swipe the makeup stick where you want coverage and blend with your fingers. You can also use a brush or a sponge, but using your fingers will warm up the product to really help it melt into the skin. Most formulas are buildable, so start with a small amount and add more for extra coverage as desired.
The Best Makeup Sticks
NYX Professional Makeup Wonder Stick Blush
This dual-ended cream blush stick easily colors and shapes your face to help you achieve a naturally-flushed glow. Apply the dark shade where you would normally contour to define, then apply the light shade atop your cheekbones to add color. Bonus: It’s formulated with hyaluronic acid to help hydrate your skin.
IT Cosmetics Superhero No-Tug Waterproof Eyeshadow Stick
A creamy eyeshadow stick that glides on smoothly, is blendable and buildable and offers crease-less color? Say no more. And in case that isn’t enough, it’s formulated with tri-peptide complex, ceramides, collagen and caffeine to also give you younger-looking eyes.
Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundation Stick
This crowd-favorite formula is a five-in-one multitasking foundation stick that allows you to conceal, contour, cover, highlight and blend anywhere on the face. Each stick has a large sponge tip buffer brush to ensure a flawless, even application every time.
Urban Decay 24/7 Shadow Stick
The benefit of opting for eyeshadow in stick form is that it allows for more precise application and richer color. This creamy shadow stick does that and more. It glides on smoothly and offers major staying power — we’re talking up to 24 hours of waterproof, crease-free, smude-resistant color.
Dermablend Quick-Fix Body Makeup Foundation Stick
Ideal for covering up anything from scars to bruises to tattoos, this body foundation stick is super pigmented and blendable. It also works for body contouring — just opt for a deeper shade. For long-lasting wear, be sure to apply setting powder on top.
NYX Professional Makeup Pore Filler Targeted Stick
If you’re prone to shine throughout the day, let us introduce you to this mattifying makeup stick that can instantly blur large pores and minimize the appearance of oil. You can use this as a primer under your foundation, then bring it with you in transit for touch-ups throughout the day.
Maybelline New York Cover Stick Corrector Concealer
Mask dark circles or neutralize redness with one of the Maybelline New York Cover Stick Concealers. Available in eight color-correcting shades, the non-comedogenic formulas come in a format similar to a lipstick, allowing for precise under-eye application. They’re also super easy to blend out with your fingertips.
Lime Crime Sunkissed Glimmering Skin Stick
Instantly add some sparkle and glow to your face with this highlighting stick. It comes in nine glittering shades, from pink champagnes to golden-browns and even an icy lavender to add some pop to your makeup routine.
Elaluz Stick Bronzer with Camu Camu
Go glowy with this buildable stick bronzer that contains camu camu (a natural vitamin C), meadowfoam seed oil and flower extracts to protect and moisturize the skin. With just a few swipes, your skin will look healthy and sun-kissed.
UOMA Beauty Double Take Contour Stick
Shape your face as you please with this contour stick that highlights, strobes and bronzes the skin. The super creamy formula is extremely hydrating and will leave you with a radiant, glowy finish.
MERIT Flush Balm
Part blush, part conditioning skin balm (thanks to the vitamin E), this lightweight cream tint melts into the skin for a natural, barely-there flush. You can use it on your cheeks, lids or lips for a hint of color that’s never heavy or cakey.
Westman Atelier Lit Up Highlight Stick
This highlight stick takes everything you love about a gel highlighter (easy to blend, subtle, skin-like finish, etc.) and puts it into a convenient stick form. Glide it onto your cheeks, bridge of nose, cupid’s bow, lips and lids for a naturally dewy, glassy finish.
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