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The Best Foundation Sticks for on the Go Coverage

Post last updated: 25/01/2023

Foundation sticks great for their no-nonsense fuss-free approach to beauty. As they have a liquid-free formula, they're great for travelling without the risk of spillage. Their creamy consistency allows for various levels of coverage from super light through to full making them the perfect travelling companion for on the go touch-ups.

What Skin Types are Foundation Sticks Best for?

Foundation sticks are great for all skin types, but especially combination to oily skin types as they blend well for seamless coverage. For those with dehydrated or dry skin and worried about whether foundation sticks will be too drying, don't panic. They have super creamy formulations which melt into the skin upon application.

Our Picks of the Best Foundation Sticks

  1. Burberry Fresh Glow Gel Stick Foundation and Concealer
  2. Clinique Chubby in the Nude Foundation Stick
  3. Yves Saint Laurent All Hours Foundation Stick
  4. Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick
  5. Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Foundation Stick
  6. NARS Velvet Matte Foundation Stick
  7. By Terry Nude-Expert Foundation Stick
  8. Estée Lauder Double Wear Nude Cushion Stick

Advice

Why Foundation Looks Cakey and How to Prevent it

Read our tips on how to avoid cakey foundation and create a flawless and natural looking finish like a pro.

26/01/2021 By Holly James

Which are the Best Stick Foundations?

We have put together an edit of the best foundation sticks, so no matter what your skin type or need, there is a stick to suit you.

1. Burberry Fresh Glow Gel Stick Foundation and Concealer 9g (Various Shades)

Burberry's Fresh Glow Gel Stick Foundation is perfect for those who want super light coverage. Enriched with aloe vera and encapsulated water, the base is super hydrating and helps to give a gorgeously fresh and dewy glow to the skin, whilst still looking incredibly natural and like you're wearing no coverage at all.
  • Coverage: Light coverage
  • Skin type: Normal to dry
  • Why we love it: Can also be used to conceal so perfect for your handbag

2. Clinique Chubby in the Nude Foundation Stick

Clinique's Chubby in the Nude Foundation Stick is a super moisturising formula that gives buildable coverage, so great if you're suffering from any redness or imperfections as you can apply more without it ever looking cakey. Oil-free, it gives a natural, matte finish without ever looking flat.
  • Coverage: Medium coverage
  • Skin type: Normal to combination
  • Why we love it: Long-wearing and won't transfer

3. Yves Saint Laurent All Hours Foundation Stick 30ml (Various Shades)

Yves Saint Laurent's All Hours Foundation Stick is perfect for travelling as it helps to achieve full coverage in one swipe. Blending seamlessly into the skin, the formula never cakes throughout the day, and it also waterproof so perfect for transitioning into the warmer, summer months.
  • Coverage: Full coverage
  • Skin type: Oily
  • Why we love it: Lasts for an incredible 24 hours

4. Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick (Various Shades)

One of the bestselling foundation sticks of all time, Bobbi Brown's Skin Foundation Stick is the perfect first-foray if you haven't tried a stick base before. Easy to use and giving flawless coverage, the foundation uses unique smart technology to adapt to your skin's individual needs. So, no matter whether you're a little dehydrated or shiny, the foundation will give you what your skin wants.
  • Coverage: Buildable coverage
  • Skin type: All skin types
  • Why we love it: Doesn't oxidise thanks to its corrective skin-tone pigments

5. Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra SPF15 Foundation Stick 9g (Various Shades)

The Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Foundation Stick has been specially formulated for all skin types, but works wonders on super sensitive complexions thanks to its dermatologically-tested formulation. Free from oil and fragrance, the foundation doesn't block pores and thanks to its velvet-matte finish, stays in place all day long. The powder-cream texture means it blends seamlessly into the skin to create a flawless finish.
  • Coverage: Buildable coverage
  • Skin type: All skin types, including sensitive
  • Why we love it: Can be used to spot conceal

6. NARS Cosmetics Velvet Matte Foundation Stick 9g (Various Shades)

The NARS Velvet Matte Foundation Stick is perfect for use when travelling as it is a dual-ended stick, which includes both the foundation and a touch-up blender sponge for complete complexion perfection. The foundation itself is super creamy and blends seamlessly into the complexion.
  • Coverage: Buildable
  • Skin type: Oily skin
  • Why we love it: Best for on-the-go as it comes with a sponge

7. By Terry Nude-Expert Foundation (Various Shades)

The By Terry Nude-Expert Foundation Stick is one of the best foundation sticks to use if you want a gorgeous glow. One half of the stick if the foundation formula, while the other is a highlighter that adds a touch of luminosity. Like the NARS one, this foundation stick also comes complete with a sponge for on-the-go precise application.
  • Coverage: Buildable
  • Skin type: Normal to dehydrated
  • Why we love it: Best for on-the-go as it comes with a sponge

8. Estée Lauder Double Wear Nude Cushion Stick Radiant Make-Up 14ml (Various Shades)

For those who think Estée Lauder's Double Wear Foundation is slightly too heavy, you will love their Nude Cushion Stick. With a sheer to buildable formula, the foundation helps to achieve a super dewy and glowy base, whilst also staying in place all day long. The products itself is dispensed out of a sponge so is perfect for on-the-go touch-ups.
  • Coverage: Buildable
  • Skin type: Normal to dehydrated
  • Why we love it: Has an amazing 8 hour wear
Team LF
Team LF Writer and expert

Our team of beauty experts cover everything from makeup to skincare, picking out the most effective products from the best brands and latest trends. Stay up to date on everything beauty with the LOOKFANTASTIC blog, and find all your essentials in one place.

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