The 10 best foundation sticks for easy, buildable coverage

The best foundation sticks have a lot to offer. First, they are buildable and moisturizing, and can even be used as a concealer for spot treatments. Their easy-to-press and unroll formats also make them ideal for use on the go, and many of these foundation formulas have been enriched with skin-friendly ingredients to ensure breathable all-day wear.

Keeping in mind that everyone’s makeup needs are different, we’ve highlighted ten of our favorite foundation sticks below, focusing on nutrient-packed options (think: peptides and squalane) that also offer a range of finishing and coverage options. We also asked some celebrity makeup artists to weigh in on what to look for in a foundation stick and how best to apply it.

Vogue Favorite foundation sticks:

In this story:

---

The best for everyday use: Ilia Skin Rewind Complexion Stick

• Why we love it: If you’re in a hurry to get out of the house but still want to apply a bit of foundation to even out your skin tone, this complexion stick from Ilia is just what you need. It provides medium coverage but is buildable so you can apply as much or as little as you want. We love that it’s packed with moisturizing ingredients like ceramide-peptide complex, winged seaweed extract, and butterfly lavender extract. This keeps your skin moisturized all day long, without the sticky “I have to wash my face” feeling that some stick foundations can leave. Plus, there are 42 shades to choose from, so you can match the shade as close to your skin tone as possible in summer, winter, and everything in between.
• Key ingredients: Ceramide-peptide complex, winged seaweed extract, butterfly lavender extract
• End: Natural matte
• Reception: Mediocre
• Shades: 42 shades

---

The best full coverage: Stick foundation with a smooth Hourglass Vanish finish

• Why we love it: The best thing about this foundation stick is that it’s really a choose-your-own-adventure situation. It can be built up for full coverage, or used as a concealer to cover blemishes, redness and other imperfections. Makeup artist Katie Mellinger is also a fan of this application, saying, “I like that the formula doesn’t feel too shiny and dries to a semi-matte finish.”
• Key ingredients: not applicable
• End: Semi-matte
• Reception: Full
• Shades: 26 shades

---

Best for mature skin: Westman Atelier Vital Skin foundation stick

• Why we love it: Gucci Westman foundation stick spreads easily on the face, ensuring direct application with medium coverage; You can also put it in your hand and use a brush to apply the product to your face for a brighter and more natural skin-like finish. Squalane, camellia seed and coconut oil power this moisturizing formula, which Mehta says is “perfect if you’re looking for a dewy look or have sensitive skin.”
• Key ingredients: Vegetable squalane, camellia seed oil, berryflux vita extract, coconut oil
• End: Radiant finish
• Reception: Mediocre
• Shades: 20 shades

---

Best for concealment: Merit Beauty Minimalist skin-perfecting stick

• Why we love it: For those looking for a multi-tasking solution, the two-in-one Merit Complexion Stick works as both foundation and spot concealer. A staple of Mehta’s kit due to its weightless finish. She always reaches for it when her clients want no-makeup makeup. *FashionSenior beauty writer Kiana Murden likes to carry a tube in her purse so she can touch up her makeup on the go.
• Key ingredients: Fatty acids, sea daffodil extract
• End: Light finish
• Reception: Light to medium
• Shades: 30 shades

---

Best medium range: Ami Colé skin strengthening stick

• Why we love it: Formulated specifically for darker skin tones, Mehta says the Ami Colé foundation stick “provides medium coverage with a radiant finish while feeling lightweight and comfortable.” There are 16 shades available, and each stick contains nourishing ingredients such as baobab seed oil and shea butter for a lit-from-within glow.
• Key ingredients: Baobab seed oil, shea butter
• End: Natural
• Reception: Mediocre
• Shades: 16 shades

---

The best light coverage: Charlotte Tilbury Unreal Skin Sheer Glow shade

• Why we love it: One of Charlotte Tilbury’s latest launches, celebrity makeup artist Alexx Mayo describes the sheer, hydrating formula as “unique,” adding that “the lightweight foundation is perfect for those looking for a natural boost to their skin,” she says. Mayo also recommends using it as a subtle highlighter on high points of the face and body.
• Key ingredients: Mixture of multi-molecular hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, daikon radish seed oil
• End: Radiant
• Reception: Light
• Shades: 20 shades

---

The best blur: Fenty Beauty Eaze Drop Blur + Smooth shade stick

• Why we love it: Finding the perfect shade can be difficult, but not with this foundation stick from Fenty Beauty. Mayo says: “The color range in this formula is fantastic!” This is a perfect product for people who prefer a natural matte finish with a blurred effect on the skin. “This product works wonders on normal to oily skin and lasts all day,” she adds.
• Key ingredients: Murumuru butter, QuickBlur complex, sodium hyaluronate
• End: Second skin
• Reception: Light to medium
• Shades: 25 shades

---

The best camera is ready: Dior Forever Skin Perfect foundation stick

• Why we love it: Makeup artist Amrita Mehta describes this as “a great option for full coverage and long-lasting.” He adds, “The satin finish provides shine where you want it without being too greasy, making it a great choice for long days or special events.” Just one swipe is enough to see an immediate improvement in tone and texture, giving you the enviable look of glass skin.
• Key ingredients: Barbarian fig flower
• End: Satin, natural finish
• Reception: Full
• Shades: 18 shades

---

The best shade range: LYS Beauty Triple Fix Blurring and moisturizing foundation stick

• Why we love it: The Lys foundation stick is available in an impressive 22 shades, ranging from porcelain (very fair skin with neutral undertones) to espresso (deep skin with warm undertones). Mellinger says it’s a great choice for those with darker skin tones, highlighting the benefits of the formula’s skin-care ingredients like anti-inflammatory green tea extract and antioxidant rosehip oil. As you apply it, you’ll be obsessed with its smooth texture – a quality that keeps Murden reaching for it again and again.
• Key ingredients: Green tea extract, watermelon seed extract, rosehip oil
• End: Natural
• Reception: Medium coverage
• Shades: 22 shades

---

The best leather-like finish: Bobbi Brown Skin foundation stick

• Why we love it: The Bobbi Brown foundation stick has gained status as a makeup bag staple due to the sheer, skin-like finish it provides. Mayo explains: “This creamy, easy-to-blend, medium-coverage foundation is a quick and easy way to even out your complexion while blending seamlessly into your skin.”
• Key ingredients: Olive extract, shea butter, light-diffusing powders
• End: Natural
• Reception: Medium to full
• Shades: 31 shades

---

What to look for in a foundation stick

When choosing a foundation stick, you should consider your skin type, formula, finish and desired coverage, says Mehta, who recommends a mattifying formula for oily skin and a moisturizing formula for dry skin.

It’s also important to pay attention to ingredients that work well with your skin. For dry or dehydrated skin, look for formulas that contain moisturizing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or squalane. If your skin is acne-prone, choose lighter, non-comedogenic ingredients like rosehip oil and green tea extract. For sensitive skin, choose soothing formulas with ingredients such as peptides, ceramides, or other calming agents. “Because foundation sticks tend to have a creamy texture and full coverage, you apply more product to your skin and it tends to last longer throughout the day. So you definitely don’t want to use anything that could irritate your skin or exacerbate skin problems,” Mellinger adds.

What are the advantages of stick foundations?

Since stick foundations are cream-based, they tend to last longer; They are also buildable so you can easily adjust your desired coverage. “They’re great for contouring — just choose a shade darker than your skin tone,” says Mellinger. The darker shade can be used to bronze and warm the skin, while the lighter shade can act as a highlighter.

The unwind and rewind format is also easy to apply and perfect for travel: simply swipe directly from the tube onto your skin and blend. “Even though they provide full coverage, you can increase the coverage depending on how you apply it. If you want a sheer finish, use less product and blend it out with a damp sponge,” says Mellinger.

Who should use stick foundations?

“I find that stick foundations work best for normal to dry skin, mainly because of the ingredients, although some are formulated specifically for oily skin,” says Mellinger. However, anyone can use a foundation stick – you should take your skin type into account when choosing coverage. “If you have more mature, oily or dry skin, use less product and blend it with a damp sponge for a more sheer result,” she advises. Thanks to this, the foundation will not emphasize wrinkles and other skin imperfections.

How to apply foundation sticks

“For fuller coverage, apply the stick directly to your face and blend with a brush, sponge or fingers until smooth,” says Mehta. From there, apply more to areas where you need extra coverage. Mellinger likes to use a fluffy, synthetic brush for this. “I apply the foundation directly onto the brush and then spread it over my face.” You can also use a sponge in spot movements, increasing the coverage over time.

“If you want more coverage, I recommend putting the stick on the back of your hand to warm the product and then massaging it into the bristles of a fluffy brush. Then use small, circular motions on your face for a more natural finish,” adds Mehta. You can also use a small, precise brush to spot conceal areas that require special attention.

Meet the Experts

• Amrita Mehta is a New York-based makeup artist who has worked with brands such as Versace, Maybelline and Nike.
• Katie Mellinger is a celebrity makeup artist who has worked with Chloë Sevigny, Sofia Coppola and Emma Watson.
• Alexx Mayo is a Los Angeles-based celebrity makeup artist whose clients include: Lizzo and Yvonne Orji.