Foundation Sticks Are Taking Over—12 That Makeup Artists and Editors Swear By

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(Image credit: @glossipgirl)

Foundation (much like mascara) can be a very personal thing. Some prefer a liquid or powder formula, while others thrive by using a quick swipe-and-blend method with a trusty stick. I will tell you one thing. Celebrity makeup artists and beauty editors alike happen to use foundation sticks the most. Why? Well for starters, celebrity makeup artist Judi Gabbay considers them the easiest and most effortless way to apply a base.

Editors and makeup artists also agree that using a beauty sponge is key when applying a product like this. It helps create a gorgeous, seamless finish no matter what level of coverage you're looking for. If you're now itching to try one for yourself or are looking for some new favorites to add to your rotation, keep scrolling! I've rounded up a comprehensive list of editor- and makeup artist–loved foundation sticks below.

Best Hydrating: Ulta Beauty Collection Moisturizing Foundation Stick ($8)

Best Drugstore: L'Oréal Infallible Longwear Shaping Stick Foundation ($10)

Best Multi-Use: Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Invisible Cover Stick Foundation ($43)

Best Matte: Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick ($49)

Best Full Coverage: Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick ($54)

Best Foundation + Concealer Stick: Westman Atelier Vital Skin Full Coverage Foundation and Concealer Stick ($68)

Best Buildable Coverage: Basma Beauty The Foundation Stick ($40)

Best Luxury: Clé de Peau Concealer Stick ($75)

A Makeup Artist's Best Application Tips for Stick Foundation

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(Image credit: @tobimakeup)

Celebrity makeup artist Judi Gabbay has a few application tips for when you're applying a stick foundation. First, she loves that it's so user friendly since you can apply it from the stick itself. "A lot of people say to use your fingers, but I don't believe in that," she says. "Stick foundations are a little bit creamier and greasier than a normal foundation so you're just going to add more oils if you use your fingers. I recommend using a brush when you apply it or a wet beauty sponge to blend it out."

"You can also use different shades on different parts of your face—that's why I love foundation sticks. Applying straight from the stick is your best bet. If you apply it onto the back of the hand it can get too warm after a while. You can buff it out better with a brush like the It Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Complexion Perfection Brush #7 ($50) or the AOA Studio Paw Paw Wonder Blender ($10)—I love those!"

Best Hydrating: Ulta Beauty Collection Moisturizing Foundation Stick

Best Drugstore: L'Oréal Infallible Longwear Shaping Stick Foundation

Best Multi-Use: Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Invisible Cover Stick Foundation

Best Matte: Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick

Best Full Coverage: Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick

Best Foundation Stick + Concealer: Westman Atelier Vital Skin Full Coverage Foundation and Concealer Stick

Best Buildable Coverage: Basma Beauty The Foundation Stick

Best Luxury: Clé de Peau Concealer Stick

More Foundation Sticks We Love

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(Image credit: @glossipgirl)

This article was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

Shawna Hudson
Associate Beauty Editor

Shawna Hudson has worked in editorial for over six years, with experience covering entertainment, fashion, culture, celebrities, and her favorite topic of all, beauty. She graduated from California State University, Fullerton, with a degree in journalism and has written for other publications such as Bustle, The Zoe Report, Byrdie, Elite Daily, Mane Addicts, and more. She is currently an associate beauty editor at Who What Wear and hopes to continue feeding her (completely out-of-control) beauty obsession as long as she can. Stay up to date on her latest finds on Instagram @shawnasimonee.