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Beauty/Makeup/Face/Foundations

Top 10 Foundation Sticks

This Foundation Product Is Pure Genius, And We Ranked The 10 Best

Image credits: sephora

Whether you’re aware of it or not, convenience plays a factor in most of our purchase decisions. In fact, that’s what our Top 10 lists are all about: providing you with the information you need to make well-informed (yet fast) shopping decisions. But when it comes to makeup, convenience is often overlooked—probably because most makeup products aren’t designed with ease of use at the forefront of mind.

Foundation sticks, however, are different. Foundation sticks allow you to swipe on coverage in a pinch, making them the perfect product for those who live a busy lifestyle, prefer a rapid makeup routine, or are in need of a trusted touch-up tool. Plus, you can use a foundation stick as a substitute for concealer, or even to contour (just make sure you go a few shades darker than usual if you plan to do this).

With so much functionality packed into a pocket-sized product, you’re probably wondering where to find a good foundation stick. Well, you’re right where you need to be because we’ve rounded up a list of the 10 best foundation sticks on the market. 

How We Found The Best Foundation Sticks

How do we do it? Data, that’s how. Factoring in a combination of industry knowledge, social buzz, best-seller lists, and more, our data-driven algorithm finds and ranks the products that beat out all the rest. That means that the 10 foundation sticks below are the best of their kind, and luckily, there’s a pick on our list for every makeup lover's budget. From Bobbi Brown and BareMinerals to Maybelline and Makeup Revolution, keep scrolling to find out which brands make the best foundation sticks around.

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August 19, 2024

Written By:Sierra Rogers

Product Expert:Georgia Jones

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Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.

The Rankings


10
Image credits: sephora
Rank & Style Approved

sephora

Milk Makeup Flex Foundation Stick

Overall Score

4.65

10

Milk Makeup Flex Foundation Stick

4.27

2047 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

3

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

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Best Clean Foundation Stick

WHAT TO LOVE
Milk Makeup's Flex Foundation Stick offers crease- and cake-free coverage. Its formula has moisturizing blue lotus and calming chamomile and lavender. Pick it up in 14 different shades.

HOW TO USE IT
Apply your favorite primer, then swipe on a layer of the Flex Foundation wherever needed (such as the chin or under-eye area). Then, use your fingertips or a sponge to blend to perfection.

More Colors

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Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free


Huda Beauty #FauxFilter Skin Finish Buildable Coverage Foundation Stick

Overall Score

4.7

09

Huda Beauty #FauxFilter Skin Finish Buildable Coverage Foundation Stick

4.53

2079 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

3

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Foundation Stick For Oily Skin

WHAT TO LOVE
Have you ever wanted a creamy foundation that melts into your skin upon application, but is also (miraculously) non-comedogenic? If your answer is yes, then the #FauxFilter Skin Finish Buildable Coverage Foundation Stick is for you. 

HOW TO USE IT
This foundation stick has buildable coverage, so if you’re looking for a light amount of coverage, apply this product directly to your face, then use a brush or sponge to blend it in. For heavier coverage, swipe the foundation on a dense, flat brush, then use the brush to apply it to your face, adding more product to the brush as needed.

More Colors

More Colors

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free


Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundation Stick

Overall Score

4.7

08

Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundation Stick

4.56

6136 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

3

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Foundation Stick With Built-In Brush

WHAT TO LOVE
While Lancôme’s Teint Idole Ultra Longwear Foundation Stick isn’t the most affordable pick on our list, it does have one of the best formulas for oily skin. Claiming to offer 24 hours of coverage, this foundation stick has an oil-free formula that controls shine with silky coverage. It also comes with a built-in kabuki brush for convenient application. 

WHAT THE REVIEWS SAY
A couple themes from the “pros” column of the reviews section for this product are that it feels lightweight (but still provides ample coverage), and that it is a good option for mature skin. 

More Colors

More Colors


Fenty Beauty By Rihanna Eaze Drop Stick Blur + Smooth Tint Stick Foundation

Overall Score

4.7

07

Fenty Beauty By Rihanna Eaze Drop Stick Blur + Smooth Tint Stick Foundation

4.29

1250 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

4

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Lightweight Foundation Stick

WHAT TO LOVE
Fenty's Eaze Drop Stick is formulated with murumuru butter to create a creamy, foundation that melts into the skin. It has color-true pigments that won't fade during long days of wear. True to Fenty form, the Ease Drop Foundation Stick is available in an inclusive range of 25 shades.

HOW TO USE IT
For light coverage, apply this foundation directly to your cheeks, forehead, chin, and nose and blend it in with your fingertips. For more buildable coverage, load the foundation onto a liquid brush and press and blend where needed.

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Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick

Overall Score

4.75

06

Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick

4.05

7927 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

5

Industry Recognition

4

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Full Coverage Foundation Stick

WHAT TO LOVE
According to reviewers, the Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick has staying power. Promising up to 12 hours of coverage, this foundation contains double the amount of pigment a traditional foundation offers.

WHAT REVIEWERS ARE SAYING
"This foundation stick is one of the best products for full coverage. It matches well with my skin and stays on the whole day. It also doesn't dry me out or make me oily!"

More Colors

More Colors

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free


Charlotte Tilbury Unreal Skin Sheer Glow Tint Hydrating Foundation Stick

Overall Score

4.8

05

Charlotte Tilbury Unreal Skin Sheer Glow Tint Hydrating Foundation Stick

4.3

1629 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

5

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Foundation Stick For Dry Skin

WHAT TO LOVE
Looking for a foundation that'll give you a glowy finish? If so, Charlotte Tilbury's Unreal Skin Sheer Glow Tint Foundation Stick is the one for you. Packed with antioxidant-rich vitamin E, this foundation helps dull skin return to radiance.

HOW TO USE IT
You can use this to conceal and cover as you would any other foundation stick, or you can swipe it on top of your makeup for a quick touch-up.

More Colors

More Colors


Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick

Overall Score

4.85

04

Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick

4.41

4182 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

5

Industry Recognition

4

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Multitasking Foundation Stick

WHAT TO LOVE
Bobbi Brown’s Skin Foundation Stick is designed to be undetectable to anyone but the wearer. Its award-winning formula features a unique transparent base that evens out your complexion with a single swipe. The results? A natural finish we weren’t sure foundation sticks were capable of.

WHAT THE REVIEWS SAY
Let’s hear from a professional: “I’m a model, and I wear the Bobbi Brown Foundation Stick literally anytime I put on makeup. I don’t even have to use a concealer for areas of my face where I have blemishes from old breakouts. It goes on perfectly smooth and reminds me of a gentle matte. It feels really light as if I had no makeup on, which I love!”

More Colors

More Colors


Ilia Skin Rewind Complexion Stick

Overall Score

4.85

03

Ilia Skin Rewind Complexion Stick

4.41

2652 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

5

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Foundation Stick For Mature Skin

WHAT TO LOVE
Those with mature skin will love Ilia's Skin Rewind Complexion Stick. As the brand describes it, this product "...looks like makeup, acts like skincare." It contains a range of anti-aging ingredients that help diminish signs of aging, plus it can conceal flaws and create a great base for a full makeup look.

WHAT REVIEWERS ARE SAYING
"I love this foundation. I apply it with a dense foundation brush, and it looks flawless. It covers up my redness without making me look cakey. This stick goes on easily, lasts all day, and is great for mature skin with a few wrinkles."

More Colors

More Colors

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free

Clean Beauty

Clean Beauty


Merit The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick

Overall Score

4.9

02

Merit The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick

4.29

8598 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

5

Industry Recognition

5

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Foundation Stick For Acne-Prone Skin

WHAT TO LOVE
With a clean, vegan, cruelty-free formula, The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick is a valuable addition to any makeup bag. It provides light to medium coverage that feels lightweight, and the formula contains sea daffodil extract to diminish the appearance of hyperpigmentation and dark spots. 

HOW TO USE IT
The Minimalist Stick is a part of Merit's Five Minute Morning routine. Use it as a concealer and a base before applying blush, highlighter, mascara, and brow pomade.

More Colors

More Colors

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free

Clean Beauty

Clean Beauty


Westman Atelier Vital Skin Foundation Stick

Overall Score

4.95

01

Westman Atelier Vital Skin Foundation Stick

4.47

3942 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

5

Industry Recognition

4

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Foundation Stick Overall

WHAT TO LOVE
Makeup that benefits your skin? Yep, you read that right. The Vital Skin Foundation Stick features a formula of vegetable-derived squalane, berry flux vita, camellia seed oil, and coconut oil. A team of clean ingredients, the result is a combo that works together to combat redness, calm irritation, and boost moisture. 

WHAT REVIEWERS ARE SAYING
"I absolutely love this foundation stick and I have tried many. it looks super natural yet hides all my rosacea and flaws without looking overdone. It's also gentle on my very sensitive and delicate skin."

More Colors

More Colors

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free

Clean Beauty

Clean Beauty

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