What to look for in a makeup stick

Makeup sticks offer quick, versatile application for on-the-go beauty routines—here’s what to keep in mind when choosing one.

1. Formula and Finish

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Consider whether you want a matte, dewy, or satin finish, and choose a formula that suits your skin type. Creamy formulas blend easily and work well for dry or normal skin, while matte formulas may be better for oily skin.

2. Multi-Use Versatility

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Some makeup sticks are designed for use on cheeks, lips, and eyes, while others are specialized. Decide if you want an all-in-one product or one that targets a specific area.

3. Shade Range

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Look for brands that offer a wide variety of shades to match your complexion or desired look. A good shade match ensures natural-looking results.

4. Blendability and Wear Time

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Check reviews or product claims about how easily the stick blends into the skin and how long it lasts without fading or creasing. Long-wear formulas are ideal for busy days.

  1. 1
    Skin Foundation Stick

    Bobbi Brown

    1,581 REVIEWS
    Designed to look and feel like skin, this award-winning foundation is formulated with a unique transparent base and skin tone correct pigments for the most natural-looking, skin-like finish.
  2. 2
    Traceless Soft Matte Concealer
    891 REVIEWS
    Skincare-infused concealer stick designed to hydrate skin with buildable coverage.
  3. 3
    Skin Corrector Stick

    Bobbi Brown

    546 REVIEWS
    A medium coverage color-correction stick that neutralizes dark undereye circles & other discoloration around the face for up to 12 hours of coverage.
  4. 4
    Phyto-Blush Twist

    Sisley Paris

    44 REVIEWS
    Long-lasting cream-to-powder blush
  5. 5
    Lip Color Matte Lipstick
    1,492 REVIEWS
    Ultra-pigmented with a matte finish, this lipstick delivers rich color. 
  6. 6
    Powermatte Lipstick
    809 REVIEWS
    High-intensity matte formula that glides on bold color with 10-hour wear.
  7. 7
    Petal Soft Lip

    Laura Mercier

    701 REVIEWS
    A sheer matte lip color that makes your lips petal-soft delivering 12 hours of weightless wear and 24 hours of lip softening hydration.
  8. 8
    High Vibe Lip Color

    Laura Mercier

    443 REVIEWS
    A modern formula that applies a fabulous vivid coat of color with an immediate release of high-resolution pigments brings your lips to life.
  9. 9
    Confession Ultra Slim High Intensity Refillable Lipstick
    99 REVIEWS
    Each ultra slim refillable lipstick delivers saturated, longwearing color with a satin finish.
  10. 10
    MatteTrance Lipstick

    Pat McGrath Labs

    35 REVIEWS
    A richly pigmented, lightweight lipstick that adorns lips in a modern, matte finish.

What to look for in a makeup stick

Makeup sticks offer quick, versatile application for on-the-go beauty routines—here’s what to keep in mind when choosing one.

1. Formula and Finish

Citrus catapult arrow

Consider whether you want a matte, dewy, or satin finish, and choose a formula that suits your skin type. Creamy formulas blend easily and work well for dry or normal skin, while matte formulas may be better for oily skin.

2. Multi-Use Versatility

Citrus catapult arrow

Some makeup sticks are designed for use on cheeks, lips, and eyes, while others are specialized. Decide if you want an all-in-one product or one that targets a specific area.

3. Shade Range

Citrus catapult arrow

Look for brands that offer a wide variety of shades to match your complexion or desired look. A good shade match ensures natural-looking results.

4. Blendability and Wear Time

Citrus catapult arrow

Check reviews or product claims about how easily the stick blends into the skin and how long it lasts without fading or creasing. Long-wear formulas are ideal for busy days.