Is the foundation dead? It sounds like foundation, as we used to know it, the non-negotiable, full-coverage finish—the whole makeup look—might be. Gen Z favors beauty trends like no-makeup makeup or the #CleanLook, which features skin tints and hints of concealer rather than a full face foundation. And as more people embrace skin neutrality (accepting their skin with all of its blemishes, age spots, and fine lines), there’s less of a need to cover up all of our blemishes.
Fortunately, beauty brands are experimenting with new and better foundation options. Enter: bar base. Like a bronzer or any favorite multi-stick, this tube application is smooth and satisfying. The best foundation sticks in the beauty aisles are inspiring more shoppers to try these convenient cake-free coverage options.
Intrigued? Thought so. Read on to find out what to look for in a foundation stick and where to find the best ones.
featured image of our interview with Alicia Yoon by Winnie Au.
The best foundation sticks in 2023
There is a lot to consider when choosing a foundation. First: how it looks. Think shade range, texture, coverage, and buildability. You can also consider the ingredients. Is the product clean and non-toxic? Does it include moisturizing ingredients or SPF?
To discover the best stick foundations, I polled some of our editors who are already believers. And of course, I checked reviews and store aisles to try a few.
Each product is handpicked by our editors and we’ll always give an honest opinion, whether we’re giving it away or buying it ourselves. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.
I use this foundation stick on “Buff”. It has buildable coverage, non-toxic ingredients, and is super lightweight. I love it, without a doubt, it is my favorite.. — Brandy, Maternity Contributor
What we love:
- Buildable, long-lasting coverage
- non-toxic formulation
- light coverage
- Moisturizing
What we don’t do:
- Honestly? It’s hard to find fault with a multi-bar that comes in a range of shades, is formulated with skin-loving ingredients, and won’t irritate even acne-prone skin. It’s an easy yes!
I admit, I was influenced to buy this product by an Instagram ad promoting effortless summer makeup. But here’s the kicker: it really delivered. I have been packing this in my toiletries bag for travel and it is so easy to glide on and use a makeup brush to blend for sheer color that reduces pores and adds a bit of shine. My only caveat is that the skin needs to be very well hydrated before applying to avoid a pasty or patchy texture. – Camila, Chief editor
What we love:
- Easy to apply on the go
- Gives shine and color
What we don’t do:
- It can wear out if the skin is not well hydrated
- Limited tone range
Best Moisturizer: Milk Makeup Flex Foundation Stick
Milk Makeup is known for its skincare-focused approach to makeup, and the brand’s best-in-class foundation stick is further proof that it delivers on its mission. This ultra-hydrating formula has an easy-to-apply texture and a flexible finish. Although it doesn’t shine in its buildability, this stick foundation provided a ton of coverage in just a few swipes without feeling heavy.
What we love:
- Moisturizing
- easy to apply
- It offers a lot of coverage with minimal application.
What we don’t do:
- Not as buildable as other picks
While I keep the Merit pick in my medicine cabinet, I keep the affordable Thread option with me at all times. As in, I keep three of the sticks for my purse, toiletry bag, and yes, even in my car. But no, my obsession does not end there. I also have it in two shades: one to match my skin tone for coverage, two darker shades for contouring, and a lighter shade for highlighting. I love that it wears with a soft matte texture, which gives me the dewy, hydrated look I crave while covering pores at the same time. At this price, it’s a solid pick that really does it all. My only complaint is that compared to the Merit stick, I have to reapply it a couple of times throughout the day.
What we love:
- It comes in a range of shades.
- soft matte application
- affordable price point
What we don’t do:
- It has to be touched up or reapplied every few hours.
The hype is real for this foundation stick. From the first pass, I loved the texture. It goes on like silk, and it only took a few swipes to give me light but effective coverage. I was impressed with how well it blended into my skin. Also, as a lover of clean beauty, the well-thought-out formula impressed me with its blend of nourishing ingredients and light oils.
What we love:
- silky texture
- Light but effective coverage.
- Blends perfectly with the skin
What we don’t do:
- Our most expensive pick, but worth the splurge
Fenty Beauty is known for being a game changer with its range of shades, prompting the beauty industry at large to match its expansive and inclusive collection since its launch. And it is famous for the effectiveness of its products to get praise. This foundation stick provides smooth, even coverage that lasts all day.
What we love:
- inclusive color range
- Smooth, seamless coverage
- Long lasting
What we don’t do:
You get a lot for your money with this drugstore bar foundation. Provides long-lasting, all-day coverage with a smooth texture and a multidimensional finish.
What we love:
- long term coverage
- affordable price point
- Flawless semi-matte finish
What we don’t do:
- It can get a bit sticky and we don’t love it for warm days (re: sweaty)
While you’ll still want to layer on a higher SPF underneath this, having sun protection in your foundation makes it convenient to toss in your bag and touch up throughout the day. Its blurring finish gives you a more even complexion while reducing the appearance of pores and uneven texture.
What we love:
- Provides an even, pore-free finish.
- Perfect color match for a range of shades.
- Built-in SPF and antioxidant protection
What we don’t do:
- The product may stain after a couple of hours.
For a filter-like finish, this blur bar is like slapping on Instagram’s Paris filter. Gives you a smoother texture and a more even complexion without caking or creasing.
What we love:
- No caking or wrinkling
- smooth finish
What we don’t do:
- Only available in three shades.
