13 Best Makeup Artist-Approved Drugstore Stick Foundations Of 2024
Budget-friendly skin foundations that are easy to apply, look natural, and stay all-day.
Cha Cha is a certified professional makeup artist, airbrush makeup artist, and beauty educator with over 20 years in the beauty industry. She is also the owner of Cha Cha Beauty Bar and has done extensive work in the bridal and special event categories.
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Experience: 2 yearsSrijita De is a makeup and fashion enthusiast with a passion for empowering readers through practical tips and tricks to present their best selves with confidence. Armed with a postgraduate degree in English and Literature from the University of Calcutta, she has honed her writing skills and developed an in-depth understanding of the beauty and fashion world.
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Experience: 3 yearsSrijani is an associate commerce editor with a master's degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal. She is certified in makeup techniques and is also a certified style and image consultant.
Read full bio of Srijani Roy Chowdhury
Experience: 7 yearsMadhumati is an associate editor with seven years of professional experience. She has previously worked as an editor, proofreader, and a writer with various organizations, helping her navigate through the various facets of content creation and refinement with ease.
Read full bio of Madhumati Chowdhury
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With the best drugstore stick foundations, you don’t have to worry if your foundation lid is tightly closed or if you left it open to leak and stain your bag. You can now be free from worries as your foundation won’t spill and stain different items in your bag. Stick foundations are super easy to use, affordable, and perfect for travel. They don’t leak or spill. Their smooth, creamy texture feels luxurious on the skin and blends seamlessly. They can be used as a foundation, to conceal imperfections, and even to highlight and contour. Moreover, with such a wide shade range, everyone can find a shade perfectly suited to their skin.
Today, many drugstore brands make stick foundations. To help you choose the best, we have got you the 13 best drugstore stick foundations below. Check them out!
In This Article
13 Best Drugstore Stick Foundations To Achieve That Flawless Look
1. Best Multipurpose:NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Wonder Stick – Light
This NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Wonder Stick (Light) is a multifunctional drugstore product that works as a foundation, concealer, highlighter, and contouring stick. Loved by makeup artists around the world, the rounded tip of this makeup stick foundation allows for precise application to define your facial features while also ensuring good coverage. You can swipe the deeper shade from ear to mid-cheek, along the hairline, and sides of the nose. And apply the lighter shade on the cheekbone, bridge of the nose, and forehead. Ethically conscious reviewers highly recommend this product as it is vegan and not tested on animals.If you want a detailed review of a tester’s experience with the product, make sure to take a look at this video.
Pros
- Duo stick
- Affordable
- Blends well
- Travel-friendly
- Super creamy
- Decent coverage
- Can be used on a daily basis
Cons
- You may have to use a setting powder for a long-lasting result.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product is so liked by shoppers that it has gained over 21,930 great reviews on Amazon.
2. Best For Sensitive Skin:Maybelline New York Fit Me Foundation Stick – Classic Ivory
This Maybelline New York Fit Me Foundation Stick is a shine-free plus balance stick foundation. This dermatologist-tested, gel foundation has an anti-shine powder core that dissolves excess oil quickly to deliver a natural matte finish on your skin. It has a creamy texture, is easily blendable, and makes for an affordable option. This ultra-lightweight formula’s oil-absorbing and shine-reducing properties has garnered several positive reviews online, making it one of the best drugstore stick foundations for oily skin and combination skin. Apply this mattifying foundation on your skin and blend using your fingers, beauty sponge, or brush. You can also check this YouTuber’s detailed review to know more about the tester’s experience and the results seen after using this product.
Pros
- Blendable
- Oil control
- Creamy texture
- Allergy-tested
- Fragrance-free
- Medium coverage
- Non-comedogenic
- Dermatologist-tested
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
- May not be suitable for skin tone with cool undertones
Pro Tip3. Best Semi-Matte Finish:wet n wild Photofocus Stick Foundation – Soft Ivory
Get an appropriate light-diffusing complexion with this wet n wild Photofocus Stick Foundation in Soft Ivory shade. This drugstore stick foundation has been tested under 7 lighting conditions and passed the consumer test for no-filter Insta-worthy selfies. It contains argan and sunflower seed oils that provide intense moisture to dry skin and ensure flawless blendability to reveal a semi-matte finish that lasts for long and makes you always photo-ready. Reviews on online forums suggest that you can directly apply this lightweight foundation to your face for full coverage and blend it with your fingers.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Affordable
- Easy to carry
- Cruelty-free
- Long-lasting foundation coverage
- Delivers flawless semi-matte finish
- Multi-dimensional breakthrough formula
Cons
- May not be work well for skin tone with cool undertones
Pro TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
With 11,027 positive reviews on Amazon, this product has become a bestseller.
| NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Wonder Stick - Light Best Multipurpose | Maybelline New York Fit Me Foundation Stick - Classic Ivory Best For Sensitive Skin | wet nwild Photofocus Stick Foundation - Soft Ivory Best Semi-Matte Finish | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color | ORIGINAL Light | - | - |
| Skin Type | - | CombinationColor | CombinationColor |
| Dimensions | - | 0.91 x 1.67 x 1.67 inches | - |
| Weight | - | 1.06 Ounces | - |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 21,930 | 12,975 | 11,027 |
| Price | $9.8 | $8.98 | $6.49 |
4. Best Water-Resistant:Dermablend Professional Quick-fix Body Stick Foundation – Caramel
With all-day hydration and SPF 25 protection, this Dermablend Professional Quick-fix Body Stick Foundation in Caramel hue works like magic. You can achieve a natural, non-cakey look with this long-wearing, full-coverage stick foundation that doubles as a concealer too. This smudge-proof, transfer-resistant stick foundation features a high concentration of high-performance pigments. Its creamy texture provides smooth application to cover skin imperfections such as birthmarks, blemishes, dark spots, scars, and bruises. Plus, it is an affordable option that helps to cover tattoos too. It is also free of animal testing, making it an ideal cruelty-free option. For best results, you can use setting powder and achieve a flawless finish.
Pros
- 16-hour wear
- Water-resistant
- Dermatologist-tested
- Dermatologist recommended
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- SPF protection
- Allergy-tested
- Non-comedogenic
- Non-acnegenic
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- May not be suitable for light complexion
5. Best Buildable Coverage:L’Oreal Paris Infallible Longwear Shaping Stick Foundation – Ivory
Shape and contour your face instantly with this L’Oreal Paris Infallible Longwear Shaping Stick Foundation in Ivory shade. This breathable formula comes with SPF 27 that protects your skin from the harmful UV rays. All while the creamy texture of this formula melts into your skin without caking or flaking, which helps define and enhance your features. Multiple reviewers attest that it feels weightless on the skin and provides long hours of wear time. This drugstore stick foundation feels like a tinted moisturizer yet offers great coverage, conceals skin imperfections, creates a perfect base for the rest of your makeup, and delivers a natural skin finish.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Smells good
- Moisturizes skin
- Value for money
- Buildable coverage
- Easy to blend and apply
Cons
- May be slightly greasy for oily skin
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 3,420 reviews and is a top choice all around the world.
6. Best For Dark Complexions:Black Radiance Color Perfect Foundation Stick – Bronze Glow
The Bronze Glow shade of this Black Radiance Color Perfect Foundation Stick is perfect for darker skin complexions. It comes with a pigment-rich foundation stick on one end and a soft brush applicator on the other for easy application. This foundation shade works wonders on skin tones with warm undertones and helps sculpt and add dimension to your face. This stick is also a good option for contouring. Once applied, you can blend the product with the soft brush attached to the stick, or use your fingers to sweep and pat the skin.
Pros
- Affordable
- Easy to use
- Decent coverage
- Creamy texture
- Easily blendable
- Smooth application
Cons
- May not be long-wearing
7. Best Hydrating : bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Foundation Stick
The bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Foundation Stick is a water-based liquid foundation in a stick that provides medium coverage and a naturally radiant finish. This clean foundation stick combines hydrating skincare benefits with non-chemical SPF 25 protection, making it convenient for everyday use and giving you a flawless complexion. It is suitable for all skin types and is non-comedogenic, which means it does not clog pores or cause breakouts. This stick can be used as foundation, concealer, contour, or touch-up.
Pros
- Medium coverage
- Improves skin’s hydration
- Protects against pollution
- Skin-friendly
- Easy to carry
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Vegan
Cons
- May not provide enough coverage for those with severe skin issues
8. Best For Instant Touch-Ups:Max Factor Pan Stik Foundation Stick – True Beige
This old and classic brand is still winning hearts in the market. Max Factor Pan Stik Foundation Stick (True Beige) offers you ease of application and leaves you with a flawless finish by covering imperfections, blemishes, pigmentation, birthmarks, and under-eye bags effortlessly. Whether you want to use it as a highlighter or as an all-in-all foundation, you can be rest assured that this satin finish foundation will glide smoothly on your skin and provide amazing coverage to give your skin a dewy glow. Also, you would never have to use any filter to get Insta-worthy pictures.
Pros
- Blendable
- Easy to apply
- Makes skin soft
- Excellent coverage
- Rich and creamy foundation
- Perfect for instant touch-ups
- Reduces the appearance of lines and wrinkles
Cons
- May not be suitable for oily skin
9. Best Hypoallergenic:BLK/OPL True Color SPF 15 Stick Foundation – Truly Topaz
This BLK/OPL True Color SPF 15 Stick Foundation in Truly Topaz shade is perfect for highlighting, contouring, and providing natural-looking full coverage. This pore-minimizing and creamy formula is enriched with vitamins C and E and sunscreen that protects and nourishes your skin. Reviews on online forums vouch for this drugstore stick foundation as it blends seamlessly on your skin. Use this foundation to correct skin imperfections and mask under-eye circles, or sculpt your cheekbones and define your features.
Pros
- Affordable
- Long-wearing
- Hypoallergenic
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
- Easy to use
- Ideal for all skin types
Cons
- May be slightly greasy
Pro Tip10. Best Non-Comedogenic:Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Foundation Stick – Natural Beige
This Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Foundation Stick can be used as a contouring product, concealer, or foundation. This cream foundation stick offers a buildable medium to full coverage to hide all your skin imperfections and delivers a smooth, dewy finish. This super-blendable, weightless stick foundation does not settle into fine lines or leave a cakey finish. Formulated with purified hyaluronic acid, this formula smoothens, refreshes, and moisturizes your skin, making it a perfect choice for those dealing with dry patches. Plus, it’s oil-free so you don’t have to worry about it clogging your pores. This natural Beige hue of this dewy foundation is ideal for medium complexions.
Pros
- Easy to apply
- Hypoallergenic
- Value for money
- Non-comedogenic
- Dermatologist-tested
- Creamy formula
- Buildable foundation
Cons
- May not work well for dry skin
11. Best Matte Foundation:Anastasia Beverly Hills Stick Foundation
The Anastasia Beverly Hills Stick Foundation is a full-pigment cream stick for contouring and highlighting. It helps achieve buildable coverage with a natural-looking matte finish. The stick comes in three contour shades and one highlight shade, allowing you to achieve the ABH contour and highlight techniques with ease. Its sleek design makes it ideal for on-the-go touch-ups. This matte foundation stick is also favored by ethically-conscious makeup reviewers as it is not tested on animals.
Pros
- Offers buildable coverage from light to full
- Easy to apply
- Multi-purpose complexion perfector
- Ideal for oily and combination skin types
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
Cons
- None
12. Best Lightweight:W3LL PEOPLE Stick Foundation – Fair Golden
The creamy texture of this flawless, satin foundation, W3LL PEOPLE Stick Foundation (Fair Golden) instantly melts into the skin, giving you a fresh, radiant glow. While delivering an even skin tone and diminishing imperfections, this weightless formula delivers a soft-focus, satin finish that does not crease or feel greasy on your skin. This mess-proof stick foundation is made of organic and natural ingredients and is free from harsh and artificial chemicals such as paraben, sulfate, petrochemicals, and propylene glycol.
Pros
- Affordable
- Cruelty-free
- Gluten-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Does not contain fillers
- EWG verified for non-toxic health & safety
Cons
- May not be suitable for cool undertones
13. Best Long-Wearing:Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick – Ivory
This Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick is not greasy and feels weightless on your skin, just like a powder foundation. It has the creamy consistency of a liquid and offers coverage of a concealer that holds up well throughout the day. This clinically-tested drugstore stick foundation blends effortlessly and melts into the skin. With no touch-up needed, it offers full coverage that lasts for 12 hours straight. It’s most suited for normal, combination, and oily skin types. It is also free of animal testing, making it ideal for ethically-conscious makeup lovers.
Pros
- Vegan
- Long-wearing
- Highly pigmented
- Waterproof
- Sweat-proof
- Non-greasy
- Easy to use
- Super blendable
- Full coverage
Cons
- Expensive
- May not be suitable for dry skin
Given below are guidelines that will help you choose the best drugstore stick foundation and steps on how to apply it the right way.
How To Choose The Best Drugstore Stick Foundation
Finding the perfect drugstore stick foundation is a task and sometimes the shade that you bring home may not match your natural skin tone. Therefore, here are a few points to consider before purchasing the right one:
- Skin tone: To avoid shade differences, you need to know your skin’s natural undertones, which is the natural color underneath the surface of your skin. Shades with yellow or peach-based undertones work well for a warm complexion, while pink undertones are perfect for those with a cool complexion. And people with neutral tones have more options to choose from because their undertones do not differ from their actual skin tone. Not aware of your skin’s undertone? Check the color of your veins on the wrists. If it is olive, you probably have a warm undertone, purple or blue veins mean a cool undertone, and blue-green veins indicate a neutral undertone.
- Skin type: To buy a perfect stick foundation, you must know your skin type — whether you have dry, oily, normal, or sensitive. For dry skin type, you need to purchase foundations that nourish and moisturize your skin. Oil and water-based products work best for dry skin. On the other hand, oily skin types need the opposite. You should go for foundations that have matte or powder finish and can control shine. Normal skin types are the luckiest as they have a wide range to select from. However, sensitive skin types or those with specific skin concerns such as rosacea, acne, or scarring should consider hypoallergenic and fragrance-free foundations, that are dermatologist-tested or expert-recommended, to avoid discomfort or irritation.
- Coverage: Another important point to consider while purchasing a stick foundation is what kind of coverage you need. If you want to show your freckles, then go for a light coverage foundation. For an airbrushed look, select a medium coverage foundation, and if you have redness or acne, opt for a full-coverage stick foundation to add to your beauty routine.
What Is The Best Way To Apply Drugstore Stick Foundations
Applying a foundation seems like an easy task, but you have to follow a process if you want a flawless look.
- Choose the right foundation: It is extremely important to know your skin type and skin tone. Choose your stick foundation according to your skin type. Similarly, pick a shade that matches your skin’s natural undertone, whether it’s warm, cool, or neutral. Remember, the right foundation should complement your complexion.
- Prep your face: Use a gentle cleanser to clean your face and also, wash your hands. Then, apply a small amount of your favorite lightweight moisturizer on your face. It helps the foundation blend easily and prevents it from drying out your face. Apply primer before foundation as it keeps your makeup from smudging, especially if you live in a humid climate.
- Apply foundation: Twist-up the stick a little, but not farther out as it may snap or break. Then, swipe it once across your forehead, on the bridge of your nose, under both eyes, your chin, and cheeks. You could also apply a little near your jawline and blend the foundation down to your neck. Now, use your clean fingers to sweep and pat the makeup. Here’s a tip: always blend the product outward, toward the edges of your face, a trick that even celebrity makeup artists approve of as it helps to give even coverage and prevents streaks. Lastly, set your foundation with powder and apply the rest of your makeup.
Infographic: Creative Uses Of A Foundation Stick
The foundation stick is a versatile beauty tool that is not just limited to creating a flawless base but can also be used in a variety of ways to achieve different makeup looks and address specific needs. The infographic below explores a few creative uses of foundation sticks. Check it out! Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Stick foundations are expertly crafted to be leak-proof as well as allow you to touch-up easily while on the go. These products are portable and great for those busy bees who need to travel constantly. You do not need any additional applicators to blend this kind of foundation. Also, the best drugstore stick foundations offer exceptional results by delivering a flawless look and enhanced features without burning a hole in your pocket. The NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Wonder Stick – Light comes in dual shades for multi-purpose use, the Maybelline New York Fit Me Foundation Stick – Classic Ivory absorbs oil and reduces shine, and the wet n wild Photofocus Stick Foundation – Soft Ivory provides intense moisturization with a semi-matte finish. They are long-lasting, lightweight, and add moisture to the skin. Some of them are non-acnegenic and tested by dermatologists. However, avoid foundations that are greasy and do not offer lasting results. Remember to conduct a patch test before application to check for skin irritations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What skin type is best suited for a stick foundation?
Stick foundations work best for those who do not want to deal with messy liquid. A stick foundation is thicker and has a cake-like structure. Stick foundations are best suited for normal to oily skin types. For dry skin types, it does not work that well as it’s a thick formulation and may end up caking or flaking.
How long do foundation sticks last?
Most foundation sticks last for up to 10-12 hours. But the wearability may vary from one brand to another.
Can you mix a stick and liquid foundation?
You are advised not to mix stick and liquid foundation together. If you apply a stick foundation, then you do not need to apply the liquid one over it. However, once you apply a liquid foundation, you may use the stick as a concealer.
Are stick foundations better than liquid?
Foundation sticks are the best for those who want a flawless look in minutes. Plus, they are also better than liquid formula if you want to avoid a messy and time-consuming process of applying and blending liquid foundation. Moreover, you can carry stick foundations in your purse without worrying about it leaking or spilling.
Is it bad to use stick foundations every day?
If you choose a good quality foundation stick, then there is no harm in wearing it every day. In fact, nowadays, most stick foundations contain serum and other nourishing agents that help improve your skin.
Which foundation is better for oily skin – stick or liquid?
Stick foundations are the best for oily skin. They absorb the excess oil and offer the right coverage and blend well into the skin. They have smooth textures that give your makeup a natural finish.
Can I use a foundation stick as a concealer?
Yes, you can use a stick foundation as a concealer too. When you don’t have much time to do your makeup, try stick foundations that are much easier and quicker to apply.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Srijita De, is a makeup enthusiast, and she trusts only high-quality products. So, she browsed online to check the details about each product listed above. She also went through hundreds of reviews to curate the list of the best drugstore stick foundations. These foundations help you get flawless skin. The creamy texture of the foundation blends well.
Read full bio of Cha Cha Woska
Read full bio of Srijita De
Read full bio of Srijani Roy Chowdhury
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