Every reason you should move to a stick foundation this year

Regular makeup users will vouch for anything that will get them out of the door faster. One good reason why liquid foundation, which takes minutes to settle down, or a concealer that needs multiple dabs to dry, are out this year. Basically, anything on a ‘stick’ wins. That means stick foundations are once again in the limelight.

There are multiple reasons why stick foundations are seen as saviours – they can applied in a moving car, are easy to carry, and are definitely not as drying as liquid ones (though they are sometimes blamed for giving a cakey look or not giving the right coverage). They are perfect for those looking for lighter coverage, easy application, and are build-ability. But most of all, they offer a pared-down, easy-to-use regime.

Just recently, M.A.C Cosmetics launched their new stick foundations to massive Insta-popularity. “The 24-hour long-wearing formula will give you medium coverage that is buildable. What’s special about this foundation is that it glides on beautifully and provides hydration — the result is flawless and beautiful looking skin,” explains Navreet Josan, National Artist M.A.C Cosmetics India. You can also check out labels like Smashbox and Sugar that have taken stick foundations to another level with added brushes and even a contour stick. But how does one navigate the world of stick foundations? Josan gave us a lowdown. 

What are the advantages of a stick foundation? 

It is super-convenient, effortlessly portable, and super easy-to-use. You can also blend easily and it’s lightweight  compared to liquid foundations and ultra-versatile. Swipe it directly onto your bare skin after an intense gym workout, touch up your sculpted makeup before a meeting, apply between courses on a dinner date, or achieve instantly photo-ready skin on a memorable night out where forever-on-Instagram memories are made.

How does one apply stick foundation?

You can use a brush, sponge or your fingers for a great finish, but applying straight from the tube can be cumbersome, because sometimes, lines get  more apparent and the finish is heavier. The best way to do it is to draw lines with the stick and use a sponge to work on it evenly.

Mistakes women make with foundations, especially stick foundations?

• Choosing the wrong colour and formula 
• Using too much or too less — it looks cakey either ways
• Applying too much primer and moisturiser. It makes the skin too slippery and the foundation tends to slip. 
• Not blending  foundation down to your neck
• Twisting the stick too high and then breaking it. 

How to make sure your foundation is on point? 

Take care of your skin. When your skin looks great your foundation will look even better. Invest in the 3-essential products for the perfect base — a foundation, concealer, and powder as a set. 

What’s the ideal way to do the base? 

Hydrate and prime your skin. For a natural look, apply foundation all over the face; more on areas where you need more coverage and moderate on areas which are clear and don’t have any unevenness. Next, apply concealer on areas that need a little more concealing – under eyes, around the mouth and other areas prone to pigmentation. 

A foundation tip you think will work on Indian skin? 

I love using a matte highlighter or a concealer shade 2-3 tones lighter than your skin to add ‘invisible brightness’ to lift the complexion when working on Indian skin. I use it on the highlighting points of the face like the T-zone, under eyes (after concealing), bridge of the nose, the cupid’s bow and cheekbones to add glow and dimension. 

Here are the best stick foundations we love this year:

Where to buy:

Tom Ford Traceless Foundation Stick, Rs 5,900

M.A.C Studio Fix Soft Matte Foundation Stick, Rs 2,900

Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick, Rs 4,250

Anastasia Beverly Hills Stick Foundation, Rs 2,850

Makeup Forever Ultra HD Foundation Stick, Rs 3,900