For years, foundation sticks earned a reputation as the heavyweights of the makeup world. Convenient, yes. Portable, absolutely. But subtle? Not so much. Editor Trudi Brewer says they're back now—and they've had a modern makeover. Read on to discover a new breed of foundation stick that does more than cover.
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The new generation of foundation sticks is creamier, more forgiving and decidedly more interested in skin than coverage. And in a beauty landscape obsessed with sheer bases, blurred complexions, and that elusive "your skin but better" finish, the humble stick suddenly makes perfect sense. The appeal is immediate. No bottle to shake, no pump to coax into action, no foundation brush required. Just swipe where you need coverage and blend with fingers or a brush. It's a particularly clever way to approach your complexion because you don't have to cover your entire face. Apply around the nose, over redness or pigmentation, across the centre of the face — then leave the rest bare. The result is less foundation face, more good skin having a very good day.
New Foundation sticks
Pixi On-The-Glow Base Foundation Moisture Stick, $42
This clever moisture stick sits somewhere between a tinted moisturiser, skincare balm and complexion perfector.
It glides on, adds just enough pigment to even the look of skin and leaves behind that “I woke up with this skin glow.” Stacked with good-for-your-skin ingredients like ceramide NP, hyaluronic acid, fruit oils, antioxidants and aloe in the mix, it's doing more than just covering — it's helping skin look hydrated and fresh while you wear it. And the stick format? Swipe, blend and go. It’s the perfect foundation for people who don't really want to wear foundation. Think less coverage, more skincare, more glow and much less fuss. There are 20 shades.
A solid take on the brand’s famous Complexion Rescue Tinted Moisturiser, this new stick shares the same skin-loving ingredients while adding coverage and correction. It delivers lightweight hydration, evens skin tone, and leaves a natural, healthy-looking glow. The formula includes vitamin E, which helps protect against environmental stressors, while Acai palm enhances hydration and supports the skin barrier. Additionally, calcium carbonate absorbs excess oil, and magnesium adds barrier-supporting minerals. With 24-hour wear, this foundation resists sweat, water, and humidity. It is available in 20 shades.
Created to give skin that coveted ring-light effect, that’s softly blurred, smooth and lit-from-within, without looking like you’re wearing foundation. Weightless, sheer-to-buildable, it glides on effortlessly where you need it. The clever light-mapping mesh technology combines soft-focus blurring with hydrating hyaluronic acid and fine pearlescent particles for an instant glow. And it’s not just about the finish. The brand’s plant-powered Collageneer, derived from white lupine seeds, is designed to improve the appearance of skin firmness, elasticity, and plumpness. Daikon radish seed oil and vitamin E add even more skin-conditioning goodness.
It also comes in 20 shades and offers up to 24 hours of wear.
This stick sits somewhere between a tinted moisturiser and classic foundation, delivering second-skin coverage with a fresh, luminous finish. The stick format is made to swipe, blend with fingers and go. And the lightweight formula is infused with squalane, giving skin an instant hit of moisture without feeling greasy. There are eight natural-looking shades, designed to blend seamlessly across a range of skin tones — and you can play with the shades, too. Go deeper to softly contour cheekbones, nose and jawline, or lighter to brighten under the eyes and high points of the face. The finish? Convincingly skin-like.
Our favourite brow brand has just dropped a stick foundation. It’s a solid, serum-boosted formula that delivers sheer-to-light coverage and very glowy skin. Packed with eight skin-loving ingredients, like hyaluronic microspheres, peptides and plant oils including coconut, jojoba, Shea butter, and Marula oils. Versatile and easy to apply, this beauty balm feels weightless on the skin and blends seamlessly.
It is a great example of the new generation of foundation sticks: less about makeup, more about natural-looking glow. There are 16 shades.
For on-the-go coverage.