Quick Stick Tricks

QUICK STICK TRICKS

What glides on easily, goes where you want it to, never feels heavy on the skin, and gives you a light, radiant glow? You might say mineral makeup, and you’d be almost right. Except for the glide. Nothing gives you glide like stick makeup. And it can be as sheer and as light as you want it to be.

Imagine this: Three quick little stripes and you’re done. Hit your forehead, nose, cheeks, then blend. A great solution for those of you who just don’t want to deal with liquid or compact makeups. Nothing’s lighter, faster, or really more fun. Because you’re in total control. You can place it where you want. You can layer it if you want more coverage, you can even travel with it because these sticks just don’t leak, spill, or need to be handled with care.

And now, wonder of wonders, there are some sticks that do triple duty, adding a sheer wash of color to eyes, cheeks and lips. They won’t do as foundation or concealers, but still, they’re very all-purpose for adding an accent of pretty color.

The prices can be on the high side, but for speed, convenience, and truly long-lasting usage (I hate to admit how long I’ve had some!), nothing beats a stick when you want to dash and go!

Here are some of the best to try:

FOUNDATION

Laura Mercier Stick Foundation SPF 15 $40

Oil-free and water-resistant, it hydrates and moisturizes the skin. Complete with anti-oxidant and anti-aging benefits, it provides buildable coverage, as it protects skin from UVA/UVB rays.

Benefit Play Sticks $34

Creamy and fun, these Play Sticks provide a soft satin matte finish, and are as easy to use as scribbling on your face.

Kevin Aucoin Solid Foundation $45

Don’t let the name fool you. This stick is sheer, yet provides ample coverage to smooth away uneven skin tones, as it nourishes and hydrates the skin with vegetal sugars and orange fruit accents. The coverage is easily buildable, so you can go from sheer to there.

Shiseido The Makeup Stick Foundation $37.50

This creamy stick provides medium coverage and a lustrous, long-lasting finish. With advanced moisturizing and an SPF of 15-18 for UV protection, it offers great skincare benefits plus color.

Bobbi Brown Foundation Stick $40

Easy to apply and blend, this stick is suitable for all but very oily skin. Perfect to apply just where you want, or all over your face, it delivers adjustable coverage. Now in an expanded shade range, including Cool Beige, Natural Tan, and Warm Honey.

And now there’s a mini version to carry with you to “touch up” your makeup on the go. Face Touch Up Stick @ $22, fits neatly in your bag, and can be used to conceal blemishes, redness and imperfections, while keeping your makeup looking fresh all day long. It’s great for cheek, nose, forehead and chin (but not under the eye area.)

Chantecaille New Stick $42

This is my absolute favorite because it’s a foundation and concealer in one. It’s fortified with antioxidants like Ginkgo Biloba, Green Tea and Vitamins C and E to calm the skin. Delivers a soft, shine-free glow.

Clinique City Stick SPF 15 $23

With seven skintone shades, this oil-free formulation provides a natural finish and sun protection all in one sweep. The coverage is moderate, so it’s not too sheer, not too heavy, yet you can layer and build.

BLUSH

Clinique Blushwear Cream Stick $18.50

This blush glides on like a cream, then turns to a silky powder on the skin. Blends with fingertips to give you just the intensity you want, and a natural, all-day glow.

Bobbi Brown Sheer Color Cheek Tint $22

Available in six, natural blush shades, this translucent, lightweight formula glides on perfectly and gives skin a natural flush.

Smashbox Skin Tint $28

Providing more of a flush than a blush, this sheer skin tint is for both cheeks and lips. Contains antioxidant vitamins A, C, and E, plus aloe and Echinacea to nourish skin.

THREE-IN-ONE

Nars The Multiple $37

In a cream-to-powder formula, this multi-purpose stick accents eyes, cheeks, lips and décolletage in a single stroke! Designed to contour or simply add highlights, shades range from sheer and cool to bronze. Apply with fingertips or directly from the stick and blend.

Shiseido The Makeup Accentuating Color Stick $33

Designed to sculpt and add dimension, this multi purpose stick adds luster to eyes, cheeks, lips and body. Provides a crease-free finish, with lasting moisturizing benefits. A special 3-D powder lends natural depth and highlights to facial contours.