When it comes to base makeup, the best foundation sticks are about as versatile as they come. Beyond foundation-ing, they can function as concealer and contour (in deeper shades)—blending like a dream beneath or atop whatever products you use to build out your look. Compact and portable by nature, foundation sticks offer a spill-proof alternative to liquid (or even powder) formulas. But just because they all share the same sleek, sheathed design doesn’t mean they’re a one-size-fits-all invention. Au contraire—these sticks come in a variety of finishes, feels, and coverage levels, making it possible to find the perfect match for every face. We tapped editors and makeup artists to crack the code on what makes foundation sticks so special and rounded up the best of the best for your blending pleasure. Scroll on to find your new favorite, and thank us later.

Our Top Foundation Sticks

• Best Overall: Charlotte Tilbury Unreal Skin Sheer Glow Tint Hydrating Foundation Stick, $46
• Most for Dry Skin: Ilia Skin Rewind Complexion Stick, $48
• Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Merit The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick, $38
• Best for Oily Skin: Ami Colé Skin Enhancing Foundation Stick, $29
• Best for Combination Skin: Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick, $49
• Best Light Coverage: Anastasia Beverly Hills Blur Balm Stick, $42
• Best Medium Coverage: Westman Atelier Vital Skin Foundation Stick, $68
• Best Full Coverage: Make Up For Ever HD Invisible Cover Stick, $43

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the benefit of using a stick foundation?
• How should I apply a stick foundation?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Best Overall: Charlotte Tilbury Unreal Skin Sheer Glow Tint Hydrating Foundation Stick

Why it's worth it: Half skin tint, half foundation, and all stick, Charlotte Tilbury's Unreal Skin Sheer Glow Tint Hydrating Foundation is exactly what your cosmetics bag has been yearning for. The hyaluronic acid and vitamin E-fueled formula goes on like nothing but gives everything. The finish is somewhere between medium and lightweight, making it a sweet, buildable option for everyday wear. "If I were to travel with just one makeup product right now, it would be this one! It's a foundation and concealer all-in-one and gives a nice glow with just a hint of color," said senior art director Ingrid Fowler of her favorite 2024 beauty launch (high praise). "The formula is creamy, which is necessary for a stick, and glides across my skin without any tugging."

Tester feedback: You'll find yet another fan in features director Dianna Mazzone Singh. "I'm typically more of a tinted moisturizer gal, which is probably why I love this stick," she said in our dewy foundation roundup. "The lightweight formula offers just enough coverage to minimize the redness on my cheeks and around my nose while still making my skin look like, well, skin."

Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, vitamin E | Finish: soft-focus | Shades: 20 | Who it's for: people who want medium, dewy coverage

Best for Dry Skin: Ilia Skin Rewind Complexion Stick

Why it's worth it: ILY, Ilia, and this Skin Rewind Blurring Foundation and Concealer Complexion Stick was love at first swipe. Complimented by a wide range of shades, this formula moonlights as skin care, meaning that with extended use, fine lines and wrinkles take on a smoother, firmer appearance. It wears weightlessly and lasts up to 12 hours, requiring minimal refreshing. Still, if you crave a touch-up, the stick format makes it super easy.

Tester feedback: "The Ilia Skin Rewind Stick Foundation is my holy grail for quick touch-ups on the go," says shopping market editor Angela Trakoshis. "It's so creamy and weightless, plus it's packed with skin-care perks like brightening niacinamide and calming allantoin—I just swipe it on, blend, and my skin looks filtered all day."