I Dislike the Sensation of Heavy Makeup on My Skin—Here Are the Products I Rely On

I Dislike the Sensation of Heavy Makeup on My Skin—Here Are the Products I Rely On

      (Image credit: Who What Wear UK)

      One of the best aspects of being a beauty writer is undoubtedly the opportunity to experiment with the latest makeup products. From foundations to blushes, bronzers, and highlighters, new items arrive on my desk nearly every week. While I am truly thankful for this and never take it for granted, I must admit: I am rather lazy when it comes to my beauty routines, so anything that demands too much effort usually loses my interest pretty quickly. However, there is one product that consistently earns my approval: a multi-use makeup stick.

      (Image credit: Who What Wear UK)These sticks are user-friendly, require minimal effort, and are convenient for travel, making them the cornerstone of my makeup kit. They are particularly advantageous in summer when I prefer to avoid layering many heavy complexion products in the heat. Whether I'm off to work, a night out, or enjoying a tropical vacation, these versatile products streamline my prep time and ensure my makeup appears natural and radiant rather than cakey or overly done. I recognize that the multitude of makeup sticks available can be daunting, but having tried hundreds, I've curated a list of seven standout multi-use sticks based on my experience. Ranging from foundation-concealer hybrids that create a flawless base to blonzers that make it look like you've just returned from a sunny getaway, read on to discover the best multi-use makeup sticks recommended by a beauty writer.

      **Best Multi-Use Makeup Sticks**

      - Best Overall Multi-Use Stick: Merit Beauty The Minimalist Stick (£34)

      - Best Luxury Multi-Use Stick: Dior Glassy Multi-Use Glow Stick (£37)

      - Best Affordable Multi-Use Stick: Maybelline Lifter Multi-Use Stix (£10)

      - Best Multi-Use Complexion Stick: Ilia Skin Rewind Complexion Stick (£48)

      - Best Multi-Use Cheek Stick: NARS The Multiple Stick (£33)

      1. **Merit Beauty The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick**

      

      - **Best Overall Multi-Use Makeup Stick**

      - **Can be used as:** Foundation, concealer, bronzer, contour, eyeshadow

      - **Number of shades:** 30

      Known as the item that can take the place of both your foundation and concealer, Merit’s The Minimalist complexion stick is a staple for nearly every beauty editor I know. It provides the high coverage of a concealer with the smoothness of a foundation; simply apply it precisely where needed. This makes it perfect for anyone who dislikes feeling weighed down by heavy products. Its creaminess and ability to blend well also mean it's fantastic as a bronzer and contour for a natural “no-makeup” look.

      - **Pros:** Smaller size allows for precise application

      - **Cons:** Dry skin types may need additional prep for the waxy formula to perform well

      2. **Dior Glassy Multi-Use Glow Stick**

      

      - **Best Luxury Multi-Use Makeup Stick**

      - **Can be used as:** Blush, bronzer, highlighter, eyeshadow, lip topper

      - **Number of shades:** 8

      Summer embodies the essence of glow, and Dior’s Glassy multi-use stick offers a simple way to achieve a natural sheen without the fuss. As someone who prefers subtle makeup, I find most highlighters overly sparkly; however, this high-end product delivers a glass-skin effect without the heavy glitter typically associated with glowing products. With eight shades available, it can be applied to the cheeks, eyes, lips, and even the décolletage, ensuring you get great value for a luxury item.

      - **Pros:** Provides a “glass-skin effect” without excessive glitter

      - **Cons:** Can disturb makeup when applied directly to the skin

      3. **Maybelline New York Lifter Multi-Use Stix**

      

      - **Best Affordable Multi-Use Makeup Stick**

      - **Can be used as:** Foundation, concealer, bronzer, contour, highlighter, eyeshadow

      - **Number of shades:** 8

      I firmly believe that spending more doesn’t always mean better quality in makeup, and Maybelline New York’s Lifter Multi-Use Stix features a buildable formula that can be used in numerous ways. This budget-friendly stick has a sophisticated domed tip, which is perfect for application on the hollows of the cheeks as bronzer or contour, under the eyes as concealer, or all over for foundation. Additionally, hydrating cranberry seed oil prevents it from looking dry or flaky. My only tip: it dries quickly, so blend it right after application.

      - **Pros:** Offers buildable light-to-medium coverage

      - **Cons:** Dries swiftly, which can result in patchiness if not blended immediately

      4. **Ilia Skin Rewind Complexion Stick**

      

      - **Best Multi-Use Complexion Stick

I Dislike the Sensation of Heavy Makeup on My Skin—Here Are the Products I Rely On I Dislike the Sensation of Heavy Makeup on My Skin—Here Are the Products I Rely On I Dislike the Sensation of Heavy Makeup on My Skin—Here Are the Products I Rely On I Dislike the Sensation of Heavy Makeup on My Skin—Here Are the Products I Rely On I Dislike the Sensation of Heavy Makeup on My Skin—Here Are the Products I Rely On I Dislike the Sensation of Heavy Makeup on My Skin—Here Are the Products I Rely On I Dislike the Sensation of Heavy Makeup on My Skin—Here Are the Products I Rely On I Dislike the Sensation of Heavy Makeup on My Skin—Here Are the Products I Rely On I Dislike the Sensation of Heavy Makeup on My Skin—Here Are the Products I Rely On

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I Dislike the Sensation of Heavy Makeup on My Skin—Here Are the Products I Rely On

Less is better.