I Dislike the Sensation of Wearing Excess Makeup—Here Are the Products I Trust the Most

I Dislike the Sensation of Wearing Excess Makeup—Here Are the Products I Trust the Most

      (Image credit: Who What Wear UK)

      One of the best aspects of being a beauty writer is undoubtedly testing out the newest makeup products. With foundations, blushes, bronzers, and highlighters continuously arriving at my desk each week, I’m very thankful for it all and would never take it for granted. However, I must admit: I tend to be quite lazy when it comes to my beauty routines, so anything that demands too much effort often loses my interest quickly. Yet, there’s one product that I can almost always count on to impress me: a multi-use makeup stick.

      (Image credit: Who What Wear UK)These sticks are user-friendly, require minimal effort, and are convenient for on-the-go use, making them a staple in my makeup bag. They're particularly handy during summer, when I prefer to avoid applying multiple heavy products in the heat. Whether I’m off to the office, enjoying a night out, or lounging on a tropical vacation, these versatile products help me get ready quickly and ensure my makeup appears fresh and luminous rather than thick or overly done. I recognize that the vast array of makeup sticks available can be daunting, but having tested hundreds of them, I’ve narrowed down seven exceptional multi-use makeup sticks for you to consider. From foundation-concealer combos that create a flawless complexion to blonzers that lend you a sun-kissed glow, continue reading to discover the top multi-use makeup sticks recommended by a beauty writer.

      The Top 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 Budget 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

       Touted as the product that could replace both your foundation and concealer, Merit’s The Minimalist complexion stick is a go-to for many beauty editors. It combines the coverage of a concealer with the smoothness of foundation, allowing for precise application where needed—ideal for those who dislike the feel of heavy makeup. Its creamy, blendable texture also makes it a fantastic bronzer and contour for achieving a natural “no-makeup” look.

       Pros: Smaller stick for precise application

       Cons: Dry skin may need more preparation 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 is all about glow, and Dior’s Glassy multi-use stick offers a great way to achieve a natural sheen effortlessly. I usually find traditional highlighters too sparkly, but this upscale product gives my skin a beautiful glass-like finish without visible glitter chunks. Available in eight shades, it can be applied to cheeks, eyes, lips, and even the décolletage, ensuring you get your money’s worth.

       Pros: Delivers a "glass-skin effect" without excess glitter

       Cons: Can interfere with makeup when applied directly on the skin

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

       Best Budget 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, and Maybelline New York’s Lifter Multi-Use Stix offers a buildable formula suited for various applications. This affordable stick features a refined domed tip for easy application, whether on the cheeks as bronzer or contour, under the eyes as concealer, or across the face as foundation. Additionally, moisturizing cranberry seed oil prevents it from appearing dry or flaky. Just keep in mind that it dries quickly, so blend right after applying.

       Pros: Light-to-medium coverage that's easily buildable

       Cons: Dries quickly, which can lead to patchiness if not blended right away

      4. **Ilia Skin Rewind Complexion Stick**

       Best Multi-Use Complexion Stick

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

       Number of shades: 42

       With eczema and very dry skin, finding hydrating and gentle products is my top priority. Ilia’s Skin

I Dislike the Sensation of Wearing Excess Makeup—Here Are the Products I Trust the Most I Dislike the Sensation of Wearing Excess Makeup—Here Are the Products I Trust the Most I Dislike the Sensation of Wearing Excess Makeup—Here Are the Products I Trust the Most I Dislike the Sensation of Wearing Excess Makeup—Here Are the Products I Trust the Most I Dislike the Sensation of Wearing Excess Makeup—Here Are the Products I Trust the Most I Dislike the Sensation of Wearing Excess Makeup—Here Are the Products I Trust the Most I Dislike the Sensation of Wearing Excess Makeup—Here Are the Products I Trust the Most I Dislike the Sensation of Wearing Excess Makeup—Here Are the Products I Trust the Most I Dislike the Sensation of Wearing Excess Makeup—Here Are the Products I Trust the Most

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I Dislike the Sensation of Wearing Excess Makeup—Here Are the Products I Trust the Most

Sometimes, having less can lead to more.