With links to Old Hollywood, cream sticks have been a mainstay in makeup for decades. In 1947, Max Factor launched Pan-Stik, a cream foundation popularized through advertisements. A few years later, the pioneering brand introduced the first stick concealer available at retailers. While past products aimed to provide full coverage and a matte finish, modern iterations boast sheer textures with a radiant, ultranatural effect.
“The new stick formulations really represent the innovation in plant-based waxes and oils which blend seamlessly into the skin,” says Amanda Bell, a U.K.-based makeup artist and global director of education and artistry for cosmetic brand Pixi. “They’re foolproof.”
Brittany Sinclair, a Toronto-based makeup artist, loves how versatile they are. “They’re ideal for anyone looking to make their routine quicker and great for travel or on-the-go touch-ups,” she says. “You can control the amount of pigment and intensity.”
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For most sticks, such as blush, the best application starts with warming up the product. “You can apply it directly from the bullet onto your skin or use your fingers to lightly tap the product on for more control,” Sinclair says. “Or you can warm it up on the back of your hand and then use a brush for a softer, buildable finish.”
Bell takes a different type of hands-on approach. “My all-time favourite way of applying a stick blush is to press the product onto the heel of the palm and then rock the handprint over the cheeks.” She focuses less on the apples of the cheeks and more on the cheekbones. “I like to work it toward the hairline so that you get a flush of color, but it sculpts at the same time.”
When it comes to eyeshadow sticks, Sinclair’s application is more direct. “Apply it right on the lid, concentrating where you want most of the colour and then use a small eyeshadow blending brush to diffuse the edges,” she says.
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Sinclair likes to enhance radiance with Iconic London Glaze Dual Ended Eyeshadow Crayons and uses Nars Total Seduction Smudge-Proof Eyeshadow Sticks for a long-wear matte finish. “Try having options that are both matte and luminous to create beautiful dimension in your face and eye makeup,” she says, “To give any eyeshadow stick a boost of longevity, try setting it with translucent powder.”
In Bell’s hands, a stick highlighter can be used traditionally, adding luminosity to the highpoints of the face such as cheekbones, but it can also be dashed onto unexpected zones. “I love it on the inner corner of the eyes and on the Cupid’s bow,” she says. Offering a texture that can melt into skin, a highlighter stick is a makeup bag staple for creating an airbrushed finish, Bell says.
Six buys to try
RoC Multi Correxion Hydration + Serum Stick
Providing hydration and more in a handy format, this serum stick is loaded with hyaluronic acid, pro-collagen and blue peptides to help plump skin and reduce dryness, dullness and the look of fine lines.
Pixi On-the-Glow Base
Infused with skin-care ingredients such as ceramide NP, ginseng, aloe vera and fruit extracts, this tinted moisturizer-in-a-balm imparts sheer, natural coverage to even out your skin tone while leaving your complexion hydrated and luminous.
Armani Beauty Dolci Blush
Available in five subtle shades, this cream-to-powder blush stick is easily blendable and buildable, and sets to a soft matte finish with long-wearing power.
Charlotte Tilbury Exagger-Eyes Easy Eyeshadow Stick in Amber Haze
With 12 wearable neutral shades, in a mix of matte and satin finishes, this eyeshadow stick formula delivers a payoff of rich pigment that won’t fade or crease and is waterproof.
e.l.f. Soft Glam Cream Bronzer Stick
Formulated with nourishing shea butter and sunflower seed oil, this ultracreamy bronzer is available in eight shades and can be used on bare skin or over makeup for a sun-kissed glow with a satin finish.
Dior Backstage Glassy Glow Stick in 001 Glazed Pink
Designed in eight delicate shades to deliver an elevated dewy glow, this highlighter balm dispenses an ultrafine, multireflective pearlescence that can be used on the face, eyes, lips and décolletage.