Meet the stick foundation I've bought 3 times over

As much as I love testing out new makeup and beauty, when it comes to doing my everyday full face, I like to rely on products that are simple to use and good at what they do.

I don't want to spend too long trying to figure out how to use something, because more often than not, I am racing against the clock to slap some product on my face and head out the door. So, I began my mission to simplify my makeup routine, and for my base, I needed something easy and foolproof, which led me straight to stick foundations.

Forget the mess of liquid foundation, because with a stick format, you can simply apply it directly to your face and have it blended out in seconds... talk about efficient?!

However, the only issue with this otherwise seemingly perfect format is that the options on the market are pretty limited, and let's face it, most are on the pricier side.

Committed to the cause, I knew in order to truly see what the hype was about, I had to try it out for myself, so I went ahead and purchased one of the most highly regarded options: the Dior Forever Skin Perfect Multi-Use Foundation Stick.

And spoiler alert: I have now repurchased it three (soon to be four) times because the difference it has made in my routine is next level.

NOTE: Prices are accurate at the time of publishing

Dior Forever Skin Perfect Multi-Use Foundation Stick

Here for $103

As someone with combination skin, I find a dewy foundation to look too greasy on my face, and a matte one too drying, often clinging to my dry patches and creases, so when I read that this stick foundation offered a natural, blurred finish, that was hydrating AND long-wear, it sounded perfect.

Upon first application, the texture was super buttery, blending out to offer a sheer yet pigmented wash of colour. I have quite a lot of redness in my cheeks, which often needs a few layers of product to cover, and while this stick foundation didn't completely cover, it definitely diffused, leaving me with a natural-looking base that evened out my skin tone.

This smooth finish also lasted well throughout the day, often looking just as good at 7 pm as it did at 7 am when I first applied it.

The stick format also means you have so much more control over how much you're applying at a time, which for me was a great way to avoid using too much. This product works best when applied in thin, even layers, so while yes, it is at a higher price point than most traditional liquid foundations, you will still get a huge amount of wear out of this one compact tube.

I wear a full face every single day, and I am just about finished with my third tube, which I purchased all the way back in early December. Thanks to my redness, I am trying to cover; I'd also say I am using more product at each application than the average person would.

Final verdict

I have tried a number of foundations in my time, but I can honestly say I have never seen my skin look so good in a foundation. The difference this has made not only in simplifying my routine, but also in my skin confidence has been incredible because I can trust that it's going to perform just as well every time.

At $103, this definitely isn't cheap, but if you're looking for something easy and effective, where you can achieve a natural, flawless base, then I would absolutely recommend the Dior Forever Skin Perfect Multi-Use Foundation Stick.

READ MORE: I've tried over 10 different concealers this year. Here are the best high-coverage options

What skin type is best for stick foundation?

Stick foundation is incredibly versatile when it comes to different skin types. The optimal skin type for stick foundation ranges from combination skin to oily skin, as the creamy formula often offers a semi-matte finish.

However, as someone with sensitive skin, I love stick foundation as it doesn't feel as heavy as a liquid foundation, but still offers great, buildable coverage on my redness.

What is the best way to apply stick foundation?

As it offers a semi-matte finish, this format tends to dry down quite quickly, so the best way to apply stick foundation is by working in small sections.

Start with a small amount of product and blend out with a dense foundation brush (I love this one).

How to prep skin for stick foundation?

The best way to prep your skin for stick foundation is to start with a clean base. Whether cleansing or simply using water, by giving your face a wash, you set the groundwork for other products to adhere better to the skin.

Follow this with a nourishing serum and/or moisturiser, depending on how much hydration your skin needs, and if you really want it to stay in place all day, opt for a tacky primer like this one here.