Stick foundations are one of the most convenient forms of foundations. They are quick and do not require expert knowledge. However, you have to know how to apply a stick foundation if you want to get the most natural finish for your foundation.
It’s not always as easy as swiping and blending, but it doesn’t take time. if you have this cream solid stick with you and you want to learn how to use it, then read this article.
It gives a full guide on how to apply stick foundation and what you can use with it.
What is a stick foundation?
It is a makeup foundation in a cream formula. It is usually in tubes you can roll up to control the amount you want to apply on your face.
While the primary use of stick foundation is to cut down time used in applying makeup, it is a foundation that comes with a matte feature (it controls oil) and is mostly non-oily formulas.
Additionally, they are used for medium to full coverage and you get to control how many layers of the foundation you add and to what areas of your face. It makes the best type of formula to create a flawless base for makeup.
How to apply stick foundation
1. Care for skin
Before you start any makeup routine, you have to care for your skin by cleansing, toning, applying treatment, moisturizer, and sunscreen (if going out during the day).
These are essential skincare products you must not skip in your routine. They protect your skin pores and help improve the smoothness of your skin.
Additionally, it prevents bacteria transfer from the face to the cream when rubbed.
Then layer makeup primer to serve as a film that protects your skin from makeup residues and harmful ingredients.
A primer also helps the foundation stay long, serving as a sticky gel that keeps your makeup together and away from excess oil. After caring for and protecting your skin, you can move on to applying your foundation.
2. Roll out the foundation
You do not want to roll it out all at once. Do it slowly until you have enough to cover your face. Remember, it’s not as strong as lipstick, it can break if exposed too much.
3. Apply foundation
You can do this in two ways: swipe or dot. Dotting on the skin is the easiest. All you have to do is lay dots of foundation in strategic areas of your skin. This is good for light coverage.
For swiping, you do the same. Leave a semi-long swipe in strategic places (cheeks, jawline, forehead, nose, and chin). This is good for medium to full coverage.
4. Blend the foundation
Use a foundation brush, beauty blender, or your fingertips to blend the foundation on your face.
With a brush, twirl the bristles on the doted or swirled foundation, starting from the center of the face to the edges. Connect the spots and spread out the foundation, making sure not to concentrate the foundation in one spot.
Meanwhile, if you are using your fingertips, rub the foundation as you would a moisturizer. Blend into your skin and focus on your spots and hyperpigmentation. Then moves slowly to the edges of your face.
A beauty blender may absorb your foundation, so be careful not to press deeply on it. Use a damp blender to dab the foundation slowly across your face, connecting the spotted areas of the foundation.
If the first layer is not enough, add another layer by dotting the places you want more coverage, then blend.
5. Add other products
This goes without saying. What comes after applying your foundation are other products like concealer, eyeliner, lipstick, blush, bronzer, and others.
6. Set with a powder and setting spray
These should come last because they set the makeup in place. They have staying functions and would prevent your makeup from transferring or rubbing off.
How to apply stick foundation using a brush
If you do not want to apply the foundation brush directly on your face, you can use a foundation brush to apply the makeup. This is one of the best ways to prevent bacteria spread from the face to the product.
To apply, all you have to do is:
- Dip your foundation unto the stick foundation
- Twirl a bit
- Then apply on the face, starting from the most concerned places in the middle, then brush out.
- Continue the dip, twirl, and apply until you have the coverage you want on your face.
How to apply stick foundation as a concealer
Because stick foundation is easy to blend and apply, it can also function as a concealer. It’ll provide sheer to full coverage for blemishes and discoloration on the face based on how you apply them.
To use:
- Pick a foundation a shade or two lighter than the normal one
- Swipe or dot around your under-eye, not moving out of the triangle frame
- Blend with a dense or concealer brush.
How to apply stick foundation to contour
You can also use this foundation to contour your face. It leaves a dewy, natural finish to highlight your cheekbones and jawline.
To use:
- Get foundation stick a shade or two darker than your normal shade.
- Swipe the foundation across your contour lines (the cheekbones, jawline, nose bridge, edges of the forehead, and sides of the nose).
- Blend into skin delicately with a dense brush (kabuki preferably)
- Highlight other parts of the face.
Why do you need a stick foundation?
- Buildable: It is easy to build coverage from sheer to full coverage with a stick foundation because you only apply enough, then layer when needed. It saves the stress of having to blot excess pigment from the face.
- Easy to apply: It is easy to apply a stick foundation. All you have to do is swipe or dot your face then blend.
- Mobility: You can carry a stick foundation anywhere because it is in a stick form. This makes it the best travel buddy.
- Versatile: Stick foundations can also be used to conceal and contour depending on the coverage and area you apply the foundation.
- Matte: Most stick foundations are matte and help control excess oil. Additionally, they are longwear and would stay on the face longer than liquid foundations.
FAQs
Is stick foundation better than liquid foundation?
It has its own advantage over liquid, but they are all the same.
Stick foundation is for quick use and it is formulated based on that. However, it is not in any way better than liquid. They are all the same but with different features.
Can you get breakouts from using stick foundation directly on the face?
It is possible.
Because you are applying the foundation directly to the face, therefore, making contact with the face, it is possible for bacteria transfer. That’s why it’s essential you carry out your skincare routine before application to reduce transfer.
If you are still worried, use a foundation brush to dab the stick foundation, then apply it to the face.
How do you clean the tube of stick foundation?
Use a wet wipe to clean the tips and cap of the foundation after application. This prevents smear and stickiness after use.
Conclusion
Stick foundations are versatile and easy to use. You simply, open, swipe or dab on the face, and blend.
The ABCs of applying this foundation is not rocket science. However, if you do not apply in the right places, you may get uneven coverage. And if you want other uses for your foundation, try using it as concealer or contour. It is that good of a product.
Thanks for reading.
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