For anyone who doesn’t have the patience for an elaborate beauty routine, makeup sticks are a game-changer. As a low-maintenance beauty girl, I prioritise ease and effectiveness – which is exactly why they’re a staple in my kit. Versatile enough to use across the face, effortlessly blendable without tools, and compact enough to slip into any bag, these multitasking sticks make getting ready feel refreshingly simple – especially on the go.
“I think makeup sticks offer a real ease of application – the way you can physically hold the product gives you more control and precision, especially when you want to focus on specific areas of the face. That’s something liquids don’t always allow,” says celebrity makeup artist Sandhya Shekar, who has worked with Deepika Padukone, Alia Bhatt and Alessandra Ambrosio. “In stick form, the texture is usually creamy but not heavy, with enough playtime to blend and build. Because the format is structured, it allows you to layer gradually and sculpt with more intention, which is why so many brands are now embracing stick formulas.”
Blushes, bronzers and highlighters lend themselves especially well to stick formats, gliding on seamlessly and blending with minimal effort. These multitasking heroes offer a true one-and-done solution, streamlining your routine without compromising on impact. And when it comes to base products, foundation and concealer sticks are nothing short of game changers. “Multi-use options simplify your routine and cut down the number of products you need. They can be used on the cheeks, lips and eyes, creating a cohesive, effortless look with minimal effort,” adds Dubai-based celebrity makeup artist, Ben Biton.
So, which makeup sticks truly deserve a spot in your kit? Here are the Vogue-approved picks that are actually worth reaching for:
rhode
Rhode Skin Pocket Blush – Juice Box
One of the most buzzed-about blush sticks in recent years, and approved by Biton, these on-the-go cream blush sticks come in a range of shades, from pearly pinks to warm, sun-kissed hues. The finish stays fresh and skin-like, and the easy blendability makes it ideal for finger application so that you can do your makeup on the go. Unlike traditional powder blushes that tend to sit on top of the skin, this melts in, giving a bright, healthy and subtly radiant glow.
Westman Atelier
Westman Atelier Vital Skin Foundation Stick
Revered for its clean, high-performance formulations, the texture is creamy and weightless, melting into skin like a hydrating balm. It offers medium, buildable coverage – enough to even out tone and brighten the complexion. Infused with calming, skin-benefiting ingredients such as squalane, camellia seed oil and coconut oil, it helps maintain moisture and improve skin texture. “All the products feel luxurious – from the packaging to the performance. There’s a beautiful weight and polish to everything they create, but it’s the formulas that truly stand out. I especially love their stick foundations and balmy, dewy highlighters,” adds Sandhya.
Makeup By Mario
Makeup by Mario Soft Pop Blush Stick
Few blush sticks strike the balance between pigment and polish quite like this one. A favourite of both Sandhya and Ben, this Blush Stick delivers creamy, buildable colour with a softly radiant finish rather than overly dewy. The colour payoff is great, and the formula glides on with a balm-like smoothness.
Bobbi Brown
Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick
Offering a wide spectrum of shades across warm, cool, and neutral families, this foundation stick remains one of the most versatile complexion products. Equal parts foundation, concealer, and contour tool, it gives a skin-like coverage without the weight of traditional liquid bases. The formula delivers medium buildable coverage, it glides smoothly across the skin and blends effortlessly with fingers or a brush.
Chanel
Chanel Baume Essentiel Multi-Use Glow Stick
Approved by Ben, this is a moisturising highlighting balm stick. Instead of a sparkly feel, it creates a subtle, reflective glow that catches the light naturally for that natural sheen. It glides effortlessly across cheekbones, temples, the bridge of the nose, or Cupid’s bow and layers beautifully over foundation, cream blush, or even bare skin.
Haus Labs
HAUS LABS BY LADY GAGA Color Fuse Lip + Cheek Blush Balm Stick
A standout in the new generation of dewy, skin-centric makeup and Sandhya’s go-to, this easy-to-use cream stick delivers a unique glassy, quasi-wet finish that mimics the look of a flushed cheek. The pigments are blendable and buildable. A single swipe gives a soft wash of colour, and you can layer up to a more noticeable intensity. The shade range leans from cheeks that read soft peach and rosy nude to more vivid coral and berry. It gives a glossy, lit-from-within sheen that feels fresh without appearing oily. It’s the kind of glow that doesn’t wash out in camera flashes, great for your summer party pictures!
Milk Makeup
Milk Makeup Sculpt Stick – Contour Stick
Milk Makeup reimagines the traditional concealer stick with a gel-to-cream formula. The texture is what sets it apart – it glides on, giving a creamy, skin-like finish. The result? Effortless blendability and a fresh, dewy look that never feels heavy. This concealer pulls double duty. Think foundation and concealer in one streamlined stick, ideal for on-the-go routines. Infused with hyaluronic acid, squalane, and soothing aloe, the formula delivers lasting hydration that keeps skin looking smooth throughout the day. “Milk’s concealer sticks are creating quite a buzz right now – and for good reason,” Sandhya says.
Laura Mercier
Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Colour Shimmer
This creamy shadow stick defines what a streamlined eye routine should be — minimal effort, maximum impact. The appeal lies in its texture: silky and glide-on smooth, it delivers rich pigment in a single swipe. From soft mattes to luminous metallics and subtle shimmers, the finish spectrum makes it endlessly versatile. Whether you’re opting for a barely-there wash of taupe for daytime polish or a molten bronze for evening glamour, it’s the kind of effortless essential you can swipe on and go. “I love the pencil format – it’s sleek and precise, not bulky or overly chubby, which makes it so much easier to control,” Sandhya adds.
Fenty Beauty
Fenty Beauty Matte Contour Skinstick
Suggested by Ben, this contour stick remains lightweight and long-wearing. It gives a sculpted, never heavy or cakey. The creamy formula glides on effortlessly and blends with minimal effort. What truly sets it apart is how weightless it feels on the skin.
