How to Apply Stick Foundation
for Beginners

If you're looking for an easy and versatile way to achieve a perfect base, stick foundation is the way to go. With its creamy texture and buildable coverage, stick foundation is perfect for beginners and makeup enthusiasts alike. In this beginner-friendly guide, we'll simplify stick foundation application techniques, helping you boost your confidence and perfect your complexion.

Whether you're dealing with dry skin, oily skin, or a combination of both, stick foundations offer a solution that can be tailored to your specific needs. They are highly portable, making them ideal for on-the-go touch-ups throughout the day. This guide will cover everything from choosing the right shade and formula for your skin type to blending techniques that will ensure a seamless, natural finish. We'll also share tips on how to use stick foundation for contouring and highlighting— let’s get started!

Stick foundation is a solid form of foundation that comes in a convenient, portable stick. It's made with a blend of skin-friendly waxes, oils, and pigments, providing buildable coverage with a natural finish. Stick foundations are great for touch-ups throughout the day, making them a must-have for your makeup bag.

Our Maybelline Lifter Stix™ Multi-Use Face Stick foundation has a smooth, creamy formula that can be used as foundation, concealer, contour, or highlighter.

• Easy to apply: Stick foundations are incredibly user-friendly, making them ideal for beginners. They can be applied directly to the skin without the need for brushes or sponges.
• Buildable coverage: Stick foundations offer buildable coverage, allowing you to achieve your desired look. You can apply one layer for sheer coverage or multiple layers for fuller coverage.
• Versatile usage: Stick foundations can be used for various purposes, including as foundation, concealer, contour, and even highlighter.
• Portable and travel-friendly: Stick foundations are compact and lightweight, making them perfect for on-the-go touch-ups and travel.

Choosing the right foundation stick shade is crucial for achieving a natural and flawless look. Here are a few tips to help you find your perfect match:

 

• Test the shade on your jawline: Apply a small amount of stick foundation to your jawline and blend it in. If it disappears seamlessly into your skin, it's a good match.
• Consider your undertones: Look at the veins on your wrist. If they appear blue or purple, you have cool undertones. If they appear green, you have warm undertones. Choose a stick foundation with a shade that complements your undertones.
• Use our foundation shade finder: When in doubt, try our virtual virtual try on tool you decide what shade to wear.

1. Cleanse: Start with a clean face. Ensure your skin is free from dirt, oil, and any residue.
2. Moisturize: Apply a lightweight moisturizer to hydrate your skin. It’s important to start your look with hydrated, refreshed skin.

1. Start with small dots: Dot the Lifter Stix foundation stick directly onto your face, starting from the center and working your way outward. Use small dots or lines for better control and to avoid applying too much product.
2. Blend for even coverage: Use a foundation brush or your fingers to blend the stick foundation into your skin. Start from the center and blend outward, using small circular motions. Press gently to ensure even coverage.

Techniques for Even Coverage

• Use a brush: If you prefer a more precise application, use a damp beauty sponge or foundation brush to blend the stick foundation. This can help achieve a smooth, airbrushed finish.
• Buff it in with your fingers: Gently buff the stick foundation into your skin using a circular motion, then use your fingers to blend in the product. The warmth from your hands helps to blend it seamlessly and create a natural look.

Blend, blend, blend: Continue blending the stick foundation until it's evenly distributed and there are no visible lines or streaks.

Techniques for a Natural Finish

• Use a light hand: Avoid applying too much stick foundation, as this can lead to a heavy, cakey look. Use a light hand and build up coverage as needed.
• Don't forget your neck: Extend the stick foundation down your neck to avoid a visible line of demarcation between your face and neck.

1. Add a pop of color: Apply blush such as Sunkisser Multi-Use Liquid Blush and Bronzer to the apples of your cheeks for a healthy flush of color. Use a shade that complements your skin tone.
2. Highlight your features: Apply a small amount of a lighter shade of Lifter Stix to the high points of your face, such as your cheekbones, brow bone, and Cupid's bow. This will help to enhance your features and create a more lifted look.

1. Add final touches: Add any finishing touches to your makeup look such as lip color and eye makeup until you are satisfied with your look.
2. Set your makeup: Finish off your look by setting your makeup with a setting spray. This will help to keep your makeup in place and prevent it from smudging or fading.

To use stick foundation as foundation makeup, simply follow the steps outlined above for "How to Apply Stick Foundation for Beginners: Step-by-Step." This will provide you with a smooth, even base for the rest of your makeup.

To use stick foundation as a concealer, apply it directly to any blemishes or imperfections. Add a bit more product than you would when using the stick foundation as a foundation. Use a small brush or your finger to blend it in, ensuring that the edges are seamlessly blended with your skin.

To use stick foundation as a highlighter, choose a shade that is one or two shades lighter than your skin tone. Apply it to the high points of your face, such as your cheekbones, brow bone, and Cupid's bow. Blend it in well to create a subtle glow.

To use stick foundation to contour, choose a shade that is two to three shades darker than your skin tone. Apply it to the hollows of your cheeks, along your jawline, and around your temples. Blend it in well to create a natural shadow effect.