Discover 8 of the best foundation sticks, tested and Editor approved...
Busy mornings call for beauty routines that are fast, efficient, and utterly foolproof. For women juggling meetings, school runs, and everything in between, foundation sticks have become the undisputed heroes of streamlined makeup bags. Quick, clean, and portable, these versatile beauty tools offer seamless application and the promise of a flawless complexion - minus the fuss of traditional liquid formulas. Whether you're touching up on-the-go or getting glam in the car, foundation sticks deliver coverage exactly where you need it, effortlessly blending to a natural finish with minimal effort.
No wonder they're adored by mums and multitasking women alike. Celebrities, influencers, and beauty editors swear by their ease of use, praising the precision, buildability, and practicality foundation sticks offer. With a simple swipe, they address imperfections, even out skin tones, and enhance your natural radiance - all while fitting neatly into your handbag or nappy bag. From sheer, glowy finishes to full matte coverage, there's a stick foundation for every skin type, tone, and lifestyle.
We put countless foundation sticks through their paces to bring you eight tried-and-tested options that truly deliver. Ranging from luxury splurges to budget-friendly finds, each of these picks has earned its place thanks to standout performance, lasting power, and skin-loving ingredients. Among our favourites is Merit, a minimalist beauty brand that's taken social media by storm, known for its clean formulations and beautifully natural results. But Merit isn't alone in the spotlight; each brand selected meets the needs of busy women who demand both efficiency and excellence from their beauty staples. Here's our roundup of the eight best foundation sticks available right now in the UK, perfect for keeping your complexion flawless on even your busiest days.
The Minimalist
£38.00
It's not a foundation, it's not a concealer, but it will replace both in your make-up bag. This viral favourite blends like a dream, providing natural coverage ideal for minimalist beauty routines. It's vegan, clean, and perfect for sensitive skin too - it's our winner.
Skin Foundation Stick
£36.00
makeup artist staple, beloved for its buildable, skin-like finish and impressive shade range catering to every skin tone.
Makeup Obsession Quick Stick
£6.99
Buildable coverage in a creamy, super-blendable formula, this super affordable stick comes kitted out with skin-loving ingredients like Hyaluronic acid to help to hydrate while papaya extract helps to increase radiance.
No7 Stay Perfect Foundation Stick 8g
£14.95
Affordable yet mighty, this budget hero gives long-lasting matte coverage perfect for hectic schedules without frequent touch-ups.
Unreal Skin Hydrating Foundation Stick
£35.00
If you're someone you lives for the glow, this is the foundation stick to grant that wish. Charlotte Tilbury’s Unreal Skin Hydrating Foundation Stick delivers super-natural, sheer-to-light, buildable coverage with subtle all-over shimmer for the ultimate ring-light glow. For that reason, it's not one for oilier skin types.
Vital Skin Foundation
£62.00
A luxe clean-beauty option packed with skincare benefits, ideal for those seeking luminous, natural coverage with added hydration. This luxurious cream foundation and concealer in one melts into skin for a radiant, natural finish. Packed with antioxidants and calming actives, it helps to soothe, combat redness, and even out the complexion, while boosting moisture for a healthy-looking glow.
Huda #FauxFilter Foundation Stick 400G Macchiato 400G macchiato
£27.20
Ideal for fuller coverage lovers, this versatile pick covers blemishes and redness beautifully, delivering a flawless, filter-like finish without heaviness.
Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish
£49.00
Luxury meets performance with this creamy stick that effortlessly covers imperfections, providing full yet weightless coverage that lasts all day.