How To Apply Stick Foundation: Unreal Application in 15 Seconds!
Give your complexion an even-looking, super-natural glow with my tips and tricks on how to apply stick foundation.
- 13th June 2024
- By Charlotte Tilbury
9 minute read
Darlings, once you’ve learned how to apply stick foundation perfectly, your skin will never look better! Stick foundation is a quick and easy beauty trick that offers fast, buildable coverage for skin that looks perfected in seconds. Discover how to use my NEW! Unreal Skin Sheer Glow Tint hydrating foundation stick for super-natural, luminous, lifted-looking skin that looks so real, it must be UNREAL! It’s so easy, darlings – you could apply it in the dark!
Shop Stick Foundation
Item 1 of 26
Item 2 of 26
Item 3 of 26
Item 4 of 26
Item 5 of 26
Item 6 of 26
Item 7 of 26
Item 8 of 26
Item 9 of 26
Item 10 of 26
Item 11 of 26
Item 12 of 26
Item 13 of 26
Item 14 of 26
Item 15 of 26
Item 16 of 26
Item 17 of 26
Item 18 of 26
Item 19 of 26
Item 20 of 26
Item 21 of 26
Item 22 of 26
Item 23 of 26
Item 24 of 26
Item 25 of 26
Item 26 of 26
Discover How To Apply Stick Foundation
1. Prep your skin with moisturiser and sunscreen
When you prep your skin for foundation with hydrating skincare, your foundation application will always look better. Before you apply stick foundation, I suggest prepping your skin with moisturiser to create a hydrated, smoother-looking canvas for makeup to glide onto. I never apply stick foundation before prepping skin with my magic moisturiser, Charlotte’s Magic Cream, first!
Magic Cream is Magic Skin, darlings! It cushions and lifts the look of skin while delivering a Magic Matrix of skincare ingredients including hyaluronic acid, vitamins C and E, and plump-effect peptides for deep hydration that makes skin glow! After wearing makeup for 12 hours, 93% agree makeup looks better* and 93% agree foundation lasts longer* after applying Charlotte’s Magic Cream! It’s my red-carpet skin secret to a flawless foundation look, every time!
Tilbury Tip: Do you prefer an ultra-lightweight, fragrance-free gel moisturiser? Discover Charlotte’s Magic Water Cream for 100-hour hydration** and a fresh water glow!
Discover the story of Charlotte’s Magic Cream
Tilbury Tip: Always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen after applying moisturiser to help shield your complexion from the harmful effects of the sun. I recommend my Invisible UV Flawless Poreless Primer with SPF50 that primes, protects, and looks undetectable underneath foundation.
2. Apply a face primer
Makeup primers are designed to form a barrier between your skin and your makeup that creates a super-smooth surface for products like stick foundation to swipe onto. Primers can also blur the look of pores and boost radiance, helping skin to look its best before foundation. While moisturising your face will help to prep skin for makeup, the combination of a moisturiser and primer that suit your skin type is the secret to a perfectly primed complexion that’s ready for stick foundation. Apply an illuminating primer like Wonderglow to give skin a candlelit glow, or an SPF primer like Invisible UV Flawless Poreless Primer SPF50 for sun protection defence and a pore-blurring effect.
Tilbury Tip: Do you love to glow, darlings? To give skin the Hollywood glow of a superstar, apply an illuminator like Hollywood Flawless Filter underneath your stick foundation.
3. Choose your foundation shade
Selecting the right shade of stick foundation is half of the task – choose the right shade and your foundation will look natural and more seamless. To choose the perfect shade of Unreal Skin Sheer Glow Tint hydrating stick foundation, use my Foundation Shade Finder to discover which shade will suit your skin tone. I’ve innovated 20 shades of stick foundation with light, natural-looking coverage that stretches across skin tones. Use my Pro Beauty Tech to find your perfect shade, then swipe on for skin that looks Unreal!
Tilbury Tip: You can use multiple shades of stick foundation to create a dimensional glow.
For a brightening soft glow, go one shade lighter than your perfect match.
For a bronzed soft glow, go one shade deeper than your perfect match.
4. Glide foundation onto the face directly from the stick
Stick foundation is quick and easy to apply – just swipe it onto your face straight from the stick for effortless application. I suggest focusing on the centre of the face when applying stick foundation and swiping product onto larger areas like the cheeks, nose, and forehead. Some stick foundations require warming up on the back of your hand to make the consistency creamier and more blendable, but my Unreal Skin Sheer Glow Tint hydrating foundation stick is enriched with smoothing emollients that give it the slip necessary for an easy-glide application without the fuss of other creams. You can apply Unreal Skin Sheer Glow Tint in 15 seconds, darlings - it’s really that easy!
5. Blend with your fingers or a brush
You can blend out your stick foundation formula with your fingers or a brush. With Unreal Skin Sheer Glow Tint hydrating foundation stick, I like to use my fingers to massage it into the skin as you would with a moisturiser. The formula is so emollient and malleable that it blends like a dream with your hands. If you prefer to use a brush to blend out your foundation, I recommend using the larger end of my Hollywood Complexion Brush for a flawless blend.
6. Start blending from the centre of your face outwards
To get a seamless blend from your stick foundation, it’s best to blend from the centre of your face outwards. You shouldn’t be able to detect where your foundation starts and finishes; it’s always important to take your time when blending and pay particular attention to details like your hairline, ears, and neck which are often the biggest giveaways that your foundation isn’t a perfect match for your skin.
Blending stick foundation with your fingers: cup your fingers and use light, angel wing motions to blend out your foundation. Never drag on your skin, darlings… use upward strokes to stimulate skin and create a flattering lift effect.
Blending stick foundation with a brush: use the large, flat end of my Hollywood Complexion Brush to blend out your foundation with circular, stippling motions, making sure to blend until there are no visible brush strokes.
7. Build your foundation in areas you want more coverage
One of the benefits of a stick foundation is that it can be very flexible, allowing you to customise your foundation look to your liking. I apply stick foundation in light layers, gradually building up to my desired coverage. This approach allows you to be intentional with your foundation application and lets you use less product in areas that don’t necessarily need it. My Unreal Skin Sheer Glow Tint hydrating foundation stick is formulated to build and blend with ease. The light-coverage formula can be layered and topped up without bunching or balling up, so you can apply more to areas where you want to cover the appearance of blemishes or pigmentation, building coverage that still feels weightless.
8. Highlight + soft sculpt with stick foundation
You can use stick foundation to highlight and sculpt the look of your face, darlings! Choosing a lighter or deeper shade of Unreal Skin Sheer Glow Tint hydrating foundation stick can unlock the most magical glow; it’s powered by Light Mapping Mesh Tech™ to give skin a soft-focused, ring light effect!
Reach for a deeper shade for a sculpting effect: apply a deeper shade of stick foundation to your temples and the hollows of your cheekbones to give your face a bronzed soft glow that softly sculpts the look of your facial architecture.
Reach for a lighter shade for a highlighting effect: apply a lighter shade of stick foundation on the tops of your cheekbones, under the eyes, and on the bridge of the nose to create a brightening soft glow that lifts and illuminates the look of your face.
Tilbury Tip: To get the full effect of highlighting and contouring, reach for The Hollywood Contour Duo to sculpt and pop with my iconic Hollywood Contour Wands and Beauty Light Wands.
9. Set your stick foundation with setting spray
Once you are happy with your foundation look and have applied the rest of your makeup, use a high-performance setting spray to lock in your look and help increase the wear time of your stick foundation. AIRbrush Flawless Setting Spray is my ultimate AIRbrush fix! Spraying this smoothing, blurring-effect setting spray onto your makeup can help it last for up to 16 hours*** while giving your look the AIRbrush effect! Pair Unreal Skin Sheer Glow Tint with AIRbrush Flawless Setting Spray to create a stick foundation look that stays all day!
Tilbury Tip: If you like to set your foundation with powder, discover AIRbrush Flawless Finish pressed powder to set and perfect the look of your complexion makeup.
Shop Complexion
Item 1 of 73
Item 2 of 73
Item 3 of 73
AIRBRUSH FLAWLESS FINISH2 MEDIUM
₫1,443,000
Item 4 of 73
HOLLYWOOD FLAWLESS FILTER4 MEDIUM
₫1,481,000
Item 5 of 73
HOLLYWOOD CONTOUR WANDLIGHT TO MEDIUM
₫1,139,000
Item 6 of 73
HOLLYWOOD FLAWLESS FILTER3 FAIR
₫1,481,000
Item 7 of 73
SAVE 20%FLAWLESS, PORELESS SKIN SECRETSMAGICAL SAVINGS
₫2,923,000₫2,338,400Item 8 of 73
Item 9 of 73
Item 10 of 73
Item 11 of 73
AIRBRUSH FLAWLESS FOUNDATION4 NEUTRAL
₫1,481,000
Item 12 of 73
Item 13 of 73
Item 14 of 73
Item 15 of 73
Item 16 of 73
Item 17 of 73
Item 18 of 73
SAVE 20%BEAUTIFUL SKIN COMPLEXION KITMAGICAL SAVINGS
₫2,505,000₫1,603,200Item 19 of 73
MAGIC VANISHFAIR
₫1,025,000
Item 20 of 73
AWARD WINNINGWONDERGLOW40ML FACE PRIMER
₫1,518,000
Item 21 of 73
Item 22 of 73
AIRBRUSH BRONZERMEDIUM
₫1,708,000
Item 23 of 73
Item 24 of 73
Save 15%CHARLOTTE’S SOFT RADIANCE KITMAGICAL SAVINGS
₫3,985,000₫3,387,250Item 25 of 73
AIRBRUSH FLAWLESS FINISH1 FAIR
₫1,443,000
Item 26 of 73
Item 27 of 73
Item 28 of 73
Item 29 of 73
BEAUTIFUL SKIN FOUNDATION4 NEUTRAL
₫1,481,000
Item 30 of 73
Item 31 of 73
Item 32 of 73
Save 15%DEWY, PRETTY BLUSHED CHEEKS KITMAGICAL SAVINGS
₫2,809,000₫2,387,650Item 33 of 73
Item 34 of 73
Item 35 of 73
MAGIC VANISHMEDIUM
₫1,025,000
Item 36 of 73
Save 15%CHARLOTTE’S HIGHLIGHTED RADIANCE KITMAGICAL SAVINGS
₫4,403,000₫3,742,550Item 37 of 73
Item 38 of 73
Item 39 of 73
WORTH £109BEAUTIFUL SKIN 3-STEP ROUTINEMAGICAL SAVINGS
₫4,213,000₫2,696,800Item 40 of 73
Item 41 of 73
Item 42 of 73
Item 43 of 73
READY, SET, GLOW TRAVEL KITFACE KIT
₫1,276,000
Item 44 of 73
Item 45 of 73
Item 46 of 73
Item 47 of 73
Item 48 of 73
SAVE 20%CHARLOTTE'S BEAUTIFUL SKIN GLOW KITMAGICAL SAVINGS
₫2,619,000₫1,676,000Item 49 of 73
BEAUTIFUL SKIN RADIANT CONCEALER3 FAIR
₫1,025,000
Item 50 of 73
Item 51 of 73
Item 52 of 73
Item 53 of 73
Item 54 of 73
Item 55 of 73
Item 56 of 73
Item 57 of 73
Item 58 of 73
Item 59 of 73
Item 60 of 73
Item 61 of 73
Item 62 of 73
Item 63 of 73
Item 64 of 73
HOLLYWOOD FLAWLESS FILTER8 DEEP
₫1,481,000
Item 65 of 73
Item 66 of 73
Item 67 of 73
Item 68 of 73
Item 69 of 73
Out of StockItem 70 of 73
Out of StockItem 71 of 73
BEAUTIFUL SKIN RADIANT CONCEALER5 MEDIUM
₫1,025,000
Out of StockItem 72 of 73
Out of StockItem 73 of 73
Out of Stock
Stick Foundation FAQs
What’s the difference between liquid and stick foundation?
The main difference between liquid and stick foundations is their consistency; liquid foundations are fluid in texture, whereas stick foundations are cream based with a solid texture. Liquid foundations often come in bottles with a pump, while stick foundations are twisted up and applied directly onto the face. Their differences are more notable in their application than in their finish; both liquid and stick foundations can have a variety of finishes from radiant to natural to matte, however, liquid foundations travel effortlessly across the face and dry down, while stick foundations are more emollient, swiping on and settling into place with a more cushiony feel.
What is the benefit of stick foundation?
The key benefits of stick foundation are speed and buildability. Stick foundations are designed to be swiped directly onto the face for instant coverage – they’re so easy to blend, you could apply them with your eyes closed! It’s so quick and easy to apply a stick foundation, and they’re also extremely quick to build up and blend out thanks to their creamy consistency.
Did you know that stick foundations are also multi-use, darlings? You can use different shades of stick foundation as a super-subtle foundation, cream bronzer/contour, and brightener trio!
What brush should I use to apply stick foundation?
Stick foundation can be applied with your fingers or a brush – if you’d like to use a brush to apply your stick foundation, I recommend a flat, dense brush that is perfect for blending with light, stippling motions. I like to use my Hollywood Complexion Brush to blend out Unreal Skin Sheer Glow Tint hydrating foundation stick when I want to flawlessly blend my foundation in hard-to-reach areas like around the nose and between the brows.
Shop Hollywood Complexion Brush
Who should use stick foundation?
Everyone, everywhere can use a stick foundation! My Unreal Skin Sheer Glow Tint hydrating foundation stick can look gorgeous on all skin types and textures, but if the below sounds like it could be you, I think you’ll particularly love it!
Busy beauties like new parents, 9-to-5ers, and anyone who prefers a 5-minute makeup look that’s quick and easy to create!
Dry and mature skin types that are especially fond of the hydrating, cream base of a stick foundation.
Cream makeup lovers who are looking for a foundation that lays beautifully underneath their favourite cream bronzers and blushes.
Discover how to choose the best foundation for your skin type
Shop Stick Foundation
Item 1 of 26
Item 2 of 26
Item 3 of 26
Item 4 of 26
Item 5 of 26
Item 6 of 26
Item 7 of 26
Item 8 of 26
Item 9 of 26
Item 10 of 26
Item 11 of 26
Item 12 of 26
Item 13 of 26
Item 14 of 26
Item 15 of 26
Item 16 of 26
Item 17 of 26
Item 18 of 26
Item 19 of 26
Item 20 of 26
Item 21 of 26
Item 22 of 26
Item 23 of 26
Item 24 of 26
Item 25 of 26
Item 26 of 26
Share article
Author Details
Charlotte Tilbury
Founder, President, Chairman and Chief Creative Officer of Charlotte Tilbury Beauty
With over 30 years experience, Charlotte Tilbury MBE is the world's number 1 makeup artist and British beauty entrepreneur. Charlotte established Charlotte Tilbury Beauty in 2013, which is now a record-breaking beauty brand that has won over 400 awards.
