As someone with alligator-dry skin, it’s rare that I find a foundation stick that doesn’t cake up, cling to dry patches or settle into every fine line and wrinkle on my face. Needless to say, I typically stick to liquid foundations and steer far, far away from stick formulations. Recently, though, Live Tinted — the first South Asian-owned makeup brand to launch at Ulta Beauty — launched a complexion stick. Me being a long-time lover of the brand’s Huebeam Gradient blushing bronzer, I knew I had to put some trust into the universe and give the new Huestick complexion stick a try. Spoiler alert: I’m so glad I did.
The launch comes after the Huestick corrector won fans over for its customizable color-correcting magic. Unlike the corrector stick, which promises to neutralizes redness, dark circles, hyperpigmentation and sallowness with a few quick swipes, the Huestick complexion stick is meant to provide smooth, buildable coverage and all-day wear without feeling heavy or cakey. True to the brand ethos, though, both formulas are designed to be accessible and inclusive, offering shades that work for a wide range of skin tones and formulas that are easy to use for every skill level.
Swiping on the complexion stick is pure magic. Available in 20 shades, the formula is incredibly creamy and glides effortlessly across the skin, blending seamlessly without the need for tugging or dragging. From the first swipe, it feels nourishing and lightweight, giving a natural, skin-like finish that doesn’t feel heavy or mask-like. Application-wise, the formula blends beautifully with both a brush and sponge (impressive considering I typically only use brushes with stick products). I prefer using a sponge on days I want lighter coverage and a dense stippling brush on occasions I’d like more coverage.
What really impressed me about this formula is how buildable it is. You can start with a sheer layer for a quick, polished look, or build it up in areas that need more coverage (for me, that’s the center of my face where I have some redness). In any case, it never looks cakey or overly done — something I appreciate given how well it covers.
But the foundation stick isn’t just about coverage — it’s also packed with skin-friendly ingredients for a true foundation-meets-skincare hybrid. It includes ceramides, which help strengthen the skin barrier and boost hydration; squalane, a lightweight moisturizer that smooths the skin; and hyaluronic acid, known for its ability to hydrate, soothe and plump the skin.
In terms of staying power, the formula passes with flying colors. Even after hours of wear, it stays comfortable and doesn’t settle into fine lines or dry patches, which is a rare feat for stick foundations on my skin type. Another standout feature of the Huestick is how effortlessly other products layer on top. Whether it’s a cream or powder blush and bronzer, whatever I apply on top blends seamlessly without disturbing the base. Formulas applied afterward sit beautifully without looking patchy or cakey — it’s the kind of stick that makes creating a polished base feel easy and stress-free.
Check out more great foundations for dry skin at a few different price points, curated by shopping writer Lourdes Avila Uribe.
A hydrating tint for under $25
Infused with hydrating hyaluronic acid, this skin tint is formulated to help moisturize dry skin, leaving skin looking and feeling its very best. It has a lightweight, radiant finish that is ideal for people who love a glowy appearance, though it provides a nice amount of even, natural coverage. It's available in ten shades and is. non-comedogenic, so you can enjoy that hydration without worrying about it clogging pores.
Promising review: "Truly my favorite tinted foundation. I have dry skin and this doesn't cling to dry patches and keep my face feeling hydrated. Even after a 10 hour day it doesn't feel dry and stiff like other tinted foundations have." — Samantha
An editor-beloved buildable foundation
I will never stop raving about the Westman Atelier Vital Skincare complexion drops. It looks like makeup, feels like skin care and leaves you with the dewiest complexion. This liquid foundation has a thin, lightweight and serum-like consistency — almost like a tinted moisturizer – with light-to-medium buildable coverage that looks just like my own skin, but way better. It blends beautifully with both brushes or a sponge and, somehow, it manages to blur my breakouts and cover redness and dark circles without looking or feeling heavy. I’ve gotten compliments almost every time I’ve worn it from people who think it’s my natural, makeup-free face. It is so feather-light that I was certain it wouldn’t even be visible, making the results all the more thrilling.
It’s gentle and hydrating, doesn’t clog pores and gives my skin an overall healthy glow. Another reason I am obsessed with it is that while it does have a dewy finish, it doesn’t leave my skin looking slick or oily. It dries down to an almost powdery consistency that leaves my skin velvety smooth and stays put all day long.
One of the most intriguing aspects of this foundation is that it’s packed with serum-style ingredients like squalane, tsubaki oil, ginseng extract and more. These work together to improve the look of skin texture, reduce redness, soothe irritation, hydrate and brighten the complexion. I regret to inform you that it's worth every penny.
A hydrating gel-like skin tint foundations
Milk Makeup's skin tint is great for people who want a buildable foundation that provides real coverage but won't fade, cake or weigh you down. It has a hyaluronic acid and niacinamide-rich formula that is hydrating and lightweight and leaves the skin with a lovely dewy finish. It's available in 15 different hues.
Promising review: "The smooth consistency and coverage of this makeup is very complimentary on my mature skin it isn’t drying and it doesn’t sit in fine lines at all it gives a nice glow and it lasts all day I don’t have to reapply during a 7 hour work shift surprisingly it looks the same at the end of the day most makeup starts to disappear on my skin by noon This makeup saves the day! It’s a great foundation !" — Renee Hudson
The original version of this story was published on HuffPost at an earlier date.