Stick foundation. Easy to use, compact and portable…. but they can go either one of 2 ways for me. I either end up with the product slipping off my skin (back when my skin was oilier, this was a peril I faced constantly), or I’d end up with it caking on my skin and showing up fine lines I never thought existed (on dry skin, this is a constant peril).
So, what made me buy this Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick?
Friends, your guess is as good as mine LOL! 😀 I picked this up a while ago, more out of curiousity than anything else. I’d tried powder and liquid and cream, why not a stick foundation?!
And for some reason, I felt the need to own a stick foundation. I’d tried one by Face of Australia before this that I liked. Many many years ago, when I was just learning about makeup, I paid for a lesson with Estee Lauder and I remember them using a stick foundation too. Anyway, long story short, I now own the Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick and guess what? I like it! 😀
What I like most about this, is how damned easy it is to use. It is literally as easy as drawing lines on your face, and come on, they don’t even have to straight lines! 😉
See what I mean?
On left is me with bare skin (skincare + sunscreen), and in the middle, is how I usually apply this Stick Foundation. I draw these random lines on my face, then use my finger (or usually a brush) and buff it all in. The result is even toned skin, with most redness neutralised as you can see on right.
The coverage is light to medium-full, depending on how much product you apply. I like only a light, or at most, medium coverage, so I only draw the few lines you see in the middle picture. If you prefer more coverage, go over the areas that you want to cover, and blend it in. You may notice that while it covers up redness and evens out my skintone, I did not do much to cover the pigmentation on my cheekbones. I leave that for concealer, or usually I don’t really bother. I just powder up or go over with a dust of Guerlain Meteorites powders.
It is actually quite small!
The texture of the product is a dry-cream, where it is easy to swipe on the skin, but does not come off very creamy and oily. So, it does surprise me that on my normal-dry skin, I do not experience tightness, dryness nor does it settle into and show up my fine lines. I’m just left with skin that looks like me, but better, and it lasts me all day long too!
I’ve been a liquid foundation girl for a while, but I have to say that I’m all for the portability of this foundation stick. For starters, it doesn’t count as a liquid so it’s fine to carry on board planes. It is solid, so it won’t spill and it’s easy to use, so you can apply it with minimum fuss.
My shade is 0.5 Warm Porcelain, and you know, it actually surprised me that I managed to find a colour match in Bobbi Brown foundations, which tend towards a very warm, yellow undertone that doesn’t suit me very well. Warm Porcelain however, is a fairly neutral shade without leaning too pink or too yellow, so it suits me fine.
Swatches Left-Right: NARS Sheer Glow liquid foundation Mont Blanc, Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick 0.5 Warm Porcelain, Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Liquid 1.0 Warm Ivory
You may notice that the shade lies somewhere in between a yellow based foundation and a pink based one. The texture, while that of a dry-cream, isn’t very dry nor drying on the skin, but it also isn’t as liquid. To be honest, I don’t know how this will perform on oilier skin types, but I can vouch for its effectiveness on those with drier skins. I wear it all day and feel very comfortable with it. There is no oily shine, nor does it settle into lines. The longevity is also pretty good, and it makes a nice base for applying blush, because for some reason, my blush looks better and stays on better when I use this foundation as its base 🙂
IN A NUTSHELL
The Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick is an updated version of the previous stick foundation. I haven’t tried the old one so I can’t compare, but this version is lightweight on skin yet stays on all through the day without giving off shine nor settling into fine lines. It is also incredibly portable and easy to use, as easy as swiping on and blending with fingers or a brush. For lighter coverage, use a brush to pick up product directly from the stick. For heavier coverage, layer it on and blend out. I was surprised that I like this, but I do!
PROS: Lightweight texture, Not cakey on skin, Does not settle into fine lines nor get oily as the day passes, Offers light to medium-full coverage depending on how much is used, Lasts all day, Easy to use and blend on skin, Portable and travel friendly
CONS: A little pricey as it’s quite small, but a little goes a long way
WHO WILL LIKE THIS: Anyone who travels a lot and wants a portable foundation, Anyone who wants an easy to use foundation that lasts all day
Here is the ingredient list. You may have to squint a little.
I find myself reaching for this one quite often, especially when I’m in a hurry in the mornings. Its quick to just swipe on, and blend, without having to clean stuff off my hands, the way I have to when I use liquid foundation. I do use a brush to blend (my preference is with a flat top brush like this one) but I’ve also used fingers and while it takes a little more work, it blends quite easily too.
Do you use stick foundations? Have you tried this one from Bobbi Brown?
I didn’t before, but this has changed my mind. It’s comfortable, quick, easy and portable and sometimes, that’s all you ever need! 😀
Paris B
Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick comes in 24 shades Price: RM155 | US$44 for 9g Availability: Bobbi Brown counters
[show_shopthepost_widget id=”597323″]
Ting says
March 12, 2015 at 9:09 amGood morning! I have been wanting to try this for the longest time but keep finding excuses like use up the others before getting a new one… oh well… I love the idea of minimum fuss application and I can see that it’s very handy to take to trips! 🙂
Paris B says
March 18, 2015 at 5:28 pmI tell you what, see if you can get to a BB counter to try this and then take a walk in the BKK heat and see how it fares. Some people have said it doesn’t fare well for them so try it and see!
Ting says
March 18, 2015 at 5:31 pmDo you want me to ask the MUA to set the foundation with some powder too? Usually that’s how it locks in the foundation, isn’t it?
Paris B says
March 18, 2015 at 6:48 pmYes, that’ll be a good idea. I usually set mine too either with Meteorites or some loose/pressed powder depending on the sort of coverage I’m looking for for the day 🙂
Fathin says
March 12, 2015 at 10:39 amHmm, this is interesting. I’ve been playing the idea on to use Stick Foundation, even Bobbi Brown herself recommended it! And for travel, this will ideal as it’s not consider as liquid so can bring it on board, especially when you don’t have check-in luggage. For application and coverage, it looks pretty decent and easy but I will need to check it myself for final conclusion 😀
Paris B says
March 18, 2015 at 5:29 pmI always try not to check in luggage when I travel unless I absolutely have to, so this is a God send really! At least that’s one item I don’t have to worry about 😉 I do like it a lot,but yes, definitely try it for yourself and see how it holds up on you. I know of people who don’t like it because it doesn’t sit well on their skin 🙂
Sze Ling says
March 12, 2015 at 10:59 amI’ve actually tried this before too. Love how easy it was to use and its portability. However…that’s where the love ends. 🙁 It turns into this weird texture on my combo skin after around 4 hours. Sad… Maybe I’m just comparing everything to NARS Sheer Glow, LOL.
Honor says
March 12, 2015 at 4:55 pmSame feeling here. I also have combo skin and this cannot stay for a long time on my face before melting into weird texture. The beauty assistant at the counter did advice using this for retouching too, and I found this way better than using it directly as base foundation.
Honor, from Hong Kong.
Paris B says
March 18, 2015 at 5:48 pmHi Honor, thanks for sharing your experience with this product on combination skin. Sorry to hear it didn’t work out for you, but glad you got it to work as a retouching product 🙂
Paris B says
March 18, 2015 at 5:30 pmOuch, sorry to hear that Sze Ling 🙁 I do have to admit that Sheer Glow is quite something! I like that one a lot too! 😀
Crystal says
March 12, 2015 at 11:10 amThis is my foundation choice since I saw Wayne Goss review it. It’s my exact match plus I got a lighter (cooler) shade for contour/highlight.
Paris B says
March 18, 2015 at 5:30 pmOoh nice one Crystal and a good idea on using a lighter shade to highlight. I do remember Wayne Goss raving about it too and I must say it looked pretty impressive in his video 😀
Parita says
March 12, 2015 at 11:48 amI love how natural it looks on you Paris! Have heard great reviews on these and now since you have given your stamp of approval..ill definitely check it out next time..i love bobbi brown corrector in Dark Peach and use it religiously..its the best corrector!
Paris B says
March 18, 2015 at 5:31 pmThank you Parita! Do take a look at it if you can but I’d suggest trying it out first because some of those with combination skins don’t seem to like it as much as I do 😀 Ooh a corrector – I think I need one too. My circles are out of hand 😛
Shana says
March 12, 2015 at 1:33 pmI’m currently IN LOVE with this foundation stick! I’ve long been a fan of Bobbi Brown foundations and the tinted moisturizer and the bb cream (yes, it’s basically a thicker tinted moisturizer!). It’s amazing to be able to swipe this stick on my face, blend with my fingers, and head out the door! It absolutely melts into my skin. Glad you found a match 🙂
Paris B says
March 18, 2015 at 5:32 pmOoh *high5* 😀 I’m glad I found a match too because this is the bee’s knees as far as practicality is concerned! I was always very leery about BB’s foundations but I’ve since also tried a liquid foundation that seems to work quite well, so maybe I’m converted too 🙂
Jennifer says
March 12, 2015 at 4:22 pmI’d be interested to try this (after I’ve used up a couple more current foundations). Seems like a great way to take one for travel or retouches.
Paris B says
March 18, 2015 at 5:33 pmAbsolutely on point, Jennifer! 😀 Time to pile on the foundations so they finish more quickly hehe… 😉
Larie says
March 12, 2015 at 11:47 pmOk, I think I might give this a shot in the future. You make it sound easy! Perfect for being on the go or traveling, especially if it’s fine on dry skin!
Paris B says
March 18, 2015 at 5:49 pmIt is! I’d love to hear your thoughts on this if you do try it, Larie 🙂 I’m not sure what other brands do a stick foundation too though.
Lily says
March 13, 2015 at 12:12 amI’ve been wanting to try this, but have yet to go to a BB counter to get a shade match. I think I’m Sand or maybe one shade lighter, I dunno. One day though… when I get my bottom to KL!
Paris B says
March 18, 2015 at 5:55 pmEh, no BB in Ipoh? Oh well, another excuse to come to KL right? 😉 If I’m not mistaken, Sand is quite yellow. But still, we never know till we try 😉
gio says
March 13, 2015 at 4:26 amThis sounds great for travelling, and so easy to use. I’m a bit concerned it won’t last as long on my combo skin, but it’s definitely something I’ll check out next time I visit a BB counter.
Paris B says
March 18, 2015 at 5:56 pmIt does seem to have a shorter longevity on combination skin, Gio. But I also think weather plays a part. So have a go next time you’re at a BB counter and see what you think 😀
Fiona says
March 13, 2015 at 8:38 amOooo. I have this too. I bought it last year from Estee Lauder warehouse sale for RM60 I think. Love it. So easy to use like you mentioned. The finishing is quite nice and semi-matte 😀
Paris B says
March 18, 2015 at 5:57 pmNice! Always a good thing to get things on sale – then if it doesn’t work out, the wallet doesn’t cry so hard hehe… Glad this worked out for you too!
Beauty Bee says
March 13, 2015 at 7:15 pmFoundation sticks remind me of the good ol’ 90s! I have always steered away from them though (despite my love for all things 90s) as I just love a liquid foundation which is dewey and hydrating. I’m surprised it performed so well for you – so maybe I shouldn’t so prejudice and snotty when it comes to foundation sticks!
Paris B says
March 18, 2015 at 5:58 pmThey do seem to have been all the rage back then right? I noticed that not many brands carry them these days. Perhaps it’s the heavier texture of the product back then, which isn’t as complimentary as the newer lighter liquid foundations for transparent skin 🙂 But yes, I was very surprised that it worked too so I guess experimentation does work! 😉
myBeautyCravings says
March 14, 2015 at 5:41 pmJust to let you know that I love your blog and the way you write. I\’m your new follower! By the way, the foundation stick looks great on you. I like it that it\’s still natural-looking.
Paris B says
March 18, 2015 at 6:02 pmThank you for reading 🙂 Yes, this one surprised me how natural it was in the end and how well it performed. Give it a go some day? 😀
Shasha says
March 17, 2015 at 8:46 pmOooh! Stick foundations! I”ve actually never tried one, but I guess your review just convinced me to pick up a stick asap! And the fact that blush stays on better with this is another good reason to add this to the stash <3
Philippe says
March 18, 2015 at 5:09 amLol, this stuff looks like fun.. drawing lines on your face like a cat. I’d do it just for the heck of it probably.
Paris B says
March 18, 2015 at 6:40 pmYes, I love that part of it – it’s fun and it helps me blend things out better 😀