It’s been a long time since I used stick foundations but I was curious to try them again because I love the ease of them. Just swipe it on the skin, blend it out and that’s it. I don’t have to worry about using a mixing palette or the back of my hand to dispense the product and then apply it onto the face. Stick foundations are so easy to use but not all are suitable for mature skin. Since stick foundations are a solid texture rather than a cream or liquid, there is a chance that it could be too heavy, too dry and perhaps more likely to show texture, lines, etc.

I decided to begin testing a few in order to share my thoughts on which ones I loved. After using and wearing a handful of different stick foundations, I have found four formulations that I really enjoy and wear regularly. My skin has changed so much these past few years so finding a stick foundation that works on mature skin took some time but I definitely think these are worth trying.

Best Stick Foundations For Mature Skin

Dior Forever Skin Perfect Stick Foundation

The Dior Forever Skin Perfect Stick Foundation is designed to give the skin a natural finish while blurring imperfections and delivering up to 24 hr wear. The 24 hr wear claim is absolutely insane and one of my biggest pet peeves about makeup brands but I can confirm that it does stay put ALL DAY LONG until I remove it. For me that is usually 8-10 hours but I am sure it would last longer though I am hesitant to say it would last a full day. It’s a hydrating formula but not in a intensely dewy or glowy way. It’s creamy, smooth and keeps my skin looking the same at the end of the day as when I applied it first thing in the morning.

The Dior Forever Stick Foundation gives a true natural skin finish. Not too dewy, not too matte. It does manage to be the perfect blend of both to leave the skin looking natural and radiant in a subtle way. It stays looking natural throughout the day and doesn’t get increasingly shiny or dewy. My skin type is closer to dry and slightly mature so I wasn’t sure I would like something without a glow but I absolutely LOVE this. And the blurring aspect to it is truly impressive. It really does give a smoothing filter like finish to the skin.

Ilia Skin Rewind Blurring Foundation and Concealer Complexion Stick

Ilia beauty is known for creating makeup/skincare hybrid products that perform well but also have added skincare benefits in them. This Rewind Complexion Stick is no exception. It is a complexion stick designed to give medium coverage, a natural matte finish and provide a slight blurring effect to the skin. The formula is said to be long wearing and help to provide anti-aging benefits over time such as smoothing and firming the skin. My skin is a bit more normal to dry now so I wasn’t sure I would love the natural matte finish but it was creamier than I anticipated which was nice. The creamy finish and blurring aspect was noticeable immediately though I definitely feel this is a summer foundation for me more than a winter one. The natural matte finish is great for the heat and humidity and it manages to feel weightless on the skin.

Merit Beauty The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick

This is a complexion stick that you can use as a foundation or a concealer or just spot treat where you need it. I personally use it all over my face as a traditional foundation which means it will probably run out a bit sooner than my other stick foundations which is a downside but the formula is so great that I would be willing to repurchase it even with this issue. The Merit Minimalist Complexion Stick gives a creamy satin finish to the skin and is very easy to blend. It provides sheer to light coverage but it spreads nicely so you can cover a large portion of the face with just one swipe.

Even though I have dry skin, this formulation works beautifully on me and doesn’t require a ton of skincare prep to ensure it looks seamless and skin-like. If you have more oily or combination skin, this would be a great option since it has a natural satin finish. For the sheer coverage, I wasn’t expecting it to be incredibly long wearing but it surprised me and wore beautifully all day long.

Westman Atelier Vital Skin Foundation Stick (discount code: 10MAREE)

I was not a huge fan of Westman Atelier makeup a few years ago when I tried a handful of things from the brand. Everything felt a bit too emollient and dewy for my slightly combination skin at the time. Fast forwards to today and my skin type and texture have really changed and I LOVE Westman Atelier products now. While I love all the foundations listed in this group, the Westman Atelier Vital Stick Foundation is my favorite. It manages to look even more skin-like than any of the other formulas and is almost undetectable on the face. It gives light coverage that can be built up a bit but blends in seamlessly and makes you skin look like it’s just had a facial. It’s fresh and dewy but not glowy or greasy. It is truly the perfect embodiment of a complexion product making your skin look like skin.

It looks nearly perfect after I first apply it, but it manages to look better as the day goes on! I have rarely ever found a complexion product that looks better the longer it is on my skin but this is definitely true for the Westman Atelier Vital Stick Foundation. If you have oily or combination skin, I still think this would work but may require a setting powder or light dusting down the t-zone to help prevent shine. If you have normal or dry skin, this is an absolute DREAM! Truly one of the best complexion products I have ever used.

Summer is here so that means many people will be heading to the beach for vacation and relaxation. For me, choosing what to wear is one of the most exciting parts of the beach experience. LOL The perfect beach outfit should balance comfort, practicality, and style while being appropriate for everything from relaxing on the sand to grabbing lunch, sightseeing, or enjoying sunset drinks. There are so many outfit options when going to the beach and it’s a great time to experiment with color and print too! And if you want some book recommendations for your trip, here are some of the best books for a beach vacation. If you need some inspiration, today’s post will be a round up of beach outfit ideas to add to your suitcase.

4 Beach Outfit Ideas

A great beach outfit goes beyond just swimwear. It focuses on creating a look that feels effortless, practical, and put together – yet still comfortable and easy to wear in the heat/humidity. Choosing versatile pieces and breathable fabrics can make getting dressed effortless.  Building outfits around timeless staples and thoughtful accessories can help you create beach-ready looks that feel fashionable, functional, and appropriate for every part of your trip.

How To Look Chic At the Beach

Choose breathable fabrics like linen and cotton.

The fabrics that you wear in the heat will make all the difference when it comes to comfort. Opt for natural fibers and breathable materials like cotton and linen.

Stick to neutral, white, or coastal-inspired colors

Create a core group of outfits using neutral tones and then add in pops of color when needed. Neutral tones are usually brown ,black, white and cream but at the beach you can add blue in to that group of basic colors that can be worn year after year.

Wear relaxed pieces that look polished without feeling overdressed.

Flowy silhouettes and billowy pieces are great options for those long beach days. Sometimes oversized pieces can feel too casual but at the beach, these silhouettes can look effortless and chic.

Add stylish accessories such as a straw hat, woven tote, or oversized sunglasses.

My favorite part of beach attire are all the accessories!

Keep jewelry minimal and practical for the beach.

For a rule of thumb, opt for simple and practical jewelry. But if you are going somewhere extra fabulous and over the top, it’s perfectly acceptable to break out the statement pieces even with a swimsuit!

Prioritize comfort, as confidence is often what makes an outfit look effortlessly chic.

If you are constantly readjusting your outfit in any way, don’t wear it to the beach. Choose pieces that fit and make you feel comfortable with no adjustments needed.

What To Wear To the Beach

Swimsuits

When it comes to swimsuits, I am a firm believer that you should wear whatever makes you the most comfortable. There are so many amazing styles available these days so everyone can find something that works for them.

Linen shirts

Wear it alone or use it as a swimsuit coverup. Linen shirts are a beach outfit staple.

Cover-ups

Swimsuit coverups have come a long way from when I was younger. So many chic styles that will take you from the beach to lunch without needing to change!

Maxi dresses

A flowy maxi dress is always a great beach outfit choice. Comfortable and easy to dress up or down.

Matching sets

I love matching sets any time of the year but when at the beach, they can be such an easy way to instantly look put together.

Linen pants

It seems counterintuitive to wear long pants when its super hot out but I find that I am actually cooler in flowy linen pants than I am in shorts on the hottest days. I love the look of linen pants but it also helps to protect my legs from the sun beating directly down on them and that barrier does actually keep me cooler.

Denim shorts

Denim shorts will always be a beach favorite but try to choose a more relaxed style rather than something too short or too fitted.

Sandals

Invest in a simple pair of neutral toned sandals to wear with all your summer looks. Something more elevated than a flip flop but still casual enough to wear with shorts and a tee. Opt for a flat sandal rather than something with heels because summer overall is a more casual season and you will get more wear out of something you can comfortably walk in for hours.

Sun hats

Sunscreen is not enough all the time so investing in a sun hat is another great way to look chic while still protecting your skin.

Sunglasses

This is the part of a beach outfit where you can really have fun with different shapes and prints.

Woven Totes

A straw tote or rattan bag is a must have for the summer. I wear the same ones over and over each year and find that they never go out of style. And they look so much better styled with lightweight summer fabrics than suede or leather does.

4 Beach Outfits

One Piece Swimsuit with Pareo

Outfit 1: One piece swimsuit | Pareo | Sandals | Sunglasses | Tote Bag

The ultimate chic beach vacation look!

One Piece Swimsuit with a Cover-up

Outfit 2: One piece swimsuit (discount code: MAREE10) | Coverup | Sandals | Hat

I personally own this swimsuit and coverup so I had to include it in my roundup. The swimsuit is a cult classic for good reason and worth the splurge!

Maxi Dress with Sandals

Outfit 1: Dress | Sandals | Bag | Sunglasses

I am in love with the soft muted floral print on this sundress! Keep the rest of your accessories neutral to let the print be the focal point.

Matching Set with a Straw Tote

Outfit 2: Shirt | Shorts | Sandals | Bag | Hat

The best part about a matching set is you can wear it together or break up the pieces. Wear the shorts with your bikini top or wear the top with some white linen pants as other outfit options.