Makeup

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.

Sunscreen is the one skincare non-negotiable that I wear every single day. 365 days a year. I even wear it when I’m at home, not leaving the house because we have a ton of windows in the home so sun can still get through. Sunscreen formulations have come a long way so if you don’t like wearing one, keep trying until you find a formula that works for you. There are so many to choose from with every texture imaginable. I thought it was time I made a dedicated post to all my sunscreen favorites, updating it as I find new formulations or stop using old ones. This post will cover face, body, tinted options and everything else in between. Hopefully you can find a new SPF to add to your collection too!

Sunscreen Formulas I Recommend

Face Sunscreens

Tatcha The Milky Sunscreen SPF 50

This is one of the most beautiful sunscreen formulas I’ve tried in a long time. It feels like a nourishing hydrating serum rather than a traditional sunscreen. It wears beautifully under makeup and leaves a fresh radiant glow to the skin. A must try for mature skin!!!

Naturium Dew-Glow Moisturizer SPF 50

There is a reason this is a top seller for Naturium!  While the name is Dew-Glow, I would say this is not overly dewy so it would work well for a variety of skin types. It’s creamy, moisturizing and leaves my skin with a natural finish. The price point is also what makes this a cult classic – $44 for 100mL which is nearly double the amount of every sunscreen in this list.

Versed Good Defense Daily Sunscreen SPF 50

If you prefer a lightweight gel-cream texture, this SPF is a must try. It’s intensely hydrating as soon as you apply it leaving my skin feeling plump and well-balanced. It’s a clear formula that leaves no white cast on the skin.

Credo Beauty Solar Limits SPF 43 (discount code: 10MAREE)

I fell immediately in love with this sunscreen serum as soon as I first tried it. It’s very lightweight and absorbs instantly. It doesn’t feel greasy or oily yet still hydrates and moisturizes my skin.

Sonya Dakar Day Drops SPF 50 Serum (discount code: MAREESYE)

If the feeling of traditional sunscreen formulas are hard for you to get used to, this is another sunscreen serum that I absolutely love. Super lightweight and hydrating formula that leaves the skin with a soft natural skin finish. This is also a great product to wear under makeup because of how quickly it absorbs while still leaving the skin nicely prepped.

OneSkin OS-01 Face SPF 30+ (discount code: MAREE15)

The OneSkin OS-01 Face SPF 30+ is one of my most repurchased skincare items. It’s a lightweight, hydrating formula that feels nearly undetectable on the skin. It absorbs instantly and wears beautifully under makeup.

Naked Sundays SPF 50 CabanaClear Invisible Water Gel Serum

If you struggle with sunscreen leaving a white case of any kind on your skin, this formulation is completely clear when applied. It feels like a watery serum that is lightweight and absorbs quickly. It’s perfect for days when the thought of putting anything on your face is too much. This feels slightly refreshing and provides amazing sun protection.

Anua Zero-Cast Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 50

Because my skin is dry, I do love sunscreen formulas that feel rich and nourishing. But in the summer, I will switch to formulas that still hydrate but feel more lightweight on the skin. The Anua Zero Cast SPF feels moisturizing initially which is great for my mature skin but doesn’t feel too rich or intense. It actually makes my skin look supple and super plump which is not the case for many formulations. It’s one of the reasons it became a favorite for me. The name denotes that it won’t give a white cast to the skin but you do have to wait a minute or two for the initial sunscreen “finish” to fade. Once it settles down, it looks natural and undetectable on the face.

Sunscreen Sticks For the Face

Bloomeffects Tulipscreen Shield & Glow SPF 50 stick (discount code: Maree)

This is my preferred SPF stick to keep in my purse when I’m out and about. It is moisturizing and leaves the most natural soft glow on the skin.

Kiehl’s Better Screen UV Serum-in-Stick SPF 50

I have this in my pool bag so it’s a great formula to apply when I’m out in the sun and sweating. It’s not as glowy but goes on clear which I prefer. My son and husband also like this formula because it feels like nothing on the skin.

Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen Stick SPF 40

Another favorite for the pool bag because it helps to control the appearance of oil and shine on the skin. Goes on clear and doesn’t feel heavy or uncomfortable as you apply more throughout the day.

Sunscreen For the Body

OneSkin Triple Power OS-01 Body SPF 30+ (discount code: MAREE15)

The OneSkin Triple Power OS-01 Body SPF 30+ is an absolute must have for me. I hate the way most body sunscreens feel especially if I am wearing them day to day and not at a pool or beach. This one is so moisturizing and feels like I am applying a lightweight body lotion that absorbs almost instantly. It isn’t shiny or greasy but does leave my skin with a subtle healthy glow.

Supergoop Play Everyday Lotion SPF 50

This is the preferred sunscreen that I leave in our pool bag for the entire family to use. It feels very lightweight, doesn’t leave any white cast on the skin and really protects my fair skin. Some body sunscreens will do a good job but if I get in and out of the pool, I will eventually get burned even if only a small bit. I never burn with this on!

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk SPF 100

A new addition to the pool bag this summer. This is a sunscreen milk with SPF 100 protection! The entire family loves this and is what I reach for when I can’t be in the shade for whatever reason. I don’t have to reapply this as frequently as my other body sunscreens but this still protects me from ever getting burned.

Emma Lewisham Sunceutical SPF 50 Mineral Body Cream

A new-to-me sunscreen that I’ve been testing for the past few months. I really love the way this feels and wears for an everyday body SPF. It leaves a nice healthy radiant look to the skin which I prefer for day to day. Something I can apply to my chest and arms even when I’m working from home and will only be going outside to run an errand or get the mail. I still like to have sunscreen on but something that leaves my skin looking glowy but not shiny. This is perfect!

Tinted Sunscreens

Bloomeffects Tulip Dew Sunscreen Serum SPF 50 (discount code: Maree)

For those with dry or mature skin types, this is truly one of the best sunscreen serums I have ever tried. It leaves your skin nourished, glowy, plump and supple. It provides protection against UVA & UVB rays, pollution, blue light and free radicals. Out of all the sunscreens in this list, the Bloomeffects Tulip Dew Sunscreen Serum gives the sheerest coverage. It can’t even really be described as coverage but more like a slight pigment that helps to even out the skin tone and color correct.

Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50

I’ve heard so many great things about this tinted SPF so I’m not sure why it took me so long to try it – but I am HERE NOW FOR IT!!! I can now understand why this has so much buzz surrounding it because the formulation is 10/10. This is a tinted SPF that goes on white and then transforms into a skin tone shade when you blend it in. The coverage is sheer but can be built up slightly to really even out the skin tone and conceal small imperfections.

Naked Sundays BeautyScreen SPF 50 Peptide Foundation Tint

This is a thin and lightweight tint that gives sheer coverage but enough to wear as your daily makeup. It’s formulated with peptides and squalane so it delivers skincare benefits while also providing a light tint for everyday. If you have sensitive skin, this may be a great option. It has different ingredients in it to help calm and soothe the skin.

Merit Beauty The Uniform Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 45

This tinted mineral sunscreen is gorgeous and truly feels undetectable on the skin while still giving amazing coverage. It has some blurring properties which I immediately saw as soon as it was applied. And it makes the skin look smooth, even, and has a velvety-like radiant finish. It is extremely long wearing and looks great at the end of the day with little to no separation.

Missha M Perfect BB Cream SPF 42

Even though this BB cream gives medium to medium-full coverage, it manages to feel like I’m wearing nothing on my skin. Additionally, it is one of my longest wearing foundations! How it looks in the morning is exactly the way it will remain until the end of the day. This BB Cream is one of the longest wearing complexion products I own.

Versed Skin Multi-Serum Skin Tint SPF 40

Lightweight and skin-like, this tint evens out the complexion perfectly while also providing SPF 40 sun protection. Initially this looks like it will be very sheer and provide little to no coverage just based on how thin the liquid looks when you first pump it out. I was shocked when I went to apply it and found it gave much more coverage than I was anticipating. In between sheer and medium is where the coverage falls but you can definitely build it up slightly if needed.

Lip Products With SPF

OneSkin OS-01 Lip Shield SPF 15 in Bare Blush (discount code: MAREE15)

I love everything OneSkin does so I knew I would adore this new lip launch. And I was right! But I didn’t just adore it – it immediately became a favorite. The color is the perfect neutral everyday pink that I can wear with any makeup look. It feels nourishing with no tackiness (and no weird sunscreen scent).

SPF Powder

Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush On Powder SPF 50

If I do happen to get shiny throughout the day, I will touch up with this sunscreen powder. It is absolutely genius because it helps to tone down any shine while also adding a layer of sun protection. It’s small and compact so I keep it in my purse and can always have it with me.