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.
