I’ve tried a few stick foundations over the years, they are the great in-between product between foundation and concealer and are perfect for providing a little bit of coverage, just where you need it. And from the lot I’ve tried, my favourite is the Nobara Stick foundation from Shu Uemura.
What I particularly love about this stick foundation is that it’s very creamy, but not greasy. It also wears amazingly; my problem often with most stick foundations is that when you do manage to find a nice, creamy one (you want to avoid the ones with powder in as they cake) it disappears very soon after application and needs constant touch ups. Not the case with the Shu Uemura Nobara Stick Foundation. Once I apply it, set it with powder, I seldom need to touch up. For evenings out, I never do, but sometimes during the day a suuuper light dab here and there (I actually just rub my finger on the end of the stick and then apply as opposed to drawing stripes on the face) is all I need to keep my make-up looking perfect and fresh.
I was sent two shades for review, 754 and 734.
Swatched Top 754, bottom 734.
There are two ways you can wear this foundation, on its own as an all over foundation or how I tend to do it, in conjunction with a lighter liquid foundation. Most stick foundations are completely unwearable using the first method unless you like the ‘mask effect’ look. However, as this one is so creamy and a little goes a long way you could easily do a couple of stripes on the centre of your face, blend out and that would be your base done! It looks fine, not cakey or heavy but admittedly doesn’t last as well as when used with a liquid foundation.
When used with a liquid foundation it simply allows you to have a full coverage complexion, without it looking heavy. All I do is use a light foundation first (at the mo MAC Face & Body) and then on the centre of the face, around the nose, under chin, under eyes, etc. I use this stick foundation. It brightens up my complexion, makes it look even and radiant and conceals any redness the previous foundation may not have got. A great technique for subtle contouring and way better than cloggy concealer.
I really, really like this product and think it’s so versatile. At £30 it is quite pricey, but it’s gonna last you years (should I admit that I would use the same stick for years?!), I’ve had it months already and it’s hardly worn down at all, so definitely worth the money. For me it’s perfect, I don’t really need regular concealer as my skin is relatively clear but I like a flawless coverage and a full coverage foundation all over is far too heavy. This, combined with my regular light, dewy foundation, allows me to look flawless but fresh. Perfect.
Lx
