Review -- e.l.f. Moisturizing Foundation Stick

While I've been raving lately about e.l.f.'s products, I usually don't have much luck with their foundations and face products.

I've tried the Studio Flawless Finish Foundation and the Studio Tinted Moisturizer, and didn't really like either. The coverage wasn't quite what I wanted or the finish was a little too greasy, but really the main problem was the shade choices -- even the lightest options were too orange-y for my fair skin.

e.l.f. lured me in this time, though, by throwing around the word 'moisturizing.'

My dry skin just loved the sound of the Studio Moisturizing Foundation Stick.


Stick foundation can be tricky for dry skin because while you think they'll be creamy, they often drag and skip on the skin or cling to flaky patches.

While the e.l.f. Studio Moisturizing Foundation Stick isn't super moisturizing -- meaning you still need to exfoliate and moisturize well to get the best results -- it is extremely creamy so it blends into the skin very easily. It also has a very thin texture so it doesn't cling to dry areas or settle in fine lines or pores.

e.l.f. Studio Moisturizing Foundation Stick 

Because it's thin, though, it doesn't exactly offer full coverage. I'd call it medium-buildable.

I have it in the lightest shade, Ivory, and unlike the other e.l.f. face products I've tried, I find it to be a pretty good match for my skin. It seems pretty neutral to me, but it may lean a bit to the pink side.

e.l.f. Studio Moisturizing Foundation Stick in Ivory

I love this foundation for days when I'm in a hurry but want a little more coverage than a tinted moisturizer or BB cream.  I'll just do a quick swipe of it on my forehead, cheeks and chin, and then use my fingers, a brush or my Beauty Blender to blend it in. I find that I like a synthetic brush best, but all three methods can work.

I've also used this as a light concealer under my eyes on days when my dark circles aren't that obvious and it works well like that, provided I use a powder to set it.

The finish of the Studio Moisturizing Foundation Stick isn't particularly dewy, but it isn't matte either -- it just sort of looks natural on the skin. Because of that, I think that combination and slightly oily skin tones could give it a shot, as long as you set it with a powder.

It comes in the usual black Studio line packaging and you get 14 grams of product.  You can get it on e.l.f's website for $6 -- but as I always say with e.l.f. products, if you're interested in trying it, wait for a promo code because you can get it for even cheaper. I believe I only paid $4 for it.

I definitely recommend it for you're looking for a medium coverage foundation that won't cling to dry patches or settle in pores and is quick and easy to apply. It's also convenient to toss the stick in your bag to carry with you for touch-ups throughout the day.

Have you tried the e.l.f. Studio Moisturizing Foundation Stick? Are you a fan? What's your favorite stick foundation?