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Fumble-proof makeup sticks that'll make your life a whole lot easier

Stop scrambling after your workout – these MVP makeup sticks will prep you in a snap

By Erin Docherty

Women's Health Beauty Editor / March 02 2021

Whether you’ve slogged it out at a pre-work HIIT or you’re running from lunchtime pilates to a meeting, it’s possible to scale back that hot mess look after a workout. You just need the right kind of products. And we know just the squad for the job: these multipurpose, travel-friendly champs are solid 10s. They won’t take up space in your bag or chuck sickies at the last minute – they’re on the damn task, morning, noon and night. Easy to apply and zero tools required, these compact sticks are “a gift from the make-up gods!” says freelance makeup artist Lisa Fulginiti. “They’re great for on-the-go touch-ups, and perfect if you don’t wear a lot of make-up and just need a little cover or colour.” Play around with this lot.

Clarins My Clarins Pore-Less Blur & Matte Stick

Say buh-bye to pores and excess shine with this handy primer stick. Though she may be adorably small, she’s packed full of mattifying, non-comedogenic ingredients that leave skin with a lightweight, velvet texture – perfect for pre-makeup application.

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YSL Beauté All Hours Foundation Stick

Apply this lightweight, oil-free foundation in a line down your nose, across your cheeks and dot around your hairline, then blend it outwards. Rocking a cute new pimple or dark circles? Use YSL Beauté All Hours Foundation Stick as a concealer and dab a little extra where needed. This formula’s a winner because it’s non- greasy, non-creasy (meaning it won’t settle into fine lines) and stays put. Plus, it won’t spill all over your clothes. Major points.

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Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick

Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick gives way to the creamiest colour that can be effortlessly applied on your lids to shade, define, smoke and highlight your eyes. It does it all without creasing, flaking or fading (it’s also completely water resistant). “Directly apply the stick onto your lids, then blend the colour out using your fingers,” says Fulginiti. “This technique is great for when you want a subtle wash of colour instead of a more defined, structured look.”

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Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear Stick Highlighter

Great for long days, this cream-to powder highlighter comes in three satiny shades; lilac (pictured), honey and gold, which impart buildable radiance into skin. Melt the luminescent formula into the high points of the face for that covetable lit from within glow. “Press along the top of the cheekbones and blend outwards towards the hairline. You can also swipe it across the top of your lip – the Cupid’s bow – to create fullness, under the eyebrow bone to lift your eyes, and lightly down the bridge of the nose. Also press into the inner corners of your eyes to make them look bigger and brighter.”

Westman Atelier Face Trace Contour Stick

Runway-worthy cheekbones are now at your disposal on the daily with this travel-friendly contour stick. Forget about unsightly muddied application though, this thing contains pigments that mimic your skin tone for a flawless, even finish. Balancing China clay works simultaneously to reduce excess oil production and minimise shine, while berry flux vita nourishes and firms skin.

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NudeStix Nudies Bloom All Over Dewy Color Blush

This triple-threat will solve all your post-workout pre-date woes. It functions as a blush, lipstick and an eyeshadow. Swoon. For a healthy pop of colour on your cheeks, apply NudeStix Nudies Bloom All Over Dewy Color Blush using your fingers. “Swipe the colour in an upwards motion along your cheekbones, then press the product in,” says Fulginiti. “The heat from your fingers will help it blend into your skin.” Seamless.

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If you’re looking for more multi-tasking goodies, check out our article on the beauty products that’ll get you ready faster.