3 Editors Try Ilia’s New Foundation Stick on Different Skin Types
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Finding our perfect foundation shade down to the undertone, with the right consistency and coverage is no easy feat. We're always looking for the best formulas on the market and have tried plenty of options over the years. Although most popular foundation tend to be liquid, we were eager to see if stick formulas would live up to our standards, specifically the Ilia Skin Rewind Blurring Complexion Stick.
Our editors are already fans of Ilia's lineup of minimal makeup and skin care, whether it's the bestselling Super Serum Skin Tint, the moisturizing Base Face Milk, or the illuminating Bright Start Activated Eye Cream. When we learned that the brand had recently developed a skin-care-infused complexion stick in a whopping 40 shades, we decided to have three POPSUGAR editors put it to the test.
The Skin Rewind Blurring Complexion Stick is supposed to be a medium-coverage foundation that's also buildable enough to double as a concealer. It contains a ceramide-peptide complex, butterfly lavender extract, and kelp extract, which are supposed to help visibly firm and smooth the skin while strengthening its barrier and improving luminosity.
Since it's a stick format, you can swipe the complexion stick directly onto the skin or wherever you need the most coverage and blend it with a beauty sponge, a dense brush, or your fingers. The formula is supposed to melt into the skin and settle into a natural matte finish. The brand states that it's supposed to be long-wearing for up to 12 hours and instantly give the skin a blurred, smooth appearance. It's available in 40 shades in a variety of undertones.
We asked three editors with different skin tones and skin types to put the new Skin Rewind Blurring Complexion Stick to the test. Keep reading to see what we thought and how it held up to each of our complexions' needs.
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Ilia Skin Rewind Blurring Complexion Stick on Oily Skin
Ilia Skin Rewind Blurring Foundation and Concealer Complexion Stick in 33N Palm ($48)
"I am not one to be easily impressed by foundation sticks but this one from Ilia not only feels incredible on the skin, but it absolutely helped keep shine at bay. It's buildable, so I was able to target a few areas of dark spots that weren't covered with the first layer of product. It was like using a potted concealer, which is my favorite texture for hiding blemishes. The color match was fantastic — I used shade 33N Palm — and after a full day of wear, there was barely any oil on my skin (and this was with no primer). I'm so impressed." — Ariel Baker, assistant editor, beauty
Rating: ★★★★★
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Ilia Skin Rewind Blurring Complexion Stick on Combination Skin
Ilia Skin Rewind Blurring Foundation and Concealer Complexion Stick in 3W Spruce ($48)
"I love the idea of makeup working double time to soften the appearance of lines and wrinkles on my skin. Usually, I'm not inclined to apply makeup with a stick as I do have dry patches and I find the pigment can cake up in spots. However, I was surprised by the soft application of Ilia's Complexion Stick, and felt that it melted into my skin more easily than other matte products. Ultimately, I think I'm a liquid foundation and concealer girl at heart, but I love the idea that this stick is long-lasting. I did have a pimple on my nose at the time of testing, and I found that the complexion stick helped to reduce the redness. However, I still noticed a bit of flakiness in the area from caking." — Sarah Wasilak, associate content director, commerce
Rating: ★★★★☆
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Ilia Skin Rewind Blurring Complexion Stick on Dry Skin
Ilia Skin Rewind Blurring Foundation and Concealer Complexion Stick in 29N Batai ($48)
"I love the convenience of a stick complexion product. As someone who requires a bit more coverage, I really like how buildable and weightless this one from Ilia feels. It glides on the skin seamlessly, and I can easily diffuse and blend it out without streaks using a dense blending brush. I appreciate that I have control over where I place the product, concentrating it on areas where I need to even out my skin tone more. It has a soft matte finish and feel, which I don't mind. However, if you lean more dry like I do, I highly suggest prepping the skin with a hydrating serum or moisturizer so the complexion stick doesn't feel too cakey on the skin. In terms of longevity, I did notice the formula started to seperate and become a little patch in dry areas, like my chin, later in the day. Overall, as long as you have a hydrating base, this is a great product for a convenient and quick makeup routine." — Anvita Reddy, assistant editor, commerce
Rating: ★★★★☆
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Anvita Reddy is an assistant editor for POPSUGAR Shopping. She has a passion for products and is an avid reviewer of everything including furniture, mattresses, home gadgets, cookware, tech, and more. Having dealt with acne as a teenager and into adulthood, her expertise lies in beauty. She has tried and tested plenty of skin care, makeup, hair care, and countless other beauty products.