The Best Multi-Purpose Make-Up Sticks

The Best Multi-Purpose Make-Up Sticks

From the radiance-boosting shade that sells out in seconds to hero highlighters, blushers and bronzers that can be used multiple ways, here are some of our favourite make-up sticks that are great for on-the-go...
Photography: ISTOCK/SVETIKD

All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however we may make commission on some products.

The Multiple, £30 | Nars

Best For: Instant, fool-proof radiance 

Why We Love It: Francois Nars created his iconic Multiple for women on the go who want to look great “in under three minutes”. Not always easy to get hold of (Orgasm is the brand’s best-selling shade, with one sold globally every 20 seconds), this peachy-pink tone has the perfect amount of skin-flattering golden shimmer for spring/summer. Whatever your skin tone, it’s pretty foolproof – the creamy formula and sheer colour make for a winning duo even beauty novices can use with ease. It is also enriched with powerful antioxidants vitamin E and acai oil to help protect skin from the elements. 

Available at NarsCosmetics.co.uk

Beach Stick, £30 | Charlotte Tilbury 

Best For: Summer vibes 

Why We Love It: Pink for summer? Groundbreaking. But actually, the truth is, it is. Seen on the models at the SS21 Versace, Tom Ford, Blumarine and Salvatore Ferragamo shows – to name just a few – it’s the shade that suits everyone. Use this Charlotte Tilbury sticks to create fresh, sunlit skin – think the kind of glow after you spend a day at the beach – and blend wherever you want to softly highlight your best features. If you have naturally dry skin, you’ll love the hydrating formula, which contains natural waxes to leave your skin feeling supple and plump.  

Available at CharlotteTilbury.com

Touche Éclat Shimmer Stick, £27 | YSL

Best For: 3D dewiness 

Why We Love It: If you haven’t already fallen in love with the entire Touche Éclat range from YSL, you will now. For those times when you don’t necessarily want to add more colour, but want to bring your complexion to life, this is the product to reach for. From your cupid’s bow to your collarbone, this works to highlight any feature so it catches the light. Super creamy, easy to blend and perfectly lightweight, amp it up for more luminosity in the evening. You can even apply it down the center of your arms and legs for the luxe limb look. 

Available at Boots.com

Baby Cheeks Blush Stick, £44 | Westman Atelier

Best For: Glow on the go

Why We Love It: The brains behind this incredible range is celebrity make-up artist Gucci Westman, who has painted the faces of Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Lawrence and Drew Barrymore, among many others. Expensive yes, but it’s billed as make-up with skincare benefits – so you really do get some bang for your buck. The peachy blusher offers instant glow thanks to its high-quality pigments, while hyaluronic acid works on a deeper level to boost moisture levels. The formula also contains grape extract to detoxify skin cells and promote the production of more collagen. You’ll find the buttery textures literally melts onto skin, providing the perfect pop of wearable colour. 

Available at CultBeauty.com

Mini Lip + Cheek, £16.50 | Milk Makeup

Best For: A sheer veil of colour 

Why We Love It: When a product is adored by the likes of Sarah Jessica Parker and Billie Eillish, you know you’re onto a good thing. This softly tints lips, lids and cheeks for that just-kissed, pinched-cheek vibe, but it can also be built up if you want to make more of a statement. The nourishing formula contains vitamin-rich avocado oil, mango butter and peach nectar, too – plus, it’s 100% vegan and cruelty-free. The tropical scent is an added bonus.   

Available at CultBeauty.co.uk

Nudies Matte Blush & Bronze, £28 | NudeStix 

Best For: Matte make-up lovers  

Why We Love It: When a multi-tasking product is also conveniently dual-ended with a blending brush at the other end, then it probably ticks all the boxes. Quite often, these multi-tasking creams provide a slick, wet-look finish, but not this one – great news for girls who prefer to embrace the matte look. The soft balm gives skin a healthy hint of tint (expect to receive some ‘you look well’ compliments) without any shimmer or shine. Swipe on eyes, lips and cheeks, then use the brush to stipple and blend the colour in for a natural finish. There are ten chic shades to choose from, but we love this tan shade most. 

Available at CultBeauty.com

MultiBalm, £6 | Pixi

Best For: Beauty on a budget  

Why We Love It: This is the kind of product you can use without any guilt, thanks to its affordable price tag. But don’t be duped into thinking you get what you pay for; this glides on just as well as any of its high-end counterparts, thanks to its balmy formula which contains aloe vera, shea butter and rosehip oil. While it can be used to add colour to the eyes, lips and cheeks, it can also be used to sculpt and bring out your features, too. Simply draw a line just below your cheekbones and blend with either your fingers or a make-up brush to cheat your way to a more prominent bone structure.  

Available from PixiBeauty.co.uk

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