Smashbox released a new foundation that comes in a stick form called the Studio Skin Face Shaping Foundation Stick. The new foundation is double-ended and it comes with a stick foundation on one side and a cream contour shade on the other. It’s listed as for all skin types and it provides medium coverage with a natural finish.
From Sephora’s website:
This is an all-in-one stick that gives you coverage and sculpting on the quick. The foundation side gives you medium, buildable coverage with smooth blendability and a natural-looking finish. Use the soft contour side for a perfectly coordinated contour shade that adds dimension in seconds, while it shapes and sculpts with the angled tip. Each end delivers lasting coverage that will not settle into pores or fine lines while allowing color to stay true. Both formulas moisturize the complexion, and offer coverage that stays sweat-, humidity-, and water-resistant.
The Smashbox Studio Skin Face Shaping Foundation Stick line features 16 shades and I have 6 to share with you.
The shades that I received for testing purposes are:
0.5 (Porcelain + Soft Contour) This is the lightest shade in the line and suited for fair skin tones. The contour shade is a nice cool toned shade which I think will look great on fair skin.
1 (Peach Fair + Soft Contour) This shade is also light but has warm peach undertones. The contour shade is also warmer in tone but still good for creating natural looking contour.
1.1 (Fair + Soft Contour) The shade is suited for fair to light skin tones.
1.2 (Light Neutral Beige + Soft Contour) Suited for light skin tones, this shade has warm undertones.
2.1 (Light Golden Beige + Soft Contour) This shade is my shade so I think it will suit people with light/medium skin tone. The shade is a nice warm toned foundation without being too yellow.
2.2 (Light Warm Beige + Soft Contour) This shade also has warm tones but will suit people who are on the darker side of light/medium.
Regarding the formula of the stick foundation, it has a natural matte finish and feels light on the skin. I could achieve medium coverage with using two swipes on my cheeks and one on my chin and forehead. I recommend using either your fingers or a buffing brush for blending. Using a brush works the best with stick foundation since they are thicker than your usual liquid foundation.
If you have dry skin I also recommend using a face oil before application and also damping your brush for easier blending. It will also prevent for the foundation to catch on any dry patches that you have.
The contour side of the stick foundation provides soft natural looking contour. The product, like the name implies is goof for achieving a skin like finish so if you are looking for a strong contour you are not going to find it with this product. I love a natural looking contour so I really liked the contour shade. The formula is very blendable and creamy without being slippery. The product also sets very well so I sometimes even use it without setting my face with powder.
Swatches L to R: 0.5 (foundation+contour), 1 (foundation+contour)
Swatches L to R: 1.1 (foundation+contour), 1.2 (foundation+contour)
Swatches L to R: 2.1 (foundation+contour), 2.2 (foundation+contour)
Bottom line, I really like the finish of the new Smashbox Studio Skin Face Shaping Foundation Stick. I also like the idea of having a soft contour shade on the other end which makes this a great travel foundation.
I’ve been really loving stick foundations lately and the convenience of both application and storage. This is definitely in my top 5 stick foundation so I’m glad I was able to test it out.
*Foundation provided by Smashbox for review concideration