I know what you’re thinking: Any kind of “stick” makeup immediately feels intimidating, right? It sometimes seems that only a makeup artist with the right brushes can build and blend a contour or bronzing stick to perfection. Well, I’m here to tell you that’s not actually true, my friends. With the right stick, the world is your oyster.
Obviously, that doesn’t take away from cream or powder formulas (which are equally great), but stick formulas just glide on so nicely and create a skin-like finish—it’s any makeup minimalist’s dream. Additionally, they’re so versatile as many bronzer sticks can be used to contour, and contour sticks can be used to create a matte look that still screams summer glow. Of course, because I’m a makeup freak and can’t help but share all my favorites, keep reading below for the best bronzing sticks I always tell my friends to snag ASAP.
The formula for this bronzer-and-highlighter duo creates a perfectly dewy look. It creates that gorgeous soft light effect and blends like a dream thanks to the convenient brush on the other end.
I mean, Fenty’s Match Stix Contour Skin Sticks are truly one of a kind. I’m obsessed with the soft bronzed effect they create—it just looks so natural. The formula is also super airy and glides right onto the areas you’d like to look a little more sun-kissed.
“Baked” is the perfect word to describe how you’ll look when you use this bronzer stick. Or rather, “toasty” if you prefer that warm tanned look by the fire type of vibe. It’s also super buildable and dries matte so it’s great for oilier skin types.
Rare Beauty consistently kills it with how many great products it has (special shout-out to the Soft Pinch Liquid Blush). This bronzer stick is no different boasting a creamy, smooth, skin-like finish that looks totally organic.
Psst—this Wet n Wild MegaGlo Stick is actually my $5 secret weapon. Normally, I’m a total formula snob and don’t buy too many drugstore bronzers, but this contour stick delivers an impeccably bronzed look in all the right places without looking too dark on me.
This bronzer-and-highlighter duo delivers radiant summer skin on the fly. It also serves up some skincare benefits as it’s loaded with squalane and rosehip oil to nourish your complexion while it’s glowy AF.
Another double-ender for you is this offering from Uoma Beauty. I love the shade range for this one and that each end blends together so seamlessly for an amped-up, illuminated look. It also contains lychee extract for an extra dose of hydration.
The shades in this highlighter-and-bronzer pen kit are so pigmented that it made me say “Ooh.” You really can’t beat that $13 price tag, either.
Westman Atelier’s Face Trace Stick provides a lush, satiny finish. Pro tip: You can use it to create a bronzed effect on the cheeks and the eyes.
I’ve never used this one myself, but I’ve seen so many creators use this as a bronzer, and it looks completely fabulous. It’s also oil-free—a plus for anyone with oilier skin.
If you like a smooth, matte look, this is the duo pen for you. The shade range isn’t amazing, but it still gives that buttery bronze glow—especially for the price point.
This is another lightweight option that can be used for contouring and bronzing. It’s also enriched with vitamin E and squalene which gives it a super-velvety texture and helps it melt right into the skin.
