Are Makeup Sticks Worth It? Pros, Cons, and How to Use Them

You’re busy, and between meetings, school drop-off, and dinner prep, you’ve probably wondered: is there an easier way to apply makeup that looks great all day?

Cream makeup sticks—like the GlowTourⓇ Duo—have become a go-to for speed and simplicity. With a few simple steps, a makeup stick provides a customizable glow that can last all day.  

Don’t ditch the powder yet, though! It still has its place. 

Here’s a clear breakdown of makeup sticks vs powder, plus how to choose what fits your day.

What is cream stick makeup?

Cream stick makeup is a twist-up, swipe-on formula for blush, bronzer, or contour. You apply it directly to skin, then blend with fingers or a brush.

It’s designed to be:

• Blendable
  

• Buildable
  

• Easy to layer
  

• Travel-friendly

Makeup sticks are part of a bigger shift toward multitasking makeup products. Fewer steps. Less clutter. More flexibility.

At DIBS, that looks like:

• Desert Island DuoⓇ: Our #1 best seller has taken the complexity out of combining blush and bronzer. Our 10 shades give you warmth and flush in minutes. Consider the Desert Island DuoⓇ your 5-minute face hero.
  

• GlowTourⓇ: Blush + cool-tone contour in one duo for sculpt and glow. You can choose from seven different shades to build and blend your ideal look.
  

• Mini GlowTourⓇ: Take GlowTourⓇ on the go.
  

• Duo Brush Face: A versatile tool that helps you look great in the carpool line or at dinner. Combining the Duo Brush Face with one of our makeup sticks makes it even easier to apply and combine your cream and powder.

Makeup sticks vs powder: which is better?

Both formats work. The difference comes down to finish, speed, and preference.

If you prefer glow and speed, makeup sticks make sense. If you prefer matte and precision, powder may be your go-to. Many routines use both.

Are makeup sticks good for beginners?

Yes. Makeup sticks for beginners are often easier to control than powders.

Cream formulas are designed to be blendable and buildable. Start with a light swipe. Blend. Add more if you want extra color. Because the texture stays workable, you can adjust placement before it sets.

That flexibility makes cream stick makeup feel less intimidating and more intuitive.

Pros of makeup sticks

Fast application

Desert Island DuoⓇ combines cream blush + cream bronzer in one double ended stick. Fewer products. Less room for application error and start overs.

Multitasking built in

GlowTourⓇ handles sculpt and color in one step. Mini GlowTourⓇ fits in your bag for mid-day touchups.

Multitasking makeup products simplify your routine without sacrificing dimension.

Skin-like finish

Cream stick makeup tends to look fresh and natural. It blends into skin rather than sitting on top.

Travel-friendly

Sticks are compact and durable. No cracked containers. No powder clouds in your bag.

Cons of makeup sticks

We believe in options over rules.

Not always ultra-matte

If you love a fully matte finish, powders may feel more comfortable. At DIBS, you can get a matte finish by topping your makeup stick with our LoveBeam® Setting Powder. You can customize your coverage and set your makeup for the day.

Can feel dewier on oily skin

Some skin types prefer the lighter, set feel of powder, especially in heat.

Ultra-defined contour

Powders can create sharper lines if that’s your style. A balanced approach works well: cream for dimension, powder to set. Duo Brush Face makes that switch seamless.

Best use cases

Choose makeup sticks if you want:

• A streamlined 5-minute face
  

• On-the-go touchups
  

• A blendable, buildable finish
  

• Fewer tools in your routine

Choose powder if you want:

• A matte look
  

• Extra setting power
  

• Very defined sculpting

There’s no wrong format. Just what supports your day.

How to use makeup sticks

1. Swipe: Apply your cream stick makeup directly to cheeks, temples, or jawline.

2. Blend: Use fingers or the cream side of Duo Brush Face. Small circular motions help diffuse edges.

3. Build: Layer gradually until you reach your desired payoff.

Optional: Lightly set with powder if you prefer a more matte finish or longer wear feel.

FAQs

Are makeup sticks good for oily skin?

They can be. Many people with oily skin use cream products and lightly set with powder for balance.

Do makeup sticks last as long as powder?

Cream formulas can wear beautifully on their own and can be set with powder for added longevity.

Can you layer cream stick makeup over powder?

For best results, apply creams first and set with powder afterward if desired.