5 Skin-Care Sticks That Will Change Your Travel Beauty Routine

The appeal of makeup that comes in stick form—foundations, blushes, bronzers—is easy to recognize: The portable solids glide on easily and, unlike liquids, will not spill or end up in the TSA confiscated bin at the airport. Now just in time for peak travel season, a host of skin-care products—from cleansers to primers to depuffers—are appearing in the same twist-and-go format.

Leading the trend is H2O+ Beauty’s Elements On the Move Cleansing Stick, a large balm infused with the does-it-all power of coconut oil, along with pearl extracts to dissolve dirt and makeup on the go. Rub it over damp skin to generate a foam that rinses off—and also cuts down on waste.

For a post-workout fix, Milk Makeup’s Cooling Water is the gym bag hit of summer: The unique gel stick absorbs quickly and calms red, inflamed skin with a dose of hydrating seawater and depuffing caffeine. Pop it in the fridge overnight, and it will feel like an ice cube on your face the next day. (As with all sticks, it’s best to keep it at, or slightly below, room temperature to prevent melting.)

To prep your skin for makeup and take down surface shine, there are two solid options: The Estée Edit’s Pore Vanishing Stick has sheer pigments at the inner core and oil-absorbing powders around the edge (together, they leave skin toned and polished), while K-beauty brand Caolion’s Pore Sebum Control Moisture Stick mattifies and minimizes pores with a blend of botanicals and silica.

On the subject of pores, though, one does wonder if these sticks—which often contain wax—could lead to build-up. “In theory, you would assume that a stick would cause breakouts, but that may not be the case,” says New York City dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD. “Waxes actually sit on the skin and can help protect it, making them suitable even for sensitive skin.” His advice is to focus more on the ingredients, less on the form they take. “As with any product, if you have acne, look for products labeled noncomedogenic or non-acneic,” he says. “If you’re sensitive, look for fragrance-free options with hydrating ingredients.”

Or simply go for a retooled classic that’s already inclined to suit your skin type. Clinique’s Take the Day Off Eye Makeup Remover Stick features a soothing, moisturizing formula similar to the brand’s original Take the Day Off cleansing balm. You can quickly swipe it over your lids and lashes to remove all traces of makeup or to just erase an errant stroke of eyeliner—which should come in handy when you’re rushing to make that final boarding call.

 

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