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If I were to describe my everyday makeup in just a few words, I’d go with easy and simple. I haven’t perfected the cat-eye, rarely mess around with contouring, and despite saving tons of tips from makeup artists on TikTok, I tend to forget about them unless I’m headed somewhere special. Instead, I prefer to stick to the basics: evening out my skin tone with foundation and concealer, then adding a swipe of mascara, brow pencil, a bit of blush, and lipstick.
My routine is already pretty quick, and I’m no stranger to slapping on makeup while commuting or right before a Zoom call. But when ILIA’s Skin Rewind Complexion Stick ($48) began popping up all over social media, even gaining approval from stars like Mandy Moore, I became curious. People were using it instead of fussing with foundation, quickly swiping it on and cutting their makeup routine times in half.
I decided to put it to the test, and while I was skeptical at first, I can now confirm I’m an ILIA Complexion Stick convert.
Aside from providing buildable, medium coverage, this lightweight product also promises to double as skincare. According to the brand’s website, the inclusion of anti-aging ingredients, such as ceramide-peptide complex, helps to visibly firm skin, while winged kelp extract restores luminosity and butterfly lavender extract smooths the appearance of fine lines.
Admittedly, my first time using this stick didn’t go as planned. I’m more of a dewy, creamy skin kind of person and this product is meant to be matte. It took a little trial and error, but I quickly realized that if I wanted to use it as a foundation, I would have to apply it shortly after moisturizing to get the look that I wanted.
Once I got that step down, things went smoothly — literally. I really love how even the smallest amounts can completely cover redness or blemishes, and if I need a bit of concealer, it’s easy enough to blend and dab the product onto my skin using just my (clean!) hands. My full routine now takes less than five minutes, which is especially appreciated on days when I hit snooze one too many times.
The stick is also great to use on the go. The tube is small enough to slip into my pocket, and along with ILIA’s Multi-Stick ($36) in Watermelon Pink All of Me (which I’ve loved for years and apply to both my cheeks and lips), I essentially have a mini, emergency makeup kit with just two items.
I alternate between using the ILIA Complexion Stick in shade Poplar 7W, which is close to my skin tone, and Spruce 3W, which is slightly lighter and perfect for covering up the dark spots under my eyes. Strangely enough, I do see an improvement in my skin after using it regularly and I swear it helps clear my breakouts, probably because it’s formulated to not clog pores.
Something else to point out about this product is that the tube is recyclable. Once you’ve used it up, just twist the stick up as far as it will go, clean out any remaining product, and remove the inner tube before throwing the outer one into the bin.
I already know ILIA’s Skin Rewind Complexion Stick will come in handy as the weather heats up and my makeup routine becomes even more basic. In my book, it’s the must-have product for summer 2024, and it’s worth it to add one (or two!) to your cart, ASAP.
