Day one I swiped this stick across my face and immediately texted my group chat “wait what.” It melted in like a tinted moisturizer that actually has opinions.
By day 30 I had stopped reaching for my liquid foundation entirely — and my pores didn’t throw a tantrum about it.
It’s a solid balm that claims to be foundation, skincare, and glow in one stick. $54 at Yves Saint Laurent. I rolled my eyes, then I bought it.
Melting texture
Swipes on like butter, then sets in 30 seconds — no blending sponge needed
Sheer-to-medium coverage
Hides my redness but my freckles still show. That’s the sweet spot.
Built-in sponge applicator
Actually useful. I just dab and go. Doesn’t get gross if you clean it weekly.
Photo: Nick Noel / Unsplash
They packed this with skincare actives that actually do something. The hero is hyaluronic acid for plumping, plus squalane for moisture. But the surprise MVP? Glycerin — it’s the real glow driver here.
- Hyaluronic Acid: Holds 1000x its weight in water — plumps fine lines instantly
- Squalane: Mimics your skin’s natural oil, so no greasy feeling
- Glycerin: Draws moisture from air into skin all day
- Niacinamide: Calms redness and shrinks pore appearance
Photo: Marek Studzinski / Unsplash
First swipe: feels like a cold stick of silk. Then it warms up and turns into a second-skin finish — not dewy, not matte. That weird perfect middle.
Week two I noticed my skin looked better without it. Less red, more even. That’s when I stopped caring about coverage and started caring about what it left behind.
Photo: Igor Rand / Unsplash
My pores looked smaller by week three — not dramatically, but noticeably. The glow stayed all day without getting greasy. But if you have oily skin, skip the T-zone application.
Photo: averie woodard / Unsplash
It’s not perfect — but it’s the closest I’ve found to a “my face but better” that also improves your skin over time. I’m on my second stick.