Hi Everyone!
Today, I’m comparing two stick foundations: Bobbi Brown’s Skin Foundation Stick and Maybelline’s Fit Me Shine-Free + Balance Stick Foundation. The Maybelline is obviously a lot cheaper than the Bobbi Brown and normally I would consider it a dupe, but the Bobbi Brown claims to have a natural, skin-like finish while the Maybelline stick has a natural matte finish and an anti-shine powder core that helps to mattify. For this reason, I am doing a This or That comparison instead of considering Maybelline’s stick a dupe for the Bobbi Brown one.
Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick in Ivory 0.75 – I got this at the MAC warehouse sale in September. They didn’t have a lot of shades left, I swatched it in the warehouse and it looked pretty close, turns out I was wrong. It is way too light and I need to go up a few shades.
Update: They’ve changed the corresponding numbers of the shades. I don’t know if they’ve reformulated, but I’m assuming Ivory is still the same shade. The corresponding number has changed from 0.75 to C-024.
Designed to look and feel like skin, this award-winning foundation is formulated with a unique transparent base and skin tone correct pigments for the most natural-looking, skin-like finish. A Bobbi Brown original, the innovative formula features Smart Technology for targeted moisturization or oil control depending on what skin needs. Delivers medium to full coverage and comes in a convenient swivel-up stick for at home and on-the-go application.
Maybelline Fit Me Shine-Free + Balance Stick Foundation in 130 Buff Beige – I had the liquid Fit Me foundation in 130 Buff Beige, so I decided to get the stick in the same shade. Even though the liquid is a bit too dark/pink for me, there is a smaller shade selection in the stick foundations.
This lightweight gel foundation has an exclusive anti-shine powder core that instantly dissolves excess oil. Pores look minimized and skin stays shine-free for ten hours. This oil-absorbing foundation stick goes on creamy and blends into a natural matte finish. Medium coverage. Dermatologist tested. Allergy tested. Non-comedogenic. Suitable for sensitive skin. Fragrance-free.
I used my Make Up For Ever Step 1 Hydrating Primer and I didn’t apply any powder to test the wearability. Both of the sticks set to a velvety smooth finish. If you get an oily t-zone, I suggest powdering because both foundations started to break up on my forehead and chin, and my nose was super shiny by the second hour.
Both foundations are buttery and easily glide on your skin. The Bobbi Brown covered up more of the redness around my nose, but still gave a natural, skin-looking finish. The Maybelline stick didn’t cover up as much redness and I could still see blemishes coming through, but a good concealer can easily fix that.
WINNER (Higher Coverage, Natural Finish): Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick
WINNER (More Budget-Friendly, Natural Matte Finish): Maybelline Fit Me Shine-Free Balance Stick Foundation
The Bobbi Brown stick has a more natural finish, yet offers more coverage than the Maybelline stick. The Bobbi Brown stick is also more buildable which makes sense because it claims to offer medium-full coverage while the Maybelline stick says medium coverage. The Maybelline stick evened out my skin tone, but didn’t cover up dark spots from blemishes.
I think the Maybelline is a good everyday foundation for those who just want a natural matte finish and you can pair it with a good concealer (Maybelline’s Fit Me Concealer is a great drugstore option if you can find a match for your skin tone). I think it would also be good for summer because it looks natural, but mattifies at the same time. Since the Bobbi Brown stick is more expensive, I would save it for evenings (dinners or special occasions) because it did give a very beautiful finish.
Have you tried stick foundations? What are your fave brands?
Love,
