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Everything is better on a stick. Think about it — ice cream is better on a stick; hot dogs are arguably better on a stick; foundation (though you wouldn’t think it) is lowkey better on a stick, and brands seem to agree — Fenty recently launched a complexion stick and now Ami Colé is joining the fun with its newest launch: the Ami Colé Skin Enhancing Stick.
Let's rewind to 2021, the Skin Enhancing Tint was the brand’s foray into complexion back. I wasn’t the biggest fan of that formula due to how heavy it felt — turns out I wasn’t the only one. After taking feedback from their community Ami Colé learned that those with oily skin found the Skin Enhancing Tint “intimidating”. With that, they set out to create a new complexion product suitable for all skin types. “We went with the stick format because of its accessibility, convenience, and ability to be used on the go,” says Ami Colé founder Diarrha N'Diaye-Mbaye.
You’re probably used to seeing foundation shades go from lightest to darkest but that order is flipped for the Skin Enhancing Stick because Ami Colé stands on business when it comes to their commitment to the Black community. The 16 shades go from darkest (100) to lightest (340), which at face value doesn’t seem that expansive (given the 40-plus shade ranges that exist on the market). However, N'Diaye-Mbaye was very intentional in curating this range to ensure there would be a shade for everyone. “We did our homework on this one, as we do all of our products,” says N'Diaye-Mbaye. “We discovered that the current favorites in the stick foundation category tend to veer too yellow or red, flashing brightly on the skin.” With that in mind, crafted a formula that is flexible and “fills in the gaps,” when it comes to undertones.
The medium-coverage formula features African power ingredients including Baobab Seed Extract, hibiscus flower extract, and shea butter, which is an “emollient rich in vitamins A, E, and F that provides a skin-softening effect,” says cosmetic chemist Ginger King.
I tested out the foundation stick in 90-degree humidity under the scorching African sun during my recent trip to Ghana and it truly held up under the conditions. My perfect match is the shade 150 but I also found that shade 140 makes for a great concealer. For this first try, I swiped the stick directly onto my face and was pleasantly surprised by the buttery smooth texture. I used the Ami Colé Complexion Brush to blend it out with ease. After finishing off my makeup with a touch of concealer, blush, and the Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powder, I was seriously impressed with how beautiful the coverage of this foundation is.
The finish is slightly matte which I love and it did an adequate job of covering my dark spots while smoothing my complexion — not to mention it’s so lightweight it barely feels like you’re wearing anything at all.
Four hours into my day, I barely had to do any touch-ups despite the sweltering heat. The Skin Enhancing foundation stick will be making an appearance in my everyday makeup routine for sure but it’s not full coverage enough for those mega glam moments (which is okay.) The size also makes it great for traveling — especially those trips where you need to bring just enough makeup.
At $29, this foundation stick is worth the price when you consider how beautiful the finish is and the convenient portable packaging.
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Jennifer Hussein, commerce writer, in shade 330
I have a particularly unique skin tone that's both pale and ever-so-lightly tan, so when I first received the shade 330 I was skeptical about whether this was a true match for my skin tone or not. Thankfully, it wasn't dark for my skin at all — once I blended out this velvety formula with my fingers, it immediately disappeared into my complexion, concealing little dark spots and rosacea-induced redness in the process.
I love that this skin tint stick has a buttery, melt-on-my-skin texture that immediately dries down to a light, powdery finish. Three swipes were all I needed for a sheer-to-medium finish, so a little goes a long way.
Jennet Jusu, editorial assistant, in shade 310
I’m already a huge fan of Ami Cole’s concealers, so this skin-enhancing stick was truly heaven-sent. While I’m not much of a foundation girly, this provides just enough coverage and pairs well with other products so I’m happy to reach for it anytime. I used the shade 310 which was a perfect match. I applied the stick directly on my face: alongside my forehead, cheeks, nose, and under my eyes. I used a brush to blend it out which made for seamless application.
The coverage is on the lighter side but can be built up which I discovered after adding a tad bit more at the creases above my lips and under the eyes, using my fingers to blend it out for more coverage. After five hours in the cold, my face didn’t feel dry at all and the coverage held up even after blotting once or twice.
Jesa Marie Calaor, senior editor, in shade 320
The Ami Cole Skin Enhancing Stick is versatile and reliable whether you’re doing full makeup look in front of your vanity or touching up your complexion on-the-go. It’s extra-creamy and the shade 320 blends seamlessly across my medium-tan skin. I apply it using short strokes and taps and blend it with my fingers when I don’t feel like breaking out my sponge or dense foundation brush. Just one layer of the stuff is enough to conceal the redness around my nose and cheeks, which is what I like to use this stick for the most.
Bianca Richards, social media manager, in shade 330
It's been a couple of years since I last used a foundation stick. The last one I used was such a perfect match and I couldn't seem to find another fit after the brand was discontinued. It wasn't until I tried this Ami Colé Foundation Stick that I felt that same inner joy from finding the perfect foundation stick to not only match my complexion but enhance my natural radiance. I prefer lightweight base products that give me a natural finish, and with just a few swipes across my face, I already have the perfect amount of coverage that I need to create that seamless base for my everyday look.
The Ami Colé Skin-Enhancing Lightweight & Blurring Foundation Stick is available on the amicole.com and at Sephora for $29.
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