A couple of months ago, I was having one of those much-needed makeup clear-outs — the kind where you promise yourself you’ll be ruthless but end up rediscovering long-lost favourites instead. That’s when I found my Hourglass Vanish Stick Foundation tucked away at the back of my drawer.
I can remember exactly when these first launched. I saw Jaclyn Hill using them on YouTube and, within about five minutes, I was on Space NK ordering not one, but four shades. (In my defence, I didn’t know what shade I was — and clearly thought I was a professional MUA that day.)
I’ve always been a sucker for stick foundations. They’re quick, easy and make me look like I’ve actually got my life together. The Hourglass Vanish Stick Foundation became one of my absolute favourites for a very long time — and after falling back in love with it recently, I thought I’d share a proper review for you guys.
Coverage
Let’s start with what I love most about this foundation — the coverage. If I’m wearing foundation, I want full coverage. I don’t really see the point otherwise. This product is basically a solid stick of pure pigment, and I adore it for that reason.
The coverage is incredible from the first swipe. It covers everything — dark circles, pigmentation, bad decisions — you name it. If you want to sheer it out, you can easily do that with a damp sponge or lighter base underneath, but for me, I love that it gives a flawless, perfected finish instantly.
Ease of Use
The main reason I reach for stick foundations is because of how easy they are to use. As much as I love sitting down for a full glam session, there are plenty of mornings where I just want my makeup done fast.
With this, I literally draw a few lines across my face, grab my Beauty Blender, bounce it around a few times and I’m good to go. It’s quick, effortless, and completely fool-proof.
Shade Range
When this foundation first launched, one of the big talking points was the shade range — and for good reason. Hourglass released 40 shades, which was pretty impressive at the time. The range covers a brilliant mix of undertones, and all of my friends (including those with deeper skin tones) have been able to find a great match.
It’s nice to see a luxury brand putting the effort into inclusivity even back then, and it definitely helped cement Hourglass as one of the more forward-thinking beauty houses.
How It Looks on the Skin
One of the reasons I’ve fallen back in love with this foundation is because of how good it looks on the skin — not just when it’s first applied, but as the day goes on.
It’s one of those products that actually gets better with wear. From the first moment, it looks smooth and flawless, but after an hour or two, when your natural oils start to come through, it creates that gorgeous, radiant “your-skin-but-better” finish. Basically, it melts into your skin in the best possible way.
How It Works with Other Products
I always test how a new foundation pairs with the rest of my makeup because I’m not sacrificing my other favourites for one product. Thankfully, this one plays nicely with everything.
I’ve used it with all sorts of primers, concealers and powders — both drugstore and high-end — and it’s never caused a single issue. No pilling, no patchiness, just perfectly blended makeup every single time.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been thinking about trying the Hourglass Vanish Stick Foundation, consider this your sign to do it. The coverage, the ease, the finish — it’s everything I want in a foundation.
I honestly can’t see this one leaving my collection anytime soon. Every time I wear it, I get compliments on how flawless my skin looks (which is always nice when you’re actually running on three coffees and very little sleep). Make sure to leave me a comment down below and let me know if you’ve tried this foundation — or if you’re planning to pick it up!
