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 and Ilia have both launched complexion sticks. The latest, 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.