If one thing has changed the face of beauty over the past few years, it's beauty sticks - blushers that do double-duty as lip tints, long-wearing shadows that make light work of a smoky eye; concealers and foundation sticks that halve the time it takes to touch up. Simple, streamlined and convenient, sticks take up less room, travel well and require little more than a clean fingertip to smudge them into place.
If you aren't already a fan, pop down to the nearest beauty counter to see what you're missing out on. Long-term devotee? Then you'll be pleased to know that the modern beauty stick is expanding from makeup into skin and hair care.
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For example, new to Mecca Cosmetica is Bumble & Bumble's BB Colour Stick ($41), a water-resistant root disguiser that comes in five shades and is perfect for covering up greys. Clinique (the brand that pretty much started it all with the Chubby Stick) now has a clever alternative to makeup wipes - its Take the Day Off Eye Makeup Remover Stick ($48) is a lipstick-sized product you swipe over eyes and lashes to wipe away all traces of liner, mascara and shadow. And M.A.C's Prep + Prime Essential Oils Stick ($56) is a convenient multi-purpose moisturising balm that can be used anywhere, anytime.