An Honest Review of ILIA Skin Rewind Complexion Stick 2024

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I love easy makeup. Watching TikTokers apply what seems like twenty layers of foundations and concealers feels exhausting and stresses me out — I just want to scribble something on my face that magically covers the dark circles, blemishes, and redness. I want to spend less than five minutes on my face in the morning, but I do want to look put together and well-rested. Is it really a lot to ask for in 2024?

Turns out (to my delight), not so much. I got to test the new Ilia Skin Rewind Complexion Stick ($48) — which launched March 5, and has already gotten a ton of celeb love, like from Mandy Moore. The This Is Us star took to Instagram Stories last week and shared that she was “very into this new Ilia Beauty complexion stick.” Related story This $9 Perfume Gets a 'Million Compliments' & Reviewers Compare It to Beloved Marc Jacobs & Gucci Scents

It’s not foundation, nor is it concealer; it’s like a Magic Eraser for your face, blurring, brightening, and neutralizing any redness or discoloration you may have with a few swipes. Best of all? It doesn’t feel like you’re actually wearing any makeup (the formula is near-weightless).

Ilia, Skin Rewind Complexion Stick

What IS the Ilia Skin Rewind Complexion Stick?

Before we get to my review, let’s talk about what this thing is. The Skin Rewind Complexion Stick is basically a foundation and concealer in one, but more lightweight and convenient. You can even contour with it if you purchase another stick a few shades darker, but I didn’t test this. It’s theoretically a 2-in-1 complexion product, and it stars skin-loving ingredients like ceramide-peptide complex (this firms and fortifies the skin barrier), winged kelp extract (this naturally infuses skin with radiance and luminosity), and butterfly lavender extract (this smoothes fine lines). Because it’s packed with these potent skincare ingredients, it’s actually designed to improve your complexion over time (TBD on this — I’ve only been testing the product for about two weeks).

If you’re a minimalist (lazy) beauty girly like myself, you might be wondering if this is similar to Merit The Minimalist ($38), and I’d say yes — but I think I like Ilia’s more (more on why below). Both are “complexion” sticks that seamlessly blend and buff away imperfections, leaving you with a natural finish and medium coverage. Both are great products if you need something quick, simple, and travel-friendly.

My Honest Review of the Ilia Skin Rewind Complexion Stick

So, as someone who actually really likes The Minimalist, I was wondering how this stick would be different. Let me tell you: The way it’s designed is even more idiot-proof. The surface of the stick is wider, but narrow enough to apply the formulation under eyes, around the nostrils, and dab on any blemishes, spots, or hyperpigmentation. I also think Ilia’s doesn’t settle into my pores like Merit’s does over the course of the day. The formula feels lighter, but offers the same coverage. Plus, Ilia offers a wider shade range and more product (Merit’s holds .23oz, while Ilia’s has .35oz — but Ilia’s is $10 more). Related story This $9 Perfume Gets a 'Million Compliments' & Reviewers Compare It to Beloved Marc Jacobs & Gucci Scents

Even the applicator stick itself has this built-in groove to make holding it more comfortable (Ilia really did think of everything).

How you use it: You basically apply it like a marker. Just draw over the areas you want to even out or brighten, and then use either a brush, sponge, or your fingers to blend. I used both a BeautyBlender ($20) and my fingers, and honestly both worked beautifully. I used the shade Spruce 3W on my skin tone, but you can choose from a wide, inclusive variety of other shades.

The formula really does just feel so light and creamy. I have combination skin, and it not only felt fantastic on (it kept my skin feeling moisturized but not oily), but it stayed on all day long (and I touch my face allllllllll the time). I’ve used it with both a daily moisturizer and an actual primer as a primer, and I didn’t really notice a difference in wear. This stuff will stay put. Also? The formula doesn’t oxidize, so the shade you choose is the shade that’ll stay (too many times have I used a foundation that looks gorgeous in my bathroom but then later in the afternoon I’m horrified to find my complexion orange-y).

I said this during a Zoom call with other SHE Media editors, and I’ll say it here: This is Ilia’s best launch since the Skin Tint ($48). I’m impressed every single time I use it, and I won’t hesitate to recommend it to anyone who compliments how good my skin looks (which, not to brag, but has already happened a handful of times).

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