January 8, 2019

Wet n Wild Photo Focus Stick Foundation Review & Swatches

I purchased this item and I receive a small commission if you shop using the links in this post.
2 stars out of 5

Wet n Wild Photo Focus Stick Foundation ($5.99) is a new stick foundation available in 21 shades that has a semi-matte finish with a formula infused with argan and sunflower seed oils. I love, love the fact that stick foundations are really huge right now. Spring 2019 appears to be the return of the stick foundation season and I’m quite alright with that. I don’t wear a lot of foundation and I love the idea of swiping a little on and just blending it out with my fingers which is what makes stick foundations so very handy! We’ve already seen plenty of new foundations for Spring 2019 launching but there are plenty more in the works and many are in a stick format!

Anyway, Wet n Wild’s Phot Focus Stick Foundation was pretty appealing due to its affordable $5.99 price tag! I purchased a few shades at Harmon’s and I’ve been playing around with this for a while and I do have a love hate relationship with the formula.

Here’s some deets and my review!

Wet n Wild Photo Focus Stick Foundation arrives in a chunky swivel up barrel that contains 0.42 oz of foundation. The packaging is basic but works fine and I had no issues swiveling the foundation up or down. I always like mentioning that because I really hate coming across a lipstick, foundation, etc that swivels up but won’t swivel down or has irritating packaging issues. This has none! It swivels up and down easily with absolutely no problems.

This formula is terribly confusing to me. First off, it apparently contains argan and sunflower oil yet it is marketed as matte. A quick glance at the ingredients does reveal those oils are quite further down the line which means there isn’t a terrible amount in the foundation. Which is why this is far from creamy! I’ve tried far creamier stick foundations and this is sadly not one. I’m not even sure what to call the finish. It would be matte I guess however, it has a thinner consistency almost feels plastic-y if that makes any sense at all. It’s a bit of a weird! If I had to compare it to something I’d have to say it most reminds me of Hard Candy Look Pro Bare It All Foundation Stick which had the same unusual dryness. However, Wet n Wild’s formula isn’t as dense. I think it does tug a bit during application but I managed to swipe it on easily enough.

I probably wouldn’t recommend you go out and purchase this right away because if I’m being honest here, this does feel like really cheap foundation. This surprises somewhat considering Wet n Wild has been making such progress with their latest launches. All that being said, I oddly like this formula.

Wet n Wild Photo Focus Stick Foundation Swatches (Vanilla Beige, Shell Bisque, Sand Beige)

Wet n Wild Sand Beige Photo Focus Stick Foundation

Wet n Wild Shell Bisque Photo Focus Stick Foundation

Wet n Wild Vanilla Beige Photo Focus Stick Foundation

As I said it does tug a bit and the blending wasn’t entirely smooth but once I applied and blended it I loved how it brightened my complexion and provided just the right amount of breathable coverage that evened my skin tone and didn’t adhere to drier areas. It looks surprisingly flawless on. I read a few reviews saying it sat on top of skin in an odd way but I had no issued. It looked seamless on my skin and as if I didn’t even have foundation on at all. The wear time was a bit iffy though as I only got about six hours in before it showed signs of fading.

The shades are a bit iffy as out of the three I got all looked quite dark in the barrel but applied a good deal lighter. The one that seemed to work for me best was the Shell Bisque (856B). I do think it provides more natural coverage and while it isn’t sheer it doesn’t provide fuller coverage either. However, it should conceal minor imperfections or redness without difficulty.

Wet n Wild Photo Focus Stick Foundation isn’t a life changing foundation stick. It is however, a quick swipe and go coverage option that left my complexion looking quite flawless but sadly, the formula isn’t without a few quirks! At this price though, I found myself not minding them!

Anyone try Wet n Wild Photo Focus Stick Foundation?

What did you think?

Where to buy

Wet n Wild

Wet n Wild Photo Focus Stick Foundation is a new 0.42 oz foundation stick that’s $5.99 and available in 21 shades. This formula contains argan and sunflower oil with a matte finish according to the brand. I was a little unsure what to call the finish as the formula wasn’t particularly creamy but a bit dense and the finish felt oddly plastic-y on my skin but blended to a seamless finish which did surprise me. The wear was a little shorter at six hours before showing signs of fading but did brighten up my complexion wonderfully and had a lightweight, natural look and feel on my skin.

Pros

  • Very affordable.
  • Looks natural and seamless.

Cons

  • Not terribly creamy, drags and tugs during application.
  • Shorter wear time.

Who

If you like natural, more lightweight coverage this might prove a budget friendly pick!

I purchased this item and I receive a small commission if you shop using the links in this post.

About the Muse

Isabella MuseIsabella is just an average everyday geeky girl who doesn’t blend her eyeshadow correctly, wears too much blush, and hopes she never finds her holy grail products because she likes the thrill of the chase so much. Her mission is to bring you super honest reviews on makeup, skincare, fragrance and all things beauty. She’s in no way an expert on the topic and she sure as hell isn’t a super model. But she’s passionate about makeup and is seeking like-minded individuals that like pina coladas, getting caught in the rain, and ones that enjoy spending hundreds of dollars at Sephora without feeling buyer’s remorse. If you’re that person feel free to reach out and leave a comment or follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Bloglovin‘.

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Comments

  • Bernadette

    Glad to know about these Wet n Wild foundation sticks. I am like you but I want something that doesn’t feel like makeup because I too am not a big foundation lover. Thanks Isabella for all your information it really helps and love it when you do swatches. Aha in I look forward to your blogs everyday! You are incredible!

  • Anie

    I see stick foundations and my mind goes back to the 90’s with Sarah Michelle Gellar advertising or Maybelline.

  • Ikoi Hiroe

    Just bought this. My skin loves it most of the time, but during my period is breaks up like crazy. Have you tried the Milani stick foundation?

  • Betty Jane

    I absolutely love Makeup Revolution Fast Base foundation stick. But during the summer, I can’t find a shade that matches well and I also ended up looking greasy after about 4-6 hours. I tried the Wet n Wild Photo Focus foundation stick today. I got a great color match and it stayed matte all day! My only con is that it doesn’t blend very well on my nose. Other than that, I really like it.

    • Isabella Muse

      Yay happy to hear it worked out for you! I really like this too! I DO wish it was a touch creamier though!