Maybelline released its new “Fit Me” Anti-Shine Stick Foundation in July 2013 with promises of a “lightweight gel stick foundation with an anti-shine powder core” that delivers “flawless, shine-free skin.”

Sounds fantastic, especially for those with oily skin!

When I purchased this product, I was a little stunned at the small size. This could be considered an advantage, as the size makes it ideal for travel. In fact, it would be easy to stash in your purse and use for touch-ups later in the day. Here it is, pictured next to my hand for scale:

My shade is the palest — “Porcelain” — out of the 12 offered. You can glimpse the (supposedly) anti-shine core in the center of the stick:

The foundation feels lightweight on the skin and blends well with a brush. (I tried to apply the product with my fingers, but this resulted in streakiness.) Like most foundation sticks, the coverage is buildable. The undertone seemed neutral, which aids in shade selection:

Before foundation:

After foundation:

Full face of makeup:

Looks fabulous, right?

The problem is, however, that my face became very oily by midday. This is a big strike against a foundation that claims to be “anti-shine.” In fact, this product may suit dry, mature skin better. Even though it is perfect for on-the-go makeup application, the inability of this foundation to live up to its primary claims, and the lack of SPF, forces me to deduct a couple of points here.

Final Score: 3/5 Stars

Available at Wal-Mart, CVS, Walgreen’s, Target, Rite Aid, and ULTA for $7