Abstract: A cosmetic stick having an excellent spreading property on human skin is prepared from a water-in-oil emulsion which comprises 1 to 50 weight % of water, 1 to 10 weight % of a polyhydroxy compound selected from glycerol, mannitol, dulcitol and carbohydrates, 1 to 5 weight % of an oleic acid esters of polyhydric alcohols and the balance consisting of a cosmetic base material.