Sun safety is a norm that has been hammered into us over the past few years. Not only for its ageing benefits à la Anne Hathaway, but also for its protection against melanoma. Recently, we learned from skin experts that the sun isn’t the only factor harming the skin. Blue light, found on almost every screen, can disrupt collagen and pigmentation levels, making SPF use a necessary routine even when there is no sun.
But between fussy lotions and white cast, wearing sunscreen consistently can start to feel like a chore, especially with makeup on. That is where the sunscreen stick earns its place. Small, convenient and just as useful for on-the-go touch-ups, these sticks make reapplication much easier. Skin experts still recommend using a regular sunscreen lotion as your main SPF, so sunscreen sticks are best seen as a supplement rather than a replacement. Think of them as a useful extra for moments when reaching for your usual SPF is not so easy.
Below is our edit of sunscreen sticks worth investing in.
Abib | Airy Sunstick
For those with slightly oily skin, this sunstick glides on effortlessly and leaves behind a semi-matte finish. With ingredients such as Sunflower Seed Oil and Allantoin, this sunscreen also helps soothe any irritation and dryness. And yes, it’s perfectly fine to wear over makeup, hardly budging, pilling, or caking up the skin.
Dr. Jart+ | Every Sun Day Ultra-Sheer Priming Sunscreen Stick
For those who prefer an even deeper matte finish, this sunscreen stick by K-beauty brand Dr. Jart+ works to make a sheer, almost invisible cast that dries down to a matte finish. Because of that, it can work as a primer and can go on top of makeup as well. Formulated with Hyaluronic Acid, it helps to keep the skin moisturised even with the matte finish as well as curb any irritation for those with sensitive skin.
Glow Recipe | Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Balm Sunscreen Stick- SPF 45
On those no-makeup days, the right sunscreen would matter more than ever! Glow Recipe’s sunstick not only comes with broad-spectrum SPF so it works for both sun and screens, but it is also crafted with skin-loving ingredients such as Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid to hydrate, brighten, and work on uneven skintones.
Isntre | Hyaluronic Acid Airy Sun Stick
What we love about this sunstick is its shape. Shaped like a teardrop, it can easily glide across every nook and cranny of the face, ensuring that each surface of skin is protected. This is especially important for spots around the nose that normally get neglected. And like its name, the finish on this sunstick is airy and powdery, ideal for those who avoid sunscreens because of their greasiness.
Round Lab | Birch Juice Moisturizing Sun Stick
A true suncare-skincare hybrid, this sunstick by K-beauty brand Round Lab uses Birch Tree Sap from Korean Birch trees as its core ingredient. Paired with Hylaronic Acid, plant extracts, and peptides, this sunstick is a skincare product all on its own leaving behind a cooling effect after each use. Its formulation leaves behind a more natural finish so it’s better suited for those with dry skin.
SKIN1004 | Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Silky-Fit Sun Stick
For those with oilier skin who could also use a suncare-skincare hybrid, the sunstick by SKIN1004 doesn’t disappoint. Containing tannin, it helps to care for excessive sebum, which is what causes oily skin in the first place. Whereas Vitamin E helps with any inflammatory damage to the skin and Blue Agave Leaf removes dead skin cells for smooth skin. The sunstick leaves behind a smooth, silky finish and that’s thanks to porous polymers that form a thin film upon application. Another sunstick that works best when used on no-makeup days.
Supergoop! | Glow Stick Sunscreen SPF 50
For the dry skin girlies who need their suncare to add a pop of shine, this sunstick by Supergoop! works both as suncare and as a highlighter. Formulated with dry oil, it leaves behind a dewy finish that works as a subtle highlighter. The oil blend itself helps to moisturise and reduce any damage caused by sun exposure.
Tocobo | Bio Cotton Soft Sun Stick Spf50+ Pa++++
A vegan sunstick that leaves behind a soft, powdery matte finish, this stick is especially ideal for combination to oily skin. Formulated with porous powder, it works to catch excessive sebum without drying out the skin. Cotton extracts and herb blends also help to further hydrate and soothe the skin, helping the skin to replenish itself after sun damage.
