Even Experts Rave About Sunscreen Sticks—These 10 Get the Job Done
We all know how important daily sunscreen application is. Wearing SPF is the only way to protect skin from the harmful UV rays that can lead to long-term skin damage, worsen hyperpigmentation, trigger inflammatory skin conditions, speed up the process of skin ageing and even cause skin cancer. What you might not know is that applying your sunscreen in the morning isn't actually enough to protect you throughout the entire day.
"The directions of a sunscreen will tell you to reapply every two hours or after towelling, swimming or sweating," says skincare expert and cosmetic scientist Hannah English-Collingwood. "Ideally, you'd reapply in the same way you did your first application." Of course, if you're a makeup wearer or you're on the go, it's not always easy or practical to whip out a tube of sunscreen whilst you're on the tube or at work. But fortunately, this dilemma (and the importance of SPF reapplication) is something that skincare brands are catching on to, and these days there are a number of SPF products specifically designed for reapplication, such as sunscreen sticks and mists.
According to Collingwood-English, sunscreen sticks and sprays are not necessarily reliable for your initial SPF application, as it can be hard to get a good amount of coverage. "I'd recommend these for touch-ups only, and to use a lotion or liquid instead where possible," she adds.
Since I am typically out of the house for around ten hours each day, I for one, am never without a sunscreen stick in my handbag. Whilst I prefer mists for reapplication over makeup, on no-makeup days a sunscreen stick is my favourite way to ensure my skin is protected while I'm on the go. They're quick and easy to use, and you can throw them in your bag with no worries of leakages occurring. Convinced? Scroll down to discover some of the best sunscreen sticks for SPF reapplication.
Shop the Best Sunscreen Sticks:
1. Supergoop! Glow Stick SPF50
Thanks to its totally clear formula, this sunscreen stick works for all skin tones—and leaves a radiant glow in the process.
2. Hello Sunday The Take-Out One SPF30
Ignore its seemingly purple colour—this sunscreen stick also goes on totally clear. Plus, it's packed with hyaluronic acid to hydrate skin while it protects.
3. Coola Classic Sunscreen Stick SPF30
This water-resistant sunscreen stick can be used on both face and body. It's sheer and non-greasy, so you don't even need to rub it in.
4. Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Airy Stick SPF50
Isntree's regular hyaluronic acid sunscreen is one of my favourite SPFs to recommend to dry and dehydrated skin types because it's so hydrating. With eight different types of hyaluronic acid, this stick version is just as moisturising.
5. Sun Bum Original SPF 30 Sunscreen Face Stick
For just £14, this is a great budget-friendly option—and it promises water resistance for an impressive 80 minutes.
6. Thank You Farmer Sun Project Sun Stick SPF50
Perfect for sensitive and breakout-prone skin, this soothing formula contains cica and calamine to calm irritation and reduce redness.
7. Caudalie Vinosun Invisible High Protection Stick SPF50
I love Caudalie skincare, so I was delighted to see that the brand had released a sunscreen stick. With a water-resistant formula and grape seed and buriti oils to soothe the skin, I just know I will be reaching for this all summer.
8. Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Dew Balm Sunscreen Stick SPF 30
Another new launch, but this time from Glow Recipe. The brand's sunscreen stick is perfect if you like that glowy look thanks to the addition of niacinamide and hyaluronic acid.
9. Shiseido Clear Suncare Stick SPF 50+
This lightweight, clear formula feels super smooth to apply, and thanks to the brand's SynchroShield™ technology, the SPF strengthens when in contact with water, sweat and heat.
10. Givenchy Skin Perfecto Stick UV SPF 50
Thanks to light-reflecting pearl pigments, this sunscreen stick also doubles up as a highlighter for an all-over glow.
This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
Grace Day is a beauty editor and content creator. She has over 10 years of beauty-industry experience, spanning editorial, retail, and e-commerce, which gives her a unique understanding into how people shop for their beauty routines.While studying for a history degree (specialising in the history of beauty) and working as a beauty adviser in department stores, Grace started writing her own beauty blog in order to share the products she discovered while dealing with acne. After graduating, she moved to Beauty Bay as beauty editor and content manager. Grace is currently a beauty contributor to Who What Wear. She has also written for Hypebae and PopSugar and works as a brand consultant and copywriter.
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