When the beauty industry made powder or liquid products into solids — concealer and bronzer sticks, for instance — the world went ablaze with buzz and excitement.
The same happened with the curious yet welcomed invention of sunscreen sticks. SPF is a must-have, indoors or outdoors, especially in sunny and sometimes scorching Singapore.
It’s portable, convenient, easy to apply, impossible to spill, and an incredibly accessible way to protect our complexions. What’s not to love about sunscreen sticks?
Read on for some of the most popular and best sunscreen sticks you can find, including the TikTok-viral Shiseido sunscreen stick. No more excuses for not reapplying your sunscreen every few hours now!
Credit: @ldgcool/TikTok, @glowwithava/TikTok
Benefits of Using a Sunscreen Stick
We have to admit that liquid sunscreens are incomparable when it comes to making your skin feel refreshed and moisturised when you lather it onto your skin, but sunscreen sticks claim the crown for being undeniably convenient.
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They’re just as effective as traditional sunscreens and fit into almost every bag you may own (yes, even mini bags).
It’s also a lot drier and less messy, which means no more encounters of spillage or sunscreens exploding inside your bag — perfect for travels!
For those with acne-prone skin, you could be better off with a sunscreen stick which is very lightweight and won’t cause breakouts. However, it also depends on the ingredients included and whether you keep your sunscreen stick clean.
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Another advantage is the ease of application, especially for the delicate skin around the eyes! We may be guilty of skipping SPF on our eyelids and areas around our eyes, but that’s where your sunscreen needs to go to prevent premature ageing.
In this case, sunscreen sticks are typically made to easily cover small, targeted areas like the eye region and corners of the nose.
However, there are a handful of sunscreen sticks that are made for both the face and body too, so you can really get a bang for your buck when it comes to sun protection!
How to Use a Sunscreen Stick?
Credit: @beamaxinemd/TikTok, @ldgcool/TikTok
Yes, believe it or not, there is a correct way of using a mess-free sunscreen stick!
For each specific sunscreen stick you get, there may be instructions included on how to use them. If it’s not stated, you can always write in to check with the brand.
However, for the best sun protection with a sunscreen stick, dermatologists recommend gliding it on four times back and forth in each area. This will ensure you’re using enough product to completely protect your skin!
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And when you’re done applying it on every area of your skin, rub it in for an even layer or coverage. However this may not be necessary for some sunscreen sticks that are more lightweight or designed to reach every nook and cranny of your face.
Blending the product into your face is key. Sunscreen sticks tend to have thicker consistencies than liquid formulas which can make absorption more difficult even if they’re not as slippery on the skin.
Just remember to glide four times, massage it into your skin, and follow the golden rules of sunscreen (to apply more than you need and reapply every two hours)!
Best Sunscreen Sticks You Need
Shiseido Clear Suncare Stick SPF 50+
A wildly popular and highly raved product, this Shiseido sunscreen stick protects against UV rays and skin damage that could lead to roughness, dullness, or loss of resilience.
With breakthrough SynchroShield™ Technology, its UV protective veil is enhanced when exposed to heat, water, or sweat. That makes the Shiseido sunscreen stick incredibly coveted if you’re very active or always under the sun.
Plus, its invisible, lightweight texture glides onto the skin like a dream, regardless if it’s under or over your makeup! Some Shiseido sunscreen stick reviews talked about more supple skin and a dewy finish.
Shiseido Clear Suncare Stick SPF 50+ retails for S$40 at Shopee.
Beauty of Joseon Matte Sun Stick
Another TikTok famous sunscreen stick, the Beauty of Joseon Matte Sun Stick was developed with influencer and cosmetic chemist Ramón.
What’s great is that its matte formula will make sure the product doesn’t clump and your skin never feel sticky or greasy, even after reapplying countless times over makeup.
This sunscreen stick also contains porous sebum-control silica powder to regulate your sebum, resulting in a smooth and soft-rolling feeling.
The brand’s liquid sunscreen is also a cult favourite and has won a spot on our Beauty Awards this year, so it’s safe to say that they know what they’re doing when it comes to sunscreens.
Beauty of Joseon Matte Sun Stick retails for S$14 instead of S$40 at Shopee and S$25.90 at Zalora.
Laneige Air Light Sun Stick SPF 50+
Similar to the Beauty of Joseon sunscreen stick, this one is also matte with a sebum powder in its formula to keep the skin light and fresh.
The Laneige sunscreen stick provides moisture and revitalises tired skin that’s affected by UV rays, leaving your moisture barrier protected and healthy all day long!
Laneige Air Light Sun Stick SPF 50+ retails for S$32.40 at Shopee.
Babyganics Pure Mineral Sunscreen Stick
If you’re a parent, you’re going to love this one! Sure, it’s for kids and babies, but who says it can’t be for anyone older too?
This Babyganics sunscreen stick features a formula with only minerals and active ingredients for broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection.
It’s also non-allergenic and tear-free, possibly making it the safest object to have around your child. Better yet, you can share these with your kids too!
Babyganics Pure Mineral Sunscreen Stick retails for S$35.95 at Fruugo while a pack of two retails for S$42.62 at Amazon.
innisfree Intensive Leisure Sun Stick
As the name suggests, this innisfree sunscreen stick is water resistant and made for intense outdoor activities (or for Singapore’s weather where doing nothing draws sweat).
Just like how applying a primer feels, this sun stick gives a soft and smooth finish that doesn’t get greasy.
And taking it up a notch, this triple-functioning hybrid product also works to brighten the complexion and improve the appearance of wrinkles!
innisfree Intensive Leisure Sun Stick retails for S$18.96 instead of S$20 at Lazada.
Clarins Invisible Sun Care Face Stick
This Clarins sunscreen stick is so good that it’s almost sold out everywhere, so hop on it and check out from your cart before it’s too late!
Ideal for quick touchups, its cora-safe formula lends an ultra-comfortable “bare skin” feel that remains invisible while protecting sensitive areas of your face.
It can also be applied to the hairline and scalp (yes, the skin on your scalp requires protection too) without clogging your pores.
Clarins Invisible Sun Care Face Stick retails for S$39.94 at Amazon.
Missha All Around Safe Block Sun Stick
With over 20 million sales worldwide, the South Korean brand offers a few types of sunscreen sticks.
The Cotton Sun Stick is suited for those with oily or sensitive skin that works almost like an oil blotter. Meanwhile, the Aqua Sun Stick is cooling and moisturising for dry skin.
Both vegan Missha sunscreen sticks are sweat-proof, leave no white casts, and can be easily removed with a foam cleanser.
Missha All Around Safe Block Cotton Sun Stick and Missha All Around Safe Block Aqua Sun Stick both retail for S$29 each instead of S$32 at Lazada.
Missha Cicadin Centella Water Sunscreen Stick
For those with reactive, sensitive skin, here’s an option to consider.
It has centella extracts that were aged at low temperatures in lava seawater on Jeju Island, which does wonders for soothing and moisturising the skin.
There’s also green calamine that’s coated with natural chlorella powder to leave your skin comfortable and protected.
Missha Cicadin Centella Water Sunscreen Stick retails for S$29 at Lazada.
Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Stick
Trusty skincare brand Neutrogena also has a few sunscreen stick tricks up their sleeves. One popular Neutrogena sunscreen stick is the Beach Defense which has a 4.6-star rating from over 6,000 customers on Amazon.
It might look small, but this powerful product has a beach-strength formula and SPF 50+ that can protect you from skin ageing and toss “sunburn” out of your dictionary!
Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Stick retails for S$14.98 at Amazon and S$19.20 at Lazada.
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face & Body Mineral Sunscreen Stick
Another great must-buy from the drugstore beauty brand is this good and affordable sunscreen stick.
Unlike many other zinc sunscreen stick that leaves a thick white residue, this Neutrogena sunscreen stick glides onto the skin seamlessly and gives an invisible sun shield.
And just like any other mineral (physical) sunscreen, this one’s also beneficial for those with sensitive skin.
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face & Body Mineral Sunscreen Stick retails for S$20.83 at Amazon.
COOLA Refreshing Water Hydration Stick
This vegan sunscreen stick is touted to be in a skincare league of its own. Its skincare-filled formula delivers a dewy surge of hydration with the help of coconut water and hyaluronic acid.
COOLA’s impressive sunscreen stick goes beyond in defence too, protecting your skin against pollution, blue light, and infrared radiation as well.
As a bonus, there’s a natural, plant-derived coconut scent to make reapplying sunscreen even more refreshing for you!
COOLA Refreshing Water Hydration Stick retails for S$51.09 at Amazon.
EltaMD UV Stick Broad-Spectrum SPF 50+
EltaMD’s face stick comes highly recommended by dermatologists and hundreds of its happy buyers.
It’s a little creamier than the usual sunscreen stick, which makes it easier to absorb into the skin. Plus, the stick houses a good amount of SPF 50 and 22% zinc oxide for the ultimate sun protection even for the most sensitive of skins.
The formula also features antioxidants to combat skin ageing free radicals and keep your complexion healthy!
EltaMD UV Stick Broad-Spectrum SPF 50+ retails for S$51.62 at Amazon.
Abib Quick Sunstick Protection Bar
This non-sticky, chemical sunscreen stick is also a popular option from a Korean skincare brand.
It gives a natural, clear finish without a white cast and can be applied over makeup repeatedly too.
The formula contains ceramide and acacia peptide to strengthen the skin barrier, while its molecules are bonded with hydrogen to keep your skin hydrated and control excessive oil production.
If you have sensitive skin, not to worry! This Abib Sunstick is also infused with natural soothing ingredients like aloe and cucumber extracts to calm your skin.
Abib Quick Sunstick Protection Bar retails for S$19.82 instead of S$28.32 at YesStyle.
Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Stick
Cetaphil’s sunscreen stick is a top choice that ticks all the boxes of being affordable, great at sun protection, and suitable for acne-prone skin.
Non-greasy and non-comedogenic, it nourishes sensitive skin while providing hydrating, chemical-free protection from UV rays. Its microbiome-gentle formula also helps by locking in moisture, shielding your skin barrier well.
Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Stick retails for S$20.47 at Amazon.
Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Daily Sunscreen Stick
This sunscreen stick was specifically formulated with sensitive and sunburn-prone skin in mind.
It has 21.6% zinc oxide for sun protection and also an oat essence to soothe and nourish the skin. Thanks to its lightweight and non-greasy finish, this sunscreen will prove to be exceptionally comfortable even for all-day wear.
Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Daily Sunscreen Stick retails for S$18.82 at Amazon.
Feature image credit: @glowwithava/TikTok, @uglyducklingskincare/TikTok, @ldgcool/TikTok
