Sunscreen sticks have totally changed how I reapply SPF. I used to hate getting greasy lotion all over my hands in the middle of the day, so I’d just… skip it. Not great. But these sticks are a whole different story.
They’re portable, mess-free, and you can swipe them on anywhere, anytime. I keep one in my car, one in my purse, and one on my desk. They’re perfect for hitting those easy-to-miss spots like your ears, nose, and the part in your hair.
After testing a bunch of them—some chalky, some greasy, some just right—I’ve found the ones that are actually worth your money. These are the sunscreen sticks I’ll be using all year long.
This one costs about $16.22. It’s become my go-to for reapplying on my oily T-zone throughout the day.
The texture is amazing. It’s so lightweight that it just disappears into your skin without feeling tacky or leaving any kind of white film. It honestly feels like nothing, which is exactly what I want from a sunscreen I’m using multiple times a day.
The Downside: If your skin is on the very dry side, you might find this one a little bit drying after a few hours.
You can find this one for around $18.25. Its biggest strength is its matte finish, which is a lifesaver for combination skin like mine.
It glides on so smoothly and immediately takes down any shine. I love it for those mid-afternoon touch-ups when my face starts looking a little greasy. It’s like a blotting paper and sunscreen all in one, and it doesn’t transfer onto anything.
The Downside: It’s a pretty small stick, so if you’re using it every day, you’ll go through it pretty quickly.
This stick is about $16.22. The cooling sensation is the real deal with this one. It’s not a gimmick.
On a hot, humid day, swiping this on feels incredible. It instantly cools and calms down my skin, especially if it’s feeling a little irritated or flushed. The texture is velvety and it absorbs without any greasy feeling or white cast.
The Downside: If you try to layer it on too many times, it can start to feel a bit greasy.
For about $14.87, this is a fantastic option for reapplying over makeup. I was skeptical, but it really works.
It has this unique cotton-like matte finish that glides right over my foundation without smudging it or getting cakey. It doesn’t dry my skin out, either. I just swipe it on and gently pat it in, and my makeup looks just as good as before.
The Downside: On some parts of my face, I noticed a very slight chalkiness if I didn’t blend it in well.
This one is a bit pricier at $20.28. If you have sensitive skin or prefer clean, vegan formulas, this is a really solid choice.
It’s totally transparent and has a soft, powdery feel that’s really pleasant. There’s no scent, no grease, and it never irritated my skin. It just feels clean and simple, but with powerful protection.
The Downside: The price is a little higher than many of the other K-beauty options.
At around $8.50, this is a super affordable and reliable mineral option. I trust CeraVe for my sensitive skin, and this stick lives up to the name.
It’s packed with ceramides, zinc oxide, and titanium dioxide, so it protects and supports your skin barrier. I use it for precise application on my nose, ears, and around my eyes. It feels gentle and non-irritating.
The Downside: It does have a slight white cast when you first apply it, but it blends out after a few minutes.
This stick runs for $32. It’s the one I throw in my bag for the park, the beach, or a hike. It’s built for an active day.
It glides on completely clear, so there’s no fighting with a white cast. I love how easy it is to swipe on my kids without any complaints. It’s also water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, so it stays put when you start to sweat.
The Downside: It’s definitely on the more expensive end for a sunscreen stick.
At $39, this is a premium mineral sunscreen stick, but my sensitive skin thinks it’s worth it. EltaMD is a brand dermatologists always recommend for a reason.
This 100% mineral formula feels incredibly smooth and blends in without any weird residue. It never clogs my pores or causes breakouts, which is a huge win. It’s my go-to when my skin is feeling particularly reactive.
The Downside: The finish is pretty dewy, which I like, but it might feel too shiny for very oily skin types.
This one costs about $12. I’m a sucker for the classic Sun Bum scent—it just smells like summer and the beach.
I use this one specifically for my face because it never stings my eyes, even when I’m sweating or in the water. It glides on with a nice matte finish and doesn’t feel heavy at all. It’s perfect for quick touch-ups on the go.
The Downside: The SPF 30 is great for everyday use, but I’d prefer a higher SPF for a long day in direct sun.
For around $14, this is a great drugstore find, especially for acne-prone skin. The “dry-touch” claim is totally accurate.
It contains a high concentration of zinc oxide but doesn’t feel heavy or greasy like some other mineral formulas. It leaves my skin feeling soft and protected without clogging my pores. It’s also water-resistant, which is a nice bonus.
The Downside: Because of the high zinc content, you definitely have to spend a little extra time rubbing it in to make it blend completely.
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