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
SUPERGOOP!
Glow Stick SPF50
£22
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
HELLO SUNDAY
The Take-Out One Invisible Sun Stick SPF30
£18
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
COOLA
Classic Sunscreen Stick Tropical Coconut SPF30
£23
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
Hyaluronic Acid Airy Stick SPF50
£23
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
SUN BUM
Original SPF 30 Sunscreen Face Stick
£14
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
THANK YOU FARMER
Sun Project Sun Stick SPF50+
£23
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
CAUDALIE
Vinosun Invisible High Protection Stick Spf50
£16
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
GLOW RECIPE
Watermelon Glow Dew Balm Sunscreen Stick Spf 30
£27
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+
SHISEIDO
Clear Suncare Stick Spf 50+
£32
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
GIVENCHY
Skin Perfecto Stick UV SPF 50
£48£38
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.
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