The chicest way to survive this heatwave? Pop one of our beauty director’s favourite sunscreen sticks in your handbag for quick, easy, makeup-proof sun protection…
When the sun is shining but you’re constantly on the go, reapplying SPF can often feel like more hassle than it’s worth, not least because traditional sunscreens can leave your makeup slipping down your face and your hands sticky and in need of a wash. Equally, when you are travelling light, perhaps with only a carry-on or when out and about in the city sun, it can often seem like you’re forced to compromise on your favourite sunscreen to save on space in your bag.
If any of this rings true, you’re going to love beauty’s latest summer trend: the SPF stick.
Quick to apply, super travel-friendly and surprisingly affordable, most sunscreen sticks glide on invisibly and won’t ruin your makeup. Better still, many of the best formulas are packed with skincare benefits, from hydrating ingredients to antioxidant protection, making them a smart addition to any summer beauty routine.
From the sport-proof solution that’s great for active types to clutch bag-friendly formulas, our beauty director has tested countless options and narrowed it down to the very best ones, many of which will leave you change from a £20 note.
Darling by name, certainly Darling by nature – this new sunscreen brand is helping redefine what SPF looks and feels like, and you'll find it in a whole host of beauty editor beach bags as a result. It not only offers super high broad-spectrum protection in a one-swipe stick format, it also contains lots of nourishing ingredients such as peptides, ceramides and marula oil, to keep your skin hydrated and happy throughout the day.
You won't want to stop applying Dior's sunscreen stick this summer, not least because of the chic packaging which deliberately avoids the bright tropical colours that are all too common from sunscreen brands. Also make it your go-to if you tend to get oily in the sunshine. That's because it not only provides invisible factor 50+ protection, but also has a mattifying finish to ensure that your T-zone and cheeks never get too shiny.
Even if you don't want to carry a bag with you, CeraVe's sunscreen stick can keep you protected as it is the size of a large lip balm, easily fitting into the pocket of your shorts or jacket. Another highlight is that the formula uses trusted mineral rather than chemical filters – namely zinc and titanium dioxide – meaning it can provide broad spectrum 50+ protection that's kind to sensitive skin that may have reacted to sunscreens in the past.
This is the SPF stick I turn to if I'm about to go running or swimming in the sunshine. In fact, it's the perfect companion for actives types. Totally invisible on your skin so you can layer it on so thoroughly you won't worry you've missed a spot, the SPF 50 coverage it provides is very water resistant so you can sweat and go into the water basically stress-free.
Anua's sunscreen stick doesn't just protect your skin with factor 50, it also gives it the sort of instant healthy glow that helps you look like you've just been on holiday (even if you are still at home or only on day one of your trip). You can trust it to be super moisturising as well; it’s packed with hyaluronic acid, peptides and squalane.
Specifically designed for sensitive or highly exposed areas that can be prone to burning, such as around your eyes, lips and across scars, Lancaster's SPF stick is celebrated for its long-wearing protection, due to a water and sweat-resistant formula that's still kind to more delicate skin. It's great for long days in the city sun too, due to its invisible finish and non-greasy feel that works well over and under makeup.
This is the sunscreen stick I'd recommend popping into your kid's summer bags to encourage them to reapply on their own, as it is so easy to use, provides speedy application and has a weightless finish that they won't complain is sticky or greasy. It also has a really summery aroma, courtesy of the now iconic Sun Bum scent, which will get users of all ages in the holiday mood.
If you want to pack really light, consider this your makeup-SPF hybrid solution that does it all-in-one! In fact, if you love a tinted SPF – or always hate the idea of trying to reapply a traditional sunscreen over your makeup – this is the stick to choose as it has a flattering boost of colour added to the SPF 50+ formula that helps blur away imperfections flawlessly, a bit like a concealer.
It is no understatement to say that South Korean sunscreens have helped transform the SPF market and Cosrx is definitely testament to that. This SPF stick also has the added benefit of being a little bit larger than most, so you can roll it across your body as well as your face for fast and effective factor 50 protection that's lightweight and skin-soothing, due to the addition of aloe.
This is SPF that doesn't just protect your skin – it nourishes it, with Clarins’ signature Solar Protect complex which combines broad spectrum SPF filters with organic cocoa extract, aloe vera and vitamin E to deeply nourish your skin. But, best of all, it doesn't leave any heavy feeling, with a 'bare skin' finish that means you'll forget your wearing it in the best possible way.
This clever little stick glides across the contours of your face like a dream – offering a transparent finish with no white cast, no greasy mess, just smooth, invisible sun protection that is easy to reapply. With factor 50 level protection, it's also packed with skin-loving moisturisers like sunflower oil and bisabolol, and doubles as a glow-giving primer under makeup, keeping you looking chic in the heat.
Worried that if you can't see sunscreen on your skin, it's not giving you adaquate protection? Worry not! When Dr Jart+ put their SPF stick to the test on real women under the light of a UV camera you could see the UV-blocking credentials of this easy-to-use formula laid bare. Now the formula has been upgraded even further from SPF 30 to SPF 50, meaning you can get even more effective coverage, with hydrating hyaluronic acid and a matte finish, so you don't have to struggle with a shiny, greasy finish.
Haven't heard about Korean Beauty brand Beauty of Joseon yet? You need to know. The brand is helping banish old sunscreen stereotypes, with its range of silky smooth SPF formulas that are kind to your complexion. To achieve that enviable 'glass skin' finish without breaking the bank, try this stick first. It provides SPF 50+ as well as an array of skin-soothing actives such as mugwort and green tea extract, which is exactly what you need to tackle pollution's effect on your skin too.
Designed to offer high protection SPF 50+ in a single swipe without any heavy feeling, this affordable-yet-mighty sunscreen stick is worth buying multiple of so you can slot one into each of your bags. The moisturising formula that includes vitamin E and shea butter is the perfect example of why Garnier is a sunscreen brand that you and your family can always trust.
Finding a sunscreen that lasts, especially if you love sports like running or swimming, can be difficult – particularly as sweat and heat can breakdown SPF more quickly. You've found it with Heliocare's longwear formula. Lightweight yet resilient, it takes the stress out of protecting against sunburn and sun damage – and is super simple to reapply, including on easy-to-miss areas like your ears, nose and hairline.
Hello Sunday makes wearing SPF actually enjoyable – as well as stress-free. I particularly like this stick because it feels like a nourishing balm on your skin due to the addition of hydrating hylauronic acid and jojoba oil, without feeling hot or heavy to wear unlike some formulas. The broad shape makes it super quick to apply and ideal for on-the-go use, with an invisible feel. Plus, the floral scent means you'll enjoy wearing it everyday, not just on the beach.
Perfect for top-ups, even over makeup, the new Supergoop! stick glides seamlessly and quickly across your face, collarbones and hands, and has a hydrating yet matte finish on your skin thanks to a combination of antioxidant-rich ingredients with oil-absorbing silica powders. The furthest thing from the greasy or drying approach of traditional SPFs, you'll almost forget you're wearing it!
Lead image: Elf
Becki Murray is Citizen Femme’s Beauty and Wellness Director. As one of the only UK journalists to hold a Distinction-grade diploma in cosmetic science, she combines her unique knowledge with an editor’s eye to help you make smarter choices about beauty, wellbeing, and aesthetics. Becki also heads up CF’s spa guide so you could say she’s an expert in the science of relaxation too…
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