Sunscreen Sticks Make On-the-Go SPF Application a Breeze—Here Are the Best

If you’ve yet to find the right sunscreen, you’re lucky to have a vast UV-protecting assortment to choose from—the best sunscreen stick included. Though there are certainly more liquid formulas around, these convenient sticks are our new favorite way to shield skin from sun rays.

Let’s take a step back, though. As a reminder, experts share again and again the necessity of incorporating sunscreen in your routine to limit the effects of cancer-causing ultraviolet rays. “The sun is responsible for 90% of the visible changes we see within the skin that are often attributed to aging,” board-certified dermatologist Dr. Julia Karen previously told Vogue. And though summer is coming to an end, don’t be mistaken to think the reduced hours of sunlight mean you need less protection. Year-round application is vital to maintaining healthy skin.

Keep in mind that sunscreen is designed to be applied initially at least 20 minutes before heading outdoors and reapplied every two hours—with a broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or higher. We’ve found the reapplication to be the trickiest part, though, considering the distractions of a busy day ahead, makeup wear, and a slew of other factors. Then, there’s the rather messy process that comes with applying a liquid—along with complications like white casts and residue. Nowadays, we’re ditching those concerns altogether with the best sunscreen sticks that can be swiped on with ease. Not to mention the convenient compactness that makes them a travel beauty bag must-have. Below, the best options to consider trying this summer and beyond.

The Glow Getter

Those partial to Supergoop’s beloved radiance-boosting Glowscreen should add its Glow Stick to cart. Just swatch this dry oil stick across your face or body for a luminous highlight and SPF 50 protection.

The Sport-Sanctioned

Vogue’s senior living & beauty editor Ella Riley-Adams counts Shiseido’s stick as her sunscreen of choice. “I love the smell, feel, and effect of Shiseido’s 50+ SPF sunscreen stick, which goes on clear and stays put during a surf session,” she writes. Crafted with the brand’s technology to become more effective in water and heat, it’s a thoughtful pick for sport and adventure enthusiasts; though, reviewers say it’s great even over makeup.

The Drugstore Pickup

Beloved drugstore beauty brand CeraVe brings this stick formula to its dermatologist-approved lineup. To reap the benefits of broad-spectrum SPF 50, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid, glide on this zinc and titanium dioxide-powered sunscreen anytime.

The Classic Choice

We’d be remiss not to feature this EltaMD’s sunscreen—the stick counterpart to the liquid formula dermatologists recommend again and again. Keep this vegan, mineral SPF 50+ sunscreen on hand for water-resistant, broad-spectrum, and antioxidant protection.

The Mineral Shield

Though Colorescience’s Sport Stick goes on white, it blends transparently onto the skin—basically, just so you can see where you’ve applied. Powered by zinc oxide, this mineral sunscreen works to shield against not only UVA/UVB rays, but also blue light, infrared radiation, and pollution.

The Sun-Protecting Tint

Loving the skincare-makeup hybrid products that are taking over the market? Give MDSolarSciences tinted sunscreen stick a try for multitasking coverage. The 100% mineral sunscreen comes in one shade, to provide a matte, glowy tint to all skin tones without the white cast.

The Tropical Fragrance

Coola’s Classic Sunscreen Stick smells like summer thanks to its tropical coconut fragrance. With broad-spectrum SPF 30 and an antioxidant-rich complex, expect this water-resistant pick to combat UV rays and free radicals.

The Nourishing Formula

Thanks to infused non-nano zinc, cocoa butter, and California poppy, Beautycounter’s stick sunscreen offers SPF 30 protection while calming and nourishing the skin. This physical mineral sunscreen is reef-friendly and water-resistant for 80 minutes too.

The Sensitive Skin Salve

In typical Aveeno fashion, its Positively Mineral sunscreen stick works wonders for those with sensitive skin—notably through the infused pure oat essence. Powered by 100% zinc oxide, this is designed to withstand sweat and water—keeping you protected in sweltering temps and on active days.