LW's Summer Essentials: Sun Sticks

There is no way you have missed the popular kid on the block this year: sunsticks! Videos of dermatologists rating them or skincare addicts applying sun sticks under a UV camera have popped up everywhere. One thing is clear, sunsticks are the new SPF fanatics’ dream. With new popular products however come just as many questions, so let us break those down for you and read on to find out what we love so much about these handy little sticks.

Psssst there is a limited time surprise on our favorite sun stick picks. Read on to find out our must-haves and try them yourself.

Sunscreen vs. Sunstick

We love love love that our customers have educated themselves on sunscreen and know the importance of (re)applying an SPF. With the sunsticks joining the SPF gang you might still however be wondering what the differences are, and whether you should hop on the train and get a sun stick yourself.

While we do love a sun stick for reapplication, a good old sunscreen in a tube does a better trick at creating a base layer of protection on our skin. This is because it’s simply easier to track how much you apply on your skin. You’ve probably heard of, or are even using, the 2-finger sunscreen method or ¼ teaspoon rule, aka the amount of sunscreen you should apply on your face to ensure you get the intended SPF protection. These methods of application are easy to track and ensure you apply enough, and are thus well protected.

The same unfortunately cannot be said for a sun stick. While the American Academy of Dermatology suggests applying (at least) 4 passes on every part of your face you want to protect, it's difficult to say when you have applied enough. This guideline of 4 passes has also received some critical feedback on whether it’s a trustworthy way of applying sunscreen. Since it depends on the pressure you apply, spreadability, and formula of the sun stick. Plus, have you ever tried applying 4+ passes? It can get pretty messy and sticky. So for this simple reason we love to apply a regular sunscreen in the morning, making sure to create a good protective base, and always have a sun stick ready for reapplication to maintain that high SPF protection throughout the day!

How to use a sunstick?

Sun sticks are fairly easy to use, and we are big stans for using them when reapplying your sunscreen throughout the day, especially over make-up. You just pop them out of your bag and apply short passes wherever you would like to reapply your sunscreen. By applying the sun stick in short passes you prevent tugging at your skin too much. Is your sun stick a little difficult to apply at first? Warm it up on the inside of your wrist by rubbing it on there for 1-2 seconds, and voila.

LW’s Favorite Korean Sunsticks

We know it’s really difficult to choose with a new sun stick seeming to pop up on the market every week. But you know us, our favorite sun sticks come straight from the skincare magicians out of South Korea. We have rounded up our three favorite choices of sun sticks for the summer of 2023. And guess what? You can now score our favorites with 25% off for a limited time only! Check them out below.

Abib Sunstick

Why we love the Abib Quick Sunstick Protection Bar SPF50+ PA++++: This is a must-have for anyone with a darker complexion or dry skin. The Abib sun stick is totally transparent, gives you a wow moisturizing effect, will protect your skin and your make-up won’t budge at all! 

Isntree Sunstick

Why we love the Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Airy Sun Stick SPF50+ PA++++: The droplet form means you will reach every little corner on your face to make sure it’s fully protected. Also, we love that the Isntree sunstick is formulated with naturally derived soothing and hydrating ingredients, making it perfect for anyone with sensitive skin.

Tocobo Sunstick

Why we love the Tocobo Cotton Soft Sun Stick SPF50+ PA++++: All the oily skin skincare lovers rejoice! This sun stick is a total dream for anyone that suffers from overactive sebum production, making it great for combi and oily skin types. It has a mattifying effect and is enriched with a Herb AC Complex that works anti-inflammatory on the skin.

Share your favorite sunstick picks with us below! What sun sticks have changed your SPF game this summer? Still in search of the perfect sunscreen first? Then check out our best sunscreens for every skin type.