Sun sticks are having a moment—add these ones to your routine right now

We’ll be the first ones to admit, finding the right sunscreen can be more difficult than finding someone to date. Many leave ghastly white casts on the Indian skin tone, some are so greasy they make your face look like an oil field, and some refuse to blend. And when you finally zero in on ‘the one’, there’s the issue of reapplication—most liquid sunscreens are not the best candidates for whipping out of your purse and re-touching your SPF while on the move. Plus, they are sure to mess with your carefully applied make-up, and no one wants that.

Thankfully, over the past few years, there’s one product that has made it onto beauty shelves that promises to solve all these problems, and now, it is its time to shine. 

Yes, we’re talking about sun sticks—the nifty, travel-friendly sunscreen in stick form that doesn’t leave a white, doesn’t smudge your makeup, and makes re-application a cake walk. This means that now you have no excuse to not touch up your sunscreen—most sunscreens are designed to give you protection from UV rays only for a maximum for three hours, so re-applying when you’re out for longer is essential.

Below, we’ve rounded up the best ones in the market that should be a must in purse, summer or not. 

Thank You Farmer Sun Project Silky Calming Sun Stick SPF50+ PA++++, ₹2,399

Searching for a sunscreen that doesn’t smudge your make-up and feels like nothing on the skin? Then the popular Thank You Farmer sun stick might be the answer. Containing calming ingredients like centella asiatica, calamine, and asiatic acid, it protects from both UVA and UVB rays with SPF 50+ and PA++++. Those with sensitive skin will especially enjoy this sun stick, as it is known to soothe inflamed and irritated skin. 

Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Airy Sun Stick, ₹2,750 

A Korean green beauty brand, Isntree is a favourite with the skincare community for their reliable formulations, and their Hyaluronic Acid Airy Sun Stick is one of their best-selling products. If you’re on the lookout for a sun stick with a dewy effect, then this should be your go-to—the hyaluronic acid hydrates the skin deeply, and the ice plant, which is known for its cooling properties, has a soothing effect. 

Tocobo Cotton Soft Sun Stick SPF 50+ and PA++++, ₹2,340

Soft as silk, glides like a dream, has a mattifying effect—what more could you ask from a sunscreen? The Tocobo Cotton Soft Sun Stick is a cult skincare product, and for good reason. Its unique formulation with micro-sized porous powder makes it act like a primer, by absorbing excess sebum and oil. Plus, the non-sticky finish adds to the luxe feel. 

The Derma Co. Hyaluronic Sunscreen Stick with SPF 60 and PA++++, ₹999

The Derma Co. is known for their sunscreen offerings that are popular with Indian skincare enthusiasts, and their sunscreen stick doesn’t disappoint. It offers broad spectrum protection of SPF 60 with PA++++, and also boasts of hyaluronic acid and ceramides.  While HA helps retain moisture and keeps skin smooth, the ceramides in the formula help hydrate the skin and improve elasticity. 

AHC Natural Perfection Double Shield Sun Stick, ₹2,410

If you would have guessed by now, Korean skincare brands have got sun sticks down pat, with many offering effective formulas, and the same goes for this one by AHC. With broad spectrum protection of SPF 50+ with PA++++, it shields your skin from both UV rays and infrared rays. The non-sticky formula gets a thumbs-up from us, so does the nifty packaging. 

Earth Rhythm Sunstick SPF 60 Invisible Sunscreen For Men & Women, ₹799

Earth Rhythm is an Indian clean beauty brand, and their sun stick with natural ingredients lives up to their vision. Featuring natural ingredients like almond oil, jojoba oil, and Vitamin E, the formula is invisible so rest assured that it won’t leave the much-feared white cast.  Like most sunscreens, it is ideal to apply 30 minutes before stepping out, but if you’re outside, simply apply on-the-go and re-apply every three hours. We love that the sun stick comes in a snazzy refillable container!

Minimalist SPF 50 Sunscreen Stick With Adenosine, Rice Bran Oil & Vitamin E, ₹799

Another sun stick by a home-grown brand, Minimalist’s sunscreen stick provides SPF 50 protection along with PA++++ rating, and is a breeze to use. Adenosine in the formula gives it anti-aging properties (don’t we all want to look youthful forever?) and the rice bran oil brightens up the skin. Plus, the addition of vitamin E helps in preventing free radicals, so you get extra protection from the sun!