Test Drive #7: Sunscreen Sticks
Over the years, I've become a big fan of sunscreen sticks. One example is the Life Brand Face Stick SPF 60, but my recommendation is really for this style of sunscreen in general rather than any single brand.
What I like about sunscreen sticks
No messy hands. The biggest advantage is that the sunscreen goes directly onto your skin (I use it mostly for my face). There is no need to squeeze lotion into your hands and then spread it around. Your hands stay clean, and less product gets wasted.
Quick and easy to apply. The roll-on format makes sunscreen application fast and easy. A few swipes across your forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin, and you're done.
Easy to carry. Most sunscreen sticks are small enough to fit in a pocket, backpack, or purse. They are much more portable than a bottle of lotion.
Simple to reapply. Reapplication is important, especially when spending time outdoors. With a sunscreen stick, you simply pull it out and apply another layer directly over the existing one without making a mess.
Stays on. In my experience, sunscreen in stick format stays where you put it. It doesn’t sweat off as easily as liquid sunscreens.
Doesn’t run into your eyes. Traditional sunscreen lotion on my forehead tends to run into my eyes when I sweat. The stick type stays put even during a sweaty Nordic walk.
Invisible. The versions I prefer go on clear and leave little or no visible residue. They don’t make my face look shiny or greasy.
Efficient use of product. Because the sunscreen is applied directly to the skin, the product ends up where it belongs instead of being absorbed by my hands, wiped onto a towel, or lost through sweating.
Things to watch out for
Not all sticks go on clear. Watch for sunscreen sticks marketed for kids. Some go on white instead of clear, often because they contain mineral ingredients such as zinc oxide. This requires you to rub the sunscreen in with your fingers, which defeats part of the reason I prefer the stick format.
One downside
They can be expensive. I was surprised to see a jump in prices this year. My latest stick, purchased from Shoppers Drug Mart in Toronto (Life Brand Sunscreen Stick for Kids—this one goes on clear, not white), cost $18.99, and other brands were even more expensive. Sunscreen sticks often cost more than traditional lotions when you compare the amount of product you get. However, I find they last a surprisingly long time because there is very little waste. The product goes directly onto your face and stays in place. (Note: I see that prices online and at other stores seem to be less expensive, so shop around.)
