Sun cream reapplication is essential but not enough of us do it - these 6 make the task a doddle

You need one of these

Best SPF sticks - woman applying sunscreen at the beach
(Image credit: Getty Images / royalty-free)

Sunscreen application is essential; it helps protect against harmful UV rays to prevent a myriad of skin concerns. And although there are some fantastic sun creams out there, it's reapplication that most people struggle with. That's where SPF sticks come in.

These modern formulas are far from what we might've considered an SPF stick years ago (thick and chalky). They're tiny, easy to use, and often have a clear formula so they work for everyone. Plus, they don't count as a liquid on holiday — another win.

However, I must stress that these sticks are insufficient for SPF protection when used alone. They're fantastic for top-ups on the go or hard-to-reach areas. However, you always need a base layer of a high protection sun cream first to make sure you've applied enough.

If you're keen to add an SPF stick to your routine but aren't sure where to start, I've got you. After trying pretty much every one out there, these are the 6 I deem the best.

Tori holding 2 SPF sticks

(Image credit: Tori Crowther)

Best SPF sticks

1. Hello Sunday The Take-Out One Invisible Sun Stick SPF30

Hello Sunday The Take Out One - Invisible Sun Stick SPF30

(Image credit: Hello Sunday)

Hello Sunday The Take Out One - Invisible Sun Stick SPF30

Best all-rounder

Specifications

Size: 30g

Reasons to buy

+
Smells lovely and fresh
+
Clear formula
+
Generous size

Reasons to avoid

-
Some people have reported that it causes eye stinging

I love this brand and I love this sunscreen. It's a clear stick formula that smells delightful (super refreshing; ideal for warm weather) and works brilliantly as a top-up. I've carried this on me every day for the past two summers and it's never failed me. In fact, I often carry around two of them because as well as using them as a top-up for my face, I also like to use them for those areas on the body that I often forget to add my sunscreen, like underneath straps and feet (hence why I carry two, one for the face and one for the body).

2. Supergoop! Glow Stick SPF50

Supergoop! Glow Stick

(Image credit: Sephora UK)

Supergoop! Glow Stick SPF50

Best for dull skin

Specifications

Size: 20g

Reasons to buy

+
Dewy finish

Reasons to avoid

-
Oily skin types won't love this

As a huge fan of Supergoop! products, this is up there with the best. It's a clear formula that, as the name suggests, gives a glowy finish and is fantastic to use over make-up. It's a dry-oil texture, but isn't greasy at all. You can apply a really generous layer of it without it ever feeling heavy. It's also water-resistant of up to 40 minutes, so ideal if you're sporty.

3. Caudalie Vinosun Protect Invisible Stick SPF50 

Caudalie Vinosun Protect Invisible Stick SPF 50

(Image credit: Cult Beauty)

Caudalie Vinosun Protect Invisible Stick SPF50 

Best for sensitive skin

Specifications

Size: 15g

Reasons to buy

+
Great for sensitive skin

Reasons to avoid

-
Since it's fragrance-free, not everyone will love the scent

A stunning product from Caudalie, which is non-greasy and feels lightweight on the skin. This formula is fragrance-free, which means it's ideal for sensitive skin types. It won't sting your eyelids (a important place to remember to use SPF) thanks to being sensitive skin-friendly.

4. Givenchy Skin Perfecto Stick UV SPF50

Givenchy Skin Perfecto Stick UV SPF50

(Image credit: Lookfantastic)

Givenchy Skin Perfecto Stick UV SPF50

Best finish on the skin

Specifications

Size: 11g

Reasons to buy

+
Great for highlighter with added SPF

Reasons to avoid

-
Not enough SPF protection to be used alone
-
Very expensive

Not that we're encouraging you to follow Gwyneth Paltrow's SPF advice, but if you're looking to treat yourself to a highlighter/SPF hybrid product then this is lovely. It has a gorgeous pearlescent finish that looks beautiful on its own or over the top of make-up. I have to stress though that due to the finish and slightly thicker texture of this stick, it's not sufficient for sun protection on its own. I typically love to use this in the summer months to run along my cheekbones (where I've got freckles) acting as a highlighter and bonus SPF protection, alongside another SPF stick for the rest of my face.

5. Soltan Active Suncare Stick SPF50+

Soltan Active Suncare Stick SPF50+

(Image credit: Boots)

Soltan Active Suncare Stick SPF50+

Best affordable SPF stick

Specifications

Size: 25g

Reasons to buy

+
Great value for money

Reasons to avoid

-
Obviously not the most trendy out there but in my opinion, it doesn't need to be
-
Misleading packaging

A great product from the brilliant Soltan range is the Active Stick SPF50+. It's non-greasy, feels nice on the skin and is a really generous size so lasts quite a while, even with repeated top-ups.

The marketing stating it's '8-hour protect' is incredibly misleading though. This is not guaranteed to protect your skin for eight hours. Sunscreen needs to be reapplied every two hours when out in the sun, even more if you're going in water and towelling off (despite saying water-resistant). If you follow the guidance of 8-hour protection when you're in the sun, you will get burnt.

6. Shiseido Clear Suncare Stick SPF50+

Shiseido Clear Suncare Stick SPF50+

(Image credit: Shiseido)

Shiseido Clear Suncare Stick SPF50+

Best for dry skin types

Specifications

Size: 20g

Reasons to buy

+
Brilliant formula

Reasons to avoid

-
On the expensive side

Last but by no means least is a classic: the Shisedo Clear Suncare Stick SPF50+. It's definitely on the pricey side but the brand has really nailed this formula meaning it's a favourite among beauty experts. It's non-irritating so I find it to be fantastic even around the eye area, doesn't feel overly heavy on the skin and has SPF50 protection. I do know some oily skin types who find it a little too much on their skin so that's something to consider. If you are oily but want to use this stick, just follow it with a little SPF power; Shiseido and Supergoop! do great ones.

Beauty Contributor

Tori is a freelance beauty journalist and contributor for Marie Claire. She has written for various titles, including Allure, Glamour, Elle, Refinery29, Brides, and more. Currently training to be a nail tech, Tori is a total nail enthusiast and always has time to talk all things nail art. When she’s not writing about beauty and testing products, Tori can be found walking her rescue dog Pip, drinking great coffee, and eating as many croissants as humanly possible.