6 Reasons To Switch To Stick Sunscreen This Summer

Applying SPF every day and on time can be hard to remember and annoying to do. But the form of your sun protection can really make a difference. As someone who detests applying sunscreen, I've tried just about every type there is to find one convenient enough to use regularly. And IMO, stick sunscreen has a lot more going for it than other forms (yes, even those 360-degree sprays and fun foams).

I won't lie though. I do still see the need for liquid or cream sunscreens. If, for example, you need to quickly protect your whole body, a traditional sunscreen type may be more efficient (covering more surface area may be faster with a more spreadable formula). Or if you want a way to protect your scalp and strands without weighing down your hair, a light mist may be better for the job. But for basically every other SPF need, a stick is the way to go.

Before I get into why though, let me first ask you this: What do you hate most about your squeezy tube of sunscreen? Whatever it is, I'm pretty confident that a stick sunscreen won't give you the same problem. After all, these six reasons just make them so much more convenient.

1. No White-Cast

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face & Body Stick Sunscreen SPF 70, $9, Amazon

Even though liquid and cream sunscreens may be able to quickly cover more surface area, and sprays and foams may be fun to use, rubbing them in well enough to get rid of that white-cast can be a nuisance. Stick sunscreens, on the other hand, just glide on clear so you can swipe and go.

2. Scar Protection

COOLA Mineral Sport Sunscreen Stick SPF 50, $26, Sephora

If you have any scars, you may know that skin is more delicate and therefore needs some good sun protection. One of the quickest ways to build up a barrier between your healing skin and the sun is with a stick sunscreen. Just swirl it around on your scar so you know it's totally covered.

3. Grease-Free Application

Fresh Sugar Sport Treatment Sunscreen SPF 30, $25, Sephora

Perhaps the reason I most detest sunscreen is that greasy, sticky feeling it leaves on my hands. But that tube stick sunscreens come in will protect your hands from ever having to touch the stuff. Even if you use a cream sunscreen on the rest of your body and wash your hands to get rid of the feeling, you can still protect the backs of your hands by going back in with a stick sunscreen.

4. Hard-To-Reach Spots

MD Solar Sciences Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 40, $18, Amazon

Applying sunscreen under straps of your bathing suit or around your clothes can be awkward, and you may even end up with some product on your suit or shirt. But, nope, that won't happen with a stick sunscreen. Just lift, glide, release. No need to rub it in while simultaneously holding your swimsuit away from your body.

5. Delicate Areas

Bare Republic Mineral Sport Sunscreen Stick SPF 50, $10, Amazon

I don't know about you, but I feel a little weird rubbing regular sunscreen on my lips. And when I apply it around my eyes, it always runs, and I end up crying from the stinging sensation. Yeah, not a fan. The good news is stick sunscreen basically acts as lip balm with SPF (just roll it up and swipe it on). Plus, it won't melt like liquids and creams do, meaning your eyeballs will stay SPF-free.

6. Travel & Touchups

Clinique Sunscreen Stick SPF 45, $21, Nordstrom

Let's face it: Liquid and cream sunscreen bottles simply aren't TSA-friendly or the easiest things to tote around in your purse to touch up your sun protection. You see where this is going though, right? Yep, stick sunscreens will make it through security with you, and take up significantly less room in your bag. Bonus points: They also won't leak or explode, covering your belongings in broad-spectrum goop. Besides, SPF needs to be reapplied every couple of hours anyway. Might as well make it easier to do.