There’s no right way to sugarcoat this: heat and humidity are our biggest enemies living in sunny Singapore. With UV levels at an all-time high, they can do serious damage to your skin, quicker than you think. A short 15 minutes of unprotected sun exposure is enough to harm your skin, and can ultimately lead to a whole host of negative effects: premature ageing, hyperpigmentation and risk of skin cancer, just to name a few. Which is why, piling on sunscreen isn’t just about skincare, it too, obliterates a health risk.
And in case you were wondering, the SPF in your makeup isn’t enough. Experts advise reapplying sunscreen every two hours, especially if you’re outdoors. With this in mind, sun care is as popular as ever today, with our current favourite trend being the sunscreen stick. These small, slim SPF products are the perfect addition to your daily skincare regimen.
Why a sunscreen stick? The answer is simple. When you’re out and about—cafe-hopping or basking in the sun—sunscreen sticks come in handy for easy application. They’re compact and lightweight, so you can slip one into your purse to bring with you. Using a sunscreen stick can be more hygienic than liquid-based formulas too. Every couple of hours when it’s time to reapply, you won’t have to scramble to find a restroom to wash your hands. Simply twist and swipe, and you’re UV-protected. Even better, sunscreen sticks don’t just shield your skin from the sun, they are often formulated with a myriad of extracts and natural ingredients that hydrate and nourish.
So in full view of the relentless heat looming in our tropical island, here’s Vogue Singapore’s selection of the best sunscreen sticks that glide effortlessly across all skin types—sans a white cast or sticky residue.
1 / 10
Beauty of Joseon Matte Sun Stick: Mugwort+Camelia (SPF 50+ PA++++)
Beauty of Joseon’s suncare products are all over TikTok and Instagram—and for good reason. The key ingredient of their sun stick is mugwort, which is a popular ingredient in K-beauty products thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. It has a natural matte finish and contains silica powder to control sebum, so you don’t have to worry about looking greasy after application.
Beauty of Joseon Matte Sun Stick: Mugwort+Camelia (SPF 50+ PA++++), $14.80, available at Lazada
2 / 10
Shiseido Clear Suncare Stick SPF 50+
Shiseido’s sunscreens consistently make their way onto ‘best sunscreen’ rankings, with their Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion SPF 50+ Sunscreen taking the top spot. The Clear Suncare Stick SPF 50+ is just as mighty—being highly water-resistant, which is essential when you’re sweating buckets under the sun. Plus, it works both under and over make-up.
Shiseido Clear Suncare Stick SPF 50+, $40, available at Shiseido
3 / 10
Supergoop! 100% Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50
Supergoop! is completely dedicated to putting out the best, dermatologist-approved SPF products, and the proof is in the pudding. The vegan-formulated 100% Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50 leaves no white cast and is ideal for sensitive skin.
Supergoop! 100% Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50, $40, available at Sephora
4 / 10
Round Lab Birch Moisturizing Sun Stick SPF 50+ PA++++
After winning awards and skyrocketing in popularity in Korea, Round Lab is finally making its rounds on social media worldwide. The Birch Moisturizing Sun Stick SPF 50+ PA++++ is uniquely formulated with birch tree sap, a nutrient-rich solution that hydrates the skin. Perfect for when you’re really feeling the heat as it also has a cooling, lightweight finish.
Round Lab Birch Moisturizing Sun Stick SPF 50+ PA++++, $30, available at Lazada
5 / 10
AHC Natural Perfection Double Shield Sun Stick
Always wondered how K-pop idols attain such glowy, smooth skin? AHC’s Natural Perfection Double Shield Sun Stick is the answer, as seen being used by members of BTS. It works wonders for sensitive skin and uses AHC’s one-of-a-kind technology to protect against both IR and UV rays.
AHC Natural Perfection Double Shield Sun Stick, $9.90, available at Lazada
6 / 10
Thank You Farmer Sun Project Silky Calming Sun Stick
Needless to say, Thank You Farmer’s philosophy draws on the earnest attitudes of farmers. The brand prides itself on using natural ingredients and prioritising functionality. As such, it’s no surprise that their Sun Project Silky Calming Sun Stick is on this list. It’s long-lasting and contains Centella asiatica extract, which soothes the skin.
Thank You Farmer Sun Project Silky Calming Sun Stick, $32, available at Robinsons
7 / 10
Clarins Invisible Sun Care Stick SPF50+
Another lightweight, natural-finish sun stick; this one hails from the iconic skincare brand Clarins. Their Invisible Sun Care Stick SPF50+ can provide optimal sun protection wherever it’s needed—including shaved heads—and is suitable for all skin types.
Clarins Invisible Sun Care Stick SPF50+, $35, available at iShopChangi
8 / 10
Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Airy Sun Stick
This sun stick’s novel ingredient is hyaluronic acid—eight different types, to be precise. These acids hold moisture and keep your skin plump and hydrated, even when you’re basking in the sun. What’s handy? Its curved, teardrop shape helps you reach every nook and cranny of your face.
Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Airy Sun Stick, $33.47, available at Shopee
9 / 10
Abib Quick sunstick Protection bar
For smooth application and seamless coverage, the Abib Quick sunstick Protection bar is the way to go. The chemical sunscreen stick controls excess oil, making sure you don’t look greasy while keeping you protected from the sun. Within, the acacia-peptide and ceramide helps to hydrate and strengthen the skin.
Abib Quick sunstick Protection bar, $39.90, available at Amazon
10 / 10
Laneige Air Light Sun Stick
Part of their suncare line—which also features sunscreen in liquid, cushion, and cream forms—Laneige’s Air Light Sun Stick has a light feel and matte finish. It’s formulated with plant-derived xylitol and rosehip seed oil that moisturises and revitalises the skin after skincare or make-up.
Laneige Air Light Sun Stick, $32.40, available at Shopee
