The Beach Is Beckoning—Choose One of These Editor-Recommended Sunscreen Sticks to Throw in Your Bag

Pros: Transparent, water-resistant, noncomedogenic, offers hydrating and skin tone–brightening benefits, natural-glow finish

Cons: None

This handy sunscreen stick is highly recommended by not one, not two but three Who What Wear beauty editors, which isn't surprising considering it's the number one sunscreen stick in the U.S. It has an invisible formula that provides broad-spectrum SPF 60+ and eight hours of hydration.

Here's the deal. It's powered by SynchroShield Technology, which means it creates a protective veil that's strengthened by heat, water, and sweat exposure. Yep, that means it's fully water-resistant for up to 80 minutes while protecting the skin from UV rays, dryness, micro-dust, and other environmental aggressors. The noncomedogenic formula won't clog pores or cause breakouts, and natural ingredients like argan oil and licorice extract provide moisture and skin-brightening benefits. It's even dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested, so yeah, it wins the "best overall" title.

Customer review: "I have tried soooo many sunscreens. I have repurchased this over and over since 2023. [It] works well under makeup and it's water proof. [Shiseido], keep this product on the shelves forever, please <3."

Pros: Sheer finish; 100% mineral formula; offers hydrating, antioxidant, and skin-plumping benefits; glowy finish

Cons: Not specifically water-resistant

If you prefer mineral sunscreen or you have sensitive skin and want to avoid irritation at all costs, I recommend Kopari's Pure Protect 100% Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+. Zinc oxides provide UV protection, and iron oxides provide visible-light protection and give it a slight tint. It has a sheer finish, unlike other mineral sunscreen sticks I've tried, and the moisturizing, plumping, and antioxidant-rich base benefits the skin in more ways than one. First, argan oil moisturizes and protects the skin. Second, vitamin E provides potent antioxidant benefits. Third, shea butter hydrates and plumps the skin.

Customer review: "Love, Love, Love this sunscreen. I wear this everyday under my foundation or alone. It is barely tinted. It has natural moisture and does not leave any white cast. I keep one in my gardening bag to reapply in the sun. It has kept my dark age spots light and barely noticeable. So glad I found this."

Pros: Transparent, water-resistant, offers moisturizing and antioxidant benefits, ultra-glowy finish

Cons: Might not be suitable for oily or acne-prone skin

If you want your skin to glint and glow like a literal beach goddess, I recommend Supergoop's Glow Stick Sunscreen SPF 50. It contains a trio of moisturizing, antioxidant-rich oils: buriti, pracaxi, and tamanu. Glide it across your face or body, and watch it melt onto the skin, delivering broad-spectrum SPF 50 and a glass skin glow without any shimmer or glitter. It's so radiant it doubles as a face and body highlighter.

Customer review: "This little glow stick is a game changer! I've been using the Supergoop Glow Stick every day, and it gives my skin the prettiest, healthiest glow without feeling greasy or heavy. It's like a highlighter and sunscreen in one—perfect for no-makeup days or under makeup when I want that dewy look."

Pros: Transparent, water-resistant, offers soothing and antioxidant benefits, semi-matte finish

Cons: None

A glowing finish isn't for everyone, especially if you have oily and/or acne-prone skin. In that case, radiant, oil-rich products can often lead to clogged pores, breakouts, and an oil-slick shine in your T-zone. I've been there.

You can always swap your glowy sunscreen stick for this semi-matte one. The lightweight formula uses ingredients like ectoin and allantoin to protect the skin from damage, stress, and irritation. Meanwhile, broad-spectrum SPF 50+ will keep the skin safe from the sun. It's even water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.

Customer review: "Sunscreen is a hard product to find a match for me, personally. Either it leaves a whitecast (even with lighter skin), leaves a greasy finish, isn't makeup compatible, breaks me out, or costs me at least $50 to find something that doesn't do any of these things :( I bought this on a whim [...] and well, I am absolutely floored. Everything about this just works!"

Pros: Transparent, offers pore-blurring and oil-controlling benefits, soft-matte finish, doubles as a makeup primer

Cons: Not specifically water-resistant

Here's another matte sunscreen stick. Per the name, it provides a velvety, suede-like finish while blurring enlarged pores and controlling excess oil thanks to kaolin and zinc PCA. Meanwhile, the lightweight formula grips makeup, enhancing and extending the wear of foundation, concealer, blush, and bronzer. It's a two-in-one product that will keep your skin looking flawless alone and under makeup.

Customer review: "The EADEM Sunsuede SPF 50+ Stick has quickly become one of my favorite everyday essentials. It's the rare sunscreen that feels luxurious, works beautifully under makeup, and actually makes my skin look better the moment I apply it. What sets Sunsuede apart is how well it doubles as a blurring primer. My pores look softer, my T‑zone stays more balanced throughout the day, and makeup grips onto it effortlessly. On no‑makeup days, it gives my skin a naturally filtered look."

Pros: Transparent, offers hydrating and pore-blurring benefits, natural finish

Cons: Not specifically water-resistant

This is one of my favorite formulas. The hyaluronic acid–infused balm glides smoothly over my skin, whether bare or with makeup, and provides an even layer of hydrating SPF 40. There's not even a hint of white cast ever, and it has a pore-blurring benefit that minimizes texture and gives the skin a soft, subtly enhanced look. There's only one thing to note. The brand says it has a matte finish, but I think it's closer to a natural finish.

Customer review: "Excellent! I was in disbelief about all the good things about this product. Well I decide to give it a try with the Sephora sale. It does all it claims. For me is a miracle in a stick. Super convenient to use and don't disturb my make up at all. No greasy felling which is an A+ for me. I definitely recommend this to everyone."

Pros: Transparent, water-resistant, offers hydrating and soothing benefits, glowy finish

Cons: Not specifically water-resistant

I've been a longtime fan of Round Lab's Birch Juice Moisturizing UV Lock Sunscreen ($25) since Billie Eilish's aesthetician recommended I try it, so it's only natural I'd love the stick format too. It offers broad-spectrum SPF 50+ with no white cast and a nonsticky feel. It effortlessly glides across my skin, imparting soothing hydration from its hero ingredient: Korean silver birch tree juice. Ten out of 10.

Customer review: "I've been using this Sun Stick mainly for reapplying during the day, and honestly, it's been a game-changer. I just swipe it on whenever I'm outside or my makeup starts to wear down, and it doesn't mess anything up—no streaks, no weird texture, nothing. It goes on super smooth and doesn't leave that heavy, greasy feeling that some sun sticks do. I also love that it gives my skin a little boost of moisture, especially in the afternoon when my face starts feeling a bit dry. It's small enough to keep in my bag, so I actually remember to reapply now. Overall, it's just easy, convenient, and really comfortable to wear. Definitely a new staple for me."

Pros: Transparent, water-resistant, offers hydrating and soothing benefits, natural finish

Cons: None

I have rosacea, which means I'm super prone to redness and irritation. If I'm experiencing a flare-up, I reach for this sunscreen stick. It's full of soothing, antioxidant-rich ingredients like green tea and cica to put out the fire, so to speak. Meanwhile, broad-spectrum SPF 50+ keeps my skin protected from the harsh UV rays. The lightweight balm has a natural finish that's neither too matte nor too glowy.

Customer review: "I have been LOVING this Daily UV Defense Invisible Sunscreen Stick and I think it is honestly the perfect sunscreen to stick in my purse for on the go protection! It glides on so smoothly and is seriously invisible—I was shocked when I saw how there was zero white cast! It feels great on my skin and doesn't leave me feeling too oily or greasy—I will be using this all year long!"

Pros: Transparent, offers hydrating and plumping benefits, glowy finish

Cons: Not specifically water-resistant

What can I say? I love Korean sunscreen. Belif's Aqua Bomb Glow Sunstick SPF 50+ is no exception. Per the name, it's incredibly hydrating. It quenches dry skin with seven types of hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. Together, these ingredients provide the "chok chok" effect—the look and feel of bouncy, plump skin. As such, you can expect a glass skin glow when you glance in the mirror. Did I mention it's dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested, noncomedogenic, and suitable for sensitive skin?

Customer review: "It's sooooo soft and feels nice even when you have multiple layers of it on your face it feels like nothing. It's the perfect width to cover your whole face in like 6 swipes. The feeling of rubbing the stick across your face is genuinely a delish sensory experience, it glides on like a dream."

Pros: Transparent, offers brightening and antioxidant benefits, glowy finish

Cons: Not specifically water-resistant

I'm asking, nay begging, you not to sleep on Kiehl's sunscreen. I love so many formats and formulas from the brand, but this is one of the best. It's a serum-in-sunscreen, meaning it provides serum-like benefits while protecting the skin with broad-spectrum SPF 50+. What are those serum-like benefits, you ask? Good question. A potent shot of stabilized vitamin C brightens the skin, evens tone, and protects against free radicals.

Customer review: "I'm honestly so picky about SPF under makeup, but this one surprised me. [It] goes on completely clear, feels lightweight, and gives my skin such a smooth, hydrated base without feeling greasy. No white cast at all and it layers beautifully under foundation without pilling or making my makeup separate throughout the day."