What is a sun stick?
A sun stick is sunscreen in a solid, twist-up balm form, applied by gliding it directly over your skin. It works like any other sunscreen, filtering UV before it can burn or darken the skin, but its format makes it mess-free, travel-friendly and easy to use over makeup. You do not need to wash your hands after applying it, which is why sticks have become a handbag essential.
Sticks are one format within our full Sunscreen range, which covers creams, gels, fluids and sun serums for your main morning layer. This page focuses on the stick itself: who it suits, how to apply enough, and how to use one to top up your protection through a long Pakistani day.
Are sun sticks effective?
Yes, a sun stick protects as well as its label says, but only if you apply enough. Lab SPF ratings are based on a fairly generous layer, and a single quick swipe leaves far less on the skin. The answer is to go over each area several times, slowly, until you can see an even, slightly shiny film.
Main sunscreen or top-up?
The simplest approach is to use a cream, gel or fluid as your first morning layer, because it is easier to measure the right amount, then using a stick to reapply later. If you prefer a stick for everything, be generous: around four slow passes across the forehead, each cheek, the nose and the chin.
Sun stick for acne, oily skin and dry skin
Sun stick for oily skin
Oily skin usually does best with a matte or powdery-finish stick. It blurs shine on the T-zone, sits comfortably under or over makeup and does not add the slick feel some creams leave in humid weather. Blot excess oil with a tissue before reapplying so the stick glides evenly.
Sun stick for acne-prone skin
Acne-prone skin can use sticks happily, with two cautions. Wipe the surface of the stick with a clean tissue every so often, since you are pressing it straight against your skin, and avoid dragging it hard over active, inflamed spots. A soothing centella formula is a good choice if your skin reddens easily. Cleanse thoroughly at night, because balm textures cling well.
Sun stick for dry and sensitive skin
Dry skin often prefers a soft, silky or moisturising stick that will not settle into flaky patches. Apply moisturiser first and let it settle before swiping. Sensitive skin should patch-test along the jaw, and anyone whose eyes sting with chemical filters can keep the stick a little away from the lash line.
Sun sticks for men
Sticks are often the format that finally gets men to wear SPF. There is nothing greasy to rub in, they glide over stubble and fit in a pocket. Use one on the face, ears and back of the neck before cricket, a drive or any time outdoors.
How to use sun stick
- Finish your skincare and let your moisturiser absorb for a minute or two.
- Twist up a little product and glide it across each area slowly, going back and forth three or four times.
- Pat it in lightly with clean fingertips if you want a more even finish.
- Do not forget the ears, the back of the neck, and the tops of your hands.
- Reapply every two hours outdoors, and after sweating, swimming or towelling off.
How to use a sun stick over makeup
Blot away surface oil with a tissue, then press and glide the stick gently over your base rather than rubbing hard. Matte sticks are the easiest over foundation and powder. A light dusting of powder afterwards sets everything if you prefer a velvety look.
How often to reapply in Pakistan
From April to September, UV is intense across most of Pakistan even on hazy or cloudy days. If you are commuting, on a school run or outdoors at lunch, top up every two hours. In an office away from windows, one midday top-up is usually enough.
Sun stick vs cream, gel and sun serum
FormatFeelBest forWatch out forSun stickSolid balm, matte or silkyReapplication, travel, menUsing too thin a layerSun creamSoft, moisturisingDry and normal skinCan feel heavy in humiditySun gel or fluidWatery, fast-dryingOily skin, hot daysMay need moisturiser underneathSun serumLight and slipperyLayering under makeupEasy to under-apply
Many people use two formats together: a gel or cream in the morning from the sunscreen range, and a stick in the bag for the afternoon.
Looking after a sun stick in Pakistan's heat
Solid sunscreen softens in high temperatures, so do not leave your stick on a car dashboard or in direct sun on a summer day. Keep it in the shade of your bag, cap it tightly and store it somewhere cool at home. If the texture becomes grainy or separates, or the expiry date has passed, replace it.
Because the stick touches your face directly, avoid sharing it, and wipe the top with a clean tissue now and then, especially in dusty weather.
Best Sun Stick in Pakistan
Beauty of Joseon Matte Sun Stick SPF50+ PA++++ 18g
A matte-finish stick that suits oily skin and reapplication over makeup.
TOCOBO Cotton Soft Sun Stick SPF50+ PA++++ 19g
A soft, velvety stick for a smooth, comfortable finish.
SKIN1004 Centella Hyalu-Cica Silky-Fit Sun Stick 7g
A compact centella stick for touch-ups on the go.
Sun stick price in Pakistan
A stick usually costs a little more per gram than a tube of cream, but you use it as a top-up, so it lasts a long time. Compact sizes are handy for a pocket or clutch, while larger sticks suit full-face use. See each product page for the live price; delivery is free on baskets over Rs. 6,000, and baskets over Rs. 8,000 receive two free gifts.
Sunscreen is the last product you want to buy fake, because you cannot see whether it is protecting you. Our sticks are sourced directly from each brand's official distribution channels in Seoul, Korea. YESBEAUTY, part of the Korean Skincare group with 10 years in K-beauty, gives you a 7-day return guarantee if a product is ever found inauthentic.
Shop sun sticks by brand
- Beauty of Joseon: Beauty of Joseon Matte Sun Stick SPF50+ PA++++ 18g
- TOCOBO: TOCOBO Cotton Soft Sun Stick SPF50+ PA++++ 19g
- SKIN1004: SKIN1004 Centella Hyalu-Cica Silky-Fit Sun Stick 7g
Related collections
Choose your main morning layer from the full sunscreen collection, and build the cleanse, serum and moisturiser steps around it in Skincare.