Sunstick Review: Isntree, HaruHaru Wonder, Mary & May, Round Lab, Shiseido, Tocobo

In general, all the sunsticks I tested were compact, sleek, and came in a twist-up tube format, which made on-the-go application convenient and mess-free. I didn’t encounter any issues with caps popping off in my bag, but I did have a problem with one where the twist-up function stopped working consistently (Mary & May). Carrying a sunstick with me encouraged better coverage on the backs of my hands throughout the day. None of the sunsticks caused breakouts, stinging, or any adverse reactions.

For testing purposes, I used these sunsticks both underneath makeup and for reapplication. Under makeup, I applied four layers and gently rubbed in hard-to-reach areas with my fingers. There was no pilling experienced during makeup application. For reapplications, minimal or no rubbing was used, and I applied four layers again. All sunsticks removed some makeup and led to some makeup break-up. While makeup movement and transfer can’t be avoided entirely, warming up the sunstick on your hand can make it more emollient for facial use. Also, no surprise but makeup transfer and break up is less noticeable if you wear minimal makeup. However, for testing purposes and to visibly showcase the relative makeup transfer of each sunstick, I wore the same amount of full coverage foundation and setting spray each time and swiped the sunsticks the same amount of time during reapplication. Below are comparisons and reviews for each sunstick, followed by a table detailing if each contains alcohol, essential oils and fragrance, and is vegan or cruelty-free. In the reviews, I will only discuss white casts for hybrid sunscreens; for all chemical sunscreens, there is no white cast.

🌞HaruHaru Wonder – Black Bamboo Daily Smoothing Sun Shield: Chemical sunscreen. A non-greasy, non-heavy, and non-sticky lightweight sunstick that glides smoothly over the face. The feel between this and the Isntree sunstick is nearly identical and provides a semi-matte finish. This sunstick is thicker and less wide than others (e.g., Tocobo and Mary & May) but I felt the shape still allowed for easy application onto the face. Infused with black bamboo extract and other botanicals, this sunscreen is meant to nourish the skin and according to HaruHaru Wonder, is acne and sensitive skin-safe. Suitable for all skin types.

🌞Isntree – Hyaluronic Acid Airy Sunstick: Chemical sunscreen. A non-greasy, non-heavy, and non-sticky lightweight sunstick that glides smoothly over the face. The unique teardrop shape made application near the eyes and nose easier. Design-wise, the other sunsticks were easier to open because all the caps were bigger. Infused with hyaluronic acid, this sunstick provides a hint of hydration while still providing a matte finish. For dry skin types that want a matte finish, this would be more comfortable than the Tocobo sunstick. Suitable for all skin types.

🌞Mary & May – Vegan Peptide Bakuchiol Sunstick: Hybrid sunscreen. A non-greasy, soft, and powdery sunstick that applies smoothly over the skin. It feels very similar to the Tocobo sunstick. Combining 25 kinds of peptides and bakuchiol, this sunstick not only protects against UV rays but also offers skincare benefits like anti-aging and hydration. Upon initial application, the sunscreen blends well without leaving a noticeable white cast; however, upon reapplication, the sunscreen tends to build up, leaving a slight white cast if not rubbed in thoroughly. This can be inconvenient, especially if you prefer to reapply sunscreen without using your hands. I found that the sunscreen transferred onto my clothing; all the sunsticks probably do to an extent but it was noticeable due to the white cast. This may require extra caution, especially when wearing dark-colored clothing. I enjoyed the light floral scent. The retractable function of the sunstick stopped working after a few uses, requiring me to press the sunstick against my skin to push the product back into the tube. Out of all the sunsticks tested, this was the second most emollient, and with use over time, you may find the finish goes from satin to more dewy. Suitable for all skin types.

🌞Round Lab – Birch Juice Moisturizing Sun Stick: Chemical sunscreen. Unlike sunscreens that can feel drying, this sun stick has a lightweight, moisturizing texture. It contains birch sap and other hydrating ingredients that leave the skin feeling nourished and hydrated. Application is smooth, buttery, and comfortable, and compared to other sunsticks, this was the most emollient. That being said, with multiple reapplications under a hot summer sun, the emollient properties of the sunstick led it to melt like butter. Partway through the day, the sunstick was completely gone. The other sunsticks were not subjected to the same extremes, but I suspect they would hold up better as they are less emollient. This sunstick would be great for anyone with sensitive or dry skin, or anyone who is looking for a very dewy or glossy finish. If you have oily skin, you may look more greasy than you want after using this.

🌞Shiseido – Clear Suncare Stick: Chemical sunscreen. If you are looking for a sunstick suitable for reapplications between physical activities, look no further. Out of the six sunsticks tested, this one is the only one that is water and sweat-resistant. However, it is also the most pricey, but worth it in my opinion if you are planning to do outdoor physical activities. The sunstick feels a touch stickier during application than the others, but there is no lasting stickiness, nor the feeling that you are dragging your skin. Application still feels smooth and lightweight, and the product does not build up upon reapplications. This sunstick also resulted in the least amount of makeup transfer and left a nice dewy finish.

🌞Tocobo – Cotton Soft Sun Stick: Hybrid sunscreen. This is a very aptly named sunstick because its application feels soft, gentle, and powdery. It's formulated with cotton extract and other soothing ingredients, making it suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin. Oily skin types may especially like this sunstick because of its matte finish and non-greasy feel. Dry skin types can also use this sunstick but do not anticipate this sunstick to be super hydrating. I'm awful at describing scents, but the smell of this sunstick is very fresh. Out of the six sunsticks reviewed, this is one of two hybrid sunscreens, and there was no noticeable white cast, even with reapplication. This also built up less with reapplications compared to the other hybrid sunstick (Mary & May).