TL;DR: I used to skip sunscreen because regular lotions were just too inconvenient and messy. My SPF stick changed that – quick in the car, handy on hikes, easy at the pool, and simple enough that I finally use sunscreen the way I should.
Over the years, I’ve bought a lot more bottles of sunscreen than I’ve ever finished. Most have ended up half-empty in the cupboard because they were just too messy and inconvenient, or felt like too much work to put on each day. When I tried an SPF stick, however, I soon realized I’d been using the wrong product all this time.
At first, I thought it was just another gimmick, so my expectations weren’t particularly high. However, the proof of the pudding was in the eating, and it turned out to be exactly what I’d been looking for. Not because the science is different, but because it works in the moments that used to trip me up.
Here are five big ways it meets my needs.
#1 – The Car Mirror SPF Stick Test
I can’t count how many times I’ve sat in the driver’s seat, spotted my face in the rear-view, and realized I forgot to put sunscreen on. With a lotion, I’d either have to risk getting greasy hands on the steering wheel or realize that it was just too much hassle.
The upshot was, I’d end up not using it, like I was supposed to. Now, the experience is completely different. I just grab my SPF stick, swipe it across my nose, cheeks, and ears in 20 seconds, and go. No mess, no excuses.
#2 – Protection When Out & About
Watching a friend’s soccer game used to mean sitting in the sun for two hours or more, wearing whatever I put on at home. I never reapplied because digging out a tube in the bleachers felt awkward and more than a little embarrassing – to me, anyway.
With my new stick, all I need to do is a quick swipe across my forehead and hands without drawing too much attention. I get the coverage I need, and I get to apply it easily, with the minimum of fuss.
#3 – Pool Towel Moments
Sunscreen and water have never been a good combination for me. I’d do all the right things, go for a quick swim and then get to see how much hassle it all was. I’d towel off and immediately feel exposed again – and reapplication felt like an absolute chore.
With a stick, I just swipe it over my shoulders before I even sit down, no slippery residue, no lotion leaking into the towel. I used to skip using it at the pool, but not anymore.
#4 – The Rushed Morning Shortcut
On workdays, if using sunscreen happened to add more than 30 seconds to my routine, I’d skip it – and lotions always took too long to put on. However, using a sunscreen stick, I can get it done in between brushing my teeth and grabbing my keys. It’s just so easy to put on, meaning I no longer leave the house unprotected in the mornings.
#5 – Convenience While Hiking
I’m a big hiker, and when I’m out on a trail, sunscreen is usually the last thing on my mind. That is, until I feel the sun biting at my neck. I never carried a lotion bottle because I found most too bulky to put in my backpack. My stick is much smaller and can fit in a side pocket, allowing me to quickly reach around and use it when I need to. Sweet!
I Love My SPF Stick & I Think You Will Too
Plenty of sunscreens on the market promise high SPF, reef safety, or dermatologist trust. Stick SPFs have all that, but the biggest difference is a very simple and very impactful one: It’s small and convenient enough that I actually use it when the moments come.
Whether I’m in the car, at the pool, or rushing out the door on the way to work, these are the real reasons I’m sticking with my stick SPF. I love my new sunscreen. Try it yourself, and I’m sure you will too.
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