12 Sunscreen Sticks and Powders That Make Mid-Day Touch-Ups a Breeze
Adding an extra coat of SPF has never been more appealing than with these finds, all available in Canada.
Applying sunscreen every morning is easy. Remembering to reapply it throughout the day can feel next to impossible. But Health Canada recommends you slap it on every two hours, particularly if you’re swimming, towelling off, working out or sweating. Luckily, there are a few brands making it easy to apply another layer of SPF, whenever and wherever you need it.
Sunscreens that boast enticing formulas and come in easy-to-use packaging are readily available on store shelves. We particularly love sticks that offer a dewy finish and sunscreen powders that offer a matte finish. That’s right—these SPF stars deliver sun protection and also provide your skin with your preference of a mid-day sheen or shine-control.
How do they compare to the original liquid versions? “The most important thing [when selecting a sunscreen] is to find one with a vehicle you like,” says Dr. Lisa Kellett, a dermatologist at DLK on Avenue. So if you like a sunscreen stick or powder so much that you’ll actually use it, it’s the best option for you. What’s more, SPF sticks and powders can actually offer better coverage than the conventional liquid variety. “Sunscreen sticks can be helpful for areas where typical lotion sunscreens tend to run,” says Kellett. For example, it’s perfect to use around the eyes, as the formula won’t slip in and cause stinging.
Here’s the catch: Unlike in the U.S., sunscreen in Canada is classified as a drug and must meet the requirements in Canada’s Food and Drugs Act. That means the SPF sticks and powders you’ve scrolled upon may not yet (or ever) be available here. But, that’s okay—we’ve rounded up 13 of the best ones you can get in Canada
Shiseido Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+
This non-comedogenic pick offers light and sheer sun protection that easily glides on without messing up makeup. It’s also ocean-friendly, which means the formula won’t harm marine life if you take it swimming.
Shiseido, Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF50+, $40, shop.shoppersdrugmart.ca
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Targeted Protection Sunscreen Stick SPF 60
With a sun protection factor of 60, this sunscreen stick provides a strong shield from the sun. Its other selling feature: It offers a matte finish—not a greasy one like typical sunscreens.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Targeted Protection Sunscreen Stick for face and body SPF 60, $26, shop.shoppersdrugmart.ca
(Related: The 7 Best Tinted Moisturizers with SPF That Protect and Even Out Skin)
Salt & Stone Water-Resistant SPF 30 Sunscreen Stick
Glide on this water-resistant stick for mighty sun protection. Bonus: It contains skin-nurturing ingredients like hydrating jojoba and vitamin E oils.
Salt & Stone Water-Resistant SPF 30 Sunscreen Stick, $29, well.ca
Attitude’s Sunscreen Stick SPF 30
Great for sensitive skin types, this unscented mineral sunscreen stick is hypoallergenic and offers lightweight coverage without a white casting. Plus, it comes in a biodegradable cardboard tube.
Attitude, Sunscreen Stick – SPF 30, $20, shop.shoppersdrugmart.ca
Sun Bum’s Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Face Stick
This broad-spectrum, non-greasy sunscreen stick does it all: It moisturizes skin with nourishing coconut oil, shea butter and cocoa butter, offers protection from UVA/UVB rays and is suitable for face, lips, nose and ears.
Sun Bum Mineral Sunscreen Face Stick SPF 50 Fragrance-Free, $13, well.ca
COOLA’s Classic Sunscreen Stick SPF30
Love the nostalgic smell of coconut sun care products? This naturally scented stick will be your preference. Plus, it’s packed with antioxidants, which help fight free radicals and protect against the sun’s rays.
COOLA Classic Sunscreen Stick SPF30 Tropical Coconut, $41, well.ca
Aveeno’s Sensitive Skin SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Stick
Formulated with zinc oxide, this non-comedogenic sunscreen stick is a great pick if you have sensitive skin. It has a super high sun protection factor of 50 to act as a strong shield against UVA and UVB rays.
Aveeno Sensitive Skin SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Stick, $16, well.ca
thinksport Safe Sunscreen Stick SPF 30
For a last-minute save, glide on this waterproof sunscreen stick that’ll offer immediate sunscreen protection—unlike chemical versions that should be applied at least 30 minutes before exposure.
thinksport Safe Sunscreen Stick SPF 30+, $15, well.ca
Supergoop! (Re)setting Powder SPF 45
This handy brush has a built-in applicator that evenly distributes mineral setting powder on your skin. It’s suitable for all skin types and will both mattify shine and also keep makeup in place.
Supergoop! (Re)setting Powder SPF 45 PA+++, $46, sephora.com
(Related: A Sweaty Gal’s Guide to Sunscreen)
bareMinerals Broad Spectrum Multi-Tasking Face SPF 20
For an SPF that also acts as a concealer to cover undereye circles, brown spots and red spots, this bareMinerals pick is a winner. Extra perk: It doesn’t look cakey on skin.
bareMinerals Broad Spectrum Multi-Tasking Face SPF 20, $30, sephora.com
Cell’Defense Loose Powder SPF 50
For all skin types, this powder with an easy brush applicator offers a natural-looking layer of protection and antioxidants that shield against environmental stressors.
Cell’Defense Loose Powder SPF 50 Broad Spectrum, $66, ldrenaud.com
Colorscience Enviroscreen Deep Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50
This powder sunscreen brush offers protection against UVA/UVB rays and is formulated with antioxidants that fight damaging free radicals (a.k.a. city pollution). Hyaluronic acid powder offers a touch of hydration.
Colorscience Enviroscreen Deep Protection Brush-On Shield SPF50, $92, beautysense.ca
Next: 8 Simple Tricks to Better Protect Yourself From the Sun
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