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Welcome to Beautyistic! If you’ve ever tried applying sunscreen to a squirmy, impatient kid at the beach or pool, you know the struggle is very real. That’s why today, we’re looking at a product that promises to make sun protection just a little bit easier—especially on the go. I’m talking about the Sun Bum Kids SPF 50 Clear Face Stick Sunscreen. It’s a travel-size, broad spectrum sunscreen designed for active little ones, and it can be applied on wet or dry skin. Let’s break it all down and see if it’s actually worth tossing into your beach bag.
This is a .53 oz face stick sunscreen, specifically formulated for kids with SPF 50 broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection. It’s water-resistant for up to 80 minutes and claims to glide smoothly over wet or dry skin—ideal for those “just out of the water” moments. One of the standout features here is its clean formulation: no oxybenzone, no octinoxate, no synthetic fragrance, no gluten, no parabens. It’s also vegan, cruelty-free, dermatologist tested, and compliant with Hawaii’s Act 104, meaning it’s reef-safe.
Application-wise, it works just like you’d expect from a face stick—it twists up and swipes on. But here’s the thing: many face sticks leave behind a ghostly white cast or feel overly greasy. This one? Surprisingly clear, and it has a drier, balm-like texture that doesn’t leave your kid’s face looking shiny or feeling sticky. I tested this on my niece during a family pool day, and the ease of use was a win. No mess, no dripping down the sides of her face, and no “ugh, not again” complaints when it was time to reapply.
It held up well in water play and during a sweaty playground session. But reapplication is key—after towel drying or long swims, you absolutely do need to go over it again. It’s a solid performer, but not invincible.
Now, let’s talk pros and cons.
Pros:
✔️ Convenient and portable
✔️ Truly clear on the skin—no chalky residue
✔️ Safe for sensitive skin, free from irritating additives
✔️ Works on wet skin without dragging or tugging
✔️ Kid-approved texture—no sticky complaints
Cons:
❌ The small size means you’ll go through it quickly, especially with frequent reapplication
❌ If left in hot weather (say, in your beach bag), it can soften too much and get a little messy during application
❌ Not ideal for full-body coverage—best suited just for the face
Considering it’s a kid-specific product that ticks the boxes for safety, usability, and comfort, I’d say the price point is justified—for the right use case. If you’re trying to cover your child from head to toe daily, this tiny stick will run out fast. But for quick, targeted facial application during active play, it’s right on target.
In terms of competition, Thinkbaby and Blue Lizard both offer similar child-focused face sticks, but Sun Bum’s edge is in its truly clear formula and water-friendly application. Some other brands still leave a visible film or don’t glide easily on damp skin. Sun Bum has definitely improved that user experience.
Packaging-wise, it’s compact and sturdy—great for travel or tossing into a beach bag. No unnecessary bells and whistles, just practical design. And I appreciate that it clicks shut securely, so you don’t end up with sunscreen all over your bag lining.
No updates to note here—it’s been consistent in formulation and packaging, which honestly is a good thing for this kind of product. If it works, why change it?
If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative, Banana Boat’s Kids Stick SPF 50 is widely available and budget-friendly, though the texture isn’t quite as refined and it does leave a bit of a cast. Another option is Neutrogena’s Wet Skin Kids Stick, though it has a stronger chemical scent that some parents find off-putting.
So what’s the final word?
This little stick is a win for active kids who won’t sit still long enough for lotion to dry—and for parents who want something reef-safe, clean, and fuss-free. It’s not meant to replace a full-size sunscreen for all-over use, but for the face and touch-ups throughout the day? Absolutely worth having on hand.
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Thanks so much for watching Beautyistic. You’ll find the product link in the description or comments below if you want to check it out. And if you’ve used this face stick on your little ones, I’d love to hear how it worked for you—drop your thoughts in the comments!
Thanks for tuning in, and until next time, stay beautiful inside and out!
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