Glow stick sunscreen spf 50 review

There are a lot of cool things out there that make us wonder — do they really work? In our I Tried It series, we set out to use them in the real world and have determined that, in fact, they really do.

On Trial: Supergoop! Glow Stick SPF 50

Tester: Melanie Yates, reformed sun worshipper

The Brief: Maybe it's the heightened sense of awareness I have about exposure and coverage, but I now feel pretty uncomfortable going outside without any form of SPF on. There's just no avoiding around the fact that getting melanoma as a result of unprotected UVA/UVB exposure is a diagnosis that you don't want to risk. And while experts say that wearing any sunscreen with an SPF of 30 and above is better than none, the key is to consistently reapply while you're out in the sun — at least once every 2 hours at minimum.

The only way I can ensure that I do that is to use a sunscreen that's portable enough to pack in any bag and one that I don't have to use my fingers to apply. That's why the Supergoop! Glow Stick SPF 50 has been an incredible game changer for me.

Supergoop!

This sunscreen is a solid stick of completely sheer formula. It's unscented and comes in a 1.23-ounce, 2-inch-tall, push-pop tube. It travels everywhere with me so that if I feel the sun start to beat down a little too brightly, I can just unscrew the top and swipe it on. And almost certainly, anytime I want to apply sunscreen on the go is not when my hands are at their cleanest. I apply the stick directly to my skin as thoroughly as I can, making sure to get the tops of my ears, my neck, my chest, and the backs of my hands, too.

Not only is the compact size of the Glow Stick perfect, but its clear formula makes it my favorite to use. It leaves no tint and no white cast, and it doesn't leave residue on clothes either. Other beauty editors from Popsugar and Allure have praised its “dewy finish” and “hydrating” feel, and I have to agree. All that this sunscreen leaves behind is a slight sheen to the skin when freshly applied — perhaps not what you want to hear if you have very oily skin, but it dries down into more of a moisturizer feel. I never feel too shiny or greasy when I wear this, even on my T-zone.

The only thing that I don't like about the Glow Stick is the applicator. While a twisting mechanism would make the most sense for a stick sunscreen, instead, I have to press up gently on its base to get more product. And as I've experienced, even pressing carefully doesn't give precise control over how much product comes out. It's a small annoyance, but baffling nonetheless.

And while at $25 a pop, the Glow Stick isn't the cheapest SPF on the shelf, using it as an everyday touch-up sunscreen — rather than one I apply all over on those rare days that I make it to the beach — makes it extremely worthwhile. I also love that it's a vegan product made by a certified cruelty-free company, too.

Closing Argument: The Supergoop! Glow Stick SPF 50 is a sunscreen that I can confidently recommend to anyone. It's helped make sun protection a regular part of my own routine by eliminating the pain points: the big bottle, the white globs, and the gross face-touching. If you've ever braved a day sans sunscreen for any of those reasons, you need to pick this little tube up now.

Supergoop! Supergoop! Glow Stick SPF 50

Looking for more types of sunscreen? Check out our guides to face sunscreen, mineral sunscreen, and tinted sunscreen.

Senior Service Editor

Melanie Yates is the senior service editor of Best Products, where she writes and reports pieces pertaining to the etiquette, dilemmas, and how-tos of gift-giving for different occasions. Previously, she was the site's senior home editor, covering all things decor- and bedding-related since 2015. Her digital byline can also be found on Bustle, House Beautiful, and Elle Decor. A longtime classical-music enthusiast, Melanie spends her off-hours enjoying performances big and small across New York City.

A powerful anti-inflammatory oil that soothes and softens skin, promotes new tissue regeneration, and speeds healing. Those with inflammatory conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, and acne may find it beneficial.

A plant extract high in vitamin E that strengthens and protects collagen and elastin in the skin, which reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Avobenzone 3%, Octisalate 5%, Octocrylene 10%, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Calendula Officinalis Extract, Calophyllum Inophyllum Seed Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dibutyl Ethylhexanol Glutamide, Dibutyl Lauroyl Glutamide, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Isododecane, Isohexadecane, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Mauritia Flexuosa Fruit Oil, Octyldodecanol, Pentaclethra Macroloba Oil, Polyester-8, Tocopherol

Product contains the following: Fruit

How We Use It

As Needed

Use after a moisturizer to lock in hydration or throughout the day on cheeks, bridge of the nose, chest, and shoulders to keep your glow (and SPF!) on.

Is glow stick good sunscreen?

And if you're in the market for a new SPF, I can't recommend Supergoop's Glow Stick enough. Hydrating, invisible on the skin, and easy to apply — I mean, what more could you want?

Does Supergoop glowstick work?

It does exactly what they say it will do. It glides on, highlights and moisturizes. It hilighted the skin a bit more than liked, but I didn't get sun burned while using it.

Is Supergoop glow screen a good sunscreen?

I have pretty dry and sensitive skin, so while the texture of the sunscreen can be a little oily, it works well for me, and it hasn't caused any breakouts. When applied, the tint and glow are just barely noticeable, but it's enough to make me feel like I put in a tiny bit of effort before leaving the house.

What is the glow stick for in Supergoop?

Glow Stick works as a glow-boosting stick for places like your cheekbones and shoulders, but is also a quick way to reapply to sun exposed spots like hands and arms.Is it water-resistant?Yes!