July in the city. I look like a glazed donut by 10am — and my $60 sunscreen is sweating into my eyes. Again. That’s when I grabbed this Korean stick everyone’s obsessed with.
It’s not just about UV protection anymore. It’s about not looking like you just ran a marathon when you’re just walking to the subway.
It’s Beauty of Joseon’s Relief Sun stick. SPF50+ PA++++. Around $18. The claim that got me: “sweat-proof” and “no white cast.” I called bullshit. Then I used it.
The Glide Test
It goes on clear in one swipe — no pulling, no dragging, no chalky residue.
The Re-Apply Factor
Sits over makeup without turning it into a muddy mess. That alone is a miracle.
The Size
Tiny enough for a going-out bag. You have zero excuse not to reapply.
Photo: Alexandra Tran / Unsplash
The hero is rice germ extract — a Korean skincare staple that soothes and brightens. Plus probiotics to keep your skin barrier from freaking out under all that sweat and sunscreen.
- Rice Germ Extract: Calms redness and evens tone
- Probiotics: Strengthens skin barrier against heat stress
- Sunflower Seed Oil: Adds a slip so it doesn’t drag
- Niacinamide: Fades the dark spots you got last summer
Photo: Arthur Pereira / Unsplash
First swipe: feels like a balm — dewy but not greasy. It melts in about 10 seconds, leaving a soft, slightly glowy finish. Not sticky. I kept touching my face to check. It was just… done.
Week three: I wore it hiking in 90% humidity. My face was wet, but the sunscreen wasn’t running into my eyes. That’s the first time that’s ever happened. The only downside? If you have dry patches, it can cling to them. Moisturize first.
Photo: Jared Rice / Unsplash
My skin didn’t break out. My makeup didn’t slide off. And I didn’t get a single new sun spot — which is more than I can say for last summer. It won’t fix your skin, but it will protect it without making you miserable.
Photo: Gaston Roulstone / Unsplash
This is the first sunscreen stick I’ve actually finished — and I’m buying a backup before summer ends. Do yourself a favor and grab it before the next heatwave.