When out for hours in the park and hunger kicks in, I’ve been known to eat W’s cheddar bunny crackers when he’s not looking. I also continue to read his books—out loud—when he’s clearly stop listening, finish building towering block skyscrapers when he’s moved on to a new distraction and steal a splash of his lavender-scented bubble bath when I find a moment to sink into the tub. (Say what you will, but have you read the Cat in the Hat lately?) So, it’s no surprise that I’m in on his sunscreen too. After chasing him around the beach with a sunscreen stick, I usually swipe my own cheeks and nose with the stuff. Compact, portable, with no mess—sticks are the way to go. Here are my top picks:
There are some things that I’m not enthusiastic about sharing with the wee one. Korres Watermelon Suncreen Stick SPF 30 ($24.50) is one of them. This mighty little stick is free from all of the bad guys—parabens, synthetic dyes, petrochemicals, phthalates and the like—and chock full of sun protectors and moisturizers like jojoba oil, rice brain oil, vitamin E and watermelon extract. As an added plus, this stick is slightly iridescent for a sexy, grown-up glow. Sorry, kid, this one’s off limits.
W’s only been to the beach a handful of times in his short life, but he seems to have a routine. The moment his feet hit the sand he takes off at full speed, usually toward some instrument of potential danger, like the ocean or a volleyball being spiked over a net. And so I’ll go after him, California Baby’s Everyday/Year-Round SPF 30+ Sunblock Stick ($14.99) in hand, swiping a tiny ear or the tip of the nose, as he’ll let me. Organic, lightly scented with lemongrass and supremely water resistant, this stick sticks with me all summer.
Sunscreen sticks are obviously not ideal for all-over protection—can you imagine how long a full-body application would take?—but they are perfect for quickly coating frequently burned areas like noses, cheeks and lips—the hotspots, if you will. Kiss My Face Hot Spots SPF 30, ($8.95) is ideal for young and old(er). Made with luscious certified organic ingredients like coconut oil and aloe vera, and enhanced with calendula, cucumber, rosehips and geranium, this stick is as soothing as it is effective.
I’ve been obsessing about natural beauty for years, but I still get a rush when I see an ingredient list that’s exploding with organic ingredients. I’ve got those tingles now reading the contents of Purple Prarie’s Sun Stick SPF 30 ($7.49), which is positively bursting with organic goodness. Slide this baby across your nose and you’ll be getting a dose of beeswax, cocoa butter, olive oil, coconut oil, shea butter and jojoba oil—all organic!—in addition to the protective powers of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
