Stick and powder sunscreens vs lotion: Lotion wins for primary protection, sticks and powders are for touch-ups only

Stick and powder sunscreens aren’t as effective as lotion because you can’t apply them evenly or thickly enough. Studies show powder sunscreens deliver much lower actual SPF than advertised—you’d have to cake it on to get labeled protection. Sticks are better but still require multiple passes. They’re fine for reapplication over makeup, but don’t rely on them as your main sunscreen.