I Found the Best SPF Stick You’ll Actually Want to Reapply—And It’s Only $21 on Amazon

Name: My Review of the Abib Airy Sunstick Smoothing Bar
Brand: Abib
Price: 21 USD

It’s quickly become my favorite

By Courtney Mason

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Published Sep 24, 2024

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ABIB/Courtney Mason for PureWow

As I’ve gotten older, taking care of my skin has become a full-time job. Gone are the days of youthful, blemish-free skin that I could neglect without any repercussions. But now? Day and night, my routine is filled with hydrating serums, smoothing exfoliants and bathing my skin with SPF, all to prevent my complexion from breaking out or feeling dehydrated. As such, I’m always on the hunt for a new SPF and TikTok may have given me my new favorite one.

In a bit of doom scrolling through the app, I stumbled across one user in a full face of makeup swiping an inconspicuous stick across her face without any product smudging—something that feels near impossible to do on darker skin tones. Imagine my surprise finding out it was an SPF with the ability to apply over makeup *and* keep you protected throughout the day. Eager to find out more, I discovered it was the Airy Sunstick ($20), a lightweight, smoothing SPF bar from Korean skincare brand Abib. See the TikTok below.

After a bit more research (and hours on TikTok later), I knew I had to put this buzzy product to the test to see if it lived up to its hype. But before we get into my review, here’s everything you need to know about the viral Abib Airy Sunstick.

What Is the Abib Airy Sunstick Smoothing Bar?

The Airy Sunstick is a lightweight sunscreen bar designed to be quick and easy for everyday use. It has a unique, curved shape to help get into all the creases and crevices of your face and body. Plus, it’s formulated with natural ingredients like sunflower seed oil, ecotin, allantoin and camellia seed oil designed to soothe and strengthen the skin, leaving it with a non-sticky, demi-matte finish. Boasting a broad spectrum of SPF 50, it’s also water resistant for 80 minutes.

What Skin Type Is the Abib Airy Sunstick For?

The Sunstick is made for all skin types—sensitive skin included.

Is the Abib Airy Sunstick a Mineral or Chemical Sunscreen?

The Sunstick falls under the chemical sunscreen category and protects the skin from UVA and UVB rays. Rather than sitting on top of the skin like mineral sunscreens, the Airy stick absorbs into the skin.

What Are the Benefits of the Abib Airy Sunstick?

You probably don't need us to tell you, but quick reminder: Daily sunscreen use can protect you from several preventable skin concerns, most notably "skin cancer and accelerated aging of the skin, which can lead to hyperpigmentation, fine lines, wrinkles and dull, tired skin," per board-certified dermatologist Dr. Corey L. Hartman. The Airy Sunstick also claims to come with some added benefits, such as strengthening the skin barrier, while hydrating and calming the skin.

How I Tested the Abib Airy Sunstick

In my experience, introducing new products into my already thorough skincare routine can be tricky. One wrong ingredient and hello, it’s breakout central. So, to test this buzzy sunscreen, I started small with a few applications during the day after my morning skincare routine—with my current SPF—was applied. I also tested how this product would fare on top of my own makeup to see if the sunscreen truly kept my face streak-free (but more on that later).

Abib/Courtney Mason

My Review of the Abib Airy Sunstick Smoothing Bar

What I Like

lightweight
soft on the skin
curved shaped
slightly mattifies the skin
hydrating

What I Don't Like

slight fragrance (but not offputting)

Abib

I’ve been using this product daily for a few weeks now. Upon my first application, the sunscreen felt, well, airy. It’s an incredibly lightweight product with an almost weightless formula you barely feel on the skin and wouldn’t know it was there if you didn’t see the slight sheen it leaves as you apply. The curved design is perfect for hugging the natural curves of the face and getting into those hard-to-reach places like around the ears and under the chin. One of my favorite features of this product is that there’s no need to rub it in like you would with a cream. With other SPFs, sometimes I’ll find myself standing in front of my mirror aggressively rubbing the product in until I no longer look ghostly and the formula has fully seeped into my skin. There was none of that with this product—just a few swipes and I’m good to go. I will also say, I could rub this product in for hours and never get tired of doing it. It almost doubles as a gentle massage on the face.

And for those who prefer a dewier, more moisturizer-like formula for sunscreen, don’t let the semi-matte finish fool you. Even though this product slightly mattifies, it’s also incredibly hydrating. When I would go in for a second or third application, the product would take away some of the shine I accumulated from the day, but also plump the skin with moisture. It’s truly a sunscreen that does it all.

Does the Abib Airy Sunstick Work Well Over Makeup?

before and after using the abib airy sunstick over makeup

Courtney Mason

Now, let’s talk reapplication over makeup. As someone who’s been wearing makeup for over a decade, I know it will never be fully transfer-proof—unless I’m sporting a stage-ready, heavy-duty setting spray when I’m wearing it, I expect a little transfer now and then. So, all this to say, I had low expectations of how the Sunstick would perform against a full face of beauty products. My typical routine consists of foundation, concealer, powder (pressed and loose), and blush and bronzer. But after testing the sunscreen myself, I have to say I’m seriously impressed. Not only did my makeup not smudge, but with the semi-matte formula, it gave my base a bit of a refresh, taking away some of the accumulated oils on my face. And of course, there was slight transferring but it was easily wipeable, leaving the Sunstick the way I left it.

But Do You Really Need to Wear SPF Over Makeup?

Short answer: Yes, you do. Like any skincare enthusiast will tell you, you need to reapply your sunscreen throughout the day, and while you’re wearing makeup is no different. There are just a few minor steps you need to take to ensure you don’t ruin all your hard work. PureWow’s beauty and cultures editor Chelsea Candalario covers all the ways to apply sunscreen over makeup here, no matter what form your SPF is in—from creams to powders. Plus, she shares a few other tips and tricks from notable experts like celebrity makeup artists Etienne Ortega and Charlie Riddle. You’re welcome.

Bottom Line

Overall, this is a great sunscreen at a very affordable price. It’s compact, user-friendly and perfect for daily use. And I’m not exaggerating when I say this is hands down one of the best sunscreens I’ve ever tried, and I can see myself repurchasing in the future. The brand also has another Sunstick with a more gel-like finish, and something tells me that it just may become my new SPF for the winter.

$21 at Amazon