I put three new SPF sticks to the test for the summer – one option smells great and will get your whole family hooked
Thankfully, there's whole a new breed of SPF sticks hitting shelves. I put three to the test.
4
Budget
Soltan Active 8 Hour Protect Suncare Stick SPF50+, £7 for 25g, boots
On the outside, this stick looks to be the smallest of the three – but it actually has the most product inside.
It's super-compact, making it great for popping into my handbag.
The stick is quite hard, so it drags on skin, which slows down application and a few dandruff-like pieces flaked off, which meant I then needed to rub it in with my hands.
This defeats the point somewhat, although it ensures you don't end up with stripes should you miss a section.
It's great value, but not the most sophisticated.
Mid-range
Tocobo Cica Cooling Sun Stick SPF50+ PA++++, £16 for 18g, boots
This is the latest stick to enter my stash, and it's gone straight into my handbag – it truly feels invisible on skin.
Initially, the shape isn't great as it dips in the middle so you don't get even coverage, but after a couple of swipes the stick levels off.
It promises to reduce skin temperature in just three seconds, and while I've not noticed the cooling effect promised, I'm convinced that the calming cica ingredient has helped take the sting out of a recent insect bite.
I usually cannot stop itching them, and I didn't feel the need to at all while the SPF was on.
Luxury
Clarins Invisible Sun Care Stick SPF 50, £25 for 17g, Boots
I first used this a couple of years ago, and in the time since I've got my whole family hooked.
The stick is a transparent, orange hue so it doesn't leave any white cast behind, and you can see where you're applying it as it's shiny at first (although quickly absorbs into skin, so don't worry about it being sticky).
It smells great, so you can skip wearing perfume over it as it reduces the effectiveness.
It's still suitable for sensitive skin; mine is acne -prone and my mum has eczema, yet we're huge fans.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Independent
an hour ago
- The Independent
Guests and release date revealed for second season of Meghan's lifestyle show
Netflix has released a trailer for season two of the Duchess of Sussex's lifestyle show – a day after the Sussexes announced a watered-down deal with the streaming giant. The teaser, which Meghan also shared on her Instagram, revealed that the next instalment of With Love, Meghan will air in two weeks' time on August 26. Among the celebrity guests joining the former Suits star during the eight episodes will be US model and TV personality Chrissy Teigen and Queer Eye star Tan France, as well as podcaster Jay Shetty and his cookbook author wife Radhi Devlukia. Also appearing will be chefs Samin Nosrat, Clare Smyth, Christina Tosi, Jose Andres and David Chang, and Meghan's close friends, pilates instructor Heather Dorak and make up artist Daniel Martin. The trailer, to the soundtrack of Bobby Day's upbeat Rockin' Robin, showed Meghan cooking, baking and crafting with her celebrity friends and saying: 'I love the idea of just spending time together … and finding new ways to show people you care.' She adds while being shown wrapping a gift: 'There are easy ways to show up, lovingly.' Meghan also reveals the Duke of Sussex is not a fan of lobster. She tells Andres as they prepare a dish together: 'Do you know who doesn't like lobster? My husband,' with the chef replying, prompting laughter from Meghan: 'And you marry (sic) him?' On Monday, Harry and Meghan announced a 'multi-year, first-look deal for film and television projects', in contrast to their reported 100 million dollar (£74 million) contract five years ago. PR and crisis expert Mark Borkowski described it as a 'downgrade', and suggested Netflix was 'pivoting away' from Harry and Meghan. Season one of With Love, Meghan was savaged by critics. One review in The Guardian described it as a 'gormless lifestyle filler' and 'so pointless it might be the Sussexes' last TV show'. The series has a 3.2 rating out of 10 on Netflix said at the time that the second season had already finished filming. The duchess officially launched her lifestyle brand As Ever, in which Netflix is a partner, just hours after season one premiered in March. She has gone on to sell jam, pre-made baking mixes, herbal tea and rose wine – as well as flower sprinkles, which she heavily promoted during the programme and which are also seen being used in the new trailer.
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
How to transform your home & add £10K to the value in just ONE MONTH & there's a £5 buy that'll save your tired bathroom
MOVING house can be stressful when it comes to trying to get the most money for your house or flat. Thankfully there are some very savvy tricks which can boost the value of your pad by a whopping £10,000 in just one month. 4 For as little as just £5, you can transform your property and make it more attractive to buyers with very little effort. Interiors expert Laura Carter, from the online store Furniturebox, shared ten quick and easy tips for an instant home make-over and crucial buying hacks for new home owners… 1. Declutter Start by removing any unnecessary items from each room to create a sense of spaciousness and calm. Organise bookshelves, surfaces, and storage areas for a more polished look. 2. Rearrange furniture Experiment with different furniture arrangements to create new focal points and improve traffic flow. Consider moving large pieces like sofas, beds, or tables to optimise space and create a fresh feel. 3. Add a splash of colour Introduce new colours through textiles like throw pillows, blankets, rugs, or curtains. Consider painting an accent wall or a focal point like the front door for a bold statement. 4. Shed new light Swap out outdated lighting fixtures for more stylish options like pendant lights, sconces, or floor lamps. Consider dimmable bulbs for creating a warmer, more inviting atmosphere. 6 ways to make your house look posh on a budget 5. Embrace nature Incorporate natural elements by adding indoor plants and flowers to bring life and freshness to your space. Consider incorporating natural materials like wood, stone, or woven textures for a calming effect. 6. Accessorise Use mirrors to enhance light and create the illusion of more space. Display artwork or personal photos to add character and personality to your rooms. Style surfaces like coffee tables and bookshelves with intention, using odd-number groupings and varied heights. 7. Clean the carpets 4 It costs £4,000 to recarpet a new home but the carpets you have inherited may just need a spring clean. Get rid of those old coffee and wine stains and they will look great for a good few years. You don't need to bring in a professional firm - a good carpet steam cleaner can be hired for as little as £25 a day. 8. Flout the grout Tatty tiles in kitchen and bathrooms can be transformed with an extra strong cleaner from a DIY store. Revamping the grouting around your tiles is as important as cleaning them, and can have a big impact. A clever trick is to invest in a £5 grout pen which can spruce up dull or yellowing grout and freshen-up the look of a bathroom, kitchen or toilet. 4 9. Invest to impress There are lots of ways to add value without spending big but it is worth splashing out on a few 'investment pieces' - a big and bold new sofa can transform a living room and it is worth paying a little extra for a stunning dining set. One 2025 design tip is 'curve core' which is all about rounded edges, warm tones and organic shapes. 10. Get a little help from your friends Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery and if there is a look that a friend has that you love, don't be afraid to adapt it to your own home. There may be a lamp, mirror or coffee table they have that you know would look great in your home too. Chances are they have borrowed the idea from someone else anyway. How to add 20k value to your home Property expert Jonathan Rolande shares 12 simple, affordable hacks that could help add £20k of value to your property… Banish bins - before the estate agent takes photos, move them out of sight. Value added: £1k Ace your kerb appeal - re-paint the front door, add pots and plants. Value added: £2.5k Up your EPC rating - switch to energy-saving LED light bulbs, and insulate your loft. Value added: £3k Clean your carpets - it'll instantly refresh the room and eliminate odours. Value added: £3k Take a pen to tatty tiles - a £5 grout pen could be the difference between poor offers and a swift property sale. Value added: £1k Groom the garden - buyers want a low-maintenance space, so trim the lawn and bushes, and hide the rusty trampoline and BBQ. Value added: £1k Buff up your basin taps - remove any limescale so the fittings stand out in photos. Value added: £500 Replace the toilet seat - and accessorise the bathroom with new towels and a soap dispenser. Value added: £500 Remove scuffs and scrapes - you can get a magic eraser for a couple of quid and the walls and skirtings will look brand new. Value added: £1.5k Replace dodgy door knobs - out with the old, and in with modern sleek handles for kitchen cupboards. Value added: £3k Update the drapes - and tie curtains back to allow more light in. Value added: £1k Go greige - swap garish painted walls for a neutral hue – like grey or beige – but don't be too bland. A splash of colour on a feature wall, cushions or cabinets will add a little interest. Value added: £2k.
The Independent
3 hours ago
- The Independent
Travis Kelce lifts lid on relationship with Taylor Swift
Travis Kelce has discussed his relationship with Taylor Swift in a new British GQ profile, stating that with her, he feels like a "regular person" and they are "just two people that are in love" away from cameras. The NFL star and pop superstar have been dating since summer 2023. Kelce expressed admiration for Swift's work ethic and her understanding of the intense public scrutiny they both experience in their respective careers. He also described Swift as an 'athlete' for her exhausting stage shows: 'I've seen the amount of work that she puts on her body, and it's mind-blowing.' Kelce revealed he attended 14 of Swift's Eras Tour concerts, while Swift supported him at 23 NFL games and has become a keen football fan.
