Sephora shoppers say this Shiseido sunscreen stick is 'the best' — but is it worth the $42 price tag?
It has a 4.2-star rating and 45,000 "loves."
Read on for my full review of the Shiseido Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF 50.
Now that I'm in my mid-30s, I've been noticing more sun spots popping up on my skin. That, in turn, has made me more conscious of my sunscreen application, especially on my face and hands.
I came across the Shiseido Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF 50 last year and have been using it religiously ever since. Now that summer weather is amping up across Canada, read on for my honest review, plus whether it's worth the money.
Takeaways
🛍️ Product reviewed: Shiseido Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF 50
⏰ Tested for: One year
💵 Price: $42
⭐ My rating: 4.5/5 stars
⭐ Sephora shopper rating: 4.2-star rating, 34,000 loves
🛍️ Reasons to buy: This sunscreen stick has no white cast, goes on smooth and clear under or over makeup and is easy to re-apply throughout the day.
✋ Reasons to avoid: If you have more oily skin, this might exacerbate greasiness and could potentially cause breakouts. And while a little product goes a long way, it is still a pricey upfront investment compared to your average drugstore sunscreen.
A clear sunscreen stick, with SPF 50+, that works over and under makeup for sun protection on the go.
- No white cast
- Smooth application
- Easy to re-apply
- May exacerbate greasiness or breakouts for sensitive skin
- Expensive
I've always had pale skin, so I should have the whole sunscreen thing figured out by now — but I'm still not so good with it. I have sensitive, acne-prone skin, and most sunscreens make me break out, make me super oily or have the dreaded white cast that makes my already Casper-hued skin even more pasty.
Last year, as I lamented about my sunscreen woes, a friend suggested I try a sunscreen stick. Easy to carry (I'm always on the go) and mess-free, it seemed like a great idea — but I couldn't find one I liked. I was ready to call it quits until I discovered the Shiseido Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF 50 on TikTok.
Shiseido Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF 50 review: Details, pros and cons
I've been using this sunscreen stick for more than a year now (and am currently on my second refill). The first thing I noticed about it is its smell — it has a pleasant, light scent that doesn't smell like most sunscreens (or perfumes), which I liked.
When it comes to application, I was immediately impressed. The sunscreen stick glides on very smoothly, both under and over makeup. Typically, I apply it first thing in the morning after washing and moisturizing my face, and I find that the texture actually acts as a nice makeup primer.
In the afternoon, I'll re-apply over makeup. One of this sunscreen stick's best qualities, in my opinion, is the truly translucent nature of it. It leaves zero white cast and doesn't smudge the makeup I already have on, which has made me more likely to re-apply throughout the day when I'm out and about.
While I really love this sunscreen stick and have been using it religiously, there are a couple of downsides. The first is the price. While a little product goes a long way, and the quality is better, it's still quite a bit more expensive than your typical drugstore sunscreen. The second is that it's a bit greasy, especially if you have oily skin. I typically rub it in a bit on the first application to take some of the shine away. If you have oily skin, it might exacerbate that.
I also find that I do experience a few more pimples than usual, but making sure to double-wash my face at night and in the morning has really helped. That said, a few zits are OK by me if my skin is protected.
A clear sunscreen stick, with SPF 50+, that works over and under makeup for sun protection on the go.
What other reviewers are saying
Sephora shoppers have given this sunscreen stick a 4.2-star rating from more than 150 reviews, and it's also racked up 34,000 "loves."
"The best SPF stick," wrote one reviewer. "No irritation, breakouts or sunburns. Even while working out and sweating the product does not run into my eyes — as an avid runner this was huge for me! I’ve tried countless sunscreens over the years and this is my top choice for my face and neck."
"Perfect for over makeup application," added another shopper. "I first blot the oil off my face during the day and then apply this. It glides over the skin nicely and applies good over makeup."
"I love this and I have sensitive skin!" raved another reviewer. "I use this as a top up sunscreen for outdoor activities and it’s amazing. Super easy to apply, no breakouts, no irritation and no white cast. Love it!"
However, some shoppers seemed to agree with me that if you have oily skin or are prone to breakouts, this might be a product you want to pass on.
"I really wanted to love this but it makes me so greasy! If you have oily or combo skin I would not recommend," cautioned one shopper. "Plus it never absorbs. Even hours later it still feels like I just applied it."
"I love the concept and after reading so many good reviews I thought I found a winner. It just wasn't for me," said another reviewer. "Broke me out after one use. I purposely gave it a break and tried again a few weeks later, and lo and behold it caused me to break out again."
The verdict
It's hard to find a sunscreen, let alone in stick form, that doesn't cause greasy skin and a white cast. This one glides on smooth and translucent, and is easy to pop in your bag to carry anywhere.
Is it worth it? In my opinion — yes! While I have had some interestingly-timed breakouts while using this product, I can sacrifice perfectly clear skin for sun protection. That said, some shoppers have noted that if you already have oily skin, this might make you feel too greasy.
The only other downside is that at $42, this stick is quite a bit more expensive than your run-of-the-mill sunscreen. However, a little does go a long way — so it should easily last you all summer long.
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
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