This post contains affiliate links. Product provided by Stylevana.
Sun sticks offer a quick, easy way to reapply SPF. While they are usually not enough as a stand-alone sun protection, the best sunscreen is the one people actually use. I’m much more likely to reapply SPF outside if I have a stick vs using a more traditional cream or lotion. The same definitely goes for my kids and spouse.
Mary&May Vegan Peptide Bakuchiol Sun Stick is available on Amazon, YesStyle (reward code KBHOBBIT), Stylevana (code INF10KBH), StyleKorean, and Blooming Koco. It is trying to do more than just protect from the UVA and UVB, featuring bakuchiol to reduce inflammation, tocopherol to help with fine lines, and peptides to promote collagen synthesis. I personally don’t look for additional skincare benefits (aside from sun protection) from my SPF, but perhaps it’s a nice little bonus.
The formula also includes porous powder to absorb unwanted skin sebum.
How to use
Apply to exposed areas at the end of your skincare routine
Reapply as needed
Keep in mind that most people will need more than one swipe in each area to get the advertised protection
I start each morning with a good layer of traditional SPF cream / lotion, but carry this stick in my purse for easy reapplication throughout the day. My fair skin shows no white cast, although I notice a shimmer / almost glittery shine from this. I tested it on my arms and had the same shimmery effect. The scent is flowery and strong, lingering for a bit but mostly wearing off after 10 minutes or so. Mary&May Vegan Peptide Bakuchiol Sun Stick isn’t greasy, but it does leave behind a residuethat I can feel. Because of this, I don’t think it would work for many reapplications on the same day - it will likely feel like layers of caked on product toward the end.
My impressions
Eh… This is one of those products that calls for a pros and cons list. I don’t love it and I don’t hate it, but I don’t think I would repurchase it.
Pros:
Easy to apply
Fits into most purses or pockets
Isn’t oily / greasy
Doesn’t cause reactions or breakouts
Cute / pretty packaging
No white cast (on me)
Works well around the eyes
Cons:
Much stronger scent than most sticks (could be a pro, depending on preferences)
Leaves a strange shine / shimmer on the skin
Feels matte but also sort of heavy at the same time
Will likely not work for many reapplications within the same day
Leaves very noticeable white marks on clothing, especially if used on the body (arms)
I will use up what I have, but Mary&May bakuchiol sun stick will not be joining my list of favorite SPFs. I also find the skincare claims about peptides, bakuchiol, and so on in this specific product gimmicky and misleading. Sunblock should do a great job protecting the skin from the rays; other steps exist for the rest of the benefits.
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Mary & May Vegan Peptide Bakuchiol Sun Stick ingredients: Cetylethylhexanoate, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Synthetic Wax, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Isopropyl Palmitate, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Diethylaminohydroxybenzoylhexylbenzoate, Ethylhexyltriazone, Ozokerite, Polysilicone-15, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Bakuchiol, Vinyl Dimethicone, Titanium Dioxide, Glyceryl Caprylate, Caprylyl Glycol, Polyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Aluminum Hydroxide, Tocopherol, Butylene Glycol, Purified Water, 1,2-Hexanediol, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Acetyl Hexapeptide- 8, Acetyl Octapeptide-3, Nonapeptide-1, Dipeptide-2, Dipeptide-4, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5, Acetyl Tripeptide-1, Alanine/Histidine / Lysine Polypeptide Copper HCL, Oligopeptide-6, Copper Tripeptide-1, Tripeptide-1, Tripeptide-2, Tripeptide-3, Pentapeptide-3, Hexapeptide-2, Hexapeptide-9, Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate, Palmitoyl Dipeptide-7, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide -12, Flavoring, Ultramarine