Mugwort

If that sounds like something out of Harry Potter, it might as well be—owing to its magical powers. A potent winter skincare ingredient, mugwort is that all-rounder you need to include in your skincare routine. It’s known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that work on all skin types and the calming herb hydrates, soothes and nourishes dry and irritated skin. Besides, it improves your skin’s barrier function. It helps reduce inflammation and irritation, while also stimulating collagen production.

Sunscreen can be heavy and greasy, especially when you’re dealing with summer heat. That’s where Beauty of Joseon’s matte sun stick comes in. This broad-spectrum formulation is your skin shield, but with a twist. Infused with calming mugwort and nourishing camelia, it hydrates and soothes your skin while providing sun protection. The matte finish is a game-changer—it leaves no greasy residue, making it ideal for those with oily skin or anyone looking to prevent shine. Besides, the stick format makes it easy to apply on the go without any mess, whether you’re in a meeting or on lunch break. Keep it in your tote bag—it won't budge your makeup, either.

The packaging? A milky white, mini-sized sun stick that fits right into your canvas tote—snug between your AirPods and lip balm. Totally pocket-friendly, totally adorable. This little tube packs a punch with SPF 50 PA++++ for full-on, broad-spectrum sun protection. It’s loaded with silica powder to soak up excess oil and leave your skin with a soft, matte finish. Plus, it’s infused with artemisia and green tea extract to calm, hydrate and play nice with your skin barrier. The twist-up stick makes application ridiculously easy—just swipe it across your face, neck and any exposed skin.

Loaded with green tea, this formulation delivers oil control throughout the day without leaving a white cast. While lightweight and non-greasy in texture, the hydrating formula offers a surprisingly matte finish.

Finish: Soft matte | Texture: Balm-to-powder stick

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Compact, weightless and ideal for on-the-go, this sun stick smooths on like a balm then dries into a powder-like veil. Great for touch-ups, but it also works well under makeup—blurring shine and softening texture without shifting cream or powder products. With centella inside, it’s a win for acne-prone or easily irritated skin.

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Sunscreen is non-negotiable—even on cloudy monsoon days—and this silky sun stick makes reapplication effortless. With broad-spectrum SPF 50 and a cocktail of hyaluronic acid and Centella Asiatica, it hydrates, calms and shields skin without leaving a greasy residue or white cast. Its compact, glide-on format means it fits neatly into any work tote for seamless, mess-free top-ups throughout the day.

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The velvet finish is especially ideal for humid days—it won’t slide around or pill under makeup. Think of it as your mid-day skin shield that doubles as a mattifier.

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Working double duty, this sunscreen stick leaves skin with a silky, glassy look while blocking harsh UV rays. Blending miracle ingredients like hyaluronic acid with centella asiatica extract, it also hydrates the skin. Make it the last step in your daily makeup routine.

Innisfree was among the first K-Beauty brands to have a fan-following, and their sun stick is proof that their products are worth the hype. Resistant to water and sweat, this one is just right for a day outdoors in the unpredictable rain.

Dr. Jart+ has packed SPF 30 into a sleek little stick that feels more like a primer than sun cream. It glides on in seconds, leaves no greasy film or chalky cast and gives skin that smooth, blurred look we usually only get from make-up. The best part? You can swipe it on without a mirror—in the back of a cab, at your desk, even over make-up—and it always feels fresh. It’s the kind of product you’ll want to keep reapplying.

The sensitive-skin squad, in need of a mineral sunscreen that doesn’t make the skin react, made this Dr Jart essential their go-to. It settles into a soft, velvety finish and adds a touch of evenness without feeling chalky. A year of unpredictable weather and sensitised skin made this a comforting daily layer many kept returning to.

A weightless mix, this sunscreen stick can be used both under or over makeup. The hyaluronic acid in the ingredient list helps blur pores without a sticky residue and the lasting hydration makes it right for daily use.

TOCOBO might be an under-the-radar label, but their nourishing formulas are a favourite among Koreans (and TikTokers). Especially suited for sensitive skin, its ingredient list has one unexpected name—cotton extract, which has a moisturising effect on your skin.

Made in the same vein as Belif’s cult classic ‘Aqua Bomb’ moisturiser, this sun stick is infused with over 30% water essence. Helping to lock in moisture, it melts into the skin without disturbing makeup and provides instant cooling.

Not a fan of scented products? This fragrance-free option is also anti-inflammatory, ticking all the right boxes. Made with macadamia seed oil and rapeseed sterols, it also reinforces the skin barrier.

When beauty creators visit Seoul, a trip to the local pharmacy (followed by a basket full of Mixsoon products) is a must. Their sunstick, along with delivering sun protection, also helps in reducing blemishes and dark marks.

With a vegan formula that provides a protection of SPF 50+ PA++++ this sunscreen combines the brightening power of niacinamide with the soothing properties of edelweiss and thyme extracts. The result? A sheer, breathable sunscreen that hydrates while helping to prevent premature signs of ageing. With its weightless finish and skin-first approach, this will be a mainstay in your bag in no time.

Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, ceramides–name a skincare super-ingredient and this sun stick’s got it. While its primary function might be sun protection, it also helps hydrate the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines.