Gear Review: Up & Up Kids’ Sunscreen Stick

Today’s review definitely isn’t the traditional gear, but it’s become one of my top walking must-haves—especially for summer—and I highly recommend picking some up for your gear bag.

I first discovered the Up & Up Kids’ Sunscreen Stick at Target last spring, when I was preparing for the family’s spring break trip to Orlando.  I thought that these little deodorant-like sticks would be handy to have in our backpack, so we could reapply our sun protection throughout the day—quickly and without the mess of regular lotions.  And it was absolutely perfect.  We could reapply on the go, whenever we opened the backpack to grab a snack, and it kept us from accidental theme park sunburns.

When I got home, I threw one of the sticks in my walking bag in the car, and now I reach for it whenever I’m heading to the trail (or when my daughter and I are heading to the park or the zoo).  Some women may apply mascara and lipstick at stop lights; I now apply sunscreen.

Since I started regularly walking outside, I’ve noticed that my face tends to sweat more under sunscreen.  Unfortunately, this stick doesn’t solve that problem; I still end up with a sweaty face.  But at least it’s protected on those hot, sunny days on the trail.

I’ve looked into other sunscreen sticks (and purchased some, too), and they tend to be pretty pricey.  But Target’s Up & Up sticks are just $8 for a two sticks of SPF 55—well below the price of the average sunscreen stick.  And since the package comes with two sticks, you can keep one in your gear bag and keep the other one handy for the rest of the family.

Pros:
– Handy and mess-free sun protection
– Great for on-the-go
– Affordable price

Cons:
– Still makes your face sweaty

You can pick yours up at your local Target—or online at Target.com.