Let me start by saying this: I’ve been in the skincare game long enough to know when something is actually good vs just hyped. I’m 28, live in Chicago, work in branding, and let’s just say I’ve tried enough serums, moisturizers, and sunscreens to know that most things are 80% marketing and 20% reality. SPF? It’s a must, obviously, but I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t skipped it more than once out of sheer laziness or frustration.

Reapplication? Don’t even get me started. I’ve ruined too many makeup looks with greasy sunscreens trying to be a responsible adult at 2pm. So yeah, when I first saw sun sticks popping up, I was skeptical. The first couple I tried were either too waxy or left a weird film that made my face look like I’d pressed it against a window. Cute.

Then I came across this one: the SKIN1004 Hyalu-Cica Silky-Fit Sun Stick. Korean skincare is nothing new to me. I’m a COSRX loyalist, and Sulwhasoo’s cleansing oil got me through winter. But SKIN1004 had somehow flown under my radar. That changed real quick.

I picked this up on a whim during a trip to NYC. My friend dragged me into oo35mm in Chinatown (bless her), and the girl at the counter raved about this one, calling it the only SPF that doesn’t mess up her foundation. I’m not easily swayed, but she had great skin and zero sales pressure. Just that kind of friend-level enthusiasm you trust. So I added it to my bag.

Best decision I made that week.

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🧊 The Texture
You know how some stick sunscreens feel like you’re smearing a giant lip balm on your face? This isn’t that. This glides like velvet. There’s zero drag. None of that weird, tacky feel afterward. It’s the silkiest finish I’ve ever experienced from an SPF, and it dries down instantly. I mean it. I’ve used blotting papers less since I started using this. It’s that shine-controlling.

It doesn’t feel dry, though. There’s this soft-focus effect that somehow makes your skin look more even right after application. Not glowy, not matte. Just naturally smooth. Think primer vibes, but breathable.

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🧴 How I Use It
I apply a chemical SPF in the morning (usually Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun), then throw this sun stick in my tote. I’ll reapply around 1pm and again around 4:30 if I’m heading out. I literally swipe it across my cheeks, forehead, nose, and jawline. Done in 30 seconds. No mirror needed. And it doesn’t mess with my blush or concealer at all.

I’ve also used it completely on its own when I’m bare-faced. Still looks great. No white cast, no pilling, no shine.

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🌿 Ingredients I Actually Care About
What caught my eye once I looked into it more:
✿ Centella Asiatica — the real MVP for calming redness. My cheeks get irritated from heat and city air, and this helps.
✿ Hyaluronic Acid — I’ve got dehydration-prone skin even though I’m combo. This keeps me from flaking in the cold.
✿ Niacinamide and Tocopherol — gentle brightening and antioxidant boost

I’ve had zero irritation with this, and I’ve used it on days when my skin barrier was acting up. If anything, I think this actually soothes my face when it’s angry.

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☀️ How It Handles Real Life (and Chicago Weather)
Since buying this, I’ve worn it during:
✿ Long walks downtown in 80°F sun
✿ Windy, dry 50°F days at the lake
✿ That awkward sweaty but freezing combo on the El
✿ One rooftop happy hour where I forgot my hat and still didn’t burn

It held up through it all. No sting around the eyes. No sunscreen smell. It just works. I can swipe it on over powder and walk into a meeting, and no one would know I just reapplied SPF.

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👝 Packaging and Portability
The stick itself is compact. Fits in any small bag, no cap loosening issues, doesn’t melt in my coat pocket. I’ve even carried it in my mini belt bag while biking. The twist-up mechanism is smooth and clean. You don’t need to press hard or warm it up on your hand first.

It’s so convenient that I’ve started reapplying more out of habit. Which, let’s be honest, is the actual point of sun sticks. If it makes reapplication realistic, I’m in.

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⚠️ What’s Not Perfect
Okay, one small thing. The stick is narrower than some others I’ve tried. If you have a bigger face or want to cover chest or shoulders too, it takes a few more swipes. Not a dealbreaker at all, but something to note.

Also, I haven’t seen this in U.S. retail stores yet. I’ve since reordered it from Olive Young Global and Amazon (just double-check the seller is legit). Would love to see it at Target or even Sephora eventually. Honestly shocked it hasn’t caught on here more. It’s better than half the stuff in the aisle.

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🎤 Celeb Vibes?
If I had to imagine someone using this, it’d be someone like BLACKPINK’s Jisoo. Elegant, effortless, lowkey smart about her skincare. Or maybe Emma Chamberlain if she ever got into K-beauty. It’s not flashy, but it’s dependable, and somehow makes you feel a little bit cooler for using it.

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🌟 Final Thoughts
This sun stick didn’t just fit into my routine. It kind of improved it. I’m finally reapplying sunscreen daily without it feeling like a task. I trust it to not wreck my makeup or leave my skin feeling gross. And honestly, it’s given me a little boost of skincare joy I didn’t realize I was missing.

If you’re someone who knows SPF is important but struggles to stay consistent with it, I cannot recommend this enough. Especially if you wear makeup, have sensitive skin, or just want something that doesn’t make your face feel like a glazed donut by noon.

Already repurchased. Considering keeping one in my desk, my purse, and maybe my boyfriend’s glove compartment. No shame.