Blue Lizard Spf#50+ Sensitive Stick Australian Sunscreen 0.5 Ounce (Pack of 3)

I’m writing a review for this product as well as a number of other mineral sunscreen sticks (MSS) after testing a bunch of them—scroll down to point #6 below if you want to know which one I thought was the best. I’ve placed this exact review on every single other MSS I used. I specifically elected to go with mineral-based sunscreens—lots of talk on the environmental effects of the other sunscreens (not sure how much of this is actually true, but I’m willing to avoid the non-mineral sunscreens given the minimal investment on my part). Here are a few important points about this review:1. No one paid me to write this review. I put down my own $140 to get all 13 of these MSSs. I just wanted to find the best one by limiting as much bias as possible. Yes, my wife definitely gave me the you’re-crazy-but-I-guess-I’m-stuck-now look.2. Quick sunscreen tutorial. Most dermatologists say we should try to get an SPF of 30+. Each 1% of zinc counts for 1.6 SPF, so to hit SPF 30, your zinc has to be 18.75%+. Each 1% of titanium counts for 2.6 SPF, so a combination of zinc and titanium could get you to SPF 30 as well. Titanium apparently isn’t good enough to block UV-A (cancer causing and photo-aging) light on its own, so you must add zinc to it. I calculated the SPF based on the stated zinc and titanium percentages on the label and these calculations were usually different from the quoted SPFs (they might be adding more SPFs from other ingredients, but I can’t say for sure). Nine of the 13 MSSs had calculated SPFs 30+. Only 4 of the 13 had a calculated SPF greater than or equal to the label SPF.3. Because I can’t judge cancer prevention or aging blockade in the short term, avoiding burns and eye irritation are the most important immediately observable elements of an MSS. Every MSS I tested did equally well in burn avoidance and eye irritation avoidance.4. It should be noted that I’m not Caucasian, I’m South Asian. If you don’t know what that is exactly, Wikipedia it or watch some Russell Peters standup comedy (his old stuff, not his new stuff). My skin color is probably similar to that of Benjamin Bratt (mind you, we’re talking about his skin color only… I’m not even in the same galaxy of overall looks as he is, much to my wife’s chagrin). The ability of a white-colored MSS to blend is crucial for me. And yes, even brown people like me need sunscreen. It would absolutely suck for me as a South Asian to have a higher risk of heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension, skillfully dodge those bullets with diet and exercise and luck, only to get taken out by skin cancer.5. I like most scents. It seems like so many things are going unscented now—an MSS that is truly unscented is okay, but a lot of things labeled “unscented,” actually have an odd, unpleasant (sort of like bad oatmeal) smell to them. The scent score is logged as a “3” if it’s truly unscented, a “5” if it has a great scent, and a “1” if it smells bad.6. Here’s the final conclusion. Only 3 of the 13 MSSs I tested had the following combination of characteristics: calculated SPF 30+, smell score 3+, and blend score 4+. These top three were: Neutrogena Sheer Zinc, Aveeno Positively Mineral, and Blue Lizard. When you factor in cost, it’s a no-brainer—Neutrogena and Aveeno were only half the cost of Blue Lizard. Therefore, my two winners (tied for first place) are Neutrogena Sheer Zinc and Aveeno Positively Mineral. Honorable mention for Blue Lizard—twice as expensive as the others, but might be slightly easier to maneuver on your face given the smaller size stick (this is a stretch compliment for Blue Lizard—I think NSZ and APM are just better).Hope this helps you select your next mineral sunscreen stick!A^2

Can't say enough good things about this sunscreen. I got this for a trip to Hawaii and it was my first experience with mineral sunscreen. A little goes a long way, doesn't put too much of a white cast on, no irritation, absorbed well, and is super handy with the size and ability to roll it up or down like a deodorant stick. Size was perfect for my carry on bag, applying to the face and spreading with your hands, and wasn't greasy. I'm from the PNW and this did a great job at preventing the old "Oregon tan"/sunburn in the Maui sunshine. Blue Lizard will be my go to island sunblock.

The BEST and only sunscreen I use for my kids (who are now older). My mom is a dermatologist and she always loved this brand. This stick is easy to apply and easy to blend and actually works. It is also great for sensitive skin. Neutrogena be gone.

Effective sunscreen in a small travel-sized package. Smell is a non-issue, but it does not go on sheer at all. It requires some effort to make sheer. Sunscreen seems to work well. Really like the size of the stick which makes it easy to put in a purse or small pack.

I’ve ordered this many times and always keep one in my purse! The small size makes it super convenient to carry around, and it’s easy to apply anytime I need it. I’ve had no allergic reactions, and it’s great for sensitive skin. Fragrance-free, water-resistant, and offers strong SPF 50+ protection—definitely a must-have!

Bought for a trip to NZ where it’s very very easy to get a sunburn and I am very pale and it worked well, I do want to note that I also used a sun hat almost every time I was outside though. I’ve used the liquid bottles of this brand before all over though and it’s always worked well. It was super convenient to have a pocket sized stick of sunscreen I could just swipe on while walking around when it was time to reapply and it was especially helpful for hikes when you don’t want to be carrying a bunch of stuff.

great for by the pool

Giving 3 stars because I'd like to give this order a 1 star for no product but the actual product I'd give 5 stars. The package arrived sealed, opened it up and there was no product in the container. Have never had this happen before. Contacted Amazon and a replacement will be sent out. Hopefully this was just a one time mistake. I have used Blue Lizard sunblock lotion and the stick previously and liked how it worked. The kids like that it is soft, and rubs in well. Children did not get any sun burns when using Blue Lizard. Like the stick to be able to carry in a pocket for quick face re-applys while out on adventures. I would like to receive product in the container though.