K-beauty has introduced many innovative beauty products over the years. Among all the viral Korean skincare and makeup products, my favourite has to be Korean sun sticks. As someone who really dislikes applying sunscreen, Korean sun sticks were the answer to all my problems with their easy application and lightweight formulation.
With all the K-beauty brands on the market, I’m sure many have heard of Round Lab, well-known for its sun care product line. At the same time, TikTok-viral brands like SKIN1004 have also been rising in popularity, providing a cheaper alternative while still boasting impressive quality. After trying both brands, here’s an honest review of the Round Lab vs SKIN1004 Korean sun sticks.
Why use sun sticks?
With Singapore’s hot and humid weather, applying sunscreen can feel really unpleasant. It’s thick, creamy and no matter how lightweight the product claims to be, I can’t help but be conscious of the added layer of grease on my face.
That’s why sun sticks are so great – they save the day in hot and sticky situations! Most sun sticks come in small compact tubes, where users simply need to twist the dial and glide the stick over their faces. This form of application makes it easy to coat the skin thoroughly and evenly, especially the hard-to-reach areas. The best part: It glides smoothly both under and over makeup, making it perfect for hand-free re-application without any blending required.
Round Lab vs SKIN1004: Key sun stick features compared
In my experience using both the Round Lab and SKIN1004 sun sticks, here’s how their key features stack up.
| Round Lab Birch Moisturising Sun Stick | SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Silky-Fit Sun Stick | |
| SPF | SPF 50+ | SPF 50+ |
| PA | PA ++++ | PA ++++ |
| Ingredients |
|
|
| Texture & finish | Dewy, glowy finish that’s slightly tacky |
Mattifies skin with a dry and powdery finish |
| Good for | Dry, sensitive skin | Oily skin |
My initial impressions of the Round Lab and SKIN1004 sun sticks
I know this may sound contradictory, but my biggest gripe about the SKIN1004 sun stick was that it was almost too lightweight – I could barely feel anything on my skin at all. When applying the SKIN1004 sun stick, I had to apply multiple layers as I was simply unsure whether any product was actually on my face. In comparison, the Round Lab sun stick felt cooling to the skin, and the emollient properties meant that the sun stick glided over my skin easily while depositing a soothing, protective layer that felt very hydrating.
Another large difference between the Round Lab vs SKIN1004 sun stick was the finish. The Round Lab sun stick left a dewy, glowy finish on my skin, while the SKIN1004 sun stick was more matte and powdery. I found that the SKIN1004 sun stick was better for re-applications as the layers felt less heavy on my skin, where the anti-sebum properties also helped absorb excess oil around my T-zone. When I used the Round Lab sun stick for re-applications, I didn’t like how it felt heavy on top of my makeup, and it gave my face an extra, unwanted shine.
However, I did find that the Round Lab sun stick was nice to use for makeup-free days, where the glow it gave was the perfect amount without looking or feeling too oily.
Round Lab vs SKIN1004 sunsticks: My honest review and scorecard
| Round Lab | SKIN1004 | |
| What I liked |
|
|
| What I wish was better |
|
|
Aside from how the formulas feel, I found the Round Lab sun stick to be more user-friendly. Its larger twist dial provides a better grip and makes it easier to push the product up, unlike the SKIN1004 version, which requires a bit more patience to twist. The rounded applicator tip also offers better precision, allowing me to apply the product more easily to different areas of my face.
| Criteria | Score (1 – 5) | My personal opinion | |
| Round Lab | SKIN1004 | ||
| Overall | 4.6 | 4.4 | Both sun sticks are great choices, though the Round Lab sun stick will appeal to those who prefer more hydration, while the SKIN1004 sun stick will appeal to those who prefer matte and oil-control functions. |
| Efficacy | 5 | 5 | Both offer good sun protection, with similar rates of re-application required every 2 to 3 hours. |
| Texture | 4.5 | 5 | Both feel lightweight and thin on the skin. Roundlab texture is soft and creamy, but leaves a stickier layer on the skin. SKIN1004 feels more chalky and matte. |
| Ease of application | 5 | 4 | Roundlab glides on more smoothly and only requires about 2 swipes to feel like an adequate amount of product has been deposited.
SKIN1004 is more difficult to apply, with a less streamlined applicator tip and requires multiple swipes to deposit product onto the face. |
| Makeup compatibility | 4 | 4.5 | SKIN1004 applies more “dry” and provides a smooth finish over makeup. Round Lab is more suitable as a makeup base rather than over makeup. Neither products cause pilling. |
| Scent | 4.5 | 4 | Minimal scent for both, though Round Lab’s scent is more pleasant. |
| Packaging | 4.5 | 4 | Both come in small, lightweight packaging. The cap cover may be slightly troublesome to handle. Round Lab’s twist-up dial is more efficient and easier to grip than SKIN1004’s smaller twist-up dial. |
| Ingredients | 4.5 | 5 | Round Lab ingredients focus more on hydration, while SKIN1004 provides a more comprehensive blend of botanical and antioxidant ingredients. SKIN1004 blend is overall lighter than the Round Lab one. Both are suited for sensitive skin. |
| Value for money | 4.5 | 4 | SKIN1004 sun stick comes at a more affordable price point than the Round Lab sun stick, at almost half the price. However, reviews mention that SKIN1004 sun stick finishes quickly and requires frequent repurchase. |
Overall verdict: Round Lab vs SKIN1004, which is better?
If I had to choose, the Round Lab sun stick is more suited to my personal preferences. I loved how moisturising it felt on the skin, and I think that the formula was the perfect balance between providing a radiant sheen on the skin without being greasy. Considering that it also contains a noticeably larger amount of product for the price point, I find the Round Lab sun stick to be the more worthwhile option overall.
FAQs for Korean sun sticks
1. How to choose between Round Lab and SKIN1004 sunsticks?
Choose Round Lab if: You prefer a glowy base and want your skin to feel deeply hydrated, or if you have dry skin and don’t mind a slightly tacky finish.
Choose Skin1004 if: You prefer a matte finish with oil control and anti-sebum properties, to be used for touch-ups over makeup throughout the day.
2. Are sun sticks actually effective?
Yes, Korean sun sticks can be very effective, offering broad-spectrum UV protection just like liquid sunscreens. That said, because the stick format can make it harder to apply a thick, even layer, re-application throughout the day is still necessary to maintain protection. As a gauge, you should still reapply every two hours or after sweating.
3. Which Korean sun stick is the best?
Choosing the best Korean sun stick really comes down to your individual skin type and preferences. Factors like your preferred texture and finish, along with whether you want extra hydration or more skincare-driven ingredients, will help you decide on the sun stick that’s the right fit for you.
Korean sun sticks: Worth the hype?
After trying both the SKIN1004 and the Round Lab sun sticks, I can confidently say that Korean sun sticks have become a staple that I carry around wherever I go. If you’re still not sold on sun sticks, don’t fret, as we have a list of different face sunscreens for you to check out instead! If you’re curious about diving deeper into Korean skincare, then check out our recommendations on the best Korean skincare to try!
