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Beauty of Joseon Matte Sun Stick: My Honest Review + How I Save on It
I used to think sunscreen was the boring part of my routine. Something I applied grudgingly, hoping it would not mess up my makeup or feel heavy. Then I spent a summer with my foundation sliding off by noon and my skin feeling tight and uncomfortable by afternoon, and I realised proper sun protection is not optional , it is the foundation of everything else.
When I heard about the Beauty of Joseon Matte Sun Stick with its cult following and that famous no shine finish, I decided to put it through a real test. Not just a week, but several months of using it under makeup, on its own, on hot days, during errands around London, and even on a weekend away.
This is my full, unfiltered take on whether it lives up to the hype, who it works best for, what sets it apart from other sunscreens, and how to get it at a better price without waiting for sales.
First Impressions: What You Notice Right Away
The stick format itself is the first surprise. Instead of a cream or spray, you twist the base and the product glides on like a soft balm. It feels cool on contact, leaves a completely matte finish within seconds, and there is no white cast even on my medium complexion. I was expecting a slight sheen or something to blend in, but it disappears into the skin.
The scent is barely there , a clean, almost nothing smell that does not linger. That is a plus if you are sensitive to fragrance. The texture is smooth but not slick, and it settles into the skin fast enough that you can apply it over or under makeup without disturbing either.
My first proper test was a day out in late spring. I applied it at 8am, did my foundation and powder over the top, and by 6pm my makeup was still intact and my skin did not feel clogged or sticky. That was enough to make me keep using it.
For reference, I usually buy Korean skincare through Lookfantastic where I can stack savings, so I checked the price and availability there before committing to a full routine with it.
Check the current Beauty of Joseon Matte Sun Stick at Lookfantastic here , use code LFTFNICOLAL at checkout to save 20%.
How I Actually Use It Day to Day
I settled into a simple routine that seems to work for most skin types and makeup styles.
Morning on its own: After cleanser and serum, I swipe the stick directly onto dry skin in gentle strokes. I focus on the areas that burn first , forehead, nose, cheeks, chin , and then smooth it in with my fingertips. It absorbs within 20 seconds and I can apply moisturiser or foundation immediately after if I want coverage.
Under makeup: I apply it as the last step of my skincare and let it settle for about a minute before foundation. The matte finish means powder is optional unless you have very oily skin. My makeup stays put and does not slide around.
Top ups through the day: The stick format makes this simple. I can reapply over makeup without disturbing it, which is the main reason I switched from a traditional cream. On long days out, a quick swipe on forehead and nose keeps protection consistent.
Evening after active products: If I have used retinol or exfoliating acids, I use this as my final step. It is gentle enough that it does not sting or irritate, even when my skin is feeling sensitive.
One stick lasts surprisingly long with this approach , about six weeks for me with daily use. At the price point, that is reasonable value, especially with a discount.
The Ingredients That Matter
The formula combines two key botanical extracts that give this product its character, along with a modern SPF filter system.
Mugwort: A traditional Korean ingredient known for calming and soothing properties. In a sunscreen, it helps offset any irritation that UV filters can sometimes cause, especially on reactive skin. The antioxidant content also adds a layer of protection against environmental stressors.
Camellia: Rich in antioxidants and fatty acids, it adds a layer of skincare benefit beyond just protection. It keeps the texture comfortable and helps maintain barrier function throughout the day.
The SPF is rated 50+ PA++++, which is the highest protection tier available in Korean sunscreens. That means reliable coverage on both UVB (burn) and UVA (aging) rays. The filters are modern and photostable, so reapplication every two hours still applies but you do not lose effectiveness if you miss a top up now and then.
If you are already using a good SPF and want to understand how antioxidants like these fit into a full routine, my guide to vitamin C in skincare covers the science in plain language.
Matte Finish: What That Actually Means
Matte in sunscreen marketing can mean anything from powdery to dull. Here, matte means a natural, shine free finish that still looks like skin. No chalkiness, no white cast, no tight feeling.
It is the kind of matte that makes makeup sit better, not the kind that makes skin look flat. For combination or oily skin, this is usually the preferred texture. For dry skin, you might want a moisturiser underneath to avoid any tight sensation.
I have used it on humid summer days and it did not ball up or separate. On cold, windy days it stayed comfortable without drying. The consistency stays the same across temperatures, which is not always true of sunscreen formats.
How This Compares to Other Sunscreen Formats
I have tried plenty of sunscreens over the years , traditional creams, gels, milks, and powders. Here is where the stick format honestly sits.
Versus cream sunscreens: Creams can be more elegant for first application but they are messy to reapply over makeup. The stick solves that problem completely. I still use a lightweight cream on days when I am not wearing makeup, but for reapplication the stick is superior.
Versus gel or milk sunscreens: These often feel lighter initially but can sometimes leave a dewy or slightly sticky finish. The matte stick gives a drier, more controlled result that works well under powder.
Versus powder sunscreens: Powders are good for touch ups but they do not provide reliable coverage on their own , you end up using a lot to reach the stated SPF. The stick gives a consistent, measurable layer every time.
Versus spray sunscreens: Sprays are convenient but you cannot control where the product lands, and inhaling the mist is not ideal. The stick is targeted and breathable.
My Results Over Time: What Actually Changed
First week: I was mostly noticing the convenience. No more fumbling with messy creams when I was out. Makeup stayed put better. My skin felt protected without being aware of the product.
After a month: The under eye area , usually the first place I notice dryness , stayed comfortable throughout the day. No tight feeling, no patchiness. I also noticed my makeup fading less quickly on the nose and forehead, which tells me the protection is holding up.
Three months in: I trust this as my daily reapplication method. It has become routine to the point that I carry it in my bag without thinking. The stick has not melted or changed texture in heat, and it has not leaked.
One thing that did not change , and this is important , is that it does not provide hydration. It is a protective barrier, not a moisturiser. If your skin is dry, you still need your usual hydrating products underneath.
Pros and Cons After Real World Testing
Pros:
Cons:
Who This Is Best For, and Who Should Look Elsewhere
This sunscreen is a great fit if you:
Consider something else if you:
How It Compares to Other Korean Sunscreens I Have Tried
Korean sunscreens have a reputation for being more elegant than Western drugstore options, and this one is no exception. Here is how it stacks up against other popular choices.
Versus Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Rice + Probiotics: The Relief Sun is a cream texture, more suited for morning application when you are not wearing makeup. The Matte Sun Stick is better for reapplication and for those who prefer a completely matte finish. Both have the same high SPF rating.
Versus Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Sun Gel: The Isntree gel is ultra hydrating and feels like a lightweight moisturiser. If your skin is dry, that might be the better choice. If your skin is oily or you need makeup friendly reapplication, the Beauty of Joseon stick wins.
Versus Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturising Sun Cream: The Round Lab has a slightly dewy finish and feels more like a skincare product. The Beauty of Joseon stick is more functional , less skincare feel, more practical performance.
Versus Skin1004 Madagascar Centella hyalu cica water fit Sun Serum: The Skin1004 is another popular Korean option with a serum like texture. It is very comfortable but not as matte as the Beauty of Joseon stick. If you want zero shine, the stick is the clearer winner.
Where to Buy and How to Save
This product is most consistently available at Lookfantastic and Sephora UK. I have seen it at both retailers, with Lookfantastic usually having the better price after discount.
My usual approach is to wait until I am placing a larger order so I can apply the 20% Lookfantastic code to the whole basket. Code LFTFNICOLAL works across most of the site, so I add this sunscreen along with any other skincare or makeup I need and the savings add up.
If I am ordering just one or two items and the discount does not change the total much, I sometimes compare against Sephora UK using my Sephora UK savings page to see which checkout price is lower after shipping.
I also use my Skinceuticals C E Ferulic review to stack antioxidant serums alongside sunscreen in my routine, and I keep an eye on Charlotte Tilbury for makeup that pairs well with a matte base. For broader savings across my favourite brands, my Elemis savings page and Charlotte Tilbury discount page are my go to resources when I am topping up on luxury skincare.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is this sunscreen really matte,
Yes , completely shine free within seconds. No greasiness, no sticky feel, just a natural skin like finish.
Does it leave a white cast,
None on my skin tone. The formula is transparent once blended and works well across a range of complexions.
Can I wear it under makeup,
Yes, and it actually helps makeup last longer because it creates a smooth, dry base that prevents sliding.
Is it suitable for sensitive skin,
Most people find it gentle. No fragrance, no alcohol, and the mugwort adds calming properties. Patch test first if you react easily.
How often should I reapply,
Every two hours in direct sun, but the stick format makes top ups easy even over makeup.
Does it work for dark skin tones,
Yes , the formula is completely transparent and does not leave any ashy residue.
How long does one stick last,
Around six weeks with daily face and neck use if you apply a moderate layer. You can stretch it further if you are only using it for touch ups.
Is it water resistant,
Not water resistant. For swimming or heavy sweating, reapply more frequently and consider a dedicated water resistant SPF instead.
Can I use it if I have acne prone skin,
Yes , the formula is non comedogenic and many people with oily or acne prone skin find it works well without clogging pores.
Should I apply moisturiser first,
Yes. Sunscreen should be applied after your hydrating products and before makeup. If your skin is dry, a good moisturiser underneath makes a big difference.
My Final Thoughts
The Beauty of Joseon Matte Sun Stick has earned a permanent spot in my routine because it solves a real problem: reapplying sunscreen over makeup without ruining it. The matte finish, pleasant texture, and strong protection make it a reliable daily option for anyone who wants SPF that feels like skincare but behaves like a makeup friend.
If you have been skipping reapplication because of the mess, this stick changes the game. At full price it is a bit steep, but with a checkout saving it becomes an easy recommendation.
Follow me on Instagram @nlondors and let me know what sunscreen has worked best for you this season.
Kisses, Nicola xx
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