What Is the Easiest Way to Apply Sunscreen?

(A Practical Guide for Parents, Carers & Outdoor Educators)

Applying sunscreen is one of the most important ways to protect skin from sun damage, yet it’s also one of the most frustrating parts of a family’s daily routine. If you’ve ever tried to put sunscreen on a wriggly toddler, rushed a group of kids onto a sports field, or attempted sunscreen reapplication in a sandy environment, you know it’s not always simple.

Whether you’re a parent, a carer, a teacher, or run kids’ activities outdoors, you’ve probably asked the same question:

“What is the easiest way to apply sunscreen, especially on kids?”

The answer: using clever tools that make the process faster, cleaner, and more kid-friendly, like a sunscreen applicator.

In this guide, we’ll explore why traditional sunscreen application can feel difficult and how easy to use sunscreen tools (like refillable brushes) are changing sun safety for Aussie families and community settings.

Why Applying Sunscreen Isn’t Always Easy

Sunscreen is non-negotiable in Australia. Our UV levels are some of the highest in the world, and children’s skin is especially vulnerable to damage. Yet applying sunscreen can still feel like a struggle for so many reasons:

• Sticky, greasy hands after application

• Sand, dirt or sweat sticking to sunscreen-covered skin

• Kids dislike the smell or texture

• Messy bottles leak in bags or cars

• Reapplication is inconvenient when you’re out and about

• Missed spots (ears! around the eyes! back of neck! shoulders!)

• Multiple kids = multiple meltdowns

And then there’s the timing. Sunscreen should be applied 20 minutes before outdoor play, and every 2 hours during extended outdoor activity. For schools, kindy, and sports groups, that’s a big ask, unless you have a better system.

✅ The Easiest Way to Apply Sunscreen? Use a Sunscreen Applicator

A sunscreen applicator is a refillable tool designed to help you apply sunscreen directly onto the skin — without using your hands. Most come in the form of a brush, sponge, or roller head, attached to a refillable chamber for your preferred sunscreen.

These tools are quickly becoming a popular way for Australian families, schools and carers to manage sun protection because they:

• Keep hands clean

• Spread sunscreen quickly and smoothly without the mess

• Make it easier to reach tricky areas

• Help kids participate in their own sun safety

• Allow fast reapplication without on-the-go

• Reduce mess and wastage

• Support shared use in group settings (with safe hygiene practices)

Here’s an example of one in action, the SUNNYBOD™ Refillable Sunscreen Brush — a BPA-free, kid-friendly applicator perfect for homes, daycare centres, and your hand bag.

Sunscreen Applicators: Why They Work Better (Especially for Kids)

Children don’t always love sunscreen application, but the right tool can change that dynamic.

A sunscreen applicator:

• Makes application feel like a face painting activity

• Removes the uncomfortable sticky feeling on hands

• Helps build healthy independence in older kids

• Can be easier for neurodivergent or sensory-sensitive kids

• Turns a “chore” into something calm, familiar, predictable and fun!

The simpler, cleaner  and more predictable sunscreen time is, the more likely kids and carers are to be consistent and stay sun safe throughout the day.

Real-World Use: Families, Schools, and Outdoor Programs

Here’s where sunscreen applicators shine in everyday use:

✅ At the Beach or Park

Apply without sandy hands. Reapply during play. No stopping to wash.

✅  In Schools and Early Learning Centres

Educators can apply sunscreen more quickly across multiple children, and families can supply their child with a labelled brush to keep in their bag to use with their preferred sunscreen. 

✅  Before Sports or Swimming Lessons

Reapplication takes minutes between activities, without the greasy hands interfering with grip or awkward bottle pumps.

✅  In the Car or On the Go

Older Kids can use the brush in the backseat (with supervision). No spills or arguments needed. Reapplication on playdates where there may not be a place to wash greasy residue off hands is no longer a problem. 

Tools like this support safe sunscreen application without interruption, and make re-application easier on everyone.

How to Use a Sunscreen Applicator (Quick Guide)

Here’s how to use a refillable brush applicator properly:

1. Fill the canister with SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen

2. Prime the brush by pushing the white pump bitton until product appears at the bristles

3. Apply using gentle, sweeping motions across all exposed areas

4. Check for full coverage (all exposed areas including ears, around the eyes, neck, shoulders, backs of legs etc.)

5. Reapply every 2 hours or immediately after swimming, sweating, or towel drying. 

✨ Always supervise children during sunscreen application and use sunscreen in conjunction with other sun safety methods. 

Want the full breakdown?
👉 How to Use Your SUNNYBOD™ Brush

Sun Safety in Australia

The Cancer Council reminds us to follow the Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide steps:

✅ Slip on protective clothing
✅ Slop on SPF 50+ sunscreen (and reapply every 2 hours)
✅ Slap on a hat
✅ Seek shade
✅ Slide on sunglasses

🔗 Learn more and check UV levels:
https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/causes-and-prevention/sun-safety

FAQ: Quick Answers for Parents & Educators

Q: Can I use any sunscreen in the brush?
Yes — In the SUNNYBOD Refillable Sunscreen Applicator you can use your favourite liquid-style SPF. 

Q: Can children use this independently?
Children may participate, but an adult must supervise sunscreen application and confirm ample application and coverage.

Q: Is this OK for schools?
Yes. Brushes are a great option for schools and sporting events. They can be labelled with your child's name and used by staff to reduce hands-on contact and promote reapplication.

Ready to Make Sunscreen Easier?

Explore our game changing refillable sun  applicators — made for homes, schools, sports programs, camps, and busy families.

👉 Shop SUNSCREEN APPLICATORS