Sun cream for super fussy child?

[GreyhoundGardens]

My eldest (6) HATES sun cream. He doesn't really like any kind of cream being put on large areas of skin, but sun cream he particularly hates. I have come to dread this time of year.

Any recommendations from other parents with cream hating kids?

Currently using Calypso Once a Day but it is quite thick and sticky so he's really not happy. He's fine once it's sunk in and stopped being so tacky, but the process of getting it on him is just horrible as it involves a lot of screaming and writhing and both of us getting frustrated. Getting it on his face is the worst bit.

He'll tolerate a sun stick (like the Soltan one) on his face a bit better, but I don't always trust those to get enough coverage (and I have yet to find one that states it lasts all day).

I need help!

You can get sprays maybe they would be better.

Honestly, this and teeth brushing are the two things where I make mine suck it up, so if I were you I'd just be powering through, but if you want to make it easier have you tried a clear spray?

I've seen some parents using a makeup/
foundation brush to apply suncream on children. I like the sticks but I feel like they break after a few uses.

The Ambre solaire sprays dry quite fast and don’t have that sticky feeling, or at least didn’t when I last used one!

My ds had this issue when he was younger. I found the Boots sprays least traumatic for us both

I think a spray is a good call. I might have to try one. Although I can't imagine you can spray those directly onto the face? I'll do some research.
We did use Skinnie's for a while, which costs a bloody FORTUNE but is very nice to use (by far the least sun-creamy sunscreen I have ever found). However he tolerated it for a while and then decided he hated it again. If there was consistency it would help!

Honestly, this and teeth brushing are the two things where I make mine suck it up, so if I were you I'd just be powering through, but if you want to make it easier have you tried a clear spray?

I feel the same, and we do "power through" but honestly it's just horrible. My husband basically has to restrain him now. I do what needs to be done, but the battle is just exhausting.

I've seen some parents using a makeup/
foundation brush to apply suncream on children.

I do this too, he still hates it. I used to use a beauty sponge too, and again that was acceptable for a while but then he got fed up.

If I can find one that doesn't sting eyes I might see if I can at least teach him to do his own face, maybe that would help, as he'd be in charge.

Would a solar buddy help?

Link

Waiting for MNHQ to approve my post as I added a link, but google solar buddies

My two use them. Might help him if he could do it himself

My youngest is the same and he will only use the dry oil sprays, you can get them in a factor 50 and he’s never been sunburnt using them he will accept the cream on his neck and face on occasion but usually I just spray the oil onto my hands and rub it into his face.
we have tried persevering with other types but he always tries to wash or rub it off 😬