Barefoot Labs WhipScreen™: the sunscreen that turns chaos into “again, please!”

The pre-beach scramble
It’s a blue-sky morning, the esky’s Tetris-packed, someone’s lost a thong, and you’re herding small people toward the car like cats with opinions. Hats? Found. Snacks? Packed. Then comes the moment that can unravel even the best-laid plans: slip, slop, slap — cue one kid sprinting and another slathered like a glazed doughnut.

Enter the whip

Queue this: a can that sounds like dessert and feels like a cloud. Barefoot Labs WhipScreen™ is sunscreen as a feather-light mousse. Shake, puff, smooth — it looks fun, feels weightless and sinks in fast. Small hands actually want to help; big hands finally exhale.

Why the texture wins
The airy mousse glides over wriggly arms and sandy legs without the heavy lotion drag. No gloopy palms, no streaky patches, no chalky after-feel — just a quick, even coat so you’re out the door and on the sand sooner.

Scents that spark “my turn!”

Bubblegum gives a nostalgic wink, Watermelon smells like instant summer, Glazed Donut is subtle and cosy, and Anti-Scent keeps things blissfully fragrance-free. We keep one scented can for the “make it fun” factor and one Anti-Scent for faces and sensitive noses — simple, no arguments.

From struggle to ritual
The first time we tried it, we braced for the usual chorus of “it’s sticky.” Instead, we got giggles and “can I do it?” The mousse format turns sunscreen from a battle into a two-minute ritual you can actually repeat between sandcastle and snack.

Made for real family life
The can tucks into a beach bag, school tote or glove box. The foam makes tricky zones easy — wrists, backs of necks, behind knees — before anyone bolts. Quick to apply, quick to reapply, and friendly with swimwear, uniforms and makeup.

Inclusive by design
Everything here reduces friction: a whip-light texture that’s easy on tactile sensitivities, fast absorption that cuts down on “ew, it’s sticky,” a smooth glide older kids can manage themselves, and a non-chalky finish that behaves across skin tones. Those small design choices are what convert reluctant users into daily users.

How we use it (the no-fuss version)

Shake well, dispense a generous puff, and smooth over clean, dry skin about 20 minutes before sun. Reapply regularly, and after swimming, sweating or towel-drying. Suitable for face and body — same simple whoosh for kids and grown-ups.

A brand born from real life
Barefoot Labs launched in 2024, founded by mum of three Dina Rosendorff after one too many driveway stand-offs. The mission: make sunscreen that behaves like a treat, not a chore. It’s Australian-made, with formulas enriched with vitamin E so skin feels comfortable once everyone’s finally buckled in.

What we pack
One WhipScreen™ SPF50 Sunscreen Mousse in Bubblegum or Watermelon for the “yay” factor, plus Anti-Scent for faces and fragrance-free days. Glazed Donut rides along for the sweet-but-subtle fans. Each can is 160 g (RRP $29). Shop at barefootlabs.com.au and find tips at @barefoot_labs_.

The new routine

Our drill now: hats by the door, a fast shake-and-puff, then go. The runner-away lines up for “their turn.” The over-slatherer gets an amount that actually makes sense. Top-ups become a quick pit stop, not a meltdown.

Bottom line
Beach bag: sorted. Sunscreen standoff: retired. A small switch that turns the pre-beach wrestle into a quick, happy ritual — and gets everyone to the good part faster.

Disclaimer
Always read the label and follow the directions for use. Sunscreen is only one part of sun protection—use protective clothing, hats, sunglasses and seek shade. Reapply as directed, and more often after swimming, sweating or towel-drying. For sensitive skin, patch test before use and discontinue if irritation occurs. Fragrance-free options are recommended for scent sensitivities. For babies under 6 months, speak with a healthcare professional and prioritise shade and protective clothing. This editorial reflects our experience and is not medical advice.