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In this article
In my nearly ten years as a beauty writer, I had the front row seating of the evolution of modern sunscreen in all forms. From eyeshadows with mineral blockers to drying shampoos and setting up sprays using SPF, this category continues to expand beyond traditional facial sunscreens and body lotions. Meanwhile, the frequently overlooked category of lip balms with SPF remained relatively untouched until this year, when sunscreen lip balms began arriving in gloss, oils and more.
As a skin type of Fitzpatrick II, raised in the South, I have experienced more tanning during my teens than I would like to admit. These burns have always been the most intense on my chest and lips – the latter part of my frequently burning face. That contradiction has always baffled me, but there is a physiological explanation.
“Our lips are particularly vulnerable to sun damage because they lack melanin, a pigment that helps protect the skin from UV rays. The skin on the lips is much thinner than the rest of the face.” Explaining a board certified dermatologist Dr. Ellen Marmer. “This tends to cause burns and long-term damage,” she adds.
Top colour SPF lip balm tested by the editor
I’ve become much smarter about sun exposure and sunscreen use, but I know the reality. I still risk paying the price for those burns. This was squamous cell carcinoma that rose to my father’s lower lip earlier this year. Thankfully, it was completely removed using the MOHS procedure, leaving small scratches and permanent numbness.
This is a timely reminder of how fragile the lips are, especially the lower lip. “Up to 90% of the lip cancer develops on the lower lip, causing more direct sun exposure.” She added that lip protection is not common and men are particularly at risk due to cumulative sun damage. “According to the American Academy of Dermatology, lip cancer – usually squamous cell carcinoma – is more aggressive than other forms of non-hepatoma skin cancer and can spread without treatment,” says Dr. Mahmer. “Squamous cell carcinoma tends to be more aggressive on the lips than elsewhere in the body.”
Most of us who are paying attention to the sun may be diligent and diligent about application and reapplying SPF in areas like nose and top of the ears. As the dermis-loving adage progressed, “The best sunscreen is what you want to apply.” But it was an issue with SPF lip balm. In my experience, I never wore a sensory, luxurious or truly lip soft formula. For years, finding a good lip balm with SPF means settling on a stick with a tropical scent in Cholky. This was not something I would like to wear on a normal Tuesday, rubbing my lips on the beach.
The WWD shop that will donate Commerce Editor’s Claire Sullivan is SuperGoop! Test new SPF lip balms from Caliray, and Ultra Violette.
WWD/ Claire Sullivan
This spring, when I began studying all the newness of the sunscreen category with the annual beauty editor ritual, I realized something new: SPF lip products are trending – a big time. The new generation of lip sunscreens take on a new shape, branching out from basic balms to silky lip gloss, moist lip oils, and even colored lip balms with SPF that really feels like you’re wearing clothes. In this 2.0 version of lip protection area, some really stand out. Some tend to swipe it for a night out as the colour is so flattering, while others feel good enough to wear it indoors on a cloudy day.
I’m fussy about my lip treatments – I’ve tested everything from the lanolin in the pharmacy to the $90 cult favorite balm that everyone says to me under the name of shiny, soft lips. My longtime favorite in the SPF lip balm category is always the Sun Bum Lip Balm SPF 30, a proven balm that I have reached for more than I can count. But this season’s newcomers may have escaped that.
From thin, shiny sheen to intensely moisturized balms with serious staying power, these are the best shades of lip balms with SPF and more.
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Ultra Violet Scene Screen SPF 50 Moisturizing Sunscreen Lip Cream
This SPF 50 lip balm from Australian sunscreen brand Ultra Violet stands out for its hydration ability and two luxurious colourways (slimming pink bejoux red shades are newly in stock at Sephora).
The Salve has a thicker texture than most of the persimmons we have tried. You will need to squeeze the tube quite a bit to get the product out. The lighter color payoff makes it easy to layer with other lip products, so if you want more energy, you can coat the lip liner.
Prices up to the date of publication of this article: $22
WWD/ Claire Sullivan
Super Goop! Grogloss SPF 40 Lip Balm and Peptides and Shea Butter
Two WWD Shop Editors adore this new SPF lip treatment from SuperGoop! Because when you apply it, it feels like it’s just a great lip gloss – even if you wear it, you won’t smell or feel the material that protects your skin. Also, the shiniest thing we tested, making the tester’s lips look perfectly healthy. The formula is available in three colorways, ranging from ballet slipper pink to juicy pink tones.
Prices up to the date of publication of this article: $22
WWD/ Claire Sullivan
Caliray Lipguard SPF 31 Moisturizing Lipgloss Balm
If you prefer lip products that make mistakes on the opaque side of the spectrum, use Caliray’s LipGuard SPF 31 Hydlating Lip Gloss Balm. Hybrid products offer excellent color payoffs and shine, and become over-achiver, which can be intervened as an alternative to colored balm, gloss, or light lipsticks.
The texture is cushioned – the perfume is more fragrant than the gloss – the impressive staying power without stickiness. There are five shades (including classic pinks and trendy brown tones), and although they are all high, I find them easy to wear. The formula also contains hydrating ingredients such as shea butter and avocado oil, which will moisturize your lips once the color fades.
Prices up to the date of publication of this article: $19
WWD/ Claire Sullivan
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Meet the experts
Dr. Ellen Marmer I am a board certified dermatologist based in New York. 8 years later Director of Dermatology, Mount Sinai Medical CenterIn addition to his decade at Malmour Medical, Dr. Malmour is a leading dermatologist and dermatologist with expertise including skin cancer diagnosis and surgery, MOHS surgery, reconstructive surgery, women’s health dermatology, and cosmetic surgery. She is also a master of aesthetic procedures such as neuromodulators, fillers, lasers, body sculpting, and liposuction.
Meet the author
Claire Sullivan She is a WWD contributing beauty writer, writing and editing stories of beauty, fashion and lifestyle. She has over eight years of experience as a writer and editor in national media including Martha Stewart Living, Martha Stewart Weddings, Instyle and Byrdie. As an editor, she has tested hundreds of products, so she is well versed in choosing products that make a meaningful difference to her skin and hair. Sullivan conducted original reports and product tests to write this article on the best shades of lip balm with SPF.
Source: Shop – wwd.com
