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Why SPF Lip Balm Is The Answer To A Plumper Pout
The need-to-know guide on suncream for your lips.
While the importance of wearing SPF every single day without exception is constantly stressed upon, it's easy to forget the areas where your normal SPF moisturiser or full-on factor 50 just don't feel great. Think: under your eyes, on your scalp and even your mouth.
Luckily, this gap in the market is far from lost on the bustling modern skincare market and sunscreen frontrunners are sweeping to the rescue with a host of SPF lip balms that nourish, hydrate and, most importantly, shield your pout from those harmful UV rays. Because what holiday-ready SPF make-up bag is complete without a glossy, plump lip?
Do You Need To Wear An SPF Lip Balm?
According to Klira's medical director and consultant dermatologist, Dr Ellie Rashid, the answer is unequivocally yes. 'Lips are often overlooked in sun protection routines, but they are just as susceptible to UV damage as the rest of your skin,' she confirms. 'Prolonged exposure to the sun can lead to sunburn, chapping, and an increased risk of cancer. Including SPF protection on your lips can reduce these risks.'
What Are The Benefits Of Wearing An SPF Lip Balm?
You already know the benefits of wearing a good face SPF: it protects from sunburn, prevents signs of sun damage like pigmentation and, in many cases, is accompanied by powerful skincare ingredients that balance dry skin, acne and excess oil. Well, many of these benefits apply to your lips, too.
'The benefits of wearing an SPF lip balm include protection against damaging effects of UV radiation and preventing sunburn,' explains Dr Rashid. 'Most SPF lip balms contain moisturising ingredients that keep the lips hydrated, preventing dryness and chapping.'
How Often Should You Reapply An SPF Lip Balm?
According to Dr Rashid, you should reapply an SPF lip balm every two hours (in the same way you would for your skin). This will ensure that your skin has continuous protection throughout the day. 'If you are swimming, sweating, or eating, reapplying more frequently is necessary because this can remove your product,' she adds.
Shop The Best SPF Lip Balms
For fans of East Asian skincare textures (hello Korean SPFs!), this luxurious Japanese lip balm will slide into your beauty bag effortlessly.
A make-up skincare hybrid, it pairs botanical lanolin and silk proteins for the ultimate nourishing double act. Add in a soft pigment and emollient, buildable finish and you have the ultimate SPF lip balm for summer.
If you're forever hoarding shimmery glosses and high-shine lip oils, consider making the switch to this plump, sheeny SPF lip balm.
Created by Australian SPF powerhouse Ultra Violette, it provides broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays (SPF50, we'll add), without compromising on any of those all important colour and skincare benefits.
This cult-favourite lip balm now comes in a protective SPF30 alternate. Available in four neutral, flattering hues, it envelopes your lips in smooth rosy colour, conditioning the lips with its hero lanolin ingredient. Just remember to top up every two hours.
The modern answer to lip smackers, this scented SPF lip balm is as delicious as it is protective. Choose between coconut, mango, pineapple, watermelon and pomegranate flavours, all packed with nourishing vitamin E and SPF30 filters.
If you need an sunscreen for sensitive skin types, this nourishing fragrance-free lip balm is the one for you.
A clear conditioner with full-factor coverage, this deeply nourishing texture says goodbye to the days of white casts and chalky finishes, making it perfect for lips of any skin tone.
Like a wake-up call for your skin, this refreshing spearmint balm is the perfect perk-up for lacklustre lips.
Not to mention, it's a 100% mineral SPF and uses nourishing vitamin E to defend your pout against environmental aggressors - because yes, they effect your lips too.
This pillowy SPF lip primer is a must-have in your pre-make-up routine. It softens the lips before lipstick, leaving them free from fine lines and flakes, as well as offering a shield to penetrative UV rays.
With a soft neutral tint, it can be worn alone or beneath a punchy, pigmented colour.
If you're frequently hitting the slopes, listen up: this protective SPF50 lip balm is ideal for ski season. With a super-trio of soothing ingredients (shea butter, argan oil and vitamin E), it shields and repairs dry lips, no matter the cause or climate.
Effortlessly sleek, this covetable lip care hero is the perfect addition to any luxury skincare collection. Jojoba and sunflower seed oils mean it glides on easily and enveloping your skin like butter, while UVA and UVB filters protect your delicate lips from burns and sun damage.
This full-pigment mineral SPF lipstick was made with make-up lovers in mind. In three flattering berry-hued shades, this rich wash of sunscreen and colour is the perfect replacement for your everyday lip colour, all year long (yes, even in winter).
Katie Withington (she/her) is the Beauty Writer, at ELLE UK and Harper’s Bazaar. Working alongside the ELLE UK Beauty Team, she covers all things beauty for both print and digital, from finding backstage make-up trends at London Fashion Week and investigating buzzy skincare ingredients, to unzipping the beauty bags of Hailey Bieber and Margot Robbie. Prior to joining ELLE UK in 2022, Katie studied (BA) Fashion Journalism at London College of Fashion and has previously contributed to Red, Good Housekeeping and Prima.
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