Because Sunburned Lips Are the Worst! Here's How to Protect (& Heal) Your Pucker
Burning, dry and cracked lips are NOT trending this summer.
Summer is officially in full swing and quite frankly I find nothing more enjoyable than spending the day outside, soaking up some Vitamin D from late morning all the way to the late-day sunset. But all those hours logged in the sunshine add up, and you need to protect yourself from the dreaded—dant dant dant daaaaaa—yes, the dreaded sunburn.
While most of us are in the habit of sunscreening our faces and bodies—careful to catch those spots we missed last time (top of the feet! knees! armpit crease!)—we rarely protect our lips. I mean, who wants to be tasting sunscreen all day? But while a sunburn never feels good, the pain and irritation of a lip burn lingers for days in the form of a stinging, cracked and peeling smile.
Which is all to say that it's about time you (and I!) start taking care of and protecting our lips. The below seven products will add a layer of SPF protection to your pouts, ensuring you have something to smile about from sun up til sun down.
THE TINTED OPTION
Supergoop! Fusion Lip Balm SPF 30+ in Mint
Supergoop’s Fusion Lip Balm checks three important boxes—it protects lips from UV rays, smooths them and moisturizes. It also has a tint of sheer pink which is convenient not only for the beach, but also as a day-to-day balm to keep in your bag.
THE BEST-WHEN-WORN-WITH-LIPSTICK OPTION
Shiseido Sun Protection Lip Treatment SPF 36 PA++
You want protection but you also want your favorite shade on your lips to match your summer vibe. Worn solo or in combo with lipstick, this lip treatment will not disappoint. With an ultra smooth application, it doesn't leave a filmy white residue while providing hydration and protecting from UVA/UVB rays.
THE EXTREME CONDITIONS OPTION
Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25
With a variety of flavors (each targets a specific lip solution), Jack Black is a favorite for both men and women because it performs equally well in hot and cold conditions. Note: Apply 30 minutes before exposure to the sun.
THE AFFORDABLE OPTION
ChapStick Sun Defense SPF 25
At a nice price point and with SPF 25, this 4 pack is the perfect way to protect your lips and not break the bank. Keep one in your beach bag, gym bag, car and purse to ensure you always have a protectant at arms reach. As it battles cracked and chapped lips and prevents sunburn, it also seals in moisture, ensuring you'll have your healthiest lips everrrr this summer.
BUY FROM: Amazon, $10.99 for a set of four
THE REPAIR OPTION
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Intensive Lip Balm
Well, because it happens. You get caught up playing the lawns games or you take an afternoon siesta on the beach and you forget to reapply. You feel that sting on your lips--we have all been there and it isn’t fun. With the option to apply as needed or to use as an overnight lip mask, this concentrated balm is sure to restore and hydrate your not-so-smooth lips. Made with honey, beeswax, a honey protein and oatmeal to sooth, this repair balm will give you the instant relief you need.
THE MAINTENANCE OPTION
Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask
Like most things, whether it’s your hair or skin or teeth, we all need a little maintenance and your lips are no different. Bite Beauty’s Agave Mask revitalizes the lips when applied before bedtime, boosting shine and hydration. This leave-on mask is made of organic agave, vanilla CO2, beeswax, lanolin and olive wax and contains triple the amount of antioxidants in red wine! Cheers to that!
THE MEN’S OPTION
PC4MEN Lip Balm SPF 50
My husband is always asking if he can borrow my chapstick, but isn’t interested in any that come with too much of a scent, taste or tint. (Read: No cherry Chapstick for him!) Problem solved with this lip balm for men that is comprised of botanical oils and cocoa butter that protects and heals chapped lips.
