It’s that time of year when you’re spending more time in the sun. And while most people will remember to slather sunscreen on their face, arms, and legs, many often forget about their lips. As one of the most forgotten body parts, your lips are susceptible to sunburn—and even skin cancer.
“It is just as important to protect your lips from UV rays because they are just as exposed to the sun as our face is. The lips are often neglected, hence more at risk for burns, sun exposure, and skin cancer. Skin cancer occurs more on the lower lip,” says Purvisha Patel, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Advanced Dermatology and Skin Cancer Associates in Memphis, Tennessee.
[SEE ALSO: Yes, Sis, You Do Need Sunscreen]
Tinted lip balms with built-in SPF are an excellent way to help protect your lips from the sun’s damaging UV rays while infusing them with a pop of color and moisture. When looking for tinted lip balms, Dr. Patel recommends choosing ones with SPF 30 or higher and those made with zinc oxide or titanium oxide to help prevent skin cancer. You also want to avoid choosing lip balms that contain a lot of chemicals because most people tend to lick their lips often.
In terms of hydration, “look for good old petrolatum. It traps the water/moisture in the skin to prevent it from evaporating. Other hydrating ingredients are lanolin and cocoa butter,” says Dr. Patel.
Just like sunscreen for your face and body, remember to reapply tinted lip balms with SPF every one to two hours when you’re highly exposed to the sun, Dr. Patel says. But if you’re treating hyperpigmentation on your lips, she advises using an SPF lip balm every day. “The blue light from screens and devices contribute to hyperpigmentation,” she says.
With that, we rounded up some of the best tinted lip balms with SPF to wear this summer and beyond. These hydrating balms will help block damaging UV rays and lend your lips hydrating shine and color.
Colorescience Lip Shine SPF 35
Give your lips a colorful glow with Colorescience’s Lip Shine glosses. The tinted, shimmery formula offers mineral sun protection with zinc oxide and nourishes and plumps your lips with peptides, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E. Choose from four different colors: a mauve-like rose, a peachy coral, a neutral champagne, and a bubblegum pink.
Supergoop Lipshade 100% Mineral SPF 30 Hydrating Lipstick
If you’re looking for SPF lip balms that provide more pigmentation, Supergoop’s new Lipshades deliver bold color, UV protection, and skin-soothing oils. Made with sun-blocking zinc oxide, jojoba, avocado, and chamomile flower oils, as well as mango, shea, and murumuru butters, these versatile lipsticks keep your smooch smooth and plump and impart gorgeous color.
Whether you’re attending a barbecue or black-tie wedding this summer, you’re sure to find a match with these five striking shades: Hey Y’all (a bright coral), Obsessed (fuchsia), Love You More (raisin plum), Lucky Me (rose), and High five (warm terracotta).
Burt’s Bees SPF 30 Sun Care Tinted Lip Balm
You’ll want to re-apply Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm all day long for its soothing formula of shea butter, beeswax, almond oil, vitamin E, and cupuacu butter. These tinted lip balms have an SPF of 30 and are great for layering over lipsticks and lip stains to enhance their color and shine.
Available in wild peony, a classic pink, and sienna rose, a deep burgundy, these tinted lip balms belong in your summer beauty arsenal.
Cay Skin Isle Lip Balm SPF 30
Cay Skin was founded by supermodel and inclusive beauty activist Winnie Harlow. These tinted lip balms offer UVA and UVB protection and add a touch of color that complements a variety of skin tones. Because its formula is non-comedogenic and silicone-free, it is great for those who are prone to breakouts and have sensitive skin. Have your pick from a clear gloss and a neutral pink to a berry tint, which all impart a high-shine finish.
COOLA Mineral Liplux Organic Tinted Lip Balm Sunscreen SPF 30
COOLA is known for their sustainably sourced packaging and ingredients, and their reef-friendly tinted lip blams are no different. More than 70 percent of Coola’s lip balm ingredients are certified organic. Plus, it has at least 40 hours of water-resistant protection. In addition to its sun-blocking benefits, these tinted lip balms also feature cupuacu butter and mongogo oil to keep your pout soft and smooth.
MDSolarSciences Hydrating Sheer Lip Balm SPF 30
Get ready to pucker up with these MDSolarSciences tinted balms, which are built with broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection and nourishing avocado oil and shea butter. Your lips will feel supple and smooth without being sticky. All four shades offer a sheer coverage and have a matte finish that’s perfect for a minimalist look.
Brush On Block Fig Protective Lip Oil SPF 32
Rich in antioxidants and moisturizing oils, Brush On Block’s lip oils will soften and soothe your chapped pout and help safeguard from UVA and UVB sun damage. It also contains iron oxides, which help protect your smooch from blue light damage. What’s more, these lip oils are long-lasting and aren’t greasy or sticky. Take your pick from three different versatile shades: fig (a mauve rose), nude tint (a subtle nude), and coral (a warm pink).
Spf lip balm is definitely the way to go for summer and all year round. Which one do you have your eyes on?
