We put three SPF lip products to the test to see which is best for summer
MY lips are always dry, so tinted lip balm is my go-to year round, and now the sun is out, it’s imperative whatever I’m using provides SPF protection.
This week, I put three SPF lip colours to the test.
Budget
E.L.F. Sun Boss Gloss SPF25, £7 for 4ml, boots.com: Disclaimer, this is a gloss and not a balm, but the formula contains vitamin E and hyaluronic acid, so it’s nourishing enough that it does the same job of hydrating my lips and stopping them from becoming chapped and cracked.
It’s not gloopy or sticky, has a really good colour payoff and a summery coconut scent.
My only complaint is I wish the protection factor was slightly higher, but I can layer it with an untinted SPF lip balm on really sunny days thanks to the differing consistencies.
Mid-range
ULTRA Violette Sheen Screen SPF50 Hydrating Lip Balm, £17 for 15g, spacenk.com: I’ve been a long-time fan of Ultra Violette, and before I even tried the tinted balm it won me over with the SPF50 rating.
The skin on our lips is thinner than elsewhere on our faces, so it’s even more important to make sure they’re protected.
The tint is sheer, but enough that I feel put together.
I have noticed the consistency of the formula changes depending on the temperature, so it gets quite hard when it’s cold and then much more fluid when it’s warm, which is something to bear in mind, but other than that I can’t find any faults.
It’s definitely my favourite.
Luxury
TATCHA The Kissu Lip Tint Spf 25, £35 For 4g, spacenk.com: Being a skincare brand, I wasn’t sure what to expect from this lip tint – although the lip mask in the same range is one of my favourites.
The colour was by far the heaviest of the three, being much closer to a lipstick than a tint – which is great for days when I’m wearing a full face of make-up, but can feel overdone otherwise.
Because of that, it is the least moisturising of the three, which is something I prioritise.
If you’re not plagued by dry lips, then it’s a great option, but I prefer something with more hydration
Pick of the week
I CAN’T think of a single perfume that’s a bigger crowd pleaser than Marc Jacobs Daisy, £52 for 30ml EDT.
It’s floral but fresh, so doesn’t feel old fashioned or cloying.
Now, the new, limited edition Marc Jacobs Daisy Wild Eau de Parfum, £60 for 30ml EDP, is even better. Inspired by wild flowers, with more green notes that make it more outdoorsy.