
Most of us know by now that the Australian sun doesn’t mess around – and UV damage is no joke. Generally speaking, we’re pretty good at slip, slop, slapping, but what about those easy to forget spots?
Up there with our ears, eyelids and the backs of our hands, our lips are one of the most commonly missed spots on our body when it comes to applying sunscreen.
Considering melanoma is the third most common skin cancer in Australia, and lip cancer – caused in part by sun damage – is the number one most common mouth cancer, protecting your lips this summer is pretty much a non-negotiable.
Here are 10 high-SPF lip balms to make sure you’ve got all your bases covered.
Burt’s Bees All Weather SPF 15+ Lip Balm
Formulated without nasties like parabens, phthalates, SLS and petrolatum, Burt’s Bees All Weather SPF 15+ provides natural, nurturing lip care for all year round. Infused with 11% Zinc Oxide but without the usual white sheen, the formula glides on smoothly to moisturise and protect dry lips from sun damage.
Burt’s Bees All Weather SPF 15+ Lip Balm, 4.25g: $6.49
Cancer Council SPF 50+ Ultra Sunscreen Lip Balm
Specially formulated for harsh UV conditions, Cancer Council’s Ultra Lip Balm provides the highest UVA and UVB protection for lips. The advanced formula is water resistant and lasts up to 4 hours, so it’s perfect for whatever this summer throws at you. Plus, every purchase from the Cancer Council helps fund cancer research and services.
Cancer Council SPF 50+ Ultra Sunscreen Lip Balm, 4g: $5.35
Chemists’ Own Sport Lip Balm SPF 50+
Enriched with Aloe Vera, Vitamin E and nourishing Jojoba Oils, Chemists’ Own Sport Lip Balm is a soothing and richly hydrating stick balm delivering the highest sun protection for lips. Formulated to last, Chemists’ Own Sport Lip Balm provides 4 hours of water and sweat-resistant UV protection, whether you’re swimming, playing sport or just running errands. The formula glides on smoothly with no white sheen or sticky feeling.
Chemists’ Own Sport Lip Balm SPF 50+, 4.5g: $4.50
Bondi Sands SPF 50+ Coconut Lip Balm
Enriched with Shea Butter, Jojoba Oil and Vitamin E, Bondi Sands SPF 50+ Coconut Lip Balm delivers nourishing hydration with a summery coconut scent, plus high SPF sun protection.
Bondi Sands SPF 50+ Coconut Lip Balm, 15g: $6.95
Lanolips Tinted Balm SPF 30 Rose
For those of us looking for sun protection and some fresh, just-been-kissed colour, Lanolips Tinted SPF 30 Balm is the answer. Enriched with ultra-soothing Lanolin and Vitamin E, the glossy balm provides a shiny, non-sticky burst of natural colour, while covering you with SPF 30 sun protection.
Lanolips Tinted Balm SPF 30 Rose, 12.5g: $14.99
Dermal Therapy Lip Balm SPF 50+
Designed for ultra-dry and chapped lips, Dermal Therapy’s SPF 50+ Lip Balm provides deep, soothing moisture coupled with high sun protection from both UVA and UVB rays. The formula contains 2.5% Urea to soothe severely dry lips and prevent from further moisture loss.
Dermal Therapy Lip Balm SPF 50+, 10g: $5.99
Blistex Five-Way Lip Protection SPF 30+
The must-have lip protection balm for the adventurers among us, or anyone planning international travel this summer (White Christmas, anyone?). Blistex’s Five-Way Lip Protection provides defence against nature’s harshest elements: dryness, cold, wind, heat and sun. Designed to create a soothing, moisture-locking barrier, the formula effectively shields lips from the elements while delivering smooth hydration.
Blistex Five-Way Lip Protection SPF 30+, 4.3g: $3.99
Kiehl’s Butterstick Lip Treatment SPF 25
Another fabulous option for those of us looking for an all-in one balm, Kiehl’s Butterstick Lip Treatment nourishes lips with a blend of natural oils to give long-lasting hydration, plus broad spectrum sun protection and a deliciously sheer pop of colour. The formula melts onto lips and stays put for 12 hours, meaning one swipe has you set for the day.
Kiehl’s Butterstick Lip Treatment SPF 25, 4g: $26.00
Natio Moisturising Lip Balm SPF 50+
Natio’s Moisturising SPF 50+ Lip Balm delivers the soothing and hydrating benefits of Aloe Vera and Vitamin E, plus the high UVA and UVB protection of SPF 50.
Natio Moisturising Lip Balm SPF 50+, 4g: $5.95
Paula’s Choice Lipscreen SPF 50
A fragrance and flavour-free formula designed for sensitive lips, Paula’s Choice Lipscreen SPF 50 delivers a velvety soft, long-lasting balm to soothe lips while delivering broad UVA and UVB protection. A non-greasy formula with no unpleasant taste, this one is perfect for those of us who are a little pickier about our balms.
Paula’s Choice Lipscreen SPF 50, 4.4g: $17.00