LIP BALM - SPF
Just one winner in 2023, for an inexplicable reason – but for us, an SPF lip balm is a summer staple; in autumn and winter, we go for the everyday lip-quenching, nourishing, protective type – but the minute the daffs are up, switch to an SPF version.
The rule, wherever you are, whatever the balm? Re-slick, regularly. But that’s a positive pleasure, with these two.
GOLD AWARD and BEST NATURAL Albus & Flora Naked Flora Multi Active Lip Balm UVA/UVB SPF30
Albus & Flora had a slew of lipcaring wins 2022’s Awards – and this is back for its second Gold in a row. The lip-specific brand was created by Rachel Williams, a physiologist with a background in academia, after time spent skiing in the French Alps, where she saw first-hand the damage that UV can wreak on unprotected lips. As she puts it, ‘Lips are so often left out of the anti-ageing and UV safety conversation – we exist to change this, to simply make lip care better.’ This is a low-shine balm for women and men, formulated with a myriad of protective and nourishing oils including cranberry, raspberry, seaberry, blackcurrant, avocado, grapeseed, jojoba and sunflower, plus Alpine rose extracts, with synthetic sun filters for that all-important protection.
£16 for 4g - click to buy
OUR TESTERS’ COMMENTS:
‘I've always struggled with dry/chapped lips, and being on holiday just after this arrived was the perfect opportunity to test it out. I took it everywhere. I like the packaging, and the balm itself is soft and feels nice on the lips. I didn't feel like I was constantly reapplying this all-important protection’ • ‘Lightly fragranced, but nice and fresh perfect for summer. I used it a lot and have used it a lot but I seem barely to have made a dent in it; definitely would purchase this’ • ‘Lip condition very much improved; there is no dryness at all now on my lips. Wonderful product which leaves lips looking and feeling very well nourished’ • ‘Glides on and lasts! Great during cold weather when central heating can cause dryness are great anytime for an instant moisture surge!’ • ‘It keeps my lips kissably soft and when it has been really cold, it has been a lifesaver, preventing the nasty cracks which are so painful’ • ‘This lip balm is much better than my normal one; the consistency is thicker and far more hydrating without being greasy or sticky. I like that it comes in a very solid lipstick style design; the lid has a satisfying click when you close it and there is no chance of it coming off in your bag or pocket and spoiling’ • ‘Balm kept my lips lovely and protected when I went out with my dog and we got caught in lashing hail stones. Really long lasting. I only needed to apply a couple of times in the day.’
£16 for 4g - click to buy
SILVER AWARD Skin in Motion PLUMP IT SPF30 Tinted Lip Balm
Our winner is something of a multi-tasker: it protects, it hydrates, it shields against sun damage (with an SPF30) – and this particular product also tint lips with a natural-looking sheer pink tone, while delivering a cooling minty freshness that tingles, slightly. It’s from a brand whose tag-line is ‘exercise-friendly skinwear’, created by Gia Mills, a London-based celebrity and fashion make-up artist, who’s into ‘marathons, yoga, adventure racing, cycling and dragon boating.’ She created the brand after hearing that 75% of women are put off exercise for fear of being judged over their appearance (according to a Sport England survey) – but fear not: you don’t have to be a marathon-runner to enjoy the benefits from this.
£17 for 15ml - click to buy
OUR TESTERS’ COMMENTS:
‘I really liked this lip balm and it made me think more about the fact I should be wearing an SPF on my lips as well as my face. I like the light tint it gave to the lips and the fact it didn't seem to overly plump, or leave the lips feeling irritated – just moisturised and cared for’ • ‘I liked the way my lips felt after using it – not sure if my underlying lip condition has improved but I do know that they look FABULOUS and look great’ • ‘Not sticky or drying. When initially applied there is a slight tingling sensation but no stinging; doesn’t irritate the lips and surrounding skin. Lips looked plump and glossy’ • ‘It has a lovely shimmer, just the right amount – not like a glow in the dark look; the colour stayed on my lips and delivers a look of glamour’ • ‘You don’t have to use a lot of this product to get maximum nourishment, shine and effectiveness. The product easily fits into your bag and seems leakproof. Package is well designed and comfortable to use, lip balm is easy to squeeze and apply, with a slanted applicator that makes applying a lot easier’ • ‘Kept my lips protected when I had gone out for a walk on a cold and windy day; it works well on its own or if you want to add a little gloss/shimmer over your lipstick and is nourishing on the lips’ • ‘An absolute rescue remedy for dry lips in the winter; can be used every day instead of lipstick if you like the natural look.’
£17 for 15ml - click to buy