6 SPF Lip Balms That Won’t Ruin the Taste of Your Lunch

This adorably-branded, pocket-sized lip balm from Everyday Humans came across my desk last year, and I’ve used it so frequently that the label has worn off. It goes in every bag, and I even have a back-up. It feels buttery smooth and has a very light oat flavor. It’s mineral SPF-based, so if you swipe it on too thick, things can get a little ghastly, but all you need to do is rub your lips together and the problem is solved. I’ve found that a lot of traditional SPF balms dry out my lips even more, but this actively heals parched lips with ingredients like blue agave, jojoba oil, and argan oil. I can’t emphasize enough how much I think you should buy this.

Everyone loves Supergoop—and for good reason. The brand makes using sunscreen playful and fun. I was pleasantly surprised by this minty lip balm, which swipes on like a gloss. It contains clean chemical SPF filters like avobenzone and octocrylene, plus moisturizing oils. I keep it in my bag when I’m heading to brunch or a daytime date, as it has a more elegant finish than my other go-to balms.

The amount of times I’ve gotten teased because my lip balm looks like a glue stick? Innumerable. The amount of times I’ve gotten teased for having sunburnt lips? Zero. This zinc-based balm from Summer Camp lasts a long time, has a high SPF, feels smooth and moisturizing, and is easy to fish out from all of my tote bags. And, since it comes in a bigger container, I often use it to swipe on my nose and cheeks too, where I need extra protection. On those days, it doubles as my highlighter.

I keep my medicine cabinet fully stocked with EltaMD’s sunscreen, because few can make zinc-based SPF magic happen with zero white cast. This UV Lip Balm is no different. It glides on and sinks in quickly and has a matte look. It uses mineral and chemical UV filters: Zinc oxide and octinoxate. The only downside I’ve noticed is that when my lips are a little chapped, this can accentuate the fine lines and dry skin.

The way I describe Vacation’s Lip Desserts is that they’re like Lipsmackers with actually helpful ingredients and added SPF 30 sun protection. I can’t get enough of the sticky sweet, whimsical flavors—especially Pineapple Upside Down-Cake, which is almost like a pina colada. The flavor and scent mask the SPF taste, and each balm is formulated with soothing aloe vera and nourishing shea butter. For five bucks, you can’t beat it, my friends.

I’m not perfect (gasp). Sometimes I forget to put on SPF before I leave the house, leaving my lips vulnerable to the sun. Kinfield’s Lip Rescue Balm is an SPF-free balm that feels nourishing and healing, making it ideal for after-sun application. I appreciate that the brand swaps beeswax and petrolatum for more eco-conscious ingredients like shea butter and jojoba oil, and I also love the light, minty flavor. Bonus: During the winter months or during windy hikes, it serves as an excellent occlusive barrier to protect my lips from the elements.