Before heading out, I make sure I'm prepared—especially when it comes to sun protection. I always apply sunscreen ahead of time and bring it with me so I can reapply throughout the day. I usually stick with a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 50+ because it helps protect my skin from burning, reduces the risk of skin cancer, and helps slow down signs of aging.
I don’t forget about my lips either. I’ve mentioned before that I like using Burt's Bees lip balm. The All-Weather version has SPF 15, and I like that it’s broad spectrum, water-resistant, and made with zinc oxide. It does go on a little white and thick at first, but it smooths out pretty quickly.
When I’m not using that one, I go for a broad-spectrum lip balm with SPF 30. I usually look for ingredients like shea butter, aloe, and vitamin E because they keep my lips feeling soft without being too heavy.
Since I have fair skin, I’m pretty careful about reapplying every couple of hours. I don’t mind that slight sunscreen taste some lip balms have, but I do try to avoid flavored ones—they tend to dry my lips out.
I’ve also learned to keep my lip products cool when I’m outside for a while. Heat can make them melt or separate, especially the more natural ones without preservatives, so I’ll toss them in a small cooler if I have one with me.
