Gloss Report: SPF Lip Balms

With the UK currently undergoing a tropical style heatwave the Glossy Posse have been lathering up with SPF lip balms to avoid the all too awkward trout pout. Read on to discover which balms were more style over substance and which kept our lips plumped and protected.

Price: £17

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Feedback: “A bit of a prude when it comes to lip colour, I was delighted to find that this SPF offering from Bobbi Brown comes in a gorgeous sheer shade with the lightest of pinky hints. It’s non greasy and ultra moisturising, and claims to keep your lips soft and protected throughout the day. Unlike other lip balms Bobbi Brown’s stays put come shine or, well, shine. My lips stayed moisturised all day, and the balm didn’t even budge when eating and drinking. Pricey, yes, but worth it in my opinion."

Score: 8/10

Reviewer: EJ

Price: £19.50

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Feedback: “This lip balm is a real go-to for me at the moment. The formula is so incredibly moisturising and smoothing, it really does live up to it's 'butterstick' name. The ingredients include coconut oil and lemon butter which add to the hydrating qualities and the SPF is a real bonus. I think this would be ideal for holidays as it leaves the lips with a beautiful subtle sheen as well as offering great sun protection."

Reviewer: ATH

Score: 10/10

Price: £19.50

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Feedback: “Intensely creamy and buttery it’s no surprise that this is Fresh’s #1 best-seller. Formulated with an exclusive blend of moisture-preserving sugars, nourishing precious oils, antioxidant-rich polyphenols, and essential SPF protection, this balm claims to keep lips hydrated for up to 6 hours - and I can assure you that it did not disappoint.

"Applying a lick in the morning before stepping outside to catch some rays, my lips were left soft and supple despite the heat until well into the afternoon. No stickiness, no dryness - just pure protective nourishment. The lemony bonbon flavour just adds to the awesomeness of this balm.”

Score: 9/10

Reviewer: KR

Price: £6.50

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Feedback: "First things first, this is probably the coolest looking lip balm I have ever used. Guaranteed to garner attention whenever I whipped it out of my handbag, it was always met by a mixture of reactions ranging from the bemused to the genuinely enthralled. Packaging aside though, did it actually work or was it just a case of style over substance?

"Thankfully, the lip balm lived up to its expectations. My lips were kept soft, hydrated and smooth all day with touch-ups (when needed), welcomed as it meant I could take it out again! Despite the heat, chapped lips were never an issue thanks to its conditioning cocktail of vitamin E, shea butter and jojoba oil, plus it smelt good enough to eat. Coming in at a purse-friendly £6.50 too - this lip balm can do no wrong in my books!"

Reviewer: AM

Score: 10/10

Price: £7.50

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Feedback: “This lip balm tube from BASE is my go-to if I feel any kind of flare up around my lips as it's clinically proven to weaken the cause of cold sores. It's a really good one to have on hand as it quite literally covers all bases (no pun intended) as the formula includes moisturing shea butter as well as SPF 30 to ensure your lips are protected in this sunny weather. Use sparingly however to avoid the dreaded white cast!"

Reviewer: ATH

Score: 9/10

Price: £20

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Feedback: "Everyone I speak to raves about the Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream. True, I love it, but it's just a bit too heavy as a lip balm for me! The Lip Protectant Stick from the same range however is my hero. Enriched with emollients, protective SPF15 and vitamin E, it is just as moisturising as the cream version. This handy stick doesn't leave your lips feeling greasy or sticky, instead leaving them super moisturised and smooth. This is the only lip balm I've tried that keeps lips soft without the need to continuously reapply. A little on the pricey end of the lip balm spectrum, but it lasts for ages and is well worth it!"

Reviewer: SM

Score: 10/10

Price: £15.95

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Feedback: “This is one of the glossiest lip balms out of the bunch, which makes it great to carry around in your handbag for days when you want to look put together and stay protected too. The coconut scent instantly transports you to the beach, and the easy to use squeeze tube is great for on the go and throwing into your beach bag. The formula is packed full of nourishing oils to help soothe dry and cracked lips, whilst SPF 15 protects against the sun. A holiday must have!"

Reviewer: ATH

Score: 8/10

Price: £7.39

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Feedback: “My transformation from Bambi-on-ice to bonafide ski bunny was slow and painful (and truth be told still nowhere near complete). Strapping two slats of wood to your feet and throwing yourself down a mountain is challenging enough for the un-coordinated without worrying about looking chic whilst you’re at it. My 'gap yah' spent managing a luxe ski chalet and spa was an eye-opener into the world of Prada ski suits, naked hot-tubbing and champagne at apres.

"But by far my most painful lesson was to never, EVER put Vaseline on your wind-chapped lips. The potent combination of altitude and the sun bouncing off the gleaming snow plays havoc with any delicate extremities left exposed. This SPF 50 cream from Bioderma provides maximum protection, smells deliciously of vanilla and comes in a nifty tube with a loop so you can hang it round your neck as you hurtle down the piste. Yes it makes your lips deathly white, but any seasonnaire knows posing in your Prada is for amateurs."

Reviewer: IB

Score: 10/10

Price: £4.99

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Feedback: “This lip balm is super small and compact, with SPF 15 and Zinc Oxide to help keep lips moisturised and soft. I particularly liked the fact that this one has a matte finish whilst also offering 40 minutes of water resistance, making it the perfect summer holiday companion."

Reviewer: ATH

Score: 7/10