When you're jetting off on holiday it's important to protect your skin from sun exposure - and that includes your lips.
If you're travelling somewhere warm and sunny, then the sun can really dry out and damage your lips, which can both be uncomfortable and make applying lipstick tricky - as applying lipstick is much easier and the finish also looks much nicer when your lips are not dry and cracked.
On the other hand, if you're going on a winter skiing or snowboarding holiday then both the sun and wind can take its toll on your lips, so protecting them with SPF is still really important.
So how can you protect your lips from the elements and still achieve a beautiful lipstick colour? In the video below we explain exactly how you can protect your lips from the sun while using your favourite lipstick colour. We have also included some answers to commonly-asked lip care questions that are great to know all year round.
What SPF should I use on my lips?
We recommend choosing a day cream, face cream and lip balm with an SPF of at least 15 and that offers protection from both UVA and UVB rays. We recommend applying the cream or balm 20-30 minutes before going outside and re-applying every hour in hot, sunny or dry and windy conditions to make sure that you're protected throughout the day.
How can I make homemade lipstick with SPF?
If your chosen lipstick doesn't already offer any (or good enough) SPF protection, then making your own is a great idea. As we suggest in the video, this can be done by mixing your favourite lipstick colour with sun cream. This is best done in a small travel pot with a screw lid. This means you will be able to take your homemade SPF lipstick with you on-the-go so that you can easily reapply it and maintain a great finish all day. Better still, it will be securely stored so there's no risk of it leaking in your favourite handbag or purse.
Do lipsticks contain SPF?
Some, but not all lipsticks offer SPF protection. If your lipstick doesn't then we advise mixing it with a cream or balm that contains SPF to create your own lipstick that offers protection from the sun. If you're looking for a sun cream or sunscreen to mix with your favourite lipstick, then browse our range of sun creams.
What is it that makes lips dry and chapped?
Dry and chapped lips can be caused by a whole range of things. That's why it's so important to keep your lips protected and hydrated year-round. Chapped and dry lips can be caused by the following:
- Less humidity in the air (usually in the winter months)
- Winds (particularly cold winds, again in the winter months)
- Saliva on your tongue can remove moisture from your lips - so try not to lick your lips when they are feeling dry.
- The sun - just like the sun dries out your skin, it will also dry out your lips. That's why using a moisturiser and SPF alongside your lipstick is so important.
- Dry heat - even dry heat (particularly from artificial sources such as electric heaters) can cause your lips to dry out, even when not exposed to the elements.
- Certain medication - some medications may dry out your lips. It's worth checking the packaging of any medication you are taking to see if this could be a side effect. If you are concerned or feel your health and well-being is suffering as a result of any medication you are taking, then always consult a doctor or GP for professional advice.
Regularly moisturising your lips and using a lipstick that hydrates and protects your lips can prevent your lips from becoming dry and chapped.