High SPF Lip Balms: Sunsense and ViraproX

Looking through my lip balm stash, most of my balms range from SPF 5 to SPF 15, the sun is harsh so why is it that the rest of my face is covered with SPF 30 to 50+ while my lips suffer. Sunburn is probably not as noticable on our lips but if it's been exposed to the sun long enough it'll come through. Lip cancer is not uncommon and often overlooked. Our lower lip is 12 times more likely to be affected due to it's position to sun exposure.

Let me introduce two high SPF and high performing lip balms.

SunSense Lip Balm SPF 50+

This balm has been a miracle worker. I've seen high SPF lip balms in Japan, but not in Australia. This balm has not parted from my carry bag since it's been introduced to me. It hydrates my lips and saved me from UV exposure during my trip to Port Douglas. As per product directions, I would apply this balm 20 minutes prior to sun exposure and re-apply every couple of hours.

Product benefits:

• Protection from UVA and UVB rays
• Nourishing
• SPF 50+
• Easy glide on applicator
• Free from fragrance and lanolin
• 4 hours water resistant
• Dermalogically tested

Price: $4.99 from Chemist Warehouse

My Verdict

• I swear by this balm, it nice and creamy, highly moisturising from start to finish.
• The texture is relatively thick so you might need to give the tube a bit of a squeeze, however, it is very easy to apply and spread. To be honest, I did find this balm a little bit greasy compared to my old Blistex balm when I first used it, but there's a reason for it. Blistex  hydrated to begin with and dried up significantly after an hour. Sunsense's lip balm kept my lips hydrated for hours.
• This lip balm is water-resistant, not waterproof so don't go submerging your face under water for a long period of time. I went on a sail boat wearing this and did get splashes of sea-water on my face but the balm stayed put. It's also wind proof - some balms dry up and crack my lips after some heavy gushes of wind, this didn't.
• If you are looking for a good high SPF product, Sunsense SPF 50+ Lip Blam is it. At $4.99 a pop, it is a bargain so get one for each bag.

(Related: Sunsense Sunscreen Guide)

ViraproX Trip Action Lip Balm SPF 30+

Product Benefits

• Highly moisturising
• Contains Lysine (an amino acid found in foods such as yoghurt and cheese, often used to prevent cold sores)
• Menthol to help relieve the discomfort of cold sores if they occur
• SPF 30 to help protect against cold sores

Price: $6.99 for 15ml at Chemist Warehouse

My Verdict

• I get cold sores once in a while out of the blue and they are extremely annoying. I usually use a patch and have never tried a preventative lip balm before.
• The texture of the balm is creamy, easy to apply and spread.
• The Menthol is noticable and gives a nice, subtle cooling effect. The first time I used it I thought it smelt a little bit medicinal but soon realised it's just menthol - I haven't used any balms with Menthol for a long time!
• Like Sunsense Lip Balm, this product is super hydrating that will keep your lips moist and supple for hours.
• I feel that it is difficult determining the effectiveness of this product since it's a preventative balm, but having said that I did use it on a daily basis when I did have a cold sore and it did help calm the cold sore down.
• ViraproX Lip Balm is highly recommended for those who are cold-sore prone, yet still looking for a high SPF and high performing lip balm.

Top Sunsense, Bottom ViraproX

Website

http://www.sunsense.com.au/

http://www.egopharm.com/viraprox-triple-action-lip-balm/


*These products were provided for editorial purposes, all opinions are my own