We all know how important sunscreen is when it comes to avoiding painful sunburns and premature aging (and, less superficially, cancer), but most us tend leave our lips woefully unprotected from UVA and UVB rays. News flash: skin is skin, and your lips aren’t immune to sun damage. Fortunately, you don’t need to slather on a layer of zinc to protect your pout. Here are a few pieces to add to your makeup arsenal to keep your lips smooth, colourful and safe this summer.

The Balm

Kiehl’s Lip Balm SPF 15, $12, www.kiehls.ca.

This lip balm is essential for anyone who suffers from chapped, chewed or cracked lips. It’s colourless and flavourless and, as a balm, you can reapply as often as you want without drying out your lips or getting anything on your teeth. I wear it alone or under a lipstick if my lips are extra thirsty.

The Gloss

Covergirl NatureLuxe Lip Gloss Balm Stick, $9, www.well.ca.

If you’re going to do the carefree surfer girl thing, a little sheer lip gloss is essential. This hybrid product is especially great because you can apply it like a lip balm (generously, without a mirror), and even its most pigmented shades look natural and beach babe-appropriate.

The Lipstick

Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupté Silky Sensual Radiant Lipstick SPF 15, $39, Sephora, www.sephora.ca

Aside from boasting some of the most luxurious packaging around, this lipstick is super moisturizing and comes in variety of highly pigmented colours, including the very trendy Extreme Coral. I like to sweep a bit of translucent power overtop to keep the colour in place.

By: Allyssia Alleyne, Toronto

You should follow me on Twitter @AllyssiaAlleyne.

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