Latest news with #beautywriter
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
We Tested Dozens of SPF Lip Balms — These Are the Tinted Ones You'll Want to Reapply.
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, WWD may receive an affiliate commission. In my near decade as a beauty writer, I've had a front-row seat to the evolution of modern sunscreen in all its forms. From eyeshadows with mineral blockers to dry shampoos and even setting sprays with SPF, the category continues to expand beyond the traditional face sunscreens and body lotions. All the while, the often-overlooked category of lip balms with SPF remained relatively untouched — until this year, when sunscreen lip balms began arriving in glosses, oils, and beyond. More from WWD Gigi Hadid Just Confirmed the Anklet Trend Resurgence for Summer 2025 The TikTok-Loved On Cloud 6 Shoe Is Now Available in Summer 2025's Trending Butter Yellow Colorway It's Officially Shoe Charm Summer - Here's How to Refresh Your Everyday Sneakers With Personal Flair. As a Fitzpatrick II skin type who grew up in the South, I experienced more sunburns in my teenage years than I'd like to admit. Those burns were always the most intense on my chest and lips — the latter being a part of my face that burned frequently. That discrepancy always puzzled me, but there's a physiological explanation. 'Our lips are especially vulnerable to sun damage because they lack melanin — the pigment that helps protect skin from UV radiation — and the skin on the lips is much thinner than the rest of the face,' explains board-certified dermatologist Dr. Ellen Marmur. 'This makes them more prone to burns and long-term damage,' she adds. I've become much smarter about sun exposure and sunscreen use, but I know the reality: I'm still at risk for paying the price of those burns down the line. Compounding this was a squamous cell carcinoma that surfaced on my dad's lower lip earlier this year — one that, thankfully, was fully removed with a Mohs procedure, leaving him with a small scar and some permanent numbness. It's a timely reminder of how vulnerable the lips can be — especially the lower lip, which, as Dr. Marmur explains, faces the most sun exposure. 'Up to 90 percent of lip cancers occur on the lower lip, which receives more direct sun exposure,' she says, adding that men are particularly at risk due to less frequent lip protection and cumulative sun damage. 'According to the American Academy of Dermatology, lip cancer — usually squamous cell carcinoma — is more aggressive than other forms of nonmelanoma skin cancer and can spread if untreated,' Dr. Marmur says. 'Squamous cell carcinoma tends to be more aggressive on the lips than elsewhere on the body.' Most of us who are mindful of the sun are likely diligent about our SPF application — and reapplication — on areas like our noses and the tops of our ears. As the derm-loved adage goes, 'The best sunscreen is the one you want to apply.' But that's been the issue with SPF lip balm: in my experience, there just haven't been any sensorial, luxurious, or genuinely lip-softening formulas to wear. For years, finding a good lip balm with SPF meant settling for a chalky, tropical-scented stick — the kind you'd reluctantly scrub on your lips at the beach, but not something you'd want to wear on a regular Tuesday. This spring, as I began the annual beauty editor rite of researching all the newness in the sunscreen category, I noticed something new: SPF lip products are trending — big time. The new generation of lip sunscreen is taking new forms, branching out from basic balms into silky lip glosses, hydrating lip oils, and even tinted lip balms with SPF that actually feel like a treat to wear. In the realm of this 2.0 version of lip protection, a few truly stand out. I found that some come in colors so flattering that you'd be inclined to swipe it on for a night out, while others feel good enough to wear indoors on a cloudy day. I'm picky about my lip treatments — I've tested everything from pharmacy lanolin to $90 cult-favorite balms said to all in the name of shiny, soft lips. My longtime favorite in the SPF lip balm category has always been Sun Bum Lip Balm SPF 30 — a tried-and-true balm that I've reached for more times than I can count. But this season's newcomers just might be edging it out. From sheer, shimmery glosses to intensely hydrating balms with serious staying power, these are the best tinted lip balms with SPF and beyond — products that don't just protect, but feel like a luxury to reapply (every two hours, mind you). Sign up for WWD Shop's newsletter to get the scoop on the best in beauty and style with in-depth reviews of exciting new releases and buyer's guides to find the products you need to try ASAP. $22 Buy Now at sephora This SPF 50 lip balm from Australian sunscreen brand Ultra Violette stands out for its hydration power and two gorgeous colorways (the shimmery pink Bejeweled shade is newly back in stock at Sephora). The salve has a thicker texture than most balms we tried — you'll need to squeeze the tube a good amount to get the product out — but that also contributes to the silky feel it leaves in its wake. I found that the sheer color payoff makes it easy to layer with other lip products, so you can apply a coat over lip liner if you like more oomph. Price upon publish date of this article: $22 $22 Buy Now at supergoop! Buy Now at sephora $22 $22 Two WWD Shop editors adore this new SPF lip treatment from Supergoop! because it feels like nothing more than a great lip gloss when you apply it — you won't smell or feel the skin-protecting ingredients even if you're wearing a generous amount of it. It's also the shiniest of the bunch that we tested, making our testers' lips look full and healthy. The formula is available in three colorways that range from a ballet slipper pink to a juicy peach upon publish date of this article: $22 $19 Buy Now at Sephora If you prefer lip products that err on the opaque side of the spectrum, go with Caliray's Lipguard SPF 31 Hydrating Lip Gloss Balm. The hybrid product delivers excellent color payoff and shine, making it an overachiever that can step in as a tinted balm, gloss, or even a sheer lipstick texture is cushiony — more balm than gloss — with impressive staying power that doesn't feel sticky. It's available in five shades (including classic pinks and trending brown tones), all of which feel elevated but easy to wear. The formula also includes hydrating ingredients like shea butter and avocado oil, so lips stay moisturized long after the tint upon publish date of this article: $19 Since 1910, WWD — often referred to as 'the fashion bible' — has been the leading industry voice of authority for senior executives in the global women's and men's fashion, retail and beauty communities, while also informing the consumer media that cover the market. Today, WWD's breaking news and trend coverage continues to be a trustworthy resource for both fashion insiders and consumers alike. Our shopping editors continue to uphold WWD's editorial standards and values with quality, expert-backed product selections. Learn more about us here. is a New York-based board-certified dermatologist. After 8 years as Chief of Dermatologic Surgery at the Mount Sinai Medical Center, plus 10 years at Marmur Medical, Dr. Marmur is a leading dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon whose expertise includes skin cancer diagnosis and surgery, Mohs surgery, reconstructive surgery, women's health dermatology, and cosmetic surgery. She also is a master of aesthetic procedures like neuromodulators, fillers, lasers, body sculpting, liposuction and more. Claire Sullivan is a contributing beauty writer for WWD, where she writes and edits beauty, fashion, and lifestyle stories. She has over eight years of experience as a writer and editor for national media outlets including Martha Stewart Living, Martha Stewart Weddings, InStyle, and Byrdie. She's tested hundreds of products during her time as an editor, so she's well-versed in selecting the products that make a meaningful difference in your skin and hair. Sullivan conducted original reporting and product testing to write this article on the best tinted lip balms with SPF.
News.com.au
6 days ago
- Health
- News.com.au
DB Cosmetics Review: High End Skincare Dupes For Under $30
These products are hand-picked by our team to help make shopping easier. We may receive payments from third parties for sharing this content and when you purchase through links in this article. Product prices and offer details are not assured, and should be confirmed independently with the retailer. Learn more When you hear the words ' premium skincare' it's often followed by a price tag that makes you wince. Or do a double take. But a new skincare range from an established Aussie beauty brand is turning that expectation on its head. Not only that, but it's a dupe for a high end skincare brand at a quarter of the price. The unicorn in question is the new skincare collection from Designer Brands (DB) Cosmetics. WHAT ARE DB COSMETICS KNOWN FOR? I first tried DB Cosmetics makeup as a beauty writer almost a decade ago, and was impressed by the quality given the price tag. My overzealous use of their contour kit may have softened (it was the Kim K circa 2016 era, after all) but the brand's ability to deliver solid products at an affordable price apparently hasn't. They're now taking the same approach – high-quality affordable alternatives to top tier products – to skincare. And with every product no more than $28.99, it's certainly appealing. The elephant in the room? Yes, the range is inspired by another brand, Trinny London. There's lots to be said about dupe culture but I appreciate that DB Cosmetics, as one of the original 'inspired by' beauty brands, is upfront about which brand and even specific products they have taken inspiration from. These are clearly displayed in the product descriptions on the website. I've used Trinny London skincare before and love it but it is on the more expensive side (from double to quadruple the price). If that's out of your budget, then this could very well be an alternative worth exploring. WHAT ARE THE STANDOUT PRODUCTS? In a world of complicated skincare regimens, the Australian-made range is a welcome streamlined three-step offering designed to cleanse, brighten, hydrate and nourish. Start with the Revitalising Cleanser with Glycolic Acid ($24.99), boost with either the Plumping Serum with Hyaluronic Acid or Brightening Serum with Vitamin C (both $28.99), then finish with the Nourishing Moisturiser with Peptide Complex ($26.99). It's simple, effective and a great option for anyone starting their skincare journey or making some more affordable swaps. The cleanser is thorough without stripping the skin, and carries a subtle, citrus-y scent. Formulated with Glycolic, Lactic and Hyaluronic Acids, ceramides and bilberry and citrus extracts, it brightens and hydrates. My skin has been feeling a little lacklustre of late so I definitely noticed a difference after a few consistent uses. Massaging it into the skin also helps get rid of any stubborn or lingering makeup or residue in tricky areas like around the nose. The Plumping Serum is great for dry or mature skin, while the Vitamin-C packed Brightening Serum tackles dull-looking skin with added antioxidant protection. Simply apply 1-2 pumps on to clean, dry skin daily. Both are great options but I opt for the brightening one to get some much-needed pep back in my skin. While they boast plenty of active ingredients, they're a gentler version so suitable for sensitive skin too. The Nourishing Moisturiser, which helps to hydrate, boost elasticity, enhance the function of the skin barrier and lock in all that moisture and hydration, is also lovely to use and provides a smooth base for makeup. It's a relatively light moisturiser that absorbs quickly so you're not left with that sticky or heavy feeling but may not be quite heavy duty enough for those who like it thick and creamy in the colder months. I was back and forth with travel while I was trialling and loved how easy it was to just take the three products and have a full skincare regimen. The twist and pump packaging is also great for reducing spillage – home or away. HOW DOES IT COMPARE TO TRINNY LONDON? Given it's openly inspired by the brand, there are a lot of obvious similarities. The products promise the same results and share a lot of ingredients although the formulations are not identical. The eye-catching packaging is also very close to Trinny London's signature style although I do love the brighter, two-tone colour ways that DB Cosmetics has dialled up compared to the original. The big test is whether the results you see in your skin stand out enough in their own right. And I wasn't disappointed. WHAT ELSE IS WORTH TRYING FROM DB COSMETICS? If you're also looking for some affordable cosmetics to add to or update your makeup bag with, there is no shortage of options from the cruelty-free and vegan beauty brand. Their Luminous Hydrating Foundation has a 4.6/5 rating from almost 450 reviews thanks to its similarity to the cult NARS Light Reflecting Foundation, while their Blur Primer – inspired by the Lancome Absolute Perfecting Primer – is also a customer favourite. I've always thought highly of their lipsticks, with the range now expanded to include dupes for the Dior Lip Oil (Colour Burst Glossy Lip Oil) as well as bestsellers from Fenty and Rhode. Who said premium beauty products had to break the bank?
