Does Labello Sun Protect SPF 30 look familiar? In some countries, Labello is sold under the brand Nivea. Mystery sold!
Now you know what it is, should you give it a try?
Mmm… Listen, my friend. I’m all for using SPF on your lips, too. They need sun protection, just like any other part of your body. I’m just not sure this is the best way to protect them. Here’s what I mean:
What’s In Labello Sun Protect SPF 30?
UV FILTERS
How could Labello Sun Protect SPF 30 give you any sun protection without them, duh?! Here are the UV filters it uses:
- Homosalate: An UVB filter with a slightly oily consistency and a mild floral scent.
- Octocrylene: An UVB filter that helps avobenzone last longer, coat the skin better and make the sunscreen water-resistant.
- Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane: A.k.a. Avobenzone, an UVA filter that stops working quickly when exposed to light on its own. It’s absorbed by the body (and expelled quickly through urine), so it’s not recommended during pregnancy.
- Ethylhexyl Salicylate: Another UVB filter with a slightly oily consistency and a mild floral scent.
All together, they give you broad spectrum protection for a couple of hours. After that, reapply!
Related: The Truth About Avobenzone: Is It Really As Dangerous As They Say?
CASTOR OIL
You won’t find Castor Oil in the ingredient list. It hides under the name Ricinus Communis Seed Oil.
Either way, it’s a vegetable oil derived from the seeds of the Ricinus Communis plant. Its job is to form a protective barrier on the lips to keeps moisture in.
More moisture = softer, kissable lips.
The catch? Castor oil feels a little sticky on the skin.
Texture
Its texture is on the thick side. It glides quite smoothly on the lips, but feels a bit goopy. You can’t really forget you have it on.
Fragrance
Clean, a little chemical, and forgettable.
How To Use It
Apply it on the lips first thing in the morning. Reapply every couple of hours or after eating, kissing, and sweating.
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Performance & Personal Opinion
The first time I caught my reflection in the mirror after applying Labello Sun Protect SPF 30 Lip Balm, I did a double take. The girl staring back at me had white lips that made her look like a corpse!
I don’t usually mind sunscreens that leave a slight white cast on my skin. I’m so pale, you won’t notice anyway. But on my lips? That’s too much. People asked me if I was ill – so not the look I was going for.
At least, this inconvenience is easy to fix. I just apply an opaque gloss or lipstick on top and voilá, the white cast disappears. But, sadly, this is not the only problem with this lip balm.
It doesn’t moisturise lips all that much. Oh, it does make my lips softer and smoother… for only a couple of hours. I know I have to reapply it that often anyway when I’m out in the sun, but I don’t want to do it when I’m indoors too.
At least I can’t fault its sun protection properties. The lip balm keeps my lip safe from UV harm as I enjoy my sunny days outside.
Related: Why Does Sunscreen Leave A White Cast On Skin?
Who Is This For?
If your lips are already in good condition and you just need sun protection, this’ll do.
Who Is This Not For?
If you need a lip balm that protects and moisturises, this isn’t it.
Packaging
Labello Sun Protect SPF 30 Lip Balm comes in a sunny yellow tube that makes you think of summer.
Does Labello Sun Protect SPF 30 Lip Balm Live Up To Its Claims?
| CLAIM | TRUE? |
|---|---|
| Labello Sun Protect doesn’t leave any shine nor colour on your lips. | It leaves no shine, but it makes my lips look white. |
| Contains SPF 30 and protects lips immediately against intensive UV rays. | True. |
| The unique formula with shea butter and natural oils instantly melts into your lips. | You still feel it on the lips. |
| Provides smoothness and long-lasting moisture for 24hr. | More like two hours… |
Price & Availability
£2.80 at European drugstores.
Do You Need It?
Nope. I’d skip on this. There are better alternatives out there.
Dupes & Alternatives
Ingredients
Octyldodecanol, Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, Hydrogenated Rapeseed Oil, Cera Alba, Homosalate, Octocrylene, Cetyl Palmitate, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Cetyl Ricinoleate, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Cetearyl Alcohol, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Persea Gratissima Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, BHT, Limonene, Geraniol, Linalool, Benzyl Alcohol, Parfum, CI 77891, CI 77492
Too bad it leaves a white cast, otherwise it would have been perfect.
Kiss & Make-up, I agree. It’s ok if you apply lipstick on top, but on its own, it makes you look ill.