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Because yes, your lips can get sun damaged

We're all well versed in the importance of daily facial SPF, but there's one crucial area a lot of us leave neglected: our lips. "The lips are fragile and subject to early and accelerated ageing because of exposure to the elements – especially the sun," says Dr Charlene Dehaven, iS Clinical's clinical director.

The skin on your lips is thinner and more delicate than that on the rest of your face. "There are only three-to-five cell layers on the lip compared to 15-to-20 layers on the face, and lips have fewer melanocytes to make the protective pigment melanin," explains Dr. Dehaven. According to her, our lips experience three times more water loss than the skin in our cheeks too.

Leave your lips unprotected during the hottest months, and you're opening yourself up to sunburn, peeling and premature ageing. The solution is simple: swipe on a lip balm with SPF, and use it religiously. All of the below will keep your lips protected from UV rays while imparting moisture – and , in some cases, a pretty wash of shape-enhancing colour.

If any brand can make suncare fun and covetable, it's Coola's range of smart formulas in their pretty packaging. This balm is chock full of hydrating cupuaçu butter and jojoba seed oil alongside UVA/UVB protection for soft, cared-for lips.

If you enjoy lip balms with a hint of flavour, this one by Sun Bum will go down a treat. Plus, it contains cooling aloe vera to soothe irritated lips.

A swipe of this hyaluronic acid-infused tinted lip balm instantly perks up tired complexions, all while providing SPF25 protection. A one-and-done lip product we can all get behind.

Fans of the iconic Eight Hour Cream will love how moisturising this tinted balm is. It glides on smoothly, imparting the slightest wash of colour and SPF15.

This little tube checks all the right boxes. It offers high SPF protection, goes on clear and the unscented formula is great if you're sensitive to perfume. At £5 a pop, this deserves a spot in every handbag.

You wouldn't know this hydrating balm boasts UVA and UVB filters when wearing it - there's no white residue, only the slightest translucent gleam. Striking the perfect balance between softening lips and shielding them, it's a great all rounder.

This comfortable clear lip base is perfect if you find SPF balms can leave lips looking chalky. The SPF30 formula has a glossy finish without stickiness, and feels sufficiently hydrating.

This vegan formula is rich in shea butter, castor seed oil and synthetic beeswax to keep your lips feeling comfortable all day long. It is a little thicker than the rest, but the white tint disappears once its rubbed in. The juicy mango scent is perfect for summer getaways too (or you know, when you're dreaming of one...).

Just like it's skincare counterpart, iS Clinical's formulas are hard-hitting and no-frills. This lip balm uses physical UVA/UVB blockers along with antioxidants to prevent environmental damage, all while nourishing lips with jojoba and soybean oil.

For something with a hint of shimmer, try Ultra Violette. This Australian brand makes some of the chicest, most user-friendly sunscreens on the market. The lip balm imparts a gentle shine, while offering high SPF protection. There are four shades within the range.

Save space in your handbag for lipsticks, and keep this balm at home. In true Ultrasun style, you need only apply it once for all-day protection, so do it as a skincare step. The brand’s patented technology gives long-lasting, high level SPF30 protection that resists water.

If skincare authority Paula Begoun wants you to do anything in life, it’s to wear sunscreen. We trust her brand’s rich SPF50 lip balm to protect and prevent damage, making it ‘anti-ageing’ by its very nature.

If you prefer a pot balm, look to Bobbi Brown. This chic, sleek tin houses a hydrating yet non-greasy formula with SPF15.

This firm favourite is a crowd pleaser for its lip-nourishing credentials as much as its natural mineral SPF protection. Plus, it’s a steal.