Lip Service 💋 #2: Always Use (Sun) Protection

It’s (almost officially) sunshine season—which means it’s time to wear sunscreen. Yes, you. Every day. No exceptions.

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After what felt like weeks of gray, the sun finally showed face. Central Park was non-negotiable.

Picture this: twelve-year-old Lauren, carefree and glowing, frolicking through Geneva without a drop of SPF in sight. UVA? UVB? Never heard of her. I thought sunburns were just part of the summer aesthetic—painful, yes, but worth it for the “fresh new skin” that followed.

Spoiler alert: that wasn’t exfoliation. That was long-term skin damage, dressed up as a rite of passage.

These days, with skin science and social media at our fingertips, I’d like to think we’ve collectively outgrown the no-sunscreen era. But if you’re still side-eying daily SPF—or just need a gentle nudge—I’m here to glow you up just in time for sunshine season.

💡 The Beauty Breakdown: Yes, You Really Do Need SPF

What’s the harm in a little sun?
Let’s break it down. The sun sends two major troublemakers to our skin’s front door: UVA and UVB rays.

Think of UVA as the aging ray. It’s sneaky, it penetrates deeper, and it’s the reason your collagen quietly checks out, leaving you wondering when your forehead became a linen napkin. It accelerates fine lines, wrinkles, and yes—contributes to skin cancer.

UVB, on the other hand, is the burning ray. It’s the one that leaves you red, sore, and peeling after a beach day gone wrong. But don’t let the surface drama fool you—UVB also causes DNA damage and contributes to skin cancer in its own right.

And before you say, “But it’s cloudy!”—sweetheart, a majority of UV rays still reach your skin. Yes, even through glass. Yes, even during your morning oat milk matcha latte by the window. SPF isn’t just a beach day accessory—it’s your daily defense strategy.

What Kind of Sunscreen Should You Use?

The age-old SPF showdown: organic (aka chemical) vs. inorganic (aka mineral or physical) sunscreens.

Don’t let the word organic fool you—it’s not about farm-to-face vibes. It’s about how the formula works.

Organic (chemical) sunscreens use ingredients like avobenzone or octinoxate to absorb UV rays, convert them into heat, and release them from the skin. Think: high-tech UV sponge. These tend to be lightweight, invisible, and makeup-friendly—but they can be irritating to sensitive skin or sting your eyes (you know the burn).

Inorganic (mineral) sunscreens, with filters like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, sit on top of the skin and reflect UV rays like a tiny mirrored shield. Great for sensitive babes and anyone who wants instant protection. But if the formula’s off? Ghostly cast. Especially on deeper skin tones. Rude.

Bottom line? Both work. It’s less about picking sides and more about finding a formula you’ll actually want to wear—and reapply—every single day.

✨ Beauty Rx – Anua Heartleaf Sunscreen + Goodal Heartleaf Calming Mineral Sunscreen

All thoughts, opinions, and cheeky commentary are entirely my own. Every product featured here was purchased with my own money—no sponsorships, no freebies, just honest-to-glow reviews.

I’m thrilled to bring you this SPF double feature. As someone who’s sprinted through the full sunscreen obstacle course—culty Supergoops, trusty drugstore Sunbums, even the astronomically priced Alastins—I don’t hand out my stamp of approval lightly.

But Anua and Goodal? They understood the assignment.

Pictured above: Goodal Heartleaf Calming Sunscreen (Not pictured: Anua because I used every last drop).

Let’s start with Anua:

Shockingly affordable, with a lightweight, gel-like texture that hydrates without overwhelming. Reapplication is a breeze—no pilling, no flaking, no sticky “I-regret-everything” residue.

The hero ingredient? Mexoryl SX (Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid, if you want to flex at a dinner party). Once exclusive to L’Oréal, this broad-spectrum UVA filter is a personal favorite—and the SPF 50 PA++++ rating means top-tier collagen protection.

Even my friend, who is decidedly not a skincare guy, uses it daily. Getting him to apply, let alone reapply? A certified beauty miracle.

Now for Goodal:

If you’re after a mineral sunscreen that’s gentle, non-drying, eye-safe, and leaves a minimal cast, Goodal’s Heartleaf Calming Mineral Sunscreen delivers. Lightweight yet nourishing, it leaves a soft, dewy glow without clinging to dry patches—or getting weird around the hairline and brows (we’ve all been there).

It’s my pick when I want something a little more luminous than Anua. She’s gorgeous under makeup, layers effortlessly over skincare, and brings the kind of quiet, consistent excellence that earns a permanent spot on my vanity.

And for the record—I’m a sunscreen princess. Okay, okay, I’m kind of a princess in general. But with SPF? Especially. My skin post-retinoids can be a full-blown diva, and I won’t touch anything that isn’t reef-safe (Avobenzone? Hard pass). But Anua and Goodal? No sting, no breakouts, no barrier drama. Just glowy, protected, happy skin.

💄 The Gloss Report: Why U.S. Sunscreens Are Stuck in the Past

Let’s address the sunburnt elephant in the room: Why do U.S. sunscreens feel a little... dated?

Because they are. The FDA hasn’t approved a new active sunscreen ingredient since 1999. That’s pre-Y2K. Pre-contour. Pre-good WiFi. Pre-my birth.

Meanwhile, in Europe and Asia? They’re slathering on sleek, featherlight formulas with cutting-edge filters like Tinosorb S, Tinosorb M, and Uvinul A Plus—broad-spectrum MVPs that don’t irritate, don’t clog, and don’t leave a trace.

Why the lag? The FDA regulates sunscreen as an over-the-counter drug, which means ingredients face a lengthy, complex approval process—even if they’ve been proven safe and effective elsewhere. Let’s just say it’s moving at a glacial pace.

TL;DR? U.S. sunscreens do work when used properly, but they’re playing catch-up. If you want that next-gen filter magic, it might be time to consider a (legal and vetted!) import.

💋 Final Touch

So, tell me—have I convinced you that SPF is a must-have, not a maybe? Do you have any sunscreen favorites? Drop them in the comments!

Until next time, keep your skin dewy and your lips glossy.

TTFN,
💋✨ Lauren

Disclaimer: All opinions expressed in Lip Service are my own and do not reflect the views of my employer or any affiliated brands. My insights are based on personal experience, research, and a lifelong obsession with beauty—no corporate influence, just real talk. Also, I’m not a dermatologist—so while I love sharing skincare tips and product recs, always consult a professional for personalized advice.