Remember this awful stuff?









Ugh! It reminds me of the '80s. Neon-hued zinc oxide smeared across noses and lips at the beach. Indeed, your lips need protection from the sun, but there are better ways than chartreuse-colored goo. Some of my favorites:

Estee Lauder Amber Bronze SPF 15 Lip Gloss, which appears to have been a limited edition, with the rest of the Amber Bronze collection. I've spotted recently it at Cosmetics Company Store, so if you have one of those near you, it's definitely worth checking out! This gloss is a sheer shimmery bronze that smells a bit like tea...just gorgeous.

Ceci Cela Lip Balm, packed with vitamin E, beeswax, aloe, and SPF 15. This balm is the brainchild of a former marketing exec at Lancome and Saks, and it's like a luxury Chap Stick - same little tube, but with prettier packaging, a smoother feel, and delicious flavors. Almond is almost good enough to eat, and Spearmint is incredibly refreshing on a hot day. Available at these locations in the US.

Lancome Soleil Icy Tubes Ultra Shiny Cooling Lip Gloss with SPF 15. I can speak volumes about this stuff - it's super-glossy, smells like a ripe peach, and protects...and it really does cool off your lips. Only problem? At least for the moment, it's not available in the US. I picked up my tube in Europe; if you're a resident or plan to visit, you're in luck.