The newest sunscreen on the block: Issy & Co. Solar Balm Nourishing Lipscreens
Photography by Perkin Gotohio
Although beauty is a personal journey, we all know that SPF is non-negotiable. Admittedly though, it is one of the hardest beauty habits to get into. From childhood memories of heavy and extremely tacky formulas making beach and pool days less enjoyable to the price tags that are on a good SPF product - there is always something that holds you back from the path of sun protection.
Luckily, local beauty brands have been stepping up their game and giving the people what they want by creating sunscreen and sunblock options that are comfortable for both our skin and wallets.
The latest addition to this are the Issy & Co. Solar Balm Nourishing Lipscreens SPF30 PA+++ (P349 for 3.8 grams)! This is Act II to the brand's recent string of launches and it is coming in hot with 8 everyday shades in 2 different finishes - they really made sure that there is something for everyone. This is easily one of the most intriguing launches this year and the newest member to my on-the-go beauty kit.
You can take your pick from the Natural shades that have a semi-matte finish with a vanilla scent or from the Glow shades that have a sheer glossy finish with a berry scent. Each finish respectively comes with a pink, peach, red, and brown shade that wears beautifully against the spectrum of Filipino skin tones.
With the finishes being the only difference, this product claims to offer a sheer wash of colour and a whole lot of protection against harmful sun rays while keeping the lips both hydrated and moisturised.
During their virtual launch event, Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer Joel Martin Andrade, shared that unlike their previous launches, such as their Crème Blush and award winning Active Skin Tint, the Solar Balms are not makeup with SPF. Instead, these sleek lip products are to be considered as sunscreen with pigment.
Issy & Co. Solar Balm (Glow Finish) from left to right: Slick, Bloom, Promiscuous, Playdate
Issy & Co. Solar Balm (Natural Finish) from left to right: Undone, Petal, Melodrama, and Sherbet
To stay true to that claim, the Solar Balms went through the comprehensive process of getting Intertek certified with broad-spectrum UVA/UVB SPF30 PA+++ for both finishes. The sun protection from this product will definitely help keep discolouration and loss of hydration on our lips from sun exposure at bay with continued use.
After swatching the entire collection, I can confirm that both finishes offer a comfortable lightweight wear. Keep in mind though, that these come in a balm formula which means they are not mask proof.
The brand recommends applying a generous amount and waiting 15 minutes prior to sun exposure then reapply every two hours for consistent protection. Following this, I can tell you that although the pigment is not meant to be opaque, it is still buildable and layers evenly to offer a sheer pop of colour and does not bleed out of the lips.
The Solar Balms do not leave a stain but, thanks to its nourishing formula, it does fade beautifully without leaving unflattering patches of pigment that cling on your lips. So far, even with constant drinking and the occasional snacking while in my WFH work station, it lasts an hour or two before I feel the product fully fade away.
It has been over a week since I have added this to my daily routine and the verdict is: get one for yourself, your friend, significant other, parent, sibling, and anyone else that wants healthy lips!
The Natural finish is definitely the better choice for under the mask wear with its semi-matte finish. As a sucker for all things glossy though, the shades with the Glow finish have definitely been my go-to lippie since I got them. The brand also encourages some mix and match action with the different finishes and shades or applying them over your lippie of choice!
I highly recommend this product especially to those of us going back to on-site work and events because SPF is always a good choice - what more if it looks this good? You can get your hands on a tube of the Solar Balm to try one for yourself via the Issy & Co. Shopee and Lazada platforms for P349 per 3.8g tube of product.