Look, sunburned lips are the kind of souvenir I’d rather leave behind. So when I saw Trader Joe’s Sunscreen Lip Balm on the shelf, SPF 30, budget-friendly, $2.99. I grabbed it like it was the last churro at a carnival. It promised smooth application, no sticky mess, and a subtle (or non-existent) flavor. Sounds like the perfect sun buddy, right?
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Review
Trader Joe’s Sunscreen Lip Balm comes in a standard twist-up tube. No fancy bells and whistles here, just straightforward protection for your lips. It boasts SPF 30 (yay!) to help guard against sunburn and dryness, all wrapped up in a compact little package that’s easy to toss in your pocket or bag. The balm itself is smooth and colorless, with no sticky residue. Sounds like an SPF dream come true, at least on paper.
Well… let’s just say it’s a bit of a love-hate relationship. It glides on smoothly: no tugging, no weird waxy chunks, nothing to complain about there. But then, bam! The aftertaste hits. A weird, metallic tang that makes me wonder if I accidentally licked a rusty spoon. So is this budget-friendly balm a beach bag hero or a snack-time skip? Let’s unpack the good, the bad, and the unexpected.
I popped the cap, gave it a twist, and was instantly impressed with how smoothly it glided on. No gritty feel, no drag, and definitely no heavy waxy residue. It felt like one of those balms you’d want to apply all day long. If you didn’t know what was coming next.
At first, there’s nothing. No fake fruit, no cloying sweetness, nothing but a smooth, flavorless balm. But give it a few seconds, and suddenly…metal. Not like a guitar solo kind of metal, but a weird, tangy aftertaste that made me check the label to make sure I wasn’t about to enter a heavy metal contest. I tried to ignore it, but it kept coming back every time I reapplied.
This is where the balm shines, literally and figuratively. It kept my lips moisturized, and even after a long day in the sun, I didn’t experience any dryness or sunburn. It’s effective and no-fuss, with SPF 30 that does its job. But man, that aftertaste stuck with me like an awkward high school memory.
Trader Joe’s nailed the price point and SPF protection, but the aftertaste was a dealbreaker. It’s one of those products that makes you go “hmmm” every time you use it. If you can handle the tang, it’s a solid sun protector for your lips, but for me? I’ll be searching for a different balm that doesn’t leave me feeling like I licked a battery.
How to Use
- Beach & Beyond: Toss it in your beach bag, hiking pack, or pocket for easy sun protection on the go
- Swipe & Go: Apply generously before heading outdoors.
- Reapply Often: Every couple of hours, especially after eating or drinking.
- Under Lipstick: Makes a good base for added SPF under your favorite lip color.
Creative Uses
- Brow Tamer: Dab on your brows to keep those wild hairs in place.
- Nail UV Blocker: Getting your nails done with UV? Protect those cuticles. If you aren't a fan of this on your lips, around your nails would be a good place to use this.
- Dry Cuticle Helper: Rub a little on dry cuticles for quick hydration.
- Highlight Balm: Dab on cheekbones for a subtle, dewy glow.
- Flyaway Fixer: Tame baby hairs in a pinch.
FAQs for Trader Joe's Sunscreen Lip Balm
Below is a list of frequently asked questions about this product:
Nope, this one’s pretty neutral in the scent department.
SPF 30 is a solid choice for daily sun protection.
Nope, smooth and non-greasy.
Depending on the formula, you can, but long-lasting lipstick I could break that down.
This is available at Trader Joe's. If you can't find it there, you can always check on Amazon through third-party sellers.
Final Thoughts
Trader Joe’s Sunscreen Lip Balm has a lot going for it: SPF 30, smooth application, and a budget-friendly price tag. But that metallic aftertaste? That’s where it lost me. If you can get past the weird flavor, it’s a solid sun protector for your lips. As for me, I’ll be on the hunt for a balm that brings the sun protection without the mystery tang.
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Trader Joe’s Sunscreen Lip Balm
Product Name: Trader Joe’s Sunscreen Lip Balm
Product Description: Trader Joe’s Sunscreen Lip Balm is a silky smooth lip balm with an unexpected passenger: an aftertaste.
Price: $2.99
Summary
Trader Joe’s Sunscreen Lip Balm is a new lip product for 2025.
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Value
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Worthy of Repurchasing
Pros
- Smooth Application – Glides on like a dream.
- SPF 30 – Great sun protection for daily use.
- Budget-Friendly – At $2.99, it’s an easy grab.
- No Sticky Feel – Leaves lips feeling natural.
Cons
- Weird Aftertaste – Metallic tang that’s hard to ignore.
- No Real Flavor – If you like a hint of mint or fruit, you’ll be disappointed.
- Just Okay Overall – The aftertaste killed the vibe for me.
I'd love to hear what you think! Leave a comment below and share your thoughts.