Best lip sun protection

I don't know about you, but my lips used to constantly get burned surfing, especially just above my top lip and on my bottom lip during 2 hour sessions in the ocean.

So a couple years ago, having located minimal info online, I started experimenting with different lip balm sunscreens with SPF. I found out that barely any of them stay on my lips long enough for a 2 hour session - only one combined chemical/mineral sunscreen does (my top choice, but it's not a lip balm!). Furthermore, I have found only one mineral, and therefore reef-safe, sunscreen that stays on close to 2 hours. Here are my top lip balm sunscreen choices currently on the market.

Watermans High Performance Sunscreen and FacePro Performance Stick

Recommendation: Just finished testing this stuff in a variety of conditions for long periods of time in the water. It is a really amazing product which stays on your lips and face effectively. My theory is it has a lot to do with the beeswax; years ago I tried a sunscreen with beeswax that was almost impossible to scrub off. Although I don't know exactly what it is that gives it its holding ability, it seems like their Aqua-Armor tech definitely works. Unfortunately, it looks like the sunscreen tube version has chemicals in it - possibly making it not reef-safe - but the FacePro stick does not.

Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Face Cream with SynchroShield

Recommendation: I don't know what they're doing with their SynchroShield tech, but the stuff just doesn't come off except with a hard scrub in the shower. Perfect for someone who apparently subconsiously rubs and licks his own lips. It will make you look like a vampire (yes it leaves a white residue) and has a slight chemical, perfume-like smell and taste, but it's well worth it when the UV index is high and most damaging during long sessions in the ocean. I'm talking about those sessions when you start thinking about what your skin is going to look like later in life... I should mention that it's technically not reef safe, so please only use it on your lips & face in the ocean when you need it most.

Raw Elements Face & Body

Recommendation: This stuff is soft and buttery to the touch, really stays on, protects well, and doesn't have a sour, chemical taste. Everything you could want for a reef-safe sunscreen. However, don't expect it to prevent burns in a 2 hour session - although it stays on better than other sunscreens I tested, if you subconsciously rub your lips it will eventually rub off.

Shiseido Clear Stick UV Protector with WetForce

Recommendation: Performs and protects almost as well as the Ultimate Sun Protector Face Cream but leaves no white residue.

Notable Mentions that I've tested

These all worked decently, but didn't stand the test of a 2 hour session.

Head Hunter Lip Protectant

Vertra Sunscreen Face Stick

Vertra Lip Balm

Sun Bum Signature Lip Balm

TropicSport