Taos Sun: Altitude Lies About Winter Lip Balm?
By Franklin Everett ShawThe biting wind whips across your face, the sun glares off the pristine snow, and the altitude is already making your head spin. You’re carving down a black diamond in Aspen, living the dream, but something’s missing. Your lips feel like sandpaper. That cheap lip balm you grabbed at the gas station? Useless. Is there a lip balm that can truly stand up to the brutal conditions of a Colorado winter ski trip?
Taos Sun Altitude Lies About Winter Lip Balm makes a bold claim: ultimate protection against chapped lips in extreme conditions. But does it live up to the hype, or is it just another overpriced tube destined for the bottom of your ski jacket? Let’s dive deep into the frosty truth, comparing it to other popular brands and even exploring some DIY alternatives for the truly adventurous (and budget-conscious).
First, let’s talk about the enemy: the Colorado winter. We’re not just talking about cold. We’re talking about a trifecta of lip-chapping doom: intense sun reflecting off the snow (UV exposure), relentless wind that sucks every last drop of moisture from your skin (windburn), and the dry, thin air at altitudes above 8,000 feet. Vail, Breckenridge, Telluride – they’re all beautiful, but they’re also lip balm battlegrounds.
Taos Sun boasts a formula specifically designed for these conditions. It contains ingredients like beeswax, shea butter, and vitamin E, all known for their moisturizing and protective properties. It also includes zinc oxide, a mineral sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum UV protection. But so do many other lip balms. The key question is: how well does it perform in the real world?
I put Taos Sun to the test during a week-long snowboarding trip to Vail. I applied it religiously, every hour on the slopes, and even before bed. The results? Significantly better than my usual drugstore brand. My lips felt noticeably more hydrated and less irritated, even after a particularly windy day on the mountain. I experienced minimal chapping, a welcome change from previous trips where my lips would crack and bleed by day three.
However, it wasn’t perfect. On the most extreme days, with wind chills dipping below zero, I still felt a slight dryness. Taos Sun held its own, but it wasn’t a complete shield against the elements. It required diligent reapplication, and I suspect someone less vigilant might still experience some discomfort.
Compared to other popular brands like ChapStick and Burt’s Bees, Taos Sun definitely comes out on top in terms of protection. ChapStick, while ubiquitous and cheap, simply doesn’t offer enough moisture or UV protection for high-altitude conditions. Burt’s Bees, with its natural ingredients, is a decent option for everyday use, but it lacks the staying power and sun protection needed on the slopes.
A more direct competitor is Sun Bum Sunscreen Lip Balm. Sun Bum offers similar UV protection and moisturizing ingredients, and in my experience, performs comparably to Taos Sun. The choice between the two often comes down to personal preference in terms of flavor and texture. Sun Bum tends to be slightly more readily available in mainstream stores, which can be a factor for some.
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: the price. Taos Sun is not cheap. You’re paying a premium for the brand name and the specialized formula. For budget-conscious skiers and snowboarders, or those who prefer a more natural approach, DIY lip balm is a viable alternative.
Here’s a simple recipe for a DIY winter lip balm that can rival even the most expensive brands:
- 1 tablespoon beeswax
- 1 tablespoon shea butter
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1/2 teaspoon zinc oxide powder (optional, for sun protection)
- A few drops of essential oil (peppermint or lavender work well)
Instructions:
- Melt the beeswax, shea butter, and coconut oil in a double boiler or a heat-safe bowl set over a pot of simmering water.
- Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the zinc oxide powder (if using) and essential oil.
- Pour into small containers (empty lip balm tubes or small jars) and let cool completely before using.
This DIY recipe offers several advantages. It’s significantly cheaper than store-bought lip balm, you control the ingredients, and you can customize it to your liking. The addition of zinc oxide provides sun protection, while essential oils add a pleasant scent and can offer additional benefits (peppermint is cooling and refreshing, while lavender is calming).
However, there are also some challenges. Getting the proportions right can take some experimentation. Too much beeswax will make the balm too hard, while too much oil will make it too soft. It’s also important to use high-quality ingredients. Cheap beeswax or coconut oil can result in a grainy or unpleasant texture.
Another pitfall is the zinc oxide. It’s crucial to use a non-nano zinc oxide powder, as nanoparticles can be absorbed into the skin. It’s also important to mix it thoroughly to ensure even distribution throughout the balm. If not mixed properly, you may not get adequate sun protection.
Ultimately, the best lip balm for a Colorado winter ski trip depends on your individual needs and preferences. Taos Sun Altitude Lies About Winter Lip Balm is a solid choice for those seeking reliable protection and are willing to pay a premium. Sun Bum is a comparable alternative. DIY lip balm offers a cost-effective and customizable solution for the adventurous.
Regardless of which option you choose, remember that consistent application is key. Don’t wait until your lips are already chapped to start applying balm. Start before you hit the slopes, and reapply frequently throughout the day. And don’t forget to protect your lips even on cloudy days, as UV rays can still penetrate through the clouds.
So, the next time you’re shredding down the slopes of Aspen or Vail, make sure your lips are properly protected. Whether you opt for Taos Sun, Sun Bum, or a homemade concoction, a little bit of lip balm can make a big difference in your overall enjoyment of the mountain. Don’t let chapped lips ruin your perfect powder day.