Retro Visors, Meet Lip Visor (by Prequel)

Have you ever gotten a sunburn on your lips? It’s not the kind of plump pout you want. And definitely not conducive to sipping summer spritzes.

Prequel has entered the lip care game with its first lip product: the Lip Visor Sunscreen, a broad-spectrum SPF 30 PA+++ glossy balm designed to protect and nourish.

If the name sounds familiar, you might recognize Prequel from your local Target or their viral bestseller, the Gleanser. Founded by Dr. Sam Ellis, a board-certified medical and cosmetic dermatologist, the brand is committed to research-backed formulas that prioritize lasting skin protection.

As awareness of sunscreen’s role in daily routines grows, consumers are increasingly embracing dermatologist recommendations. But who applies that face sunscreen on their lips? We certainly don’t.

Sunscreen flavor may have broached perfume profiles, but unsurprisingly, not the culinary palette. To solve for SPF aftertaste, the Lip Visor is formulated with a spider-structured ester, meaning “a unique molecule that encapsulates UV filters to mask their aftertaste and maintain optimal efficacy” (Prequel).

If "spider ester" still sounds spooky, Prequel’s Founder’s Notes series explains the intention behind every product, ingredient, and formula. In addition to the brand blog, Dr. Sam Ellis delivers thoughtful perspective on beauty, skin, and body care to her 437K Instagram followers, with the occasional Prequel plug of course.

Available exclusively on Prequel’s website, the brand is actively promoting its new launch across Instagram and Facebook, yet curiously quiet on TikTok. Given how skincare products like the Gleanser can gain rapid exposure on the platform, it seems like an untapped opportunity to complement their Meta strategy.

Nearly a month after its launch, Lip Visor has received mixed reviews. Fans praise its glossy finish, flattering shades, and refreshing minty scent, while others have struggled with squeezing out the product, found the flavor overly intense, or experienced irritation on sensitive skin.

Product Specs:

• Size: 0.34 FL OZ

• Price: $14

• 2 Shades: Rosedust and Clear

• Flavor: mint

Key Ingredients:

• Physalis angulata extract: to support volume

• Bisabolol antioxidant: derived from chamomile to soothe

• Sorbeth-2 hexaoleate: enhances sunscreen performance

As Prequel continues to grow, we’re eager to see how Lip Visor evolves, whether that’s with new shades/scents, or even formula tweaks inspired by consumer feedback. At the very least we can’t wait for the Target roll-out.