Naples registered nurse Christina Hite searched two years for a sun care and skin care product for the lips that was natural and organic. She couldn’t find one, so she decided to make one.
That’s how Sun Bestie was born. “I would say the purpose behind the product line is a natural and organic product line that is actually natural and organic,” Hite said. “A lot of other brands market themselves this way, but they’re not what I would call natural or health-promoting. I have a background as an RN and all of these things are important to me. The reason I created this product line is I couldn’t find something I felt good about sharing with my patients, my clients and my community.”
Hite also does medical tattoos and permanent makeup, reinforcing the need for aftercare products and sun care protection.
“I couldn’t find any company or any product that didn’t have soy or seed oils,” she said. “They weren’t petroleum- based. I figured if what I wanted didn’t exist and I know this is a concern and a need, I’m going to have to fulfill that need myself.”
She said most current products contain a chemical sunscreen or are zinc-based, which means they turn white upon application.
“That was the conundrum we were facing through research, so I looked to common ingredients in makeup, where I was led to clear zinc—which is commonly used in makeup, but there’s less of the white case than traditional zinc products. It is 100% clear; it doesn’t give that white streak of traditional zinc products.”
Hite said she’s been “shocked and overwhelmed” by the positive responses she’s gotten to Sun Bestie.
“I’ve only had positive feedback, five-star Google reviews, people texting, e-mailing or DMing me about how surprised they are that it does what I actually wanted it to do,” she said. “It’s actually moisturizing, actually healing, actually nourishing to the lips, unlike many of the lip products people are used to using. In this business, we’re used to reapply, reapply, reapply—and as soon as the product dissipates, your lips are just as dry as when you put it on. That’s definitely not the case with Sun Bestie.”
Regina Manookian of Fort Myers offered her take on Sun Bestie and how it differs from other skin care and lip care products.
“Sun Bestie lip balm has quickly become a must-have in my daily routine,” she said. “This product combines the benefits of a lip balm with a protection of sunscreen, making it perfect for everyday use, especially during outdoor activities. The texture is just right and it does not taste or smell like sunscreen, providing a comfortable, lightweight feel. As someone who spends a lot of time outdoors, I appreciate the added sun protection it offers. Knowing my lips are shielded from harmful UV rays gives me peace of mind, especially since the lips are often overlooked when it comes to sun protection. It also layers well under lipstick or lip gloss, without affecting the color or texture.”
Marisol Bernal of Cape Coral says she’s finally found the lip care product for her with Hite’s creation.
“Sun Bestie is all I’ve ever wanted for my lips packed in a small container,” Bernal said. “It’s so nice to know that all the ingredients are natural and contain no toxins. I take Sun Bestie with me everywhere, especially at work. It keeps my lips moisturized and so soft all day! I make sure to keep one in my purse, in my car and in my makeup bag.”
Sun Bestie is available through the company’s website, sunbestie.com, and through a few wholesale partners including Surreal Beauty Ink, Basile Plastic Surgery and Cape Coral Spray Tans. Hite said she doesn’t offer it on Amazon because her product is best if used within a year.
“All the ingredients are organic and there’s a lot of botanicals involved, so it’s best consumed within one year of being batched, and I can’t control that aspect of the distribution if we go through Amazon,” she said.
This story was published in The Naples Press on July 5.
