Category: lips

Laura Mercier Lip Color – Stickgloss

I have been coveting my new Laura Mercier Stickgloss for weeks and have failed to mention it!  This has been my favorite recent find.  This is part lip balm, part lip stick and part lip glaze.  It comes out like a wash of color.  I have Pink Jewel, which is pretty bright for me, and I love that it has the pop of color but also a translucent subtlety.  They definitely wear longer than a gloss (but not as long as lipstick) and also hydrate your lips so you avoid cracking that sometimes occurs with matte lipstick.  And it isn’t sticky like gloss so you don’t have to worry when that wind blows your hair in your face.

I should also mention Laura Mercier Lip Balm SPF 15.  It is packaged just like a lip stick, but is actually a nourishing balm that smells slightly of vanilla.  I keep on at my desk and I really have seen improvement in the appearance of my lips during this dry winter.

Bobbi Brown Rich Color Gloss

I have always trended towards a more neutral lip and gloss only, never lipstick.  This winter I wanted to go out on a limb.  This product is perfect for those wanting to make their first foray into a strong lip.  It is advertised as having the coverage of a lipstick, the  shine of a gloss, and feel of a balm. The scent is not as strong as many other Bobbi Brown products, but there is a slight mint vanilla which is very pleasant.  I am currently using Pink Buff, but wouldn’t hesitate to come back for more colors as I up the drama.  These glosses don’t have the wear of a lipstick, but with the feel of a balm and nice scent, I don’t mind an occasional re-application.

  • Dusty Rose (pink mauve)
  • Naked (nude beige)
  • Pink Buff (nude pink)
  • Pink Raspberry (bright rose)
  • Ruby Red (bright red)

smashbox Smile Brightening Lip Gloss

I consider myself a lip gloss connoisseur (and consumer). A smashbox gloss for $5 was an easy sell on me. This formulaton promises light-reflecting pearls to brighten your smile. Despite the vibrant color in the tube, it comes out really neutral and with only a slight glittery effect.  I have no problem wearing this at work or during the day.  I am not sure I really see a brighter smile, but I love this minty flavor.  It is strong so it is not for the faint of heart.  The mint doesn’t tingle but gives the sensation of fresh breath.  This is probably not the right gloss for your wine tasting adventure in Napa because the flavor is very strong.  This IS great for an application during those long afternoon hours at work for a “pick-me-up”. 

Burt’s Bees Lip Balm With Pomegranate Oil

I am a lip balm connoisseur.  I have one stashed at my desk, by my bed, by my couch… well, you get the point.  When I was home for the holidays, my Texas skin got dried out in the cold weather and, horror!, I was without a lip balm.  After a trip to the local Whole Foods, I was back in business. This lip balm has been catapulted to my favorite in no time.  Not sticky, really moisturizing, doesn’t taste too sweet and I could swear it adds just a pinch of color. 

Maybelline Colorsensational Lip Color

A word of caution just in from our valuable makeup market analyst… Mom!  While Mom has done a great job at sniffing out some surprisingly good drug store lip color, this one was a disappointment.  Blame it on the genetics, but both Mom and I are in search of a neutral pink shade with a gloss appearance and lots of staying power.  We both love the Armani gloss and lipcolor.  This Maybelline Lip Color fell short, delivering less thickness than a “tube of chapstick” and short lived color.  Steer clear of this bargain lip color… even it is not worth it.