DeLush Rating:

• Plump up your lips... up to 30% more.
• Feel a tingling effect as active amplifiers instantly plump lips for a visibly fuller pout in 10 seductive plumping shades..."

Jamie's Thoughts: The pink color I was sent to review (shade number 105) was a lovely neutral - very versatile and could definitely be layered over other base colors, such as lip stains or lipsticks. I love this gloss on its own because it's not only (a) true to color, but (b) not at all tacky. This would be the perfect drugstore substitute for Mac Lipglass.

As for the plumping effect, I can tell you this: I felt the tingle for sure, but didn't really notice any noticeable plumping effect. Maybe a TEENY bit, but definitely not enough to justify the weirdo numbness and tingling that lasted for at least 10 minutes.

If you're really looking for a strong plumping product, this is not the holy grail. If you are, however, looking for something to give you a little extra "oomph" on an important day, this gloss gives great shine, and a little bit of amplification.

Retail Price: $8.49 (at most major retailers)

Delush Rating:

Discover your own rare beauty with three gorgeous glosses. With just a hint of colour, Artistry Lip Shine gives lips a simple shine that complements this season's most dramatic looks.

Create extraordinary lips with just a hint of gorgeous colour and shimmer. Formulated with aloe and antioxidants, Lip Shine nourishes, moisturizes, and protects for the softest spring kisses. Wear it alone or on top of your favorite lip colour and add a brilliant shine to your already fabulous smile!

• Subtle colour and glossy finish for lips.
  
• Lips stay soft and smooth without feeling sticky.
  
• Formulated with soothing aloe and antioxidants.

What Lisa Says: I received all three of these lip glosses that make up part of Artistry's Spring 2008 Colour Collection: Rare Beauty. "Gifted", which is pale pink gloss w/pink shimmer, "Signature" a gold shimmer, and "Adore" which is a deep red gloss w/ red glitter.

Once out of their box, I thought this an interesting collection of glosses for Spring/Summer. The Gifted and Signature looked lovely but I questioned Adore for this time of year, as it looked quite dark. All three come in their own box and have no taste or fragrance, which is something I like I lip products of any kind.

This was kind of a tough review for me though. I rarely wear gloss alone and when I do, it's to add high shine, add dimension to a lip color or both. I found the formula of this gloss to be very thin and, while it did impart a moisturized look, it wasn't much of a shine and not enough shimmer to show up by it's self OR over my lipstick.

I tried each of them alone, over lipstick and over lip pencil. I know they advertise "barely there" color but once on, I really saw NO color - maybe a tiny bit of shimmer and, in the case of Adore, almost a stained look that was very sheer but deep and glittery. Not a look I'd particularly want for summer though it did look nice over some of last fall's red lip colors. None of these glosses offer a high gloss shine, but instead, impart a simple moisturized look unless you add a couple of layers of product. And while it IS hydrating, my normally all-day-wear lipstick was gone in just an hour or so.

These glosses do not feel gooey or slippery and, in fact, within 30 minutes you're down to "Carmex" like feeling instead of a glossy feeling. I think I'll fall back on my usual glosses that I know & love for the time being. For those that like next to nothing in color, feel but want a little moisture, you might give these a whirl.

Retail Price: 0.14 oz./$13.50 (shop online here)

DeLush Rating:

Melissa Says: I am once again In Love.

These tubes of sheer, pretty color make lips look lush and moist, with a gorgeous kiss of pigment. Even when the shine goes away a bit, the lightly luminescent pigment still tints the lips. These are my VERY favorite new non-lipstick day go-to shades.

Pretty, lustrous, sheer and comfortable...what's not to love? Get them now while the collection is being sold.

Retail Price: $14.50 (at maccosmetics.com to purchase and/or to view the 5 gorgeous shades, or go here to find a retail location near you)

DeLush Rating:

Jen's Experience: It's been awhile since I've applied any Glossimer, and I had forgotten how different than it is from the other lip glosses in my supply. It's really thick, but not terribly sticky. And as a result, it delivers amazing shine and lasts for hours. I tried Waterlily and Galactic out of the Spring Collection, and was pleased with both, especially when paired with the eyeshadows and blush. The sparkles in the formula are barely noticeable, which makes them work appropriate, and the clear Galactic shade is useful anytime (I've even worn it running and found that it coats better than many of my lip balms). Overall, these are some great shades, especially when paired with the more dramatic colors that are offered this season.

Retail Price: $25.00 (Chanel.com or your local department store counter)

Rating:

Jamie's Thoughts: This gloss is unique, and I couldn't stop staring at it in the pen-style applicator - it's iridescent and every time you move it, the color changes. Weird, but true. The consistency is smooth, not too tacky, and can be precisely applied with the brush tip. My gloss lasted about 2-3 hours before I needed to reapply.

I tried this gloss alone, as well as on top of lipstick. Both times it took on a strange, orange glow (must be the holographic liquid crystals) and was wholly unattractive. My sample color, "juiced," is a warm peach - which sounds great on paper, but in reality, looked both bright orange and at times, neon green.

In conclusion: I didn't get a crystal finish, I didn't like the color, and I didn't feel like my lips were illuminated. Maybe I'm just not enough of a rockstar to "get" or even like this product.

Retail Price: $21.95 (Quixtar.com)

Rating:

"Seductive and ripe for scandal. A colour collection daringly stripped-down, voluptuously finished, with everything you could possibly need to play up the nakedness of your look. Think of it as naked - with coverage."

About the Lip Glass: "A unique lip gloss available in a wide variety of colours that can create a high gloss, glass-like finish or a subtle sheen. Designed to be worn on its own, over Lip Pencil or Lipstick, Tinted Lipglass is the perfect product for creating shine that lasts. It's pigmented, very shiny and can impart subtle or dramatic colour. It contains Jojoba Oil to help soften and condition the lips. Tinted Lipglass is packaged in a convenient bottle with a sponge tip applicator that provides a quick, smooth, even application."

About the Paint Pots: "A highly pigmented eye colour that goes on creamy but dries to an intense, vibrant finish. The next generation of a popular M·A·C formula, Paint Pots maintains all the intense traits of its inspiration. Long-wearing, colourfast. Creates seamless coverage without weight or caking. Blends smoothly over the lids. Cream-based, can be mixed with M·A·C shadows and liners. Available in matte and pearl formulas. "

Jen's Experience: We've reviewed both of these products before, so it should be no surprise that we love them. What is new are the fabulous N Collection's perfect range of nude shades. For the paint pots, I tested the Soft Ochre and Quite Natural shades, which are subtle and great for work. Not only do they last all day and into the evening, but they also are blendable and buildable to give just the right level of color to even out the skin tone on my lids. I tested all four Lip Glass shades from 1N to 4N and I find myself reaching for them now reflexively in the morning. They just work with every look. If I am going for a very nude look and I want to minimize the lips completely, I wear 1N or 2N over the N Collection Lipstick in 1N. On the other hand, 3N and 4N both look pretty even worn alone and have just enough pink to work with my fair skin. I am mightily impressed with this collection, and I feel like these are colors every woman should have in their make-up drawer.

Retail Prices:
Lip Glass: $14.00
Paint Pots: $16.50 (Both available at MACCosmetics.com or your local department store)

Ratings:
Lip Glass:
Paint Pots:

What Lisa Says: I'm not usually a fan of lip gloss, especially for daytime wear. I love the look but find that my lipstick doesn't stay on as long and that gloss usually tends to migrate and get gooey. That said, this little pink tube has won me over to daytime glossiness. I love this product!

I thought the tube small for the price but soon realized one little dip into this beautiful raspberry sherbet colored gloss was all it took to do both upper and lower lip. It's the perfect size for small handbags. Plus, I'm a big fan of brushes with lip gloss, as they can deliver more precise application and this little brush did not disappoint.

The gloss is tasteless and fragrance free. This pink is a lush warm pink and the glitter is more of an opalescent color including flecks of blue. Gorgeous! Used alone, the color is sheer enough to give a lovely pink tint and luster to natural lip. Over lip color, it can make the ordinary color pop, especially with pinks, nudes, plums and even coral lip color. It's just a great gloss with staying power galore - whether alone or over lipstick it stays on quite a bit longer than the average gloss. Just a note about the glitter: you can slightly feel the glitter on your lips so those who might be bothered by this be forewarned. Other than that, I highly recommend.

Retail Price: 4.2ml/$19.00 (available at bobbibrown.com, Nordstrom, and Neiman Marcus)

DeLush Rating:

Jen's Experience: There's a new offering in the Chanel lip color offerings, and I have to say, this might just be the best yet. When I first ripped open the package and applied it, I thought, "wow, this is like lip color and gloss all in one", and as it turns out, that's exactly what they were aiming for! The coverage is like a lipstick, super-saturated color that really pops. But unlike your average Chanel lipstick, they have a lot more shine. Both of the colors I tried, Plum Souffle and Madeleine, were on the pink side, and were great with my fair skin.

I was really impressed with the wear; it lasts for hours without drying out my lips, making it great for work or a night out. While this may be a little more expensive than your average lipstick, or gloss, it's less expensive than buying one of each from Chanel. Easier to apply, too. This is one of the best new lip products I've tried in ages.

Retail Price: $32.00 (CHANEL.com or your local department store)

Rating:

Melissa Says: Unlike lots of lip plumping glosses that tend to smell (and feel) sort of like red-hot cinnamon on your lips, this one smells yummy and sweet, like a wisp of cotton candy. It doesn't necessarily have a flavor, but then again lip products with flavor tend to make you lick your lips more anyway, creating increased chance of chapped lips. I was trying Baby Pink, a pale pink shimmery shade that almost looked clear.

The formula takes a while to get initially started out of the clicking brush pen, so do a few clicks at a time, waiting in between, so that when it does come up the brush it won't be too much product on the brush. Once it's started, it's pretty much no-mess; just remember to hold the brush downward when you click it to make it a bit easier to see the product come to the brush before it has a chance to glop.

It takes about a minute, but there is a slight tingle that begins the plumping process. It makes lips only slightly fuller, but there is an actual increase (you will feel it!). Lips are also a bit more pink as part of the process. The plumping effect really only maintains the same impact for a little over an hour or so, but the pretty, conditioning shine lasts longer. Besides, it's easy to add a tiny swipe of this sheer gloss to renew the effect.

This isn't Victoria's Secret's most extreme plumping gloss (for that, see here), but it is a bearable, not-so-intense version that gives a little extra oomph. I wouldn't recommend wearing this over other lipstick because when I tried to do that I felt like it reduced my color's staying power quite a bit.

Retail Price: $18.00 (at Victoria's Secret online or in a store located near you)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "Every Antiquitease adores her finery, including this petite purse of woven cream fabric with metallic thread and an ivory crown motif on the handle. Each contains three lipcolours of one colour scheme. Fabulously authentic in look and feel." 

Jen's Experience: Here's another fabulous collection from M•A•C this holiday season. Each gift set contains two lipsticks and a lip gloss in an antique-inspired clutch. The sets come in four color families: pink, coral, tan and plum. I tested the plum and coral shades, and I am absolutely thrilled with the shades; I wear them pretty much every day. The lipsticks look great on their own, as do the lip glosses, but I really adore wearing the two together. I think the clutches don't really do the products justice -- they'd be nicer if the handle was metal like some of the other Antiquitiease items -- but this would make a great gift for friends (although I'd be more inclined to keep this one for myself!).

Retail Price: $32.00 (MACCosmetics.com or your local M•A•C counter)

What They Say: "Stately in look, fabulously collectible: our gilded antique-inspired compacts for lips and eyes. With their magnificent assortment of shades and distinctly royal colour waves, who wouldn't regard these as an asset?"

Jen's Experience: The packaging for the Royal Assets collection is absolutely gorgeous. These are not palettes to leave hidden away in your bathroom drawers -- they need to be out on display. And as far as gifts go, these palettes are sure to be appreciated by any of the cosmetic lovers in your life.

The eyeshadow palettes each contain 6 fabulous colors. I tried the warm and cool palettes, but they're also available in smoky and metallics. My favorite of the one I tested is the cool palette. The six colors can be mixed and matched for various effects, and whatever the combination, I never fail to get compliments when I'm wearing these shades. Besides the previously mentioned luxe packaging, I am also impressed that they contain a real (although miniature) eyeshadow brush inside, rather than a cheap, throwaway applicator.

The lip palettes are also available in several combinations: Tan, Coral, Red and Pink, as well as one in the Viva Glam collection. I tried three of the palettes, which each contain three shades in the color range. Like the eyeshadow palettes, they contain a miniaturized version of the real brush, rather than requiring you to apply with your finger. I had a difficult time getting deep colors out of these palettes, but they have great staying power and a nice shine.

Eyeshadow palettes: $36.00
Lip Palettes: $22.50
Available at MACCosmetics.com or your local department store

What They Say: "During the holidays we want to look our best! And that means beginning our healthy beauty routine with a clean slate™. This skinvigorating™ 4-piece discovery set includes all the tools for looking better, naturally. Whether you keep it for yourself or give it as a gift, it's the perfect start to a new year!" 

mini clean slate face primer
• Silicone-based formula contains natural ingredients to help keep skin fresh and healthy
• Avocado oil and safflower seed oil to moisturize
• Echinacea, rosemary & hibiscus extracts to soothe
• Mineral oil free an phthalate free
• Dermatologist tested

mini lock & roll creaseless eyeshadow duo (shade: slate)
• Vitamin E enriched cream shadow glides on eyelids smoothly and evenly
• Finely milled crushed mica in the powder shadow adds luminosity and creates depth and dimension to eyes
• Mineral oil free and phthalate free
• Dermatologist tested

mini lights, camera, lashes! 4-in-1 mascara
• Lengthening: Rice bran, carnauba & candelilla wax extend the length of lashes
• Curling: Synthetic film formers hold in curl
• Volumizing: ProVitamin B5 treats and thickens lashes
• Conditioning: Organic compounds derived from natural olive esters coat and treat lashes to protect against breakage
• Mineral oil free and phthalate free
• Dermatologist tested

mini Inside out vitamin-infused lipgloss powered by BORBA (new shade: serenity) • Acai extract helps strengthen capillary walls, reduce epidermal irritation and enhance skin's clarity and radiance
• Grape seed extract & Vitamin C help accelerate production of natural elastin, protecting skin against free-radical damage & restore skin's clarity
• Vitamins A & E act as antioxidants to give you that healthy glow
• Chamomile extract soothes skin and helps to counteract redness
• Mineral oil free and phthalate free
• Dermatologist tested

Jen's Experience: This gift set from Tarte contains four great Tarte products in a tiny, purse friendly cosmetics bag. The Inside Out lip gloss has long been one of my absolute favorite glosses, and the new color in this set is one of the prettiest yet. The mascara, while it doesn't have the staying power of some of my others, applies without clumping and really creates so nice volume and curling action.

The creaseless eyeshadow was a definite surprise in the pack. The duo contains two colors: one in a slate color, the other in more of a bronze. The slate color is a cream eyeshadow that applies so smoothly and with such rich color, you'd think it would have to crease. (It doesn't.) The bronze has a rollerball applicator, and while the color isn't as rich as the other, it's very pretty and like the slate, it doesn't crease. Both shades were really long-lasting and didn't smudge throughout the day.

I am not as sure about how well the face primer works. I have used it several times underneath my foundation, and while I think the foundation applies more evenly, I don't really find that it's particularly moisturizing or soothing.

Retail Price: $30.00 (TarteCosmetics.com)

"In the majestic fashion of our holiday Antiquitease collection yet with a style and realm of its own. Handsome in their bearing, these mini colour sets come in a textured cream paper cylinder with gold or silver crown motifs. Inside, all your M·A·C favourites."

Jen's Thoughts:

5 Pigments and Glitter
I'm a huge fan of the pigments, so it's lovely to see a collection of 5 pretty holiday shades presented here as a gift. Like the glosses, these are available in both warm and cool shades. I tried the warm shades, which are probably a little too much for my skin tone, so keep that in mind when you're making your purchase. I'm less of a fan of the glitter (it's very messy), but I do see some potential wears in all the holiday parties on my calendar.

Technology:
Full-Lip™ - 3D plumping effect: light-reflecting wet shine pearls together with Maxi-Lips ingredient make your lips look fuller."

Retail Price: $8.99 (in CVS stores or online)

DeLush Rating:

This sheer, elegant lip color feels as good as it looks. The advanced formula contains moisturizing emollients and vitamin E to instantly soften and hydrate, while SPF 20 guards against sun damage. A unique cooling sensation soothes on contact. "

Jen's Experience: I've been spoiled recently by all the great glosses from M.A.C. that I've been testing. But despite that, I've had a pretty good experience testing these new lip balms from Neutrogena. I think the colors, which, although sheer, produce enough color to stand on their own. I disagree, though, with the whole moisturizing element to the product. I have had an ongoing bout with chapped lips these last few weeks, and not only have these balms not helped, they seem to make the problem a little worse. The colors are pretty and very wearable, though, so unless your lips are parched like mine, these aren't a bad choice.

Retail Price: $8.99 (Drugstore.com)

Rating:

Melissa Says: A whole new way to make my lips prettier opened up with this product. This stuff smells sweet when you apply it, goes on super-easy and smooth (thanks to the perfect rounded tip that gives a great edge every time), and it feels so very light and comfortable. As if that weren't enough to make me love it, it can be applied sheer or layered for a deeper effect, and the color STAYS PUT, for hours.

Unlike typical "long-wear" lip products, this doesn't look or feel dry, and the "gloss" part of the product doesn't actually make it shiny or wet-looking, but keeps your pout moist and comfortable. I have never tried anything like this before, and as a lip product ADDICT, this is one that I'm more than happy to give my thumbs-up to. Honestly, I love it.

Retail Price: $18.00 (at sephora.com until the Stila Cosmetics site is finished being updated)

DeLush Rating:

Jen's Experience: I am a long time fan of M.A.C. Lip Glass products, but let me tell you right off the bat, these limited edition lip glasses may be my favorites of the whole product line. The colors are universally flattering, and I found that even the brighter shades looked good -- on me as well as my friends. These 3D Lip Glasses are even more moisturizing than the original product, and I have found that they do more to moisturize my lips than most of my lip balms. And the wear is longer than pretty much any of the other lip glosses that are currently floating around in my purse. If you have an ongoing love for lip glass, or are just looking for a great, super-shiny gloss, visit your M.A.C. counter while they're still available!

Retail Price: $14.00 (MACCosmetics.com or your local department store M.A.C. Counter)

Rating:

What They Say: Intense frost and shine for lips. Cool array of hottest colours in a convenient, easy-to-use case. Gel texture imparts a shimmery, ultra-glossy look. New shades add extra sparkle and shine.

Jamie's Thoughts: First off, allow me to admit that I am one of THOSE women - I carry at least 4-5 lip products on my person at all times. Lip gloss, in particular, holds a special place in my heart because I'm not brave enough to risk a full-out lipstick. Oftentimes, they simply look too drastic against my pale skin. So I tote about at least one balm, and a stable of lip glosses.

That being said, this new shade of Chanel's wildly popular Glossimer line has more than earned a place in my handbag. It has enough staying power without turning tacky, the shimmer element isn't gritty in feel, and it can be layered on lipstick or worn alone. Because of its very neutral peachy-pink tone, this is a product I would recommend to anyone, regardless of their complexion. Seriously.

This product makes my lips look natural and alive in less than 5 seconds. Fabulous!

Retail Price: $25.00 (in select department stores and online at chanel.com)

Delush Rating:

Melissa tried out the lip shades in this collection.

"In a way that made me very happy, the lip shades included in the Smoke Signals collection seem to be ready to make any woman feel prettier, with a touch of sultry. One wonderful thing is the subtleness of most of the shades, with the boldest colors being a match of deep yet wearable pouty burgundies. Like all of M•A•C's lip products, you can easily layer Lipglass on top of the lipstick shades for even more drama, or use either alone, depending on your coverage and texture preference. Below, you can see what each shade looks like on real lips! Enjoy Smoke Signals 2007."

Click to enlarge.

What They Say: "Embellish lips with this iridescent, sparkling gloss. Lavishes lips with a sultry veil of color. Leaves a shimmering, elegant finish. Paint your lips with the precise brush applicator."

• Sophisticated, shimmering translucent gloss
• Unique high precision brush applicator

Application techniques: Add Lip Shimmer over lipstick to give more depth, intensity and shine to the shade."

What Lisa Says: What a gorgeous product not only for what's left of summer but for fall as well. The picture doesn't do this gloss justice. It's literally an orange with gold shimmer upon opening the box.

For those looking for a gloss to wear alone or simply with a nude lip pencil, this isn't for you. But, if you're looking for something to add not only gloss but a little sophistication almost any lip color you have, this is truly beautiful. Alone, it leaves no color. It's glossy with tiny gold flecks that are difficult to see unless you're up close. It doesn't last much longer than an hour or so on bare lips. Brushed over lip color, that's when this gloss' color comes out! The subtle tangerine makes whatever you're wearing just POP, and the gold shimmer is lovely. Yes, it lasts longer over lipstick. I've tried this over everything from MAC's "Overdone", Smashbox's "Prop" to Laura Mercier's "Baby Lips" and "Russet" lip pencils. It was gorgeous on each one of them and added just enough color to change up the original and enough shimmer to make it attention getting. It just goes with about everything.

Rather than the usual sponge, the brush applicator makes application easy and precise.

The ONLY thing I can find wrong with this product is that it must be reapplied every couple of hours and that cost it one "lippie". Other than that, I think it's just about perfect.

Retail Price: $26.00 (at giorgioarmani.com or go here to find a select retailer near you)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "A beautiful gloss with tiny shimmer particles and added moisturizers for luscious summer lips--a grown up way to wear shine.

• Innovative packaging for easy application which also prevents nozzle from clogging.
• Silky, non-sticky formula that light and long lasting.
• Handbag friendly.
• Super fine glitter particles for subtle shimmer.
• Can be used over lipstick or on its own with lip liner."

Melissa Says: I truly fell in love with the look of this gloss. It gives a really pretty, full look to the lips because of its superfine shimmer. It's sort of a subtle frost look that gives shine and added depth to lips when worn alone and added dimension when worn over other lip color.

I must note, however, that this formula didn't stay on as long as it really ideally should have. I felt like it dried out quickly, leaving some subtle shimmer behind on the lips, but the moisture was just gone. That was quite a disappointment, and it really bummed me out because otherwise this gloss, with its gorgeous sheen and handy, slim squeeze tube, would have had me wrapped around its finger.

Retail Price: $22.00 (at neimanmarcus.com or go here to find a retail location near you)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "Low-colour impact with sheen-style finish. Glazes the lips, makes them shine! "

Melissa Says: This was my first time trying the Glaze finish among M•A•C's lipstick lineup, and I was testing it out in one of the colors from the C-Shock Collection, Overrich, a "Soft metallic coral with silver pearl (Frost)". I thought that the pigment held on really well, even though the formula wasn't all that moisturizing and I felt as though the lipstick might have faded after a couple of hours. The shine when applied was really pretty, but did need a little freshening up with a quick swipe of the tube after it began to feel faded to keep the same effect. A pretty lipstick formula, but I would have liked to be a little longer-wearing.

Retail Price: $14.00 (at maccosmetics.com or go here to find a retail location near you)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "Sheer, vibrant cheek gels with complementary lip glosses bring immediate radiance and luminosity to the skin. Cheeks and lips glow bright with sheer color in a selection of beautifying shades that are fun to wear and compliment all skin tones. Specifically formulated cheek gel provides long lasting color while nutrients and essential oils keep lips hydrated and healthy all day long."

What Melissa Says: I tested this product in Lyra - a set of nude shades, though other available color sets include peaches, pinks, bronzes, and lavenders, so almost anyone could potentially find a complimentary set of colors to bring out the best of their complexion here. I have been incredibly pleased with the cheek gel for its very subtle glow (not too much shine or sheen for me - a big plus!) and fairly long wear. It blends beautifully, too. The lip glosses (which both are amazing compliments to the blush) are very moisturizing and give a sheer wash of shiny color. The only thing I wish is that they were more long-lasting. However, this slim compact, which still manages to include a generously-sized mirror and more than sufficient product inside, still is among one of my favorite new products to apply and then easily slip into my purse.

Retail Price: $35.00 (at suedevittstudio.com or go here to find a retail location near you)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "New high shine "no-stick" formula is long-lasting and extremely comfortable. Semi-sheer weightless finish. Precision brush for perfect application."

Jen's Experience: I have a drawer full of lip glosses and more stuffed in boxes, so by now, I usually know what to expect when I see a lip gloss, particularly when it comes to consistency. I looked at this one and saw thick, gloppy, and most likely, very sticky. Well it really is quite thick, and I wouldn't exactly call it weightless. Despite that, it wasn't gloppy or sticky at all, and my hair has consistently resisted its siren call. The color I tested, Tobago, is a coral-based nude, which works well with more intense eyeshadows, but alone with my pale skin made me a little washed out. I would say that the shine is what really makes this lip gloss stand out, but at the same time, the heavy shine with a darker color seems like it might be overkill, at least with my pale skin.

I always use the matching pencil along with the gloss, even on touchups. The definition it gives is important with the thicker formula, and at least with the nude, the matching color means that you won't have ring around the lips in an hour when the gloss wears off. Sure, it's not the longest lasting gloss I have in my drawer, but the nude color and high shine make it a perfect, polished choice for work.

Rating:

What They Say: (about RelationLIPS)"Discover our dazzling combination of irresistible colors and luscious textures infused with shea butter, aloe vera, vitamin E and a hint of wild berry essence. Total lip protection and chic, high shine color."

(about the LipCLICK Retractable Brush) "Our new retractable lip brush is chic, sleek and the perfect definition of 'Form Meets Function'. Fashionistas already love it – and so will you!"

Melissa Says: (about RelationLIPS) Gloss palettes don't always appeal to me, mostly because they can be a bit larger than I want for slipping in my purse, or they may have a shade or two I never really want to dip into. I tried this palette in ExpressLIPS, which was filled with four neutral beige, mauve, and gold glosses. As with each of the other three palettes, one was Glossy, one Matte, one was a High Shine, and the Sizzle had a hint of shimmer.

Each shade looks amazing alone or over liner or lipstick, feels very comfortable, and stays fairly well. Obviously, I noticed an increase in staying power when coupled with a lip liner. There is barely any taste or smell to the glosses, which isn't really a negative. The compact has a more-than-ample mirror inside, and is quite slim. I would say there's enough gloss in the pots to last one or two months with frequent use, longer if you only pull it out from time to time.

(about the LipCLICK Retractable Brush) I absolutely LOVE this brush. It has a high-quality tip and is so easy and mess-free to use. It's small enough when shut to slip into your jeans pocket inconspicuously, but it extends in one quick extension and doesn't feel cheap or flimsy at all. Its square shape is easy to hold onto when applying. I'm telling you, this brush eliminates any feeling of inconvenience I have at the thought of tossing a gloss pot or palette into my purse without any built-in means of application. I think you'll love it.

Retail Price:
(RelationLIPS) $28.00
(LipCLICK Retractable Brush) $18.00
(both at beautyaddicts.com)

DeLush Rating:
(RelationLIPS)
(LipCLICK Retractable Brush)

What They Say: "A new Lipstick combining creamy emolliency with a unique sheer colour pay-off. Finishes include cream, sparkling pearl and metallic. Provides the shine and moisturizing comfort of a gloss but with a smooth, non-sticky finish. Distinctive on and off. Comes packaged in its own stylish extra-long lipstick case."

Melissa Says: Well, my infatuation with all things M•A•C led me to the counter once again to fall for these shiny, sleek beauties. And while I *might* admit to testing all of the shades on my hand, making little dots in the order they were in the display so I could remember which was which, I still had a really hard time figuring out which shades to purchase. Honestly, almost all of them are sheer enough and neutral enough (yes! even the brighter ones!) to work perfectly with my coloring. (I settled on Bare and Lovey-Dove, by the way.) Okay, this part was good. They are beautifully glossy on your lips and feel like practically nothing. This was also fantastic.

However, there is one not-quite-so-fantastic thing that I have to tell you. The staying power of the pigment leaves a lot to be desired. Keep in mind that the shades are quite sheer to begin with (don't be fooled by the color in the tube), so that's part of it, I suppose. They are incredibly moistuizing, and with the darker shades you still get some pigment after the initial glossiness begins to wear away, but within the hour expect to see your color begin to fade. Of course, wearing lipliner can help extend the color. I hate to tell you not to give these a try, because they look incredible. If you don't have lots of problems with lipsitck disappearing and love a lighter feel, these can add a very pretty, sexy tint alone or a glossy look over liner. I don't regret the purchase, but you should know what to expect from these before you decide to fork over the dough.

Retail Price: $14.50 (at maccosmetics.com or go here to find a retail location near you)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "Did you know that the average woman ingests between 2 to 4 pounds of lipgloss in her life? Let’s put that in perspective—708 tubes are in your belly right now!

Beauty innovators Maureen Kelly of tarte cosmetics and Scott Vincent Borba of BORBA teamed up to make one of life's inevitables a little more edible.

Doctor’s orders: Beautify from the Inside Out with vitamin-infused lipgloss. The ultimate in double-duty beauty, tarte’s long-lasting, moisturizing lipgloss works to soothe and hydrate lips, while BORBA’s nutraceutical blend delivers powerful skin-caring ingredients. The pomegranate-scented lipgloss is mouth-wateringly gorgeous with its hint of sexy sheen, but it’s the vitamin cocktail that will keep you coming back for more.

Inside Out includes natural ingredients from BORBA’s Age Defying, Replenishing and Clarifying lines:

* Acai & green tea extract help strengthen capillary walls, reduce epidermal irritation and enhance skin’s clarity and radiance
* Grape seed extract & Vitamin C help accelerate production of natural elastin, protecting skin against free-radical damage & restore skin’s clarity
* Vitamins A, E & K act as antioxidants to give you that healthy glow
* Lychee extract promotes long-term skin hydration and chamomile extract soothes skin and helps to counteract redness "

Jen's Experience: Rarely do I get the chance to try a lip gloss that is so fantastic that I just can't stop raving about it to all my friends. Some have a fabulous color but dry my lips out, others just don't last long enough to be worthwhile. This one, however, is fabulous in every way. I love the thick (but not goopy) texture that really helps to moisturize my lips for a hours at a time. I love the yummy flavor that comes from being fortified with BORBA. And the colors I tried, om and apple-a-day were sheer and shimmery, and absolutely perfect with my coloring. In short, these are the best lip glosses I have in my collection, and I highly recommend adding them to yours.

Retail Price: $21.00 (TarteCosmetics.com)

Rating:

What They Say: "Divinora KissKiss Gloss coats the lips with invitingly kissable, gleaming color that glows with highlights of varying intensity. A very sexy look that's as good for your lips as it is beautiful."

Jen's Experience: Even before I went to Paris, I saw a lot of mentions of Guerlain's Kiss Kiss Gloss all over the place in my fashion magazines. So when I went to the Guerlain storefront there, it was definitely something that I had on my shopping list. Once I got there though, I couldn't pass up the Divinora Kiss Kiss glosses because of the gorgeous packaging. The color I chose was Prune Luxure, a deep, sparkly red in the tube. The color goes on much sheerer than I would have expected. Not that I'm complaining. The red turns into the perfect deep pink for my coloring and the little flecks of gold aren't at all noticable on my lips, they just give my lips a nice glow. This gloss also does a terrific job of keeping my lips moisturized. It's a fairly thick formula, but it isn't sticky at all. I had a little bit of difficulty getting the color to apply evenly since it is so thick. Easily repairable with a compact, but more trouble than I'd like when I'm trying to sneak in a quick re-application after a meal. Still, once this was in my bag, I chose it over all the other glosses for its nice texture and perfect color.

I'm very pleased with my purchase and a little surprised at how difficult it is to find on the web here. I guess I'll just have to visit Paris again when I run out so that I can pick up some more!

Retail Price: $25.00 (Sephora)

Rating:

What They Say: “Hue new. Lustrous, soft, fuller-looking lips can be yours. DHC Moisture Care Lip Gloss Shimmer has a hint of subtle sparkle. Say goodbye to dry and chapped lips and hello to dewy, gorgeous, and elegant hues. These beautiful colors are enriched with moisturizing and plumping perfectors, including hyaluronic acid, olive oil, and marine collagen.”

Toya’s Take: I am deathly afraid of the DHC Cleansing Oil, though it seems to be all the rage. The idea of an oil that cleanses seems like an oxymoron, particularly for an oily-skinned gal like me. I have this idea that all DHC products contain olive oil and, perhaps this gloss does, but if so, then Hooray for olive oil! This is one of the best glosses I’ve tried in a while and I am a lip gloss aficionado, let me tell you. I received the Moisture Care Lip Gloss in LGB01 Cassis, a gorgeous red with golden sparkle and LGB04 Peach, which is a glorious color, but is quite clearly pink, not peach. The gloss goes on butter soft, leaving your lips richly moisturized. It offers a sheer, luminous color that lasts quite a long while for a gloss. I am duly impressed and definitely will repurchase.

Retail Price: $8.00 for .42 oz. (at dhccare.com)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say:

• Double Duty that delivers both lasting shine and rich color
  
• Exclusive sculpting tip contours and glazes lips with the perfect amount of glossy color for no mess, no slip, no smear color
  
• Patent-pending shine formula that boasts supreme shimmer and shade
  
• Enriched with refreshing ingredients, including vitamin E, aqua-botanical extracts, algae and lotus flower extract
  
• Click and twist mechanism offer lips a healthy dose of fresh gloss with each application"

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: While I don't have any issues to bring up about the click-up dispensing, I do have some with the product formula. It actually goes on very pretty and shiny, but the scent of the lip color is unpleasant. For the first hour or so, it maintains its look on the lips and feels quite comfortable, but I found that after that it quickly seems to dry up and disappear (even with lip liner). This was a real shame, because even though of course it isn't as high a quality color as something like M.A.C. Lipglass, it did look good while it lasted for the price.

Price: $5.49 (at drugstores and superstores everywhere)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "Forget costly Collagen injections, or those painfully stinging glosses, stimulate your senses to a refreshed full perfect pout with e.l.f. Plumping Lip Glaze! e.l.f. proudly presents a revolutionary lip plumper, infusing Natural ingredients that awaken your senses for fresh, volume enhanced, and moisturized lips. This dual sided Plumping Lip Glaze has a tinted color for a subtle plump or a clear gloss that power plumps your lips, use together and instantly feel the lip enlarging effects!"

Jen's Experience: These lip plumpers are really more of a lip gloss on one side and a lip plumper on the other. The clear side definitely created a tingle -- it's best not to kiss some unsuspecting person after applying it! I find myself using the gloss more than the plumper, and I have definitely added some of the colors to my rotation. I tried the 7 piece set, which included nearly every shade they offer. One of my favorites was Ruby Kiss, a bright red color in the tube, but much more subtle on. I found it worked well with outfits that really need a red lipstick, but when I'm not in the mood for upkeep on a bright color. I was surprised to find that Mocha Ice was such a good shade for me. I usually stick to more pink shades, but this one really worked for me. For that reason alone, I highly recommend getting the whole set so that you can test them out on your own. At $1.00 a color, you can afford to have a few that don't work out. I have only one complaint about the product. Some shades seemed to dry out quickly (or I just used them up quickly), which was strange since I've only had them for about a month. Maybe it's a fluke, but just something that you should know before you purchase. Would that keep me from buying them? Nah, with great colors and a super cheap price tag, they're an easy way to bulk up your lip gloss wardrobe without breaking the bank.

Retail Price: $1.00 each or $7.00 for the set (eyeslipsface.com)

Rating:

About the Brush On Lip Gloss: Brush On Lip Gloss works magic by creating perfect shine with its brush wand, making every application a dream come true. With 26 stunning shades ranging from sweet to seductive, NYX Cosmetics’ Brush On Lip Gloss will leave men enchanted.

Alissa’s Opinion: My first impression of this Brush On Gloss is that it smells very medicinal. The texture is a little goopy for my taste, but the thickness creates a nice lasting shine. This gloss is so rich that it provides a lot of coverage with a very light application; unfortunately the brush picks up a lot of product. I tried it in Burgundy, a shade that’s way darker than what I usually go for on my lips, but I found that with the shine it was quite wearable. If you like a gloss that covers like a lipstick, this might be for you.

Retail Price: $5.00 (NYXCosmetics.com)


About the Nail Lacquer: Looking for fresh new colors to brighten your nails? Look no further, NYX has 150 shades to choose from.

Alissa’s Opinion: This is a great fast drying nail polish. I had two smooth and shiny coats applied in under 5 minutes and my nails stayed chip-free for almost a week. I used Red Pearl, a deep fuchsia red that looks great on the toes.

Retail Price: $4.00 (NYXCosmetics.com)

DeLush Ratings:
Brush On Lip Gloss
Nail Color

What They Say: "7 tins - all true color and coverage without shimmers. Our creamy, silky texture is enhanced with Shea Butter and Vitamin enriched minerals, and makes for a soft succulent smooch, and our flavor and scent assure you won't be FORGOTTEN!

With our lip color, you won't even need a liner with the rich hues that come in this tin. The silky formula, flavor and shine keep the lips full of moisture, glaze over your pout for a sophisticated color."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: Well, aside from the kind of rambling description they give, I still do like this stuff. But there are a few things that don't quite match the product's description.

First of all, I would describe this as more of a gloss than a lip color. Well...yes, it does have some color. But it's actually quite sheer, and the texture is one you'd probably expect in a tin. It's soft and only a little bit sticky, but very moisturizing and comfortable.

Also, while the color is pretty and lasts for a nice while, it is much more like a tinted balm or sheer gloss. As far as the idea of using a lip liner with it? I likely wouldn't want to anyway, unless perhaps it were one of the new ones made just for underneath glosses. It actually does retain its line quite well on the lip on its own, but don't purchase this thinking you're going to get lipstick-like coverage.

As long as you know what you're getting ahead of time, you will probably like these tins of shiny (and did I mention DELICIOUS?) colors. They really are pretty, comfortable and longer-lasting than you might think. I would just suggest that TINte perhaps alter their description a bit to make it more accurate.

Flavors available: Cream Soda, Peaches and Cream, Bubble Gum, Peppermint, Miss Pepper, Root Beer, Blackberry Jam

Retail Price: $14.00 (at TINte's online store)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "All our flavored lip shines all have shimmer and a high shine look. A sweet treat for your lips, with multi-moisturizing and nourishing properties along with sexy shine! Give your lips the pleasure of being pampered! Enriched with shea butter, these shimmers all have such great tastes you'll want to eat them up. Or he will."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: I don't know why, but seeing the fun-shaped bottle kind of made me wonder about its quality, thinking it might just be a "cutesy" gloss like those that cater to very young girls and have little substance. Well, I was wrong. It's very moisturizing and comfortable, has a pretty shine and slight shimmer (a sheen, not a glitter) that lasts even a while after it feels like the gloss may have worn off, and does indeed have the added benefit of truly tasty flavor.

The colors are fairly sheer (I tried the Haute Chocolate and it wasn't nearly as dark as it appears on their website, so don't necessarily count on the colors to be that dark), and it lasts several hours. It doesn't claim to be super long-lasting, but it's got decent staying power for a gloss if you don't have a habit of licking your lips a lot.

The only thing I would mention is that when you take the sponge applicator from the bottle it can sometimes be a little bit "goopy" (I have a feeling you guys know what I'm trying to say here), but not messy and I don't think it would be a problem that would be bothersome. Though I'm not sure, with the bottle shape, how easy it would be to get the last bit of gloss out at the end.

Retail Price: $17.00 (at the TINte online storeor go to TINte's site to find a retailer near you)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: “Bibo Cosmetics is promising to extend your time under the mistletoe this holiday season! Pucker up with Bibo’s Holiday Swirl Lip Gloss Collection: not only do they taste like scrumptious holiday candy to make lips oh-so-kissable, they’re also swirled to look just like candy-canes! Each lip gloss comes with two holiday colors that blend together when you apply to create a high shine gloss perfect to wear alone or over your favorite hue. Choose from three different color combinations and flavors:

Wonder: a yummy vanilla flavor with subtle bronze and gold shimmery swirls
Joy: a peppermint flavor with vibrant red and gold swirls
Bliss: a peppermint flavor with flirty pink and pearlescent swirls”

Alissa’s Opinion: My first impression of these glosses was very good; the packaging is sleek and the gloss looks beautiful in the sparkly swirl pattern. Unfortunately, my lips don’t look so great after I apply. Bliss is the only decent shade because it is the sheerest. Wonder is a too-light gold color and Joy is bright pink (which tends to look tacky on me). The scents are so subtle that I had to read the description to know what they were. I usually find that even a less than spectacular gloss can be used over lipstick as a highlighter, but these feel so gloopy and thick that I can’t see myself getting any use from them at all.

Retail Price: $14.00 each (at select distributor stores and premier salons across the United States and Canada from 10/1/06 through 12/31/06 or while supplies last. Call 1-800-456-9322 or log onto bibocosmetics.com for salon locations)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "Lips glisten and gleam in the soft shades of the season.

Limited-edition palette includes four shining lip glosses in tones that are easy to wear. For an elegant, just-so glow.

From the Holiday Spirit collection--the look of the season."

Jen's Experience: This is the first product that I'll be reviewing as part of the Estee Lauder Holiday Spirit Collection, and it's one of my favorite Estee Lauder products not just in this collection, but in their entire line. The glosses, which on first contact may seem a little gooey, apply easily using the included lip brush to gorgeous sheer tints in warm colors that look great even with my blue undertones. The more gold tints can be used for a neutral shade with gold smoky eyes for the popular metallic looks of the season, while the redder shades look great with plums and other fall colors. The texture is similar in thickness to other Estee Lauder lip glosses I've tried in their tube formulas, thicker than some glosses on the market, but not sticky at all. The color lasts for about 2 hours as long as I don't eat or drink anything.

This palette is absolutely a staple for all my holiday ensembles (and for work), but it would make an excellent gift this holiday season as well.

Retail Price: $27.50 (EsteeLauder.com)

Rating:

What They Say: "BECCA Glossy Lip Tint is a sexy, heavy-duty, translucent lip gloss that makes the lips look full and youthful. This simple to use applicator style gloss, conditions the lips with long-lasting lacquer like shine (without feeling like glue)."

Jen's Experience: I wish I could find a better way to say it than their description, but they've pretty much got it covered. This fabulous gloss in Frappe is a pinkish, nude shade. Despite the sheerness, it covers my lips in a thick layer of gorgeous shine, without being sticky at all. My hair doesn't even stick to it! It is thick enough to erase the fine lines in my lips, giving them the appearance of being fuller without plumping them a bit. My only complaint? It's not very long-lasting at all. I get 1-2 hours out of it only if I don't drink any beverages. Still, for such incredible coverage and shine, I'm happy to throw this in my purse.

Retail Price: $22.79 (BeccaCosmetics.com for our Australian readers or Sephora)

Rating:

What They Say: "High-shine lip glosses inspired by and flavored exactly like your favorite mixed drink.
Lips are shiny and happy hour after hour after hour…
You won’t believe these ultra-moisturizing, exuberantly shiny glosses are alcohol free—they taste so completely like cocktails, you’ll be looking around for a cute bartender to tip."

Jen's Experience: You know when you're out with the girls and you order a cosmo from the cute bartender and the drink he hands you barely has a tinge of pink and you think, "wow, that's really going to hurt going down"? Just me? Well, anyway, these Cocktail Party Lip Glosses are just like that. Not only do they taste like alcohol, they taste like that drink you blame for putting you over the edge. For me, the taste was a little overpowering. There's also some concern that wearing it to work would result in someone taking me aside and asking me if I have a alcohol problem.

As far as a lip gloss goes, the color I tried, Pink Champagne, is really a pretty color of pink, and it lasts an hour or two, which is about average for a solid lip gloss. But the flavor is such a turn-off for me, that I just can't see adding this to my general beauty routine.

Retail Price: $10.00 (Not Soap, Radio)

Rating:

What They Say: (about the Lip Gloss) “These sophisticated shades bestow lips with vibrant color and the luscious formula is creamy and moisturizing, giving lips extreme sheen without feeling sticky.” (About the Smokey Mountain Trio) “This incomparable wet/dry formula for eyes is finely milled imparting a silky texture and satiny finish. This versatile powder can be used as both a shadow and a liner – offering the best of both worlds.”

Toya’s Take: I took the Smokey Mountain Trio along with me to New Jersey for a bellydance weekend, including a performance by my dance troupe. I used it to create a smoky eye effect, using the two shades of gray (Cascade – light gray and Smokey – dark gray) as my highlight and lid color and the Blue Spruce (kind of a dark teal) as a liner. I was impressed. The colors are true and last through a sweaty performance and do give a beautiful, smoky effect. The color combination wasn’t the greatest on my warm skin, but I think it would be great on someone with cooler undertones. The lip gloss I tried was a beautiful neutral pink, worthy of being paired with such a smoky eye. It was soft and creamy and didn’t leave my lips feeling parched. It didn’t last all that long, but most lip glosses don’t and, with such a moisturizing formula, you won’t mind having to reapply.

Retail Prices: Smokey Mountain Trio, $60 (at drugstore.com); Lip Gloss, $18.50 (at threecustom.com)

DeLush Rating: for both

What They Say: "They say the eyes are the windows to the soul. Very poetic. But really, don't the lips have all the fun and all the power? A flutter, a wink, a come hither glance have nothing on a sexy smile or clever retort.

So, kiss loquacioulsy, TALK SMART, whisper with wit and pout ponderously.

Not Soap, Radio introduces TALK SMART - a natural, Jojoba-based line of brilliantly shiny glosses. Each gloss is formulated with plant-based botanicals that help eliminate dryness, chapping and reduce the effects of aging. Kiwi and Kukui Nut Oils contain essential fats and promote full, healthy lips and act as natural plumpers. And we've also added Meadow foam Oil which helps color stay on and stay put by keeping lips moist, smooth, supple.

This fomula contains no waxes.

Each gloss is named after one of our favorite TV journalists/anchorwomen/correspondents, past and present. So think about it - are you a vivacious Katie? A demure Diane? A worldy Christiane?

Be enganging, Be brilliant, Talk Smart."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: It's hard to describe this gloss, because it's got a very unique texture. It's incredibly smooth and has a pretty sheen, and the color is much less sheer than you might expect. It really is more like a middle ground between lipstick and gloss, based on its depth of color and its soft - yet almost matte - feel. It feels like a super-silky lipstick going on, yet it is still incredibly lightweight. While it's on, it feels very soft and barely-there, and I guess the only thing I wasn't happy with was the length of wear. I felt that I really had to re-apply this too often for it to be "the perfect gloss". However, I still love its look and feel. (Click the pic to enlarge me wearing Greta)

*This would also be a great gloss to layer over lipstick to give your color a new look.

Retail Price: $16.00 (at notsoapradioshop.com or go here to email them to have them direct you to the nearest retail location to you)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: “Grab, Snap, and Go! Now you can have your lip gloss with you at all times, and a color for any occasion. With 8 Hyper Shiny, Sweet, and sheer colors to choose from, you can make the trendy statement that everyone will talk about. These savvy cell phone charms are easy to attach and simple to interchange to personalize nearly any cell phone! Fashion and Function...life just got better!”

Alissa’s Experience: I think I’ve found the perfect lip gloss for a night out. Even without a cell phone, these things are small enough to fit in the tiniest of purses, the tightest of pants, and maybe even your bra! Each one is only 1 3/4 in long so you can travel with all 8 without compromising valuable handbag space.

As for attaching these glosses to your cell, I suppose that makes a lot of sense when you consider that not many girls leave home without either item. The loop is easy to clip onto the lid of each gloss and they seem to stay in place really well. I find it a little annoying to have a little pink piece of plastic dangling beside my head during conversations, but hey, at least my lips are never dry!

My favorite shades are Honey (shimmery bronze) and Blossom (peachy pink). All of the colors are very sheer and pretty and the gloss is smooth and long lasting. The smell reminds me of the play makeup they sell for little girls, which is not that bad but definitely that good either.

Retail Price: $5.00 (at eyelipsface.com)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: “Add a touch of color to lips while offering nourishment and healing benefits. Glistening Lips Glosses are made of over 99% natural ingredients, including avocado oil and meadowfoam seed oil to moisturize, plus shea butter and Vitamin E to help heal lips. A subtle chocolate scent from natural cocoa extract perfects this nonsticky gloss. Use gloss alone for a healthy, gorgeous smile or layer over lipstick to complement and enhance the color.”

Toya’s Take: I liked the two colors I tested – Enamored (“shimmering rose copper”) and Intoxicating (“shimmering warm pink”). The colors were nice and the glosses felt very smooth and soft when applied. However, the chocolate scent was a bit much and, once left on the lips for a few minutes, the glosses set into a very dry finish, which left my lips feeling chapped all day. That was only remedied when I layered another gloss on top. So, these glosses work if you’re willing to layer, otherwise, stay away.

Retail Price: $14.00 (at lauress.com)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "The saying goes, true love is sealed with a kiss! So why are you kissing off the lipstick that you love? Lock in color with a sealant that keeps your favorite hue from running for the border. Top it off with a minty gloss that keeps lips polished and refreshed. The perfect lipstick can happen only once in a lifetime so don’t let it get away!"

Toya’s Take: I was really looking forward to trying this product, as I have loved every Tarte product I’ve ever tried. Sorry to say, this is the first Tarte product that’s fallen short. I applied a thin coat of lip balm, followed with a coat of one of my favorite lipsticks, MAC New York Apple, then, following the directions, slicked on a thin coat of the sealant, waited the 15 seconds, then used the topcoat. The sealant and gloss felt good going on and I liked the minty smell of the gloss. However, a couple hours into the workday, I checked my lipstick and it had already significantly faded, just from my having drank a cup of tea. I thought that maybe my mistake was using the lip balm beforehand, so I removed all traces of the lipstick and started again, this time without lip balm. I fared even worse. Not only was my lipstick almost gone within an hour or two, but the lipstick was actually peeling off! The sealant didn’t work at all and the gloss didn’t even last long.

Retail price: $18 (www.TarteCosmetics.com)

Rating:

What They Say: "Sizzling speakeasies with zip…red-hot risque, razzle-dazzle costumes…blazing jazz numbers sultry enough to work you into a fiery fever…Ah, the good ol’ days (well, what we think of, anyway)
Ever feel like you were born a few decades too late? Not to fret: this is just the set for all you girls who are more spice than sugar. Your inner sex kitten will purrr with these 10 cinnamon-flavored, moisture-rich shades of playful pinks & sheer flirty neutrals. The cayenne pep will leave you wanting more….and we deliver. Interchangeable connector pieces let you mix and match glosses for endless zesty combinations—leaving you too hot for words."

Jamie’s Thoughts: I love this set of adorable teeny glosses for fall. The packaging is super cute – but the real genius is in the details. The 10 small vials of gloss have caps, each of which lock into a connector piece. Each connector piece holds 2 mini vials (great for the indecisive), and when you’re using only 1, the other one makes a perfectly sized wand! Also, the applicator tip is sponge-based, not a brush, making application clean and neat. BRILLIANT!

The consistency of the glosses is somewhere between standard Vaseline and MAC’s infamous Lipglass. My love affair with Lipglass makes me the perfect candidate for this glossy hybrid product. It’s not overly tacky, yet has suprising staying power. (Full disclosure: I found it somewhat difficult to get it off. I’m a lip licker, so this is an asset in my opinion.) Also, the cinnamon scent is present, but not overwhelming.

Colors to Try:
Zesty – the perfect pink, especially for a redhead.
Zip – has a golden sheen, would be fantastic over red lipstick
Spicy – my personal favorite, great for all skin tones

Only 1 color seemed out of touch with the aesthetic of the rest – Fever. It was almost neon in tone – like radioactive Pepto Bismol. I can’t see it looking good on anyone, but go out and buy the set. Maybe you’ll prove me wrong!

Retail Price: $28.00 (TarteCosmetics.com or Sephora)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: " Sheer electricity, daring shine. Ultra lustrous gloss pushes shine to the limit. Cool, crystalline shades gleam with brilliant dimensional effects. Intensely vibrant, full-volume color feels indulgently luxurious."

Melissa wearing Plum Wine

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: With its slightly sweet fragrance and very pretty translucent rosy shade, I found this appealing from the beginning. For being sheer, it's got great shine and color concentration. It's also incredibly comfortable and pillowy in consistency, and not at all sticky. While I find it lasts well for the most part, when eating or drinking it tends to come off more. That aside, I would still consider this a definite purse-worthy gloss - one that will get heavy rotation this season when I'm not in the mood for lipstick.

Jen's Experience: My experience with this gloss is somewhat different from Melissa's, but nonetheless I am liking this lip gloss a lot. The color, as Melissa said, is a sheer rose if you apply it sparingly, but with a thicker application, it becomes a deep plum, almost like a gooey lip stain. The crystals in the gloss lend to terrific shine, but luckily, it doesn't appear to have tiny sparkles in it, which was my fear. If you're looking for an easy way to get in on the plum lips trend, this is an easy way to pull it off. I'm not too crazy about the grape flavor, but I will let that pass for the perfect plum color I get from the gloss.

Retail Price: $20.00 (Estee Lauder counters and online)

Rating: from each of us

What They Say: glōGloss: "Get the "Star Treatment" with incredible shine that feels fabulous. glōGloss melts onto your lips for a perfect, smooth finish. New for fall: lilac luster and star struck."

glōShimmer brick: "Be an instant sensation with our NEW glōShimmer brick in gleam. Four beautiful colors that you can swirl together for a captivating glō or use individually to illuminate that shining star in you."

glōPrecision eye pencil: "Achieve the fame you deserve with glōPrecision eye pencils in deep olive and plum. Dreamy, daring, legendary."

glōEye Shadow: "For that special effect, create your own color intensity from sheer to deep to totally dramatic! New for fall: berry, eggplant, and fern."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: This was my first experience with the glōminerals product line. I was overall very pleasantly surprised.

First of all, the gloss (shown in lilac), has a slight vanilla scent and is incredibly soft and moisturizing. I like its weight, and it lasts pretty well. The gloss also has a very slight opalescent sheen that makes lips look a little more voluptuous, too (I'm not going to say I didn't like that).

The new glō Shimmer Brick is a (very generous-sized) quad of completely wearable soft-shimmer shades. (the picture does NOT do the colors justice, TRUST ME). Each one could easily be used on cheeks or lids as color or subtle highlighter. They also layer very beautifully together and are incredibly soft in texture. This was perhaps my favorite part of their Fall lineup.

Next are the eye shadow (in fern) and eye pencil (in olive). The shadow builds really easily just as they say, because of its very fine consistency. This shade also has just enough very fine flecks of gold to make it even prettier. The only thing that wasn't perfect about it was that it did crease a little bit after several hours. The eye pencil goes on smoothly and has a handy sponge tip on the other end if you'd like to smudge it a bit to create a more smoky look. The pencil could have lasted a little bit longer without wearing off, but it held up fairly well for one not billed as "longwear".

Retail Prices:
glō Gloss $15.00
glō Shimmer Brick $30.00
glō Eye shadow $17.00
glō Eye pencil $15.00
(go to glominerals.com for more information or call 800.496.8007 for a product catalog or other information)

DeLush Ratings:
glō Gloss
glō Shimmer Brick
glō Eye shadow
glō Eye pencil

What They Say: "You know how some lip glosses taste so good that you keep licking your lips just to taste them? Sweet Spot is that kind of gloss. With an addictive orange blossom flavor, Sweet Spot glosses are sheer and shiny – just the right dose of color and sparkle. The squeeze tubes are outfitted with a special slanted tip so you can apply directly to your sweet little lips. They’re all printed with super-cute mod floral graphics and have 60’s flower power names. Wear them alone or layer with our other glosses for custom effects. Tasty!"

Alissa's Experience: Like most girls, I buy and apply lip gloss in mass quantities. The first thing I noticed about these tube were the size. They're huge! There's definitely enough gloss to last until I get sick of the color.

My favorite shade is Hippie Chick, a color that would probably look good on just about anyone. It's a very sheer, slightly shimmery peach that enhances my natural lip color without really changing it, perfect for an everyday gloss. All of the shades I tried were very subtle in color, but a couple had sparkles (which I wouldn't recommend for those over the age of 13).

These glosses are very smooth and not at all sticky. They actually feel very nice, not like those ones that dry out your lips after a few minutes. The staying power isn't any better or worse than other lip glosses, but the delicious sweet scent lasted just long enough to keep me happy. Besides the cute mod style packaging there isn't really anything spectacular or different about Sweet Spot gloss. Still, I'm pretty sure this one will be in my purse for a long while to come.

Retail Price: $11.00 (at hardcandy.com or go here to find a retail location near you)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "A luxurious fusion of colour, finish and plump-it-up formula that makes lips plush in shade and volume so incredibly lush, they look and feel like "more." If full and sexy is how your want your lips, move on up to Plushglass."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: I must admit, I'm a M.A.C. junkie. I can't help myself. Something about that counter draws me in a sucks money out of my purse before I know what hit me, so I have to be very careful about when I allow myself to go there.

I wanted to try some of the new Fall products, though, and one of those is Plushglass. Who wouldn't want their lips to look that that picture, right?

If you've ever tried M.A.C.'s Lipglass, you'll find this texture very familiar. It is a bit heavy and a little sticky, but the shine and color are phenomenal. Plushglass is very much the same, except the color is generally quite sheer, and has a more voluptuous finish. It does tingle a very tiny bit, but I would call this mild compared to some products out there. It's barely there, even. As far as actual plumping goes, I found it didn't do much. Greater than that was the visual EFFECT and the tingle seemed to enhance natural lip color more underneath the gloss.

Personally, I really like this new gloss. It may not give a lot of actual OOMPH to your lips, but let's just say, somehow the OOMPH is implied. If you're a fan of M.A.C., give it a try.

Retail Price: $17.50 (available at maccosmetics.com or go here for select department store locations)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "Vibrant color is spiked with a wicked tingle and a delicious shine. Each of these lip plumping glosses are enriched with a secret blend of essential oils that leave lips soft, full, and extremely kissable."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: If you've ever tried DuWop's Lip Venom products, you know all about the tingle! (Some people are addicted to it.) There's a cinnamon-laced tingle that I actually thought wasn't going to kick in when I first put this gloss on. But...oh wait...there it was. While this is a much less dramatic option than a lot of the lip-plumping products out there (you may like that), it still does make your lips look a little more plush and full. The tingle lasts about 20 minutes or so, slowly dissipating. But it's never so powerful that I find it uncomfortable or distracting as with some other products.

The gloss itself stays on fairly well for a few hours and has a really pretty shine. It's not very sticky and is moisturizing. I would call the color (at least in this case) very sheer, and it is unflavored. In regard to this new shade specifically, I'm definitely digging this sexy gold-flecked Housewives-inspired pink.

Retail Price: $18.00 (at Sephora.com, or go to DuWop.com for a list of retail locations)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "For the ultimate flush of transparent color, this comprehensive selection of radiant shades has been designed to mix 'n' match with the lipstick collection or to wear alone. Each sheer vibrant gloss contains protective essential oils that nurture and heal delicate lips."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: This is definitely a moisturizing, feel-good gloss. The colors are very sheer and pretty, so sheer in fact that you may be surprised. Some of the less distinguishably different colors may very similar after applied because of this quality. But they do have a slight hint of color difference. This formula also has no scent, which some of you may like. That said, it stay on your lips for a few hours, and continues to moisturize your lips even when the color is gone.

Retail Price: $18.00 (Sephora.com or go here to find retail locations near you)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "Non-sticky, long-lasting formulas with anti-oxidant vitamin E."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: Hey, her description is short and to the point. I'm going to take the same approach: this gloss is lusciously soft, cushiony, non-sticky, superbly shiny, and has the faintest glimmer of sparkle (this shade is SUCH a pretty brownish pink to go with all the bold eyes of Fall or even to spice up the nude look). Oh, and it stays on for hours. I absolutely love it, and think you will, too.

Retail Price: $22.00 (available at Bergdorf Goodman in New York City, select Neiman Marcus stores, Holt Renfrew in Canada, Selfridges and Boots in the UK - go to jemmakidd.com for more information)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "The lights go dark, the music beins to thump, and a still blackness fills the room. You hear the click, click, click of a long-legged heel...then a camera snaps, triggering a chain of illuminate flashes aimed straight at the runway. Bibo's Fall Collection, Blackout, is the only thing you see as the start whites of the model's eyes project against a billboard of dark, sultry shades. It's a combination of glam-rock meets modern chic with dramatic eyes and a high-gloss lip. Incredibly strong, moody, and mysterious - but most of all gorgeous!

Seize the Spotlight - Long legs are overrated. Draw attention upward with a killer glance from a powerful smoky eye. Four stealthy charcoal shades line, layer and smudge while three deceiving suede shades highlight, blend and secure. This isn't your average charcoal: bronze, burgundy and indigo make this all-inclusive palette unique.

Your Moment to Shine - Create unbelievable shine with a coat of Flash and Flicker lipgloss sure to turn heads. Capture an audience with an energizing bronze gloss or revitalizing berry tone."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: First of all, let's start by saying that the packaging for this collection is dark and sleek, very fitting for its name. I love the squareness of the (large!) lip gloss tubes and the eyeshadow palette. The only negative in terms of packaging would be that it really took a few times (and some pretty persistent trying on my part) to get the top shadow tray to slide out. Once I did it about 3 times, it came much easier. On the plus side, included is an applicator with sponge tip on one end and liner brush on the other, so you can use the darker shades along the lash line (I did this with great results and the shadows last very long as liners).

As far as the actual products go, Bibo has once again impressed me. Their silky true-color shadows stay for hours and resist creasing, and these new shades are very versatile. This set can be used for daytime sheer prettiness or nighttime drama. The lower tray of suede shadows wears well for day or as base colors for the more rich, slightly shimmery shades. I acheived the look above by applying the Bronze charcoal shadow on top of the Pink suede (which resulted in a bit of a deep rich plummy color). Also, I did apply some of the Bronze with a damp cosmetic Q-tip, so keep in mind that the charcoal shadows, though looking quite dramatic in the palette, can actually be applied much more sheer dry.

As usual, Bibo's glosses are creamy and long-lasting. These two shades seem to be infused with teeny-tiny shimmer that simply increases the shine and glow on the lips. The color above is the bronze (Flicker).

Retail Prices: (The Shadow Palette) $34.00, (The Lip Glosses) $15.00 (available through select distributor stores and premier salons across the U.S. and Canada...call 1-800-456-9322 or go to bibocosmetics.com for retail locations)

DeLush Ratings: The Shadow Palette (not 5 only because of the tray issue)
The Lip Glosses

What They Say: "Enhance your intimate experiences. The love child of lip gloss and lipstick, Ultraglide provides the ultra-slick texture of a deluxe gloss with the semi-opaque color of a lipstick. The result: deep, rich color and beautiful coverage without the tackiness of other glosses. Featuring antioxidant Vitamin E and skin conditioners, the unique (and provocative) lightweight texture offers a smooth glide that takes lethal lips to an entirely new level. And to further heighten your pleasure, each shade is laced with a unique flavor. Mmmm.

Packaged in a long, sleek squeeze tube with a slanted, soft-tech applicator tip, Ultraglide looks sexy and feels great too. Fill weight: 8.6ml e 0.29 US fl oz"

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: Each shade of this gloss has its own disctint hint of flavor that lingers on your lips as long as the gloss is there. (Think vanilla, chocolate, sour candy, strawberry, chocolate-mint, etc. - some more appealing than others.)

The two downfalls? Realistically, this gloss only lasts for about 2 hours without feeling like it needs to be re-applied. Also, though the long tubes are sleek and fun, you sometimes find yourself having to squeeze UP it like a half-full tube of tootpaste to get it to come out.

That aside, the texture and feel of this gloss is fabulous. It's quite possible you've never had a lip gloss this creamy-smooth and non-sticky. It's incredibly moisturizing and soft.

This is definitely more of a "play" gloss for casual days and when you want to satisfy that sweet tooth as opposed to days when you want a gloss that stays on the job during the day. But as a more fun gloss, I like it.

Retail Price: $17.00 (at urbandecay.com or find retail locations here

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: “New MAX Factor MAXWear Lipcolor & Gloss Duo gives women dimensional lip color featuring highlight and lowlight layers that create beautiful, luminous lips. The lowlight layer gives depth of color, while the highlight layer adds brilliant shimmer and shine. Together they deliver triple the dimension – for an amazing look difficult to achieve with an ordinary lipstick!

The lowlight lip color layer adds pigmented prismatic pearls and transparent crystals that provide beautiful shimmer and shine. In addition, the formula features semi-permanent PermaTone, a unique complex of pigments and silicone-based polymers that is resistant to abrasion and virtually impervious to food oils. The highlight tinted gloss layer includes pigmented prismatic pearls and crystalline pigments. As a result of these ingredients, when light hits the lips it bends and reflects to create a beautiful iridescent appearance. The highlight layer features over 90% of skin conditioners, including petrolatum, mineral oil, and Vitamin E and provides high-shine and smooth wear. The formula also contains a hint of vanilla for an appealing flavor and scent.”

Toya’s Take: A company representing MAX Factor recently contacted me and asked me to review several of their new products. I was excited to be asked, but a bit wary, since I’ve never been happy with MAX Factor products in the past. But hey, with Pat McGrath at the helm, the line has to be getting better, right?

The MAXWear Lipcolor & Gloss Duo is supposed to be MAX Factor’s version of the Cover Girl Outlast – a lipcolor side that “sticks” to your lips for long-lasting color and a gloss side to add shine. I applied the lipcolor side over smooth, dry lips, without lip balm and was instantly like, “No indeed!” It made my lips look chalky and flaky, when they hadn’t been. I immediately removed it, added a thin layer of lip balm, then the lip color and the gloss. Much better. I like the brownish-pink shade and, combined with the white iridescent gloss, it gives a very pretty nude lip effect. I used what I think is the “Split Personality” duo (or maybe “Caramel Icing”) as the tube has no mention of what shade it is – not good.

I know the lipcolor has “PermaTone” which is supposed to make it “virtually impervious to food oils” so I decided to bring spaghetti for lunch and put it to the test. “PermaTone” is no match for my husband’s spaghetti – there wasn’t a trace of lipcolor left by the time I finished lunch.

Retail Price: $9.50 (at drugstores and superstores)

Rating: – It’s not actually a two-step process … it’s three because if you don’t use lip balm beforehand you wind up with lips that look dry as chips! And PermaTone does not make this stuff “virtually impervious to food oils” at all.

What They Say: (about the lip gloss) “Beauty’s magic wand for glamorous luscious lips, Fabulosity Glossamer imparts a cooling and plumping sensation while adorning lips with cheerful bursts of vibrant color inspired by feminine cocktails like Sangria and Mimosa.” (about the blush) “Infuse a sun-kissed glow to cheeks with the warm pinks and peaches inspired by luxurious tropical vacation destinations.”

Toya’s Take: I have to admit that I’m more than a little bit embarrassed to be buying make-up by Kimora Lee Simmons. It’s kind of like my love for Jennifer Lopez’s perfumes – not a huge fan of the person, but I can’t deny the appeal of the products. Anyway, I can’t possibly call myself a beauty reviewer for women of color and ignore the new make-up line of such a prominent woman of color in the fashion and beauty fields. So, on my recent trip to King of Prussia mall (Love!), I hit Sephora and picked up the Fabulosity Glossamer in Raspberry Schnapps and the Blush (What? No cutesy name for this?) in St. Barths Peach.

On looking at Sephora’s website, the Fabulosity Glossamer in Raspberry Schnapps is described as “blushing nude.” Uh … no. It’s not “blushing nude” at all … it’s quite clearly a warm pink flecked with gold shimmer. It’s weird that it would be described as nude in any way. The Blush in St. Barths Peach is described as “rich, glowing peach”, which is exactly right. In fact, the saleslady spoke of it as “the Black girl’s version of Orgasm”, which I pretty much agree with, though I’ve found that, if you’re on the light to medium end of the brownness spectrum, NARS’ Orgasm will work for you, too. However, it won’t be as bright on your skin as St. Barths Peach.

I have to say that I really like both products. The Fabulosity Glossamer is quite sheer, but it gives a nice little pop of color to the lips and leaves them looking lush and moist, but not overly wet. And it’s absolutely not sticky at all, which is a huge bonus. I don’t really like the plumping aspect of it – I’m not a fan of plumpers and many women of color don’t need them, as we already have full lips and I don’t really care for the cooling sensation. However, this isn’t enough of a detraction to keep me from a repurchase. Also, I like that the lipgloss … oh, excuse me, Glossamer smells like cake icing. The packaging of the products is pretty, too. I love the Blush. It adds warmth and color to the cheeks, along with a healthy glow caused by the shimmer that seems to be present in all of the KLS products. I wish the pan were a bit bigger, but not too much of a minus.

All in all, good products and a line worthy of consideration for women of all colors.

Retail Price: $17 for Fabulosity Glossamer, $14 for Blush. (available in Sephora stores or at www.sephora.com, and at KimoraLeeSimmons.com)

DeLush Rating: for both the gloss and the blush

What They Say: "Experience the look, the feel, the beauty of azurée, Summer 2006, from the Tom Ford Estée Lauder Collection. Three color palettes--azurée, st. tropée and cap bronzée. Three mysterious places that epitomize the legends of the beach. Create your look with the shades from one palette and the universal must-haves that work with all 3 palettes. Tom Ford on the azurée makeup collection: "This is a collection for the woman whose fantasy takes her away to sexy, remote beaches."

Follow The Lip[stick] for added shine."

Jen's Experience: I was surprised by the intensity of the orange color of this lip gloss, but even more surprised that it remained so color dense even on my lips. With a pinker shade, I think the effect would have been fantastic. However, even though I've been using face glow on a regular basis for quite some time, this bright shade didn't really work with my complexion when I used it alone or over a nude pencil.

It really worked for me though when I used it over a bright pink lip pencil. The pink softened the brightness and made it work with my skin tone. And the orange color really brought out the color from The Cheek Glow.

This gloss gets lots of points for its pigment-dense color, the lack of gumminess, and the resulting polished look that's not all that common with a lip gloss. The negative is that I didn't find it very long-lasting at all. I didn't see it on my coffee mug or anything, but it disappeared more quickly than a lot of other glosses that I've used. The good outweighs the negative by far for this new lip gloss product from Estee Lauder, so if you're looking for some new glosses, this may be the choice for you. (Be sure to check out the other shades if you're very fair!)

Retail Price: $20.00 (Saks Fifth Avenue)

Rating:

What They Say: "Don’t waste your summer sleeping in! This is the ultimate wakeup-makeup for lips: the waterproof pink lip stain imparts a natural rosy glow, while the cocktail of tripeptides in the plumping gloss stimulates collagen on the cellular level. First apply the lip stain (like you would a lipgloss), wait 15 seconds for it to set and then apply the plumping gloss. The result? A pout that’s pretty, polished, and plumped-up and is sure to outlast the sun’s rays and ocean waves."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: I must say, the stain alone is so pretty (a perfect sheer universal pink) that you could wear it under any clear gloss if you didn't want the plumping effect. However, when you add the other end of this tube (the plumping lip gloss) on top, get ready for some tingling. Hey, if you've used lip enhancers before you'll be used the the feeling. It's a little intense, but certainly not unbearable by any means. The tingle lasts for about a couple of minutes. And the visible effects? Well, I'd say they're definitely visible:

(Click pics to enlarge.)

There is obvious increase in fullness and also definition along the lip outline. The results lasted about 4 1/2 hours for me. But if you need it to last longer, simply add some more gloss over the stain. The stain itself probably remained on my lips from 5-6 hours without any reapplications and didn't dry out my lips the way some stains can.

Retail Price: $21.00 (tartecosmetics.com)

DeLush Rating:

(This product will be available in June - read on for our sneak peek!)

What They Say: "Have you been looking for an extra glossy with a cushiony comfortable-to-wear formula that never feels sticky? Presenting Estée Lauder High Gloss, a lip gloss packed with nourishing ingredients that moisturize and imporive the condition of lips to make them look smoother and feel softer, while imparting a blindingly beautiful gleam.

High Gloss drenches your lips with a delectable "wet"-looking color that provides a sheer to medium coverage that lasts without heaviness.

Thanks to a special blend of polymers and conditioners, your lips will appear full, lush, less lines, and feel fantastically hydrated and velvety soft."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: The folks at Estée Lauder have hit on something worth talking about with this new gloss. It truly is super-soft and comfortable (ever tried M·A·C's Lip Gelée? - it's got a similar cushiony feel), looks incredible without the stickiness that often accompanies high-shine glosses, and has very nice staying power. With yummy scents and weightless pretty color, you can use this gloss alone (the easy mess-free squeeze tube makes low-maintenance look GOOD) or over liner or your favorite lipstick for added oomph. Either way, you may want to snag a few of the many shades available (ranging from bronzes to berries to pinks) as soon as they hit the counters!

Retail Price: $16.00 (available in June at esteelauder.com and in select department stores)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "Neutrogena MoistureShine® Lip Soother provides instant, soothing relief on contact with beautiful high gloss shine and SPF 20.

Neutrogena MoistureShine® Lip Soother hydrates, soothes and protects dry lips on contact with beautiful high-gloss shine. The unique hydragel formula contains conditioning botanicals and glycerin for intense moisturization. Carry this pocket-portable gloss with you for use whenever you want hydrated, beautiful lips. Available in 6 glistening shades: Glaze, Sheen, Glisten, Shine, Gleam and Shimmer."

Jen's Experience: This is my new addiction. Since the moment I walked out of the drugstore with this product, I've been carrying it around faithfully in my purse, applying it rather frequently. Despite the overly fruity taste (what is with the Mango flavor obsession lately?), I absolutely love the tingly feeling it gives my lips. It does help to moisturize my lips somewhat, but it's definitely more of a gloss than a lip balm. Some might not like how thick it is, but since it isn't sticky, I am okay with it being a little on the gloppy side. The color I am using is "Gleam". I generally wear it alone, although it does look good over a rose-colored lip pencil as well. So, if you're looking for a pretty gloss with a terrific tingle to carry around in your purse, I think this is a great choice.

Retail Price: $6.99 (Drugstore.com)

Rating:

About the lip gloss: "Detroit women are not afraid to speak their minds... and turn some heads! These high performance glosses are the answer for full, flirty, fabulous lips. MOTOR CITY MAKEUP lip glosses contain luxurious ingredients such as Vitamin E, Coconut Oil and Tiare Flower to moisturize and soften your lips.
The shiny and smooth finish leaves those other gooey glosses in the dust! Available in 10 varieties for all Makes and Models."

Jen's Experience: When I opened up the lip gloss, I was surprised at how bright and shiny the "Knockout" color is. I thought since it was lip gloss, it would be much softer once it was applied. But I was totally wrong -- this is some heavily pigmented color. Now, I've never been one for bright colors, but this one really works for me without looking garish. I wear it to work or out on the town with a large portion of my wardrobe. It lasts for a really long time; even when the glossiness is gone, the color remains, and so does the moisture. It doesn't make my lips feel super-dry when in fades away like most lip glosses do. And for people who share my pale skintone: you'll love the way the blue undertones in this particular color make your teeth look really white. Even if this isn't the shade for you, I highly recommend trying one of Motor City Makeup's lip glosses for their great, long-lasting color.

Retail Price: $12.00

About the lip balm: "Detroit has freezing winters and scorching summers. Our poor lips don’t know what to do. Never fear...MOTOR CITY MAKEUP™ Lip Balm is here! Our lip balm soothes and protects with Vitamin E, the supreme antioxidant. These colorful balms glide on sheer and provide major shine. Each balm is mildly scented in a yummy flavor. These balms don't "fuel" around."

Jen's Experience: After opening the adorably packaged lip balm in "Joyride", I was excited about the yummy raspberry smell and the pretty and subtle shade. I thought when I first touched it that it might be too stiff to give good coverage and moisture to my lips, but when I put it on I knew my impression was all wrong. It spread easily on my lips and provided hours of moisture and flavor to my winter-dry lips. It also looks great over a lip pencil for a nice, soft shine. I would love to have this in a tube and keep in handy whereever I go, but until then, I'm keeping my raspberry-flavored joyride close.

Retail Price: $8.00

Lip Gloss:

Lip Balm:

About Motor City Makeup: "MOTOR CITY MAKEUP™, LLC was founded by two turbo charged Motor City gals (Cindy L. and Natalie H.) in August 2004. Cindy L. is a Licensed Esthetician and Makeup-Artist. She specializes in color creation and is always one step ahead of the trends in makeup. In addition to co-creating MOTOR CITY MAKEUP™, Cindy is known to give the best facials in the Motor City. She is recognized for her gentle touch and creating an ultra-relaxing atmosphere. Natalie H. is a Registered Nurse who has worked with adolescents dealing with skin care issues. As well as co-creating MOTOR CITY MAKEUP™, Natalie works as a freelance health care reporter and has written many articles for a monthly health column in a local Detroit magazine.

Together, Cindy and Natalie have the expertise to create innovative and fabulous formulas. They were inspired to create their own cosmetic line that offered high quality ingredients, beautiful colors and cute packaging. So, these two high energy women teamed up with two leading cosmetic chemists to develop and manufacture their own line of makeup. They worked tirelessly for about a year with chemists, graphic artists, web designers and other Metro-Detroit professionals to design and manufacture their products.

The two founders of MOTOR CITY MAKEUP™ are both born and raised in the Metro Detroit area. Cindy and Natalie love the City and wanted to capture the rejuvenated life and energy that has recently been growing in the Detroit area. They are constantly inspired from the cool people that live in and around Detroit. They decided that MOTOR CITY MAKEUP™ products should capture the spirit of Detroit; a tough outer shell with a soft inner beauty. Their makeup blends high quality ingredients with automotive inspired packaging."

About the lipstick: "Highlights Lipgloss can be used alone to give lips a natural tint or over lip color to enhance shade and provide a luscious, long-wearing shine."

Jen's Experience: Normally I wouldn't recommend lip gloss to add color to one's make-up wardrobe. While lip gloss normally does put some focus on the lips, usually it's all in the shine. Well, after visiting the Trish McEvoy counter at the mall, that rule is down the drain for me. I tried on several of their ultra-shiny glosses to find the perfect color, and I think I got just the right one in a much brighter pink than I would normally wear, which is their "Shimmer Rose". It's a little gummier than I would normally wear for a gloss, but I love the highly pigmented color that really coats my lips. When I wear my Stila Convertible Color as blush with this gloss, the colors look like they were made just for me.

Retail Price: $20.00 (Saks)

About the lipliner: "Designed to complement all of Trish's lip colors. Long-wearing formula with a creamy, smooth texture applies with ease for beautiful shaping."

Jen's Experience: I am a sucker for lip pencils, but normally I use them all over my lip, sometimes just the pencil and gloss. The Trsih McEvoy liners are meant as a final touch, to outline the lip and prevent your lipcolor from running and to give your lips a more defined shape. I know, you're probably thinking, "Ew..I don't want a big line around my lips!". Well, the liner I chose (it only comes in three colors) is called "Sheer Nude" and it is a dead ringer for the natural color of my lips. It blends in well with their lip gloss as well as many of my other lipsticks. While I may still use a lip pencil to color in my lips as a first step in the morning, this is my new finishing touch.

Oh, and the other end of the liner is a handy, dandy lip brush for blending. What a great bonus!

Retail Price: $18.00 (Saks)

Rating:

I have a soft spot in my heart for Tarte, with its ingeniously lovely packaging and creative naming of its products, as well as its typically high-quality cosmetics. The "Miss Fix-It" line for Spring 2006 is no exception. Check out what Tarte has added to its long line of fabulous products. Want something fun and girly to add some "spring" to your beauty routine? Let me introduce you...

Trifold Eye/Lip Compact ($44): "That cool scarf? She knitted it herself. The to-die-for rhinestone encrusted phone? Oh, just a side project. Jewelry making, sewing, cake decorating…this girl can do it all. Let your creativity run as wild as hers does with this playful palette full of candy-colored combinations for eyes & lips.

Shades include: shimmery champagne eyeshadow, shimmery purple eyeshadow, shimmery teal eyeshadow, matte bright turquoise eyeshadow, shimmery pink & shimmery lilac lip glosses, shimmery gold highlighter."

Melissa Says: What a useful AND lovely compact. The gloses are very sheer but beautifully shiny. The shadows are FUN but wearable. (Plus, Tarte's shadows are very silky and long-wearing.) There are two high-quality sponge applicators included as well. This would be a wonderful way to add some color and a touch of glow to your look in a purse-friendly compact.

Picture Perfect Eyelash Curler $15: "Smile and say “squeeze!” With this lash curler, getting a picture perfect curl is a snap. For a match made in Hollywood, use with Lights, Camera, Lashes! 3-in-1 mascara."

Melissa Says: This curler is spring-hinged, which helps create a tighter grip on your lashes. Fabulous.

The Toolbox: Brow Know-How $32: "Construct a picture-perfect brow in minutes using these easy tools:
1. “Prep the work zone” by tweezing any stray hairs
2. “Lay down the foundation” using the smooth brow wax
3. “Fill in the cracks” with your shade-specific brow powder or brow pencil.
4. “Seal the deal” with a glossy topcoat of brow gel.
No hard hat required.
Kit includes: brow gel, brow pencil, tweezer, brow brush, brow powder, brow wax, and 3 brow stencils, plus a compact with a mirror!

Three universal shades:
light: for blonde to light brown hair
medium: for medium brown to red hair,
dark: for dark brown to black hair"

*I didn't get an opportunity to review this item in the "Miss Fix-It" line, but I can't wait to give it a try. The well-groomed brow trend is not going away anytime soon!

Little Blot Book Shine Control to Go $32 (coming soon!): "Shine control to go! Oil: it’s a girl’s dirtiest little secret. No one wants to get caught with even the teensiest hint of a sheen (or worse, all-out shine).

The solution? Hiding the evidence, of course. Little blot book gives you two ways to send shine undercover: First, use the (tiny) blotting sheets for quick touch-ups then dust on mattifying powder* to tone down future glare. And no need to worry about being obvious…with a compact this inconspicuous, your secret will always be safely stashed away.

*mattifying powder contains Vitamin E & Vitamin A, some of the most effective antioxidants to prevent premature signs of again. Also includes green tea, aloe, & chamomile to soothe and nourish you skin."

Melissa Says: Wow. This is perhaps one of the most fun items in this line. The "book" is substantial but should fit into most purses. The brush applicator for the mattifying powder is incredibly soft, and the powder itself cuts down shine without that nasty pale-powdered look. It's completely invisible on your skin. And the tiny blotting papers hiding behind the brush pop up like little post-its and are wonderful for on-the-go quick fixes. Of course, there is a large mirror inside the compact as well. I have a feeling this little book and I will become very good friends.

Cloud Nine Cheekstain (NEW SHADE!) $28: "Our most popular product! This water-based push up gel stick is perfect for all skin types. No skill required - just dab it on and go. Wear it over or under foundation, with or without powder blush - it lasts all day. There’s no oil, so it won’t clog your pores. Still not convinced? We’ve been awarded “best blush” in InStyle, Cosmo & Self."

Melissa Says: I've never tried one of Tarte's famous cheekstains before. I must say, I've always shied away from any liquid or cream blush because I always felt that it looked bad on my skin. This unbelievably sheer formula really surprised me. It's easy to apply, smells like a lollipop or kool-aid (really!) and stays pretty all day. Personally, this shade might have been just a TAD too light for me, as I usually feel really pale and want a little more color. (I wouldn't hesitate to try another shade, though.) But it's very beautiful and natural, and your face doesn't get slick and greasy-looking with this formula. I use this when I just want a little bit of glow around the house, but then use it as a base for a little swipe of powder blush to go out (it actually helps powder blush stay on, too!).

Ferris & Sloane Double Ended Lipgloss (NEW SHADE!) $19: "Our lipglosses are back with brand-new components! You can even snap each gloss in and out so you can mix and match, or just take one half with you. Our new and improved double-ended lipglosses are available in our 15 original shades, plus six new duos.

Note: Our new shades: "ronald & cindy" and "lloyd & diane" are coming soon!"

Melissa Says: I've reviewed Tarte's double-ended gloss before, and these two shades are very light and sheer, with great staying power and shine.

Mona Lisa Eyeliner (NEW SHADE!) $18: "Think of your eyes as an artist's dream...the ultimate blank canvas. With our eyeliners in your hand, the possibilities are endless. Our super-creamy formula lets you smudge, shade and blend your way to a masterpiece (no MFA required)."

Melissa Says: I have green eyes, so I always hesitate to try any liner in any green, but this lovely teal-green actually makes my eyes stand out and look wide awake.

Overall Rating of Tarte's "Miss Fix-It" Line:

Go to www.tartecosmetics.com to buy "Miss Fix-It" items and more now.

What They Say: " Pure, high-shine lip gloss slips on effortlessly for a long-lasting finish. Wear alone or over lipstick.

* Vitamin E protects, moisturizes and conditions.
* Coconut oil softens.
* Aloe soothes.
* Apply with the Bibo lip brush for a natural, clean look.


Celebrity makeup artist Belinda Moss recently shared her latest tricks for giving celebs like Renee Zellweger, Eva Longoria and Alicia Keyes their rosy glow:

'I love using Bib's First Kiss Lip Gloss for celbs at their events, no only on their lips but also their cheeks! The formula isn't sticky at all - I just apply a dab of the gloss to their cheeks and blend with my finger and their face looks fresh all night,' says Belinda. 'I am constantly having to replenish my stock because my clients always stash them in their purse!'"

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: It's true, this gloss is incredibly light and moisturizing. It has an ever-so-faint shimmer quality that helps give some depth and incredible shine to your lips as well. It practically feels like you're wearing a super-soothing light lip balm. I only wish it lasted longer through the day, but in comparison to many glosses it's not too bad. I actually did try putting it on my upper cheekbones, and while it doesn't add much color (you can also do it over your blush) it does give a really healthy subtle sheen that settles nicely into the skin and doesn't look greasy. The pic below is the gloss with no liner or lipstick underneath. You can see it really is a supersheer pink.




Retail Price: $12.50 (800.456.9322 or bibocosmetics.com)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "Sugar Lip Gloss leaves lips hydrated, shiny and smooth."

Jen's Experience: Archipelago's description is short and sweet, but right on the money. I love to use lip glosses -- by themselves or on top of lip color -- but I always find that they leave my lips dry and in much worse condition than when I started. This lip gloss is almost like a balm in comparison with the other products I use. Not because its thick and medicated (in fact, its texture is closer to Mac Lipglass) but because of the remarkable condition it leaves my lips in. Even if I just slather it on once a day, my lips stay hydrated for hours, not aching for another fix. And they really are smoother; I don't have any more excuses for picking at my lips. And the taste is one of the best I've ever come across in a lip gloss, very sugary just like you'd expect. This stuff is hard to find (I stumbled across mine at a local gift store during my after-Christmas shopping), so if you see it when you're shopping, be sure to snap it up!

Retail Price: $5.39 (Drugstore.com)

Rating:

Have a holiday party to look smashing for? Luscious lips are a great start! Don't forget to check out our DeLush Holiday Gift Guides every day next week starting Monday, December 5 with great ideas for yourself, your Guy, your mom, grandma and your sister/best friend!


What They Say: "Breaking up’s not hard to do when you have a gloss that splits in two!

Finally…a gloss you won’t want to kiss off. Introducing supergloss, our new long-lasting (but not at all sticky) formula in brand new components that split up just like the couples they’re named after."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: Okay, I feel like a complete dork now. I just realized that these glosses (which come with 2 ends of great color) are switch-able! I actually love the way Tarte matches the colors to begin with, but now that I know I can move them around, I can have even more fun with them! These glosses are generously-sized, have a hint of sweetness, and give gorgeous colorful shine. In shades that go from clear to sheer to shimmery, there's lots to layer or wear alone for fabulous lips this season!

Retail Price: $21.00 (tartecosmetics.com)

DeLush Rating:

For a few months, I've been seeing ads for Revlon's holiday colors in magazines, but it was just in the last few weeks that I finally saw the display in my local drugstore. The colors were just as vibrant in person as they are in the advertisements, and I found myself piling one of everything into my handbasket.

As I wandered around the store, I realized there was no way I'd be able to test everything I'd picked up, so I picked a few products that I thought looked the most promising: the "Wrap Youself in Rubies" lipstick, the matching blush, and a two-pack of glosses that included "Cherry Frost" and "Cherries in the Glow".

Since I've been trying out a lot of rich lip colors this fall, the deep red of the Wrap Yourself in Rubies lipstick was not a departure for my daily make-up. The color actually works well with my skin because it has blue undertones, and it makes my teeth look really white. So the color is perfect, and it lasts quite a while over top of my lip pencil with a coating of gloss. My only complaint is not a small one -- it bleeds badly and no amount of lip liner seems to resolve the problem. This is something I've encountered with a lot of lipsticks with very intense pigments, and it might be worth investigating some of the lip primer products to see if that helps to prevent this from happening.

I've been using the glosses I bought quite a bit. I usually use the "Cherries in the Glow" overtop of my lipstick when I leave the house, but the "Cherry Frost" color is my new purse gloss (well, it's the newest addition to my collection). Both colors are pretty and fairly long lasting, and have more color than my usual nude and clear glosses.

As happy as I am with my lip color purchases, I am not so sure about the blush. It's very bright, and somewhat difficult to apply so that I don't look like I have a rash...or sunburn. My advice on this blush is to save it for wearing with a rich lipcolor, like the "Wrap Yourself in Rubies" and to put it on in light layers until you achieve the desired effect. This may be the largest container of blush I have ever encountered, so I'm sure to have many years perfecting my application technique.

Should you rush right out and buy them? Well, if you're looking for some glamour this holiday season and you're not scared of bright colors, the new holiday colors from Revlon may be just what you need for all those holiday parties.

(One more note: Revlon is running a promotion right now where if you buy $15.00 worth of their Revlon color cosmetics, you'll get a pashmina-style wrap. Details are available at: Revlon on the Red Carpet.)

What They Say: "Feisty Kitten won’t leave home without her lip gloss or her plastic. Now your essentials for going out & about are good to go in one portable package. These six gorgeous shades of shiny lip color - plus a brush - come in a slide-open case. And they get even prettier when you replace the lid with your own credit card (or ID). Travel light on your next night out…ditch the purse and put a Feisty Kitten in your pocket."

Jen's Experience: I am not one to carry a huge bag when I go out on the town, but it seems like lipsticks and glosses are the one thing that I just cannot do without. I'll pile in a lip stain, a plumper and maybe some extra little glosses, just for good measure, even in the tiniest of purses.

Well, no more. I still carry my little purses, but I love the Feisty Kitten lip glosses. There's a wide variety of colors, so you don't have to make difficult choices on your way out the door. They go on very sheer (even the deepest shades of the palette) and they have a great tingle when you first apply them. My lips feel moisturized for a long time, even when I am sipping on a cocktail.

I don't know that I would trust my credit card or my driver's license next to these soft lip glosses, but I have to say, this is a great idea for a product. Next time you're out on the town with that tiny new clutch (or no purse at all), this is the gloss to have!

Retail Price: $10.00 (Urban Decay)

Rating:

What They Say: "Watch your lips swell with this incredible plumping lip gloss. With a subtle gold sheen that reflects light, it enhances your new lush lips. So take a hit, light up a smile, feel the burn, and experience psychedelic results. Lips look fuller and fine lines disappear. The wand features the perfect flocked applicator for plumping evenly."

Jen's Experience: I think lip plumpers are the greatest make-up innovation since concealer. This lip plumper's a little different from most, with a nice gold shimmer that really adds a great shine to my lips. It doesn't produce the same level of plumping, as, say, LipFusion, but it does reduce the fine lines in my lips and makes them look a little shapelier. The one other con for this particular product is that it's not super long-lasting. If you're not sipping your water bottle all day, it might last an hour or two, but otherwise, it's gone in no time flat.

Overall, if you think of this as a lip gloss with benefits, I think you'll be pleased with the results. You get some the lip smoothing action without the nasty burn that you find in a lot of the lip plumpers, and it tastes great (very tropical). A fun addition to your bathroom counter or your purse!

Retail Price: $17.00 (UrbanDecay.com)

Rating:

What They Say: "* Sheer to light coverage * May be worn alone or over lipstick * Not tested on animals

Moisturizing formulations offering a superb gloss effect. Sheer to light coverage."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: I think it's become fairly apparent to anyone reading DeLush that I'm a lip gloss/balm/stick Fuh-REAK. I just can't help myself. That being said, I consider myself a discriminate consumer of the stuff.

What I really like about this gloss (which I got in Black Raspberry) is the consistency (the Light Lip Gloss they have is much less thick) - it feels really substantial, but not too sticky. And it does well, keeping its very sheer hint of color and its moisturizing benefits around for your lips to enjoy for quite a while. While there isn't much flavor to the gloss to accompany its luscious smell, I love its pretty shine and comfort-factor enough to say that I'd definitely recommend it.

Bonus: None of Kiehl's products are tested on animals!

Retail Price: $11.50 (kiehls.com)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "Liquid lacquer-like colour in London's hottest shades. Plumps your pout up to 40%. No collagen required."

Jen's Experience: I saw this stuff advertised in all the fall fashion magazines, so I absolutely had to try it. It's supposed to provide the same functionality as the expensive lip plumpers, but, you know, if it sounds too good to be true...

I chose a very neutral shade of gloss. They also carry clear, which may still be worth trying, but I thought this might cut down a step in my morning routine having both plumping and color all rolled into one. I put it on and it does have a slight, tingly sensation when I first apply it, just like LipFusion and Lip Venom. The plumping is pretty minimal, not at all what I was hoping for. The bigger problem is that the gloss itself is pretty thick and it doesn't apply very evenly. It's just -- goopy.

The final nail in the coffin for this new lipcolor is the fact that it dries my lips out within a couple of hours to the point where I feel like I need to be wearing some nice soothing balm.

I know it's tempting, getting a lip plumper at bargain prices, but I say, invest in the good stuff. Good products are worth the extra money.

Retail Price: $6.49 (Walgreens, available at the store but not online yet)

Rating:

What They Say: "This giant pot of lip gloss celebrates 10 years of Hard Candy beauty. Pretty, neutral pink shade has a touch of shimmer and is topped with a jeweled Hard Candy heart. The perfect collectable at an amazing value!"

Jen's Experience: I thought this stuff was lip balm the first few weeks I used it. It makes my lips feel so moisturized for such a long time, that you don't expect it to be mere gloss. But what a terrific gloss this is. The description has it right -- it's pretty and it's neutral enough that I wear it all the time, at work and on the town. It's such a large container, I've barely made a dent. The best part about it though is the way it tastes. Cotton Candy. Yum!

I am not normally a fan of glosses that come in pots, but hey, a long-lasting gloss that calms my sugar-cravings? A must-have in my purse!

Retail Price: $10.00 (HardCandy.com)

Rating:

What They Say: "The Elegant Lip Gloss provides ultra shine and extreme cream in a chic metal pot. The transparent, creamy color imparts a glow and heightens the natural lip color. Can be worn over a natural lip or color to add definition and a glossy sheen. A retractable lip brush is provided to allow precise color placement."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: This really is one of the creamiest glosses I've used so far, and the shine is really stand-out. The look is totally dependent on how thick you want to go, and whether or not you apply it alone (which is my preference). I have this is Chocochic, a melted chocolate/subtle berry shade.

This gloss is not your typical everyday gloss, it's very glam. And for the price, it should be! Still, it gives back what it's worth in quality and pout-enhancement.

Retail Price: $26.00 (Kevyn Aucoin)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "A consistent request from celebrity makeup artists at SmashBox Studios, smashbox LIP GLOSS is smooth and moisturizing, never tacky or dry."

Jen's Experience:  When I ordered the Smashbox Cover set from Sephora, I was excited that it contained so many lip glosses (2 full size and 6 mini glosses).  The little mini glosses are so cute and small, they will fit in any purse.  They may even be smaller than the Lola Lip Glosses.  Unfortunately, they just don't work as well as the Lola Lip Glosses, or really most other glosses I've tried.  The texture is good, not at all sticky, but I find that I am constantly reapplying.  And wearing these a lot will make your lips very, very dried out I find.  They come in a very wide range of colors, a lot of which were included in my set, but none of the colors are really perfect for me.  So... Size?  Great! Colors?  Okay.  Wearability?  You can find much better.

Retail Price: $14.00 for Full Size (Smashbox)

Rating:

What They Say: "Super-soft and mega-moisturizing: this tint and shine infusion squeezes on: makes lips look wet and lush! Comes in a sapped-up mix of pinks, peaches, mauves and cherry reds. Innocently sexy, wildly appealing. Makes lips gush - with pleasure!"

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: Check, check, and CHECK! This squeezable gloss delivers on all of its claims, plus it has an intoxicating vanilla scent. This truly makes your lips feel like velvet on, and covers really well. Trust me, this is nowhere near sticky (like MAC's Lipglass or even the LipLustre). It's incredibly soft and pretty. I can't possibly explain to you how squishy-soft it is in the tube - it's like nothing I've ever tried before. And the pretty sheer shades will make you happy, too! (I got Saplicious, a lovely neutral pale pink, and I'm in love.)

Retail Price: $14.00 (maccosmetics.com and some department stores)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: " Special formula gives lips super-wet shine without being too sticky or slippery. Available in 16 shades."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: I purchased this gloss after eyeing it at a Bath and Body Works store. Hey, I see a new line I haven't tried before and I'm just intrigued, I can't help it. I have this in a super-cute reddish-pink shade called Velveteen, and I find that it looks best with minimal application. When I put just enough on, and smoosh my lips together, I get the perfect stain look. Though it's not technically a stain, it almost gives that effect, but with a much smoother and non-drying effect. And man, it STAYS. PUT. Now, if you apply more, you definitely get a lovely glossier look. Take your pick! It all depends on your style. Once you get in the store, check out all the pretty shades.

Big plus...the pretty square tube is HUGE - you get a lot for the money.

Retail Price: $14.00 (at Bath & Body Works stores)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "The perfect consistency that lasts all day and well into the night - Lip Slides are never sticky or gooey. A delicate wand glides it on - alone or over lipstick."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: A great range of colors are available to pick from here. I chose a pale rosy shade called Pillow Talk - very pretty. The lasting power really is more like that of a lipstick, so that claim is fairly accurate (though I wouldn't say I only had to apply it once in an entire day, morning to night). And while it's not sticky, it does have a thicker creamy consistency that is pretty substantial (amazingly it does this while still being sheer). If you like a gloss with a bit more body to it, but not as thick as MAC's Lipglass, for instance, then this may be the perfect compromise for you.

Retail Price: $18.00 (sephora.com)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "Our simply luscious lip-gloss has a green tea extract and a minty taste that makes kissing, well, even more enjoyable. And the colors are grand, too. Wear alone or over one of our cool cream lipsticks. Packaged in a slimline tube that will fit in even the tiniest purse or pocket."

Jen's Experience:  I first heard about this lip gloss in the back of an Allure magazine, when a celebrity said that all she had in her purse was a tiny tube of Lola Lip Gloss.  I was lusting after the Lola Gloss Menagerie, which contains 12 different shades, but I decided in the end to try out just a single tube.

The tiny little tube really is a great feature of this lip gloss, but the first thing I noticed about this gloss is the tremendous taste.  I'm not normally a fan of spearmint, but the flavor of the Lola lip gloss is so delicious and powerful that I actually feel fresher when I put it on.  The other fantastic thing about this gloss is that it is really long lasting.  After the shininess goes away, the color sticks around but it doesn't soak up all the moisture in my lips.   I just wish I had picked out a different color.  I thought that the Love shade looked nude through the tube, but alas, it was a whitish pink. 

Retail Price: $16.00 (Sephora)

Rating:

What They Say: "Our ultra-shiny gloss gets even sexier with a romantic dose of shimmer."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: Let me preface this by saying, if you've tried the clear version of Victoria Secret's gloss, don't assume they are equal. In my experience, that stuff is pure STICKY. But the shimmer version is much more comfortable and wearable, and quite pretty. The flavors aren't bad at all - some yummier than others. It's definitely more of a novelty gloss, and doesn't have super staying power...but it's fun and tasty for something different.

Retail Price: 2/$10.00 (victoriassecret.com)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "These double-ended wands contain a double-duty, long-lasting (up to 6 hours) lip stain on one end and a sheer, candy-kissed gloss at the other. Here's your pretty-pucker insurance policy when the hassled of reapplying just isn't realistic."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: This being my first real experience with a lip stain, it took a little while for me to get the hang of this, but once I did it was worth it. First of all, and I CANNOT stress this enough, don't even THINK of wearing this unless you have thoroughly exfoliated your lips. If you don't, the stain will adhere most to any bit of dry skin, and will be splotchy. Once you have smooth, soft lips, do one of those oh-so-attractive open-mouthed smiles and apply some stain more toward the center of your bottom lip, and immediately smoosh your lips together to spread it around. Add as desired, but I think this stuff looks best with less applied. The stain is minty-cool and takes about 20 seconds or so to dry out. Let it dry completely, and then apply the sheer gloss. The only thing I noticed here was that it's really hard for me to get much gloss on the sponge. Once on, the gloss really transforms the look into a soft, pretty popsicle-stain-for-grownups effect. And it truly does last...through most of the work day, through a Wendy's Classic with Cheese, and several cups of tea. Just re-apply the gloss if it gets a bit dry.

Retail Price: $20.00 (sephora.com)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "These silky-soft, cushiony lip glosses add shine and suppleness to any look."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: SUPER soft, light and pretty - this is practically the ideal nude gloss, and trust me, I've searched high and low for something I can say that about. Attractive case with a sponge applicator. Feels great and adds the perfect shine. I'm in love.

Retail Price: $21.00 (sephora.com)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "Maintain supple kissability with our natural fruit flavored glosses. Available in cherry, lemon lime, raspberry and strawberry. .25 oz."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: For me, this product line has been hit and miss. I love some things, and don't really fall in love with others. But you know me and lip gloss, so I had to find out about this. I have the cherry flavor (though I secrety wished I had tried the lemon-lime which I may still do). Texture is very soft, and it smells good going on. However, there is no real flavor once you're wearing it and the yummy smell goes away, too. It doesn't feel very substantial (though it does soothe), and I guess I sort of wanted more of a balm consistency. Also, it didn't last a very long time like some balms or glosses do. However, the subtle shine is pretty for clean-face days and it's something you can get lots of for little money to keep your lips hydrated.

Retail Price: $3.50 (burtsbees.com and a wide range of stores everywhere)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "The portable tube and sponge wand make applying these pigment-dense glosses a snap."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: This is one of the two new shades Nars has come out with recently in their gloss. I've never tried it, so of course being a lipgloss fiend like myself I had to get some. My experience with it so far has been fairly positive. There isn't a taste to it at all - which is better than a bad one. The texture is completely not sticky - perhaps the least sticky lip gloss I've ever tried. So, plus on that point. And of course, the color is pretty. However, I've noticed it disappearing into the lips quickly with a blurry edge, and wouldn't exactly describe it as "pigment-dense". The consistency is actually quite thin. Great range of colors, though. If you prefer something completely natural-feeling with a sheer finish, this could be your best bet. Or try these over your lipstick for added oomph.

Retail Price: $22.00 (sephora.com)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "This ultra-shine gloss illuminates lips with a hint of sheer dazzling color. It gives a look of fresh brilliance when worn alone. Use over lipstick to soften or enhance lip color.
To Use: Using the applicator tip, apply gloss directly over the lips. Can be used alone or in combination with lipstick for a shimmery finish.

New Shades!
(G12) Mango Passion: juicy, fresh, tropical orange
(G13) Red Coral: translucent, brilliant coral
(G14) Pretty Pink: clear pink with luscious sheen"

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: I know this is a bit pricey for a gloss, but it's completely gorgeous, and I am really thrilled with it. It's a grown-up gloss, for when you have the money to splurge. I have Red Coral, one of the new spring shades. It is super-shiny and luscious-looking. My husband said "Hey, your lips look really sexy!" the first time he saw it on. Very sheer, so don't be afraid of the color in the tube. Not too sticky and wears well alone or with lipstick.

Retail Price: $20.00

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "Coat lips with a glistening, glassy color with these innovative tube glosses. Just a gentle squeeze of the tube sends a wash of sexy shine over lips. The convenient applicator tip makes perfecting your pout goof-proof! Available in cream and shimmer shades."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: First, the plus side: these glosses come in an amazing array of very pretty colors. The negatives: the taste is not that great (I tried, but just couldn't make myself keep it on any time I pulled it out of my drawer) and it feels very slick and a bit gloppy. If you can deal with the flavor issue, it might help you enlarge your gloss color options, otherwise, keep walking.

Retail Price: $10.00 (www.sephora.com)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "Shine on, bright stars... XXX Shine Cooling Lip Gloss combines a zip of peppermint with lots of shine to create a super-sassy lip treat that's definitely got some spark to it-- your lips will actually tingle! With one minty slick, lips are left lustrous and cool, and breath is instantly refreshed-- a guaranteed recipe for a little canoodling.

Housed in a sleek squeeze tube with a special, styley metal cap, Urban Decay XXX Shine Cooling Lip Gloss comes in seven gleaming variations. Layer on the shine with Urban Decay XXX Shine Cooling Lip Gloss... because luscious lips will always be in style!"

Jen's Experience:  I found this awesome lip gloss while shopping in New Orleans at Fifi Mahoney's, a fabulous wig and makeup shop.  I tried it on and abolsutely had to have it.  In the container, it looks like it will be bubblegum colored, but on my lips, it was almost nude or a little darker.  It's very thick, so it takes a little getting used to, but I absolutely love the peppermint tingle when you first put it on.  This is a fantastic gloss for a night on the town -- it lasts a long time and it really makes your lips look flawless.  My only complaint is that my hair is attracted to it like a magnet.

Tips:  Wear alone or on top of a lip stain or penciled in lips.

Retail Price: $15.00 (www.UrbanDecay.com)

Rating:

What They Say: "Intense frost and shine for lips. Cool array of hottest colours in a convenient, easy-to-use case.

Gel texture imparts a shimmery, ultra-glossy look. New shades add extra sparkle and shine.

Water-resistant formula for extremely long-lasting wear. Vitamins C and E protect against free radicals. Automatic wand applicator for easy application. Dermatologist tested.

Sleek on alone for a glamorous glimmer. Or use over lipstick to intensify colour and shine."

Jen's Experience:  I stopped at the Chanel counter to look at some of their other products (which will be coming up in future reviews).  The Chanel representative tried this gloss on me and I absolutely fell in love.  It's got a great pinky nude color that is really trendy right now.  It doesn't look super shiny and glossy, but it will give your lips a nice polished sheen.  I've been complimented on my very natural looking makeup when I wore it, but I've also used it at night to compliment smoky eyes.  The consistency is very thick, and does have a tendency to stick to your hair when you first apply it.  It seems to last 2 or 3 hours for me if I don't eat or drink anything.

Rating:   

What They Say: "A sublime twist of color and shine. All the rich color and brilliance of Pure Color Lipstick in a dimensional gloss. Goes way beyond shine to lavish your lips with intensely vibrant, ultra lustrous, full-volume color. Striking, sophisticated case is quite chic.

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: Estee Lauder lipsticks have never been my favorite necessarily. But my grandmother actually works at an Estee counter, and she bestowed several awesome samples upon me at Christmas, this gloss being one of them. I must say, my first thought upon applying it was "Wow. Estee Lauder finally has something that smells GOOD." It was like fruit - being that my shade was Cherry, that made sense. Now, it didn't exactly taste good enough to eat, but how many glosses actually do? It was pleasant enough. I really liked the texture of the gloss - not too sticky or heavy, and the shine really was a plus just like they touted. Although, I would have liked it to stay put a bit longer.

Retail Price: $20.00 (esteelauder.com)

DeLush Rating:

Because who doesn't need a special lip gloss just for shopping?

From the BeneFit website: "Kitten’s adorable lip shine is a purr. . .fect compliment to her shopping powder. This delightfully coppery-flecked rose lip gloss gives the words “charge-it” a sexy new meaning."

My Experience:  I got this as a birthday present from someone who really appreciates the fun in trying out new beauty products.  I use this gloss for shopping and going out on the town.  It's a litle too glittery to wear to work.  It will brighten your whole face and has great staying powder.  However, the texture is kind of gooey, so you'll have to take care when applying it in public not to make a mess of your fingers.

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Reviewed By: Jen

What They Say: "Two high-powered effects - Lustre and Glass - in one new lip finish, and a collection of 12 extraordinary shades. This amazing ornamental finish shines the lips with hi-shine overlaid with various tones of pearlized glaze. Beyond sexy. Transcends all known shine."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: I shy away from anything that might be construed as "shimmer" for the most part. But I am such a huge fan of MAC Lipglass that I'll try on almost anything of theirs. My husband actually bought the first one of these I had in Wonderstruck for Christmas. In my opinion, MAC just can't go wrong with the Lipglass concept and this formula is no exception. I love the soft shade and pretty sheen. Not really a "shimmer", which made me very happy. It's a grown-up pretty. Plus, they always taste so good! A bit less thick than normal Lipglass, this may be a good option if you want something a bit lighter in texture. It also applies with a brush instead of sponge applicator.

Retail Price: $14.00 (maccosmetics.com)

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What They Say: "A unique lip gloss available in a wide variety of colours that can create a high gloss, glass-like finish or a subtle sheen. Designed to be worn on its own, over Lip Pencil or Lipstick, Tinted Lipglass is the perfect product for creating shine that lasts. It's pigmented, very shiny and can impart subtle or dramatic colour. It contains Jojoba Oil to help soften and condition the lips. Tinted Lipglass is packaged in a convenient bottle with a sponge tip applicator that provides a quick, smooth, even application."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: Here's a tip: If you don't want to feel what's on your lips, don't even think about getting this. But in my opinion, you'd be missing out, because I used to feel that way, too. Sure, this gloss is a bit thick, but it's not super-sticky and wears so well and is so incredibly pretty that you'll surprise yourself over how quickly you get used to it! I certainly became an addict very soon after getting my first tube. I now own Lipglass in Oh Baby, Viva Glam V, and Enchantress - so far. I also hear that Prrr is Paris Hilton's favorite lip gloss. There's a shade for everyone, and it's got a very pleasant flavor. The different shades allow for different levels of glam impact. Heck, some of these shades would look just as great in the grocery store as in a club. My advice to you? Get at least one.

Retail Price: $14.00 (maccosmetics.com)

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I got this to wear to a formal wedding on top of some Dior lipstick.  It is a wonderful duo, and I use this whenever I want to look extra snazzy and polished.

What They Say: "Ultra glossy, crystal clear formula for a super shiny look. Perfect over anything with a hint of tingly peppermint. All in a convenient little tube."

My Experience: I absolutely love this product.  Not just because it smells good (although that always gets bonus points from me).  Not just because it tingles when you put it on even over lipstick (although tingling is a sign to me that something is working.  Yes, I know that it's just menthol.)  No, I love it because it makes my lips look really three-dimensional in a glossy sort of way.  I can't explain it.  It just makes lips look perfect.  And it makes your lipstick last for hours.

Tips:  It is really sticky.  You will want to avoid kissing people on the cheek and stuff like that when you are wearing it.

Rating: , only because of its extreme stickiness

Reviewed By: Jen

What They Say: " Takes your lips to the next level of shine, transforming them in a way you once only fantasized about. Your choice of 5 fantasy finishes, 17 ultra-sexy shades.
Sheer: completely clear with a liquid glass-like shine.
Creamy: pure, intense color with a wet, glossy shine.
Shimmering: subtle hint of color with a reflective sparkle and shine.
Metallic: an incredibly full, rich shine of pure metallic color.
Iridescent: glitzy glow with soft, sheer color and a pearlized shine."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: Like possibly some of you, I was hesitant to try anything in Victoria's Secret's makeup line. I mean, they've already got the whole lingerie thing, right? What qualifies them to produce quality makeup? But then, you have to give them props on their body lotion fragrances, so I thought I'd give it a try and see if they'd been able to accomplish something in the beauty department. I got two of these lip glosses: Creamy finish in Lilly, and Shimmering finish in Ashley. I liked their neutral tones and tested them all out on my poor hand before I finalized my choices. My overall decision on these glosses is that while not as long-lasting as some other well-established lines (MAC, Clinique, etc.), they looked really pretty on and didn't wear off right away. They didn't have taste especially good though, which was a negative for me.

Retail Price: $11.00 (victoriassecret.com and in stores)

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Here I thought lip glosses were going out of style again after reading the last few issues of beauty mags, which would have been a shame, because I finally found gloss that meets my every wish.  All I needed was to take a look at the Sephora Top 10 to see that my assumption was totally false.  Now that it's clear that not everyone has given up their love of shiny lips, I'll tell you the gloss I've been using is Clinique Glosswear for Lips in Stellar Plum.

What they say: "Have fun with a brand new look in lip colour! More than just gloss, this sheer-to-moderate colour delivers unbelievable, 3-dimensional sparkle and shine. Lightweight and enriched with emollients so lips feel comfortable. Available in a range of six shades with an easy to use applicator.quot;

My Experience:  I almost didn't try it on because it looked too dark and way too...sparkly.  There is little worse than dark lipstick with a high gloss layer.  But when I put it on, it brightened my eyes, it gave color to my lips without being obvious, and all the sparkliness just blended in.   One of the problems that I have encountered with glosses is that they often don't last long at all, and suck all the moisture out of your lips in the process.  I won't say that this lasts as long as a quality matte lipstick, but it really does last longer than other glosses I've tried.  I've tried only one shade so far, but it is available in a multitude of colors and formulas.

Tips:  This gloss looks great by itself.  It looks very gummy if you try to later it on top of another color.  Ask the representative at the Clinique counter if you can try a few different shades to find the one that's right for you.  In my case, my gut instinct on the right shade was all wrong.

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Reviewed By: Jen