Lipstick. Lipgloss. Lipbalm. What do all of these things have in common (except for the obvious prefix)? They are all some of my greatest loves. If you played a word association game with anyone who knows me and you said “Mindy”, they would most likely answer “lipstick.” “Gorgeous” isalso astrong possiblility. I always have several lipsticks, glosses or balms on my person, at the ready, at any given point in time. Lipstick is also the first thing I put on in the morning before applying anything else to my face. I often find that I use considerably less makeup if I’ve started with lipstick. I wholeheartedly believe thata beautiful color on your lips can absolutely transform your entire look. If I were going to be stranded on a desert island and could only bring one thing (besides Ryan Reynolds, duh)I would bringa lipstick with an SPF.

So, I wanted to share some of my favorites with you. I don’t really have any application tips because it’s a pretty self-explanatory tool. The only tip I would share is that it’s important to choose the right color. Like blush (as explained in an earlier blog entry) choosing the wrong lipstick color can both age and date you. I also believe that some deeper colors are best brought out for special occasions. That being said, I’ve never been one to pull off an ultra-nude lip. I always want some color on my lips. Here are a few you should try:

For an everyday lip:

Neutrogena MoistureShine Soothing Lip Sheers (Plum Kiss)– This is an awesome lip sheer. It’s very moisturizing with a sheer coat of color. It also has an SPF of 20 and contains Vitamin E for extra moisturizing benefits.

Clinique Almost Lipstick (Black Honey)– This has been around forever and is still going strong. The dark color of the lipstick is, at first, a little intimidating but it is actually a very wearable, lightweight, glossy shade. It’s my reach-in-the-purse and apply-without-a-mirror lipstick.

Avon SlickTint for Lips (Glossy Wine)– You guys, these are 99 cents on Avon.com! 99 cents! And I love them. This slick little lip balm gives a beautiful color without drying out your lips. They do have a tiny bit of a strange, chemical taste but the color payoff is worth it! And did I mention they are 99 cents? If you sign up for newsletters on Avon’s website you can shop without a representative and will receive free shipping codes via email all the time!

All-Natural:

Burt’s Bees Lip Shimmer (Watermelon, Rhubarb, Fig)– I always have a couple of these around. Although they do not contain any SPF they do contain peppermint oil so they give your lips a littel zing while providing beautiful sheer color.

100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Lip Glaze– I discovered this line of cosmetics one boring Sunday morning while watching QVC (I will admit I am a beauty show junkie). I was intrigued by the idea of natural cosmetics which use fruit pigments for color. This stuff rocks! And it’s totally pure! Um, 100% pure!

For special occasions (like anytime I leave the house or feel like wearing a good ol’ lipstick):

Smashbox PhotoFinish Lipstick– Okay, I admit these are pretty expensive lippies. But I did place them under the “special occasions” category. And, they are just awesome. Non-drying, beautiful colors, yummy lips.

Clinique Colour Surge Butter Shine Lipstick– This stuff is awesome! It feels really good on your lips with the moisture of a gloss but the color intensity of a lipstick. And in true Clinique-fashion, lots of pretty colors!