Lip Service

Does anyone else wonder how much Angelina Jolie spends a year on lipsticks, gloss, and lip moisturizers? It's very possible that I'm the only one who spends even one second on this train of thought. But seriously, look at that:

Her lips are gigantic, and you never see them looking chapped or dry or really, anything less than totally sexy and fabulous (is it obvious yet that I have a total girl-crush on Angelina?) Maybe she has a personal assistant whose sole job is lip maintenance. As an A list celebrity, she may have that luxury. The rest of us poor schlubs have to work a little harder to keep ourselves lookin' fly.

My all time number one favorite product is
Burt's Bees Beeswax Lipbalm

I first started using this product like, ten years ago when I worked at Tower Books. Back then, Tower was the only place around that sold the stuff. Now, of course, every beauty mag touts the genius of this balm. Pssht. I'm so ahead of you, Glamour. Since the first time I used this stuff, I've never been without it. Nothing else I've ever tried has made my lips so soft and healthy. It's got a great, minty scent and it's filled with tingly goodness. Burt's Bees now has a wide variety of scents and flavors, but it's the original that I love the most. It'll be the best $3 you've ever spent.

As for adding some color to my lips, I prefer a nice gloss in the spring/summer and a lipstick in the winter/fall.
I happen to love the Revlon Super Lustrous Lipgloss

The above are my two favorite colors; Nude Lustre and Pearl Plum. Nude Lustre has a really pretty pink undertone and is perfect for the summer months. I particularly like to wear this gloss when I go heavy on the eyemakeup. Nothin' hotter than a smoky eye and a nice, glossy nude lip. The Pearl Plum has a bit of glitter in it, but nothing overwhelming. It's a good basic every day shade. This lipgloss is poppin' and it goes for about $6.50.

In the winter and fall, a lipstick just feels more appropriate than a gloss. I prefer dark reds, and the Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick in Bordeaux is one of my favorites.

The color is so dark and rich and wearing it makes me feel very old Hollywood glamorous. It goes on nice and smooth and doesn't ever feel to globby or gross. You can usually find this brand for just under $4.

Beauty Tip
It's really easy to use the shades already in your makeup bag to create varying shades and effects. For instance, if you want a darker, matte shade, prime your lips first with a dab of your foundation. Then use a nude lip liner to create the desired shape. After that, apply the lipstick, pressing a little harder than usual. Blot, then dab on a bit more lipstick again. Voila! Not only will you get the matte look, but the lipstick will stay on longer than normal.

Maybe you want a dewy, fresh look. Start by slathering on your Burt's Bees Lipbalm. Then apply the lipstick using the tip of your finger. Dab dab dab the color on, and then follow that with a nice, sheer gloss.

You'll be amazed at how many different looks you can achieve using just a few colors. Don't be afraid to play around and experiement!

Beauty Tip Two
Lips lookin' kinda dry or flaky lately? Don't worry about it. Before bed, use your toothbrush to scrub the dead skin from your lips. Then use a washcloth to remove any excess grossness. Immediately apply your favorite lipbalm (ahem, like Burt's Bees. I can't push this stuff enough.) Your lips will not only be soft and flake free, but the vigorous brushing will also make your lips red and full, so this is also a good trick to perform before going on a date.