Lip Gloss and Balm

Less color, more shine from lip gloss and lip balm

Lip gloss provides a more subtle look than lipstick offers and is often more moisturizing as well. Lip gloss contains minimal pigment and is mostly oil and wax.

Chanel Glossimer (*Est. $25) tops the charts for lip gloss. Experts at InStyle magazine praise it for being long-lasting but not too sticky. Editors say that it offers just the right amount of color and shine. Glossimer has a gel-like texture that feels great on the lips, according to reviewers at MakeupAlley.com. The downside is that it is expensive for a lip gloss, and Begoun says that its average quality just doesn't warrant the hefty price tag. If you don't mind paying for the Chanel name, she says that the lip gloss comes in a "bevy" of shades -- 28 to be exact.

MAC Lipglass (*Est. $14) is another popular option, which editors at TotalBeauty.com say provides more shine than Glossimer but is also much more sticky. In fact, Begoun claims that Lipglass has a "thick, heavy, syrupy" texture that is not for everyone. Consumers, however, give it high marks at both MakeupAlley and TotalBeauty.com because of its large range of beautiful colors. They also say that it's long-lasting and smells great. Most do note its stickiness, but many say that the resulting shine is worth it. MAC Lipglass is available in 36 shades as well as a clear gloss.

While both lip glosses are highly rated, Chanel Glossimer is chosen as the best more often by both experts and consumers. Still, users tend to prefer one over the other and both serve their purposes equally well. Editors at TotalBeauty.com say that if you like "high shine," go for MAC Lipglass. If you prefer less shine, then Chanel Glossimer is for you. Both lip glosses come in a tube with a sponge-tip applicator.

Experts say that regular use of an emollient (a cream or lotion that softens the skin) lip balm will keep your lips looking their best. Paula Begoun points out that the skin on the lips is the least capable of regulating moisture, especially when the air gets dry. A moisturizing lip balm worn at night, though, "can prevent dry lips all year round," she says. Unfortunately, Begoun claims that many lip balms on the market, including the original ChapStick (*est. $1.50), are not much more than wax coatings that do nothing to moisturize or protect the lips. Several are marketed as "medicated" but contain potentially irritating ingredients like menthol, peppermint oil and eucalyptus. Begoun explains that these products are not good for dry, chapped lips.

Begoun says that Blistex Gentle Sense (*Est. $2) is a good option at the drugstore. She says that it is "very basic, but very good" and is not as greasy as other balms. Gentle Sense contains petrolatum and both shea and cocoa butters which are said to lock in moisture and protect lips from the elements. Consumers at MakeupAlley.com give it a high rating, saying that it moisturizes really well and goes on smoothly.

Burt's Bees is another popular line of lip balms that is praised for using natural ingredients and not testing on animals. Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm (*Est. $3) is especially well-liked, garnering an above-average rating at both MakeupAlley and TotalBeauty.com from thousands of reviewers. Paula Begoun, however, downgrades this formula because it contains peppermint oil, a potential irritant. She recommends Burt's Bees Honey Lip Balm (*Est. $3) instead. Several MakeupAlley.com reviewers say that it smells horrible, though.

Experts recommend using a lip balm with sunscreen during the daytime. Nivea A Kiss of Protection Sun Protection Lip Care SPF 30 (*Est. $2.50) provides a double whammy of moisture and sunscreen. Experts say that lips, like all other skin, are susceptible to damaging sunrays, which can cause drying, chapping and premature aging. A Kiss of Protection contains UVA and UVB blockers, including titanium dioxide, for broad-spectrum protection. It also uses vitamin E along with shea butter and jojoba oil to provide moisture. Several users at MakeupAlley.com say that while they love the extra protection Nivea provides, the Lip Care leaves a white cast on their lips. Some say that it is easily covered with lipstick or gloss, though.

Mary Kay Lip Protector Sunscreen SPF 15 (*Est. $7.50) also provides sun protection, but to a lesser degree and with no noticeable residue. Begoun says that's because Mary Kay adds yellow coloring agents to offset any cast left from the zinc oxide which is used as a sun block. Begoun claims that the Lip Protector is full of emollient ingredients and antioxidants to keep lips smooth. User reviews posted at TotalBeauty.com, though not many, aren't as impressed. While they agree that it works, reviewers say that there isn't anything that sets it apart from other balms and that it is pricey compared to those at the drugstore.