What It Is:
Lise Watier Lip Kiss Crayon Gloss Pencil in Tender Pink and Melon Twist

Why This Should Be in Your Bag:

Every girl I know loves lip products. They are fun, often smell and taste great (don’t eat them though!) and can instantly transform your look. Seriously, look at yourself before and after applying your fave lippie; you get a glow!

Lise Watier is a niche brand from Quebec, Canada, specializing in high-quality cosmetics and skincare. Their Lip Kiss Crayon Gloss pencil is one of my favorite products from the brand and I’m excited to share it with you!

How To Use It:
Even though most lip products are fairly no-brainer (swipe and smush lips together, you’re good to go!), this one is even more so. It’s gloss housed in pencil form, which isn’t really unique anymore, but makes application a breeze. I can safely say I apply these without a mirror often, and I never end up with clown lips.

Tender Pink is gorgeous, light pink that barely lightens my pigmented lips. I love it; it looks perfect with every eye look! Melon Twist is a very light peachy-coral that I found myself constantly wearing in the summer. It tints your lips slightly more orange and looks great with a tan.

(L-R: Tender Pink, Melon Twist)

CC Rating: B-

I like the Lise Watier Lip Kiss Crayon Gloss pencils. The formula is wonderful: moisturizing and shiny, almost more like a tinted balm than a true gloss. It’s totally non-sticky, but adheres to my lips and gives me about two hours of wear. It’s a comfortable lip product and I find myself reaching for it as a “default,” because these two shades always look good.

My only complaints are the price and the design. For $18, you’re getting .10oz of lip product. That’s very, very little. I also find that I go through these quite quickly, because the formula is soft and requires several swipes for pigmentation. They’re not the best for babes on a budget. Also, I would much prefer if the pencils were twist up (like tarte Lipsurgences). If you don’t already have a larger-sized sharpener, you will need to get one for these. Lipgloss is messy and a pain to sharpen, with lots of product wasted.

Like I said, I like these. But I certainly don’t love them. If Lise Watier added a bit more product, in a twist-up tube, I think these could jump into the As instead of hovering in low Bs. They’re available at Lise Watier’s website and some specialty drugstores.

What It Is:
Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector

Why This Should Be in Your Bag:

I have a love/hate relationship with lip glosses. While I love the color and shimmer they impart, they are often too garish and suck the moisture right out of my lips.

Clarins is obviously one of my favorite brands and have come up with a genius solution to our problem. Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector is a lip “gel” packed with 3D microshimmer, designed to accentuate your lips and make them look naturally fuller.

(L-R: 01 Rose Shimmer, 02 Peach Shimmer, 03 Beige Shimmer)

(02 Peach Shimmer on my lips)

How To Use It:

This lipgloss is housed in a convenient squeeze tube, with a slanted applicator. The applicator has some fuzz on it (never really understood the reasons behind that), but it’s super, duper easy to apply. The three shades that this comes in are very sheer, so you don’t need a mirror. Swipe on the gloss, smush your lips and go!

CC Rating: A+

I’m not sure if I’ve ever sung the praises of a lipgloss/balm so highly. Seriously, I would toss out almost every other lip product I own in favor of these bad boys! They are SUPER moisturizing, non-sticky and make your lips look luscious.

The taste is a sweet, caramel-y one, but I don’t find it overbearing in anyway. And don’t fear — if you happen to get some in your mouth, they also taste good! The three shades all look very similar on my highly-pigmented lips, but for someone who has pale lips (or if you wear a neutral lippie underneath), the distinct colors will definitely show through. If I had to pick a fave, I would go for 01 Rose Shimmer. My cool-toned skin likes cool-toned pinks like this one. Plus, it was my first and there is always something sentimental about your first in a range you love!

There is literally nothing wrong or to be improved on these. Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfectors are actually perfect and I will be purchasing them for the rest of my life. They’re $21 a pop, and readily available on Clarins website, so don’t delay!

[Need some new makeup but not sure what to buy? Check out Alex's other beauty reviews here.]

What It Is:
Anastasia Kisses on my List Lipgloss Set

Why This Should Be in Your Bag:

Holiday 2011 is in full-swing people! That means your nearest Sephora and Ulta will be full of fun gift sets. I love sets of makeup; they are usually value-priced, meaning you get mega bang for your buck and it’s fun to see what companies pair together!

Anastasia is a brand created by the brow guru of the same name. They’ve expanded into makeup and are offering up a steal of a deal: six full-sized lipglosses for $30, while they are regularly $21 each! And three of the shades are only available in this set!

How To Use It:
The most unique part about these glosses is the applicator. It’s like a mini, plastic spatula instead of the usual brush or doe-foot applicator. At first, it’s hard to get used to, but after it proves to be quite handy and allows for precision application. Nice one, Anastasia!

Anastasia describes the six glosses as Sugar Pink (petal pink), Guava (pink nude with opalescent shimmer), Barely (nude beige), Nectar (pale pink shimmer), Lychee (sheer pink with gold shimmer) and Cameo (pearl with silver shimmer). Check out the swatches in daylight and with a flash below – I think the descriptions are pretty spot on (although what constitutes “petal” pink?).

(L-R: Sugar Pink, Guava, Barely, Nectar, Lychee, Cameo)

(and here is Sugar Pink on my lips)

CC Rating: A+

Anastasia Kisses on my List gift set filled with six Hydrafull glosses is a fairly good bargain. The glosses are smooth and easy to apply. They don’t leave my lips feeling the least bit dry, but are very, very sticky. I haven’t used them religiously enough to say that they hydrate or firm my lips, but they are nice, long-wearing glosses. They have a sweet-ish scent that isn’t overwhelming or too chemically.

My only complaint – the color selection. I have very pigmented lips and only three (Sugar Pink, Barely, Guava) of the six shades add any color to my pout. That being said, girls with pale lips will see a difference from five to six of the glosses. I have been using them to layer over lipsticks and I’m liking some combos I’ve found, so not all is lost! Considering the value, even is you only use three of the glosses and give the other three away as gifts, you’re still coming out ahead.

The Anastasia Kisses on my List gift set is a great introduction to the brand’s Hydrafull glosses. It would make an awesome gift for a girlfriend or anyone who likes makeup (just make sure they’re okay with sticky glosses). At $30, you really can’t go wrong! The set is available from Sephora.

[Need some new makeup but not sure what to buy? Check out Alex's other beauty reviews here.]

What It Is:
Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tars in Pageant and Grandma

Why This Should Be in Your Bag:

I’ve sang the praises of lip products enough: they add color to your look, brighten your face and are just plain fun! I have a huge collection of lipstick and lipgloss, mostly because I can’t resist all the pretty pinks and corals lip products come in.

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics is a line created by David Klasfeld. I wondered about the strange brand name and easily found the answer on their website: “I did and the result is a line obsessively crafted from the finest ingredients possible, to celebrate the driving compulsions of makeup fanatics everywhere.” This entire line is also Vegan-friendly (I’ve received questions about this and will try to include it in future articles). OCC’s Lip Tars are their cult-status item and being a lip junkie, I had to test drive a few!

How To Use It:
As far as shades go, Grandma is a very true coral color, while Pageant is a purpley pink. For having “tar” in the name, these are surprisingly runny, but super pigmented. I recommend squirting a bit on the back of your hand or a makeup palette and applying with a lip brush. You can also mix shades using this method! Go sparingly at first – you can layer for more intensity but it’s hard to take them off!

(L-R: Pageant, Grandma)

CC Rating: B-

The color selection and pigmentation of the Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tars is superb. There’s an assortment of nudes, pinks and corals, but also unusual shades like blue and black. Definitely geared towards the makeup artist community, but still consumer friendly. The $13 price tag is also a steal, considering it would take me YEARS to ever use one up!

Unfortunately, I wasn’t super impressed by the Lip Tars from OCC. Yes, they deliver on pigmentation and staying power, but I also found them to be quite drying and really clingy to patches of skin on my lips. Re-application was also tricky and I found myself carrying around a lip brush — super inconvenient. They don’t feel pleasant to wear and are, in fact, a bit irritating. Unless you slather them on, they dry on the more-matte side and I needed to add a clear gloss for some shine. I could see me using these for special nights out or costume parties, but not everyday.

You can find them at Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics!

[Need some new makeup but not sure what to buy? Check out Alex's other beauty reviews here.]

Why This Should Be in Your Bag:
One of makeup’s biggest mysteries is which lipsticks and lipglosses go together. Often, I think two colors will be complementary, but once I get them home and try them on, they couldn’t be farther from “matching.” BECCA has created a foolproof palette that contains a dual lip & cheek creme and lipgloss in matching shades, and they’ve also tossed in a highlighter, so your lip and cheek looks are completely covered.

In this palette you get a lip & cheek creme in Nectar (tawny peach), a lipgloss in Sunrise (sheer peach) and highlighter in Narcissus (opalescent peach). Clearly, BECCA is going with a peach theme here, but I think the color descriptions are pretty bang-on.

Sunrise, Nectar, Narcissus

How To Use It:
The palette comes with a mini lip brush that works great for applying both lip products. Swipe on the lip & cheek creme in Nectar, followed by the lipgloss in Sunrise, for a nice, bright lip. The gloss really kicks it up a notch, so if you’re looking for more subdued, just wear the lip & cheek creme.

As for your cheeks, the lip & cheek creme blends great. I like to use my finger (after washing of course!) and smear some color on my cheeks, followed by highlighter on my upper cheekbones. Voila!

CC Rating: B+
As always, BECCA delivers on quality. The lip & cheek creme is super creamy, making it easy to use on both lips and cheeks. It blends well and when buffed out with a neutral toned powder (I used MAC “Her Own Devices”), it imparts a beautiful, year-round flush for your cheeks. This combo has become a new favorite “cheek” look of mine, but unfortunately, just wouldn’t translate in any photos.

Although I do like the lip combo, I have a hard time wearing it on my wintery, pale skin. It’s just a tad too warm. I’m excited to try it out in the summer time, but think that for right now it might have to stay in my drawer. However, tanned beauties will find it lovely and can definitely work it year round!

Overall, for a cheek look, this palette gets an A+. However, the lip look is a bust for winter, so that is what is holding this product back. If it’s still available come spring/summer, I think it would be a smart buy. Again, BECCA price tags aren’t the lowest out there, but the quality is good and worthy!

[Need some new makeup but not sure what to buy? Check out Alex's other beauty reviews here.]

[Disclaimer: This product was provided to me for review purposes.]

What it is: BECCA Glossy Lip Tints in Island Dream & Afterglow

Why this should be in your bag
Let’s face it: lipgloss is just a makeup staple. There is a rare brand here and there that doesn’t offer it (what is wrong with those people!?), but lipgloss is undeniably one of the most popular cosmetic products out there. Hence why I’m constantly on the search for the perfect formula!

BECCA’s Glossy Lip Tints are touted as “A long lasting translucent gloss that delivers radiant shine with a splash of color. Deliciously scented with a hint of strawberry parfait, this luxurious formulation is silky-smooth and completely non-sticky.”

How to use it
Because these BECCA tints are pretty sheer, I was expecting them to only be good for over-lipstick wear, but I’m also really liking them on their own! Island Dream is a soft, purpley-pink with micro-shimmer, while Afterglow darkens my already-pigmented lips slightly and gives them a golden sheen.

Like I said, feel free to swipe these on alone, but also look for great lip combos! Check out Afterglow over a true-red and Island Dream over baby pink.

(Island Dream, Afterglow)

CC Rating: A

These are getting an A if only because I’m so surprised by them! When I first saw BECCA Glossy Lip Tints, I thought, “Oh just another lipgloss,” but these truly stand out from the pack! They are not too sticky, but have good staying power and add an ever-so-delicate shimmer along with color (depending on the shade). I’m a shimmer-phobe but I have no problem handling these. They’re not over-the-top at all and can even be worn to class.

Available in 25 colors, you will never have a problem finding a shade to suit your needs. Some may find the $23 price tag a bit hard to swallow, but you’re getting quality product from the packaging down to the gloss!

[Looking to overhaul your makeup bag? Check out Alex's other beauty reviews here.]

Is it just me or is there another “revolutionary” new makeup product introduced every freaking day?! Just walking into Ulta or Sephora (or even Walgreens!) sends many chicas into fits of hysteria, reaching for the nearest brown bag to regulate their breathing. It’s all so overwhelming.

So how can you know which product – among the sea of thousands – is the best? Which does what you need it to do? Which ones are worth the extra money? Let me help. I don’t know every beauty product out there, but I’ve tested a lot of them and I’ll let you know which are worth the money and which are not.

(Disclaimer: This product was provided to me for review purposes)

What it is: Urban Decay Lip Junkie Lipgloss in Wallflower

Why this should be in your bag:

I truly don’t know any girl who doesn’t own some form of lip product. Whether it be the standard cherry Chapstick or a fancy MAC Lipglass, girls love to play up and take care of their lips. My collection of makeup is definitely most numerous in lip products so clearly I’m always up for trying something new.

Urban Decay describes their new Lip Junkie gloss as “A decadent lip gloss (with a delicious vanilla-mint flavor!) that allows you to get hooked on the shine, without the sticky hangover.” Sounds pretty great right? One of my biggest peeves with lipgloss is when it’s so sticky that my hair gets stuck in it (Lipglass, I’m looking at you!), so I was really intrigued by this no-stick claim. Thankfully, Urban Decay has pulled through! I’m truly loving their new Lip Junkie Lipgloss. The scent is just sweet enough and the stickiness is at the bare-minimum. With 11 shades, I’m sure everyone can find something they like.

(Swatch of Wallflower.)

How to use it:

Because this gloss doesn’t come with a wand, you need to use the plastic applicator tip. This doesn’t guarantee precision application, but if your shade isn’t too intense (like Wallflower) you shouldn’t need to do any touching up. Wallflower suited my lips perfectly and I find myself constantly reaching for it when I want a nice, neutral pink. Upon application, you feel a slight minty tingle caused by a plumping ingredient, Maxi-Lip. This tingle was totally negligible and didn’t burn like some glosses. As for staying power, well, this isn’t an all-day gloss; I found this definitely required a touch-up after eating or drinking.

(Wallflower on my lips.)

CC Rating: A

Urban Decay Lip Junkie may just be my new favorite lipgloss. Other than the applicator tip (as opposed to a wand), I don’t really have any complaints. In fact, that complaint may be rendered useless, as Urban Decay claims this applicator’s design is superior to many others. It is molded not crimped, which means that it won’t snap off, leaving a mess of goo in your purse.

The 11 shades in this range are super versatile and create a full compliment of lip colors. The tube itself has a gorgeous, sculpted cap and a slim design which means portability. The gloss itself delivers on its promises, although I’m unsure of the plumping power. The scent wasn’t overwhelming and the gloss was just the right amount of sticky. Overall, I was impressed and plan on purchasing this in Crush and Peroxide.

If you’re in the market for a new gloss, give Lip Junkie by Urban Decay a whirl!

[Looking to overhaul your makeup bag? Check out Alex's other beauty reviews here.]

So how can you know which product – among the sea of thousands – is the best? Which does what you need it to do? Which ones are worth the extra money? Let me help. I don’t know every beauty product out there, but I’ve tested a lot of them and I’ll let you know which are worth the money and which are not.]

(Disclaimer: This product was provided to me for review purposes)

What it is: Korres Raspberry Liquid Lipsticks

“Cooling, water-based liquid lipstick rich in line-smoothing, antioxidant Raspberry & Pomegranate extracts to protect against free-radical damage and smooth lip lines for softer, more youthful looking lips.” Comes in 5 shades.

Why this should be in your bag: I love lipstick and lipgloss and this new product by Korres is almost a hybrid. Korres is known for putting out great quality products using lots of natural ingredients, Raspberry Liquid Lipsticks included. They’re chock full of antioxidants and extracts to keep you looking your best. More compact than a lipstick, but delivering super intense color, they are a great option for those on the go. I also find they apply easier than a lipstick and, similar to lots of glosses, don’t require a mirror or intense concentration to apply. They leave your lips colorful and super-shiny.

How to use it: Like I said, these require little concentration and can totally be applied on-the-go. One swipe on the lips gives great color payoff. Although despite the diversity of the 5 shades, I do wish there were more everyday pinks. With the lighter shade I tried (30 – Nude Beige), I would pair an intense smokey eye and bronzer. The bright shade (54 – Fuschia) is totally stand-alone and will work well with cat-eye liner and a hint of blush. Slip them into your purse for touch-ups during the day!

(30 – Nude Beige)

(54 – Fuschia)

CC Rating: A

Although I love the idea of a liquid lipstick, it takes a bit of getting used to. I find myself overlooking these, as they are too shiny for a “true” lipstick and too pigmented for a true gloss. I also wish there were more shades, but perhaps Korres will fill in the gaps eventually. However, when I do reach for these, I’m always pleased with the results. You will have to do a few touch-ups, especially after eating or drinking, but the ease of use ensures that you’re not constantly reaching for your mirror. You get 0.20 ounces in every tube (compared to 0.1 ounce with normal MAC lipsticks), so the value is pretty much bang on. Overall, I like the Korres Raspberry Antioxidant Liquid Lipsticks and will be purchasing when they come out with a wider range of shades.

Is it just me or is there another “revolutionary” new makeup product introduced every freaking day?! Just walking into Ulta or Sephora (or even Walgreens!) sends many chicas into fits of hysteria, reaching for the nearest brown bag to regulate their breathing. It’s all so overwhelming.

So how can you know which product – among the sea of thousands – is the best? Which does what you need it to do? Which ones are worth the extra money? Let me help. I don’t know every beauty product out there, but I’ve tested a lot of them and I’ll let you know which are worth the money and which are not.

(Disclaimer: This product was provided to me for review purposes)

What it is: Too Faced Glamour Gloss in Flirt and Sex Pot

Why this should be in your bag: Lip gloss is an everyday necessity for most girls. It polishes off your look and really pulls everything together. Added bonuses found in some glosses these days are plumpers, which amplify your natural lips, and mint flavorings to give you fresher breath. Too Faced Glamour Gloss happens to be one of these plumping glosses, but it also imparts a cooling tingle and mint flavor that, when applied, lasts for a good while. I tested out Flirt, described as “pinky mocha” and Sex Pot, a “sheer lilac.” In the tube, Flirt and Sex Pot look very dark and intimidating, but they apply surprisingly sheer.

(L: Flirt, R: Sex Pot)

How to use it: Apply your regular makeup, right down to bronzer and finishing powder before applying lipgloss. If you plan on wearing a stain or lipstick to intensify the color, apply that first. Using the wand applicator (it picks up more product than the doe-foot applicator, so be aware!), swipe on Too Faced Glamour Gloss. I find it only takes one or two swipes to get full-coverage. The cooling, plumping sensation will set in almost immediately! Enjoy it, then re-apply throughout the day as needed, especially if your breath needs some assistance.

(Left: Sex Pot, Right: Flirt)

CC Rating: A

Too Faced Glamour Gloss is a good lipgloss and the added plumping power and mint definitely up the ante. The color-range is pretty impressive and there is a good variety of shimmery and opaque shades. I felt like my lips were plumped,  but the cooling sensation was much more comfortable than other plumping glosses I’ve tried. The minty scent was a nice touch too! I loved the packaging of these, especially the giant jewel on the top of the lid, along with the wand applicator. My only complaint would be that it is a bit sticky, which may turn some users off. If you’re a fan of MAC Lip Glass, the texture is very similar, so you would probably really enjoy Too Faced Glamour Glosses.

Is it just me or is there another “revolutionary” new makeup product introduced every freaking day?! Just walking into Ulta or Sephora (or even Walgreens!) sends many chicas into fits of hysteria, reaching for the nearest brown bag to regulate their breathing. It’s all so overwhelming. So how can you know which product – among the sea of thousands – is the best? Which does what you need it to do? Which ones are worth the extra money? Let me help. I don’t know every beauty product out there, but I’ve tested a lot of them and I’ll let you know which are worth the money and which are not.

(Disclaimer: This product was purchased by me for review purposes. Because I can never have too much makeup!)

What it is: NYX Girls Round Lipgloss in Whipped

Why this should be in your bag: A nude lipgloss is a must! It’s perfect for when you’re rocking a dramatic eye or just feel like a change from your usual pink lip. I also find that a nude gloss is a lot softer and easier to wear than lipstick. Whipped is a great nude shade with some hints of pink in it rather than brown, making it good for fair and dark-skinned girls alike! Oh, and it’s cheap, and since I don’t like to wear nude gloss as often as pink, I don’t want it to break my bank.

How to use it: Nude gloss can be applied like any other lip gloss, by simply swiping it across your lip and using multiple applications for more color. If you’re looking for a really nude lip, use a nude lip-liner prior to applying the gloss. Total blank-out as far as color goes. My preferred way to wear this gloss is simply just on my natural lip color. It noticeably lightens and gives a great shine. The applicator is nice too, as I prefer the doe-foot to the wands and makes for easy application.

Spend the cash or simply pass? SPEND. You cannot go wrong with this gloss. I’ve heard complaints about the strange cleaner-like scent of NYX lip products, and have experienced them myself. BUT, it seems that they’ve revamped the formula as 3 of the last 4 I purchased all had new, less-intense scents. So for $2 you’re getting a great lip gloss with good pigmentation, no stickiness and no strange smells. How could you pass this up?

I look forward to purchasing many more of these and found them comparable to much more pricey glosses. Well done, NYX!