My 6 Must-Have Lip Products

I have been obsessed with lip stuff since the days of Bonne Bell Lip Smackers and random sparkly glosses from the Sanrio store. Today, I have a pretty sizable collection of balms, glosses, and lipsticks (most of which, I’ve never used… oops), but there’s a small handful of lip products that I love love LOVE.

Since I work from home, I never wear a full face of makeup on a daily basis anymore; and if I have to leave my apartment for errands and such, I usually just throw on a big @$$ pair of sunglasses. But the lips, honey… lips are always on display, so we need to keep them in tip top shape – even if it’s just a quick slick of moisturizer. With that, I give you my six must-have lip products:

Deep Conditioning: Carmex

During the winter months especially, lips need a serious moisturizing treatment. One lady told me that she has been using Carmex for decades, and credits this non-fussy product for being the reason why she has absolutely no fine lines around her lips – even though she’s over the age of 70. Sold!

Daily Upkeep: Smith’s Rosebud Salve

I have a tin of this stuff in each of my bags. Smith’s Rosebud Salve has been around for more than 100 years, and I use it daily to maintain my pout. I also use it on my cuticles, extra dry spots on my face (damn you, combination skin), and even blemishes.

Plumper: Hydropeptide Perfecting Gloss (Berry Breeze)

I almost don’t wanna mention this one, because it’s my favorite thing in my makeup bag right now and my secret lip plumping weapon. But sharing is caring… I guess. My friend Erin is an esthetician and got me hooked on Hydropeptide when I told her I needed a lip plumping gloss. I love the way it tingles, and it doesn’t have that obnoxious minty scent like a lot of the others. Do I “need” a lip plumper? Mmm… not really. And Erin said I was on crack for even asking her to send it to me. But it looks amazing, the color is awesome, it reduces the look of fine lines/wrinkles, and it does a great job conditioning the lips.

Nude Gloss: Revlon Color Burst Lip Gloss (Bellini)

This was a nice, affordable drugstore find. I was inspired to look for a non-shimmery lip gloss that wasn’t too pink or too nude when I was watching King of Queens, and loved Leah Remini’s makeup on the show. Bellini also looks great when layered over the Hydropeptide plumper.

Shimmery Gloss: Nars Lip Gloss (Orgasm)

When I want a bit more shimmer, I’m all about the cult classic – Nars “Orgasm”. Can’t beat it, and it looks bomb with a tan.

Red Lipstick: Clinique Long Last Soft Matte Lipstick (Matte Crimson)

[Pictured in main image.] I really don’t wear lipstick (in case you couldn’t tell, I’m more of a gloss girl). But for special occasions that call for a glamorous red lip, Clinique’s “Matte Crimson” is the best I’ve found so far. Some matte formulas are too drying, some just make you look aged, while others have weird orange undertones that just make your teeth look yellow. This lipstick, however, is smooth, moisturizing, and has a youthful, universally-flattering shade.