What They Say: Developed by renowned New York Plastic surgeon, Dr. Michelle Copeland, the Lip Protector with SPF provides a powerful blend of antioxidants to prevent chapping, cracking and dryness - all while erasing fine lines around the lip. Plus, it's SPF-15 protects lips from harsh ultraviolet rays.

Apply liberally in the morning. For best results, reapply during the day as needed and again in the evening.

What Lisa Says: It's been extra hot and dry in Texas this summer. Add to that that my favorite lip colors are matte formulas and you can guess how dry and chapped my lips are. I was so happy to see a lip care product to test that not only proved to be soothing but also had an SPF and antioxidants to boot. While I saw no wrinkle reduction around my lip area, I did see a marked improvement in the hydration of my parched lips and the lips themselves were smoother after about a weeks use. I used this product in the morning and again at night. The scent is lightly herbal and it did feel slightly tingly though it wasn't anything close to a lip plumper. It's very soothing, is clear and does not impart a shine, nor does it feel waxy like Chapstick. For those looking to heal chapped lips and/or looking to protect pretty pouts from the sun's harmful rays, I would definitely recommend. I've used my little pot of product for approximately 2 months and I still have over half of my product left. It only takes a tiny amount to do the job.

Retail Price: .25 oz./$18.00 (available here)

Rating:

What They Say: "A two-in-one lip-conditioning and exfoliating stick. On one side, a botanically-derived natural exfoliator, on the other a lip conditioner that moisturizes, nourishes, and soothes the lips. Use to smooth and prep the lips prior to lip colour. Streamlined application: applies flat-on. Features M·A·C's signature vanilla flavour."

Melissa Says: While in theory this is a great idea (as was the dual-ended sugar-based exfoliator and balm combo I tested recently), but in this case it falls just short of perfection. True, the exfoliating side is effective, and the balm side has a yummy scent and leaves lips feeling amazingly soft and nourished. There's just one flaw.

The directions for utilizing the exfoliating side tell you to smooth it over your lips, then rub it with your fingers in a circular motion until all of the dead skin is removed and your lips are smooth, then wipe it all off with a tissue or wet washcloth. While the teeny-tiny black granules combined with moisturizing ingredients are effective, a few of them can tend to travel wayward and can even make their way into your mouth if you're not incredibly careful, and once they do that, between the teeth here or there isn't far behind. Now, this isn't necessarily a given; if you're doing this in front of the mirror, you'll likely be able to avoid this situation, but the possibility takes this product from wonderfully perfect to just really good...except for one thing that makes it less than perfect.

Decide for yourself if you'd like to give this pampering lip product a try.

Retail Price: $14.50 (currently sold out online, but look for it at a retail location near you)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "Sexier on the lips than balm. Silkier than gloss. More protective than naked. A lipcolour that combines soft shine, easy glide, and double-smooth satin finish with an everyday sun protective formula. To treat your lips...Love 'em tender.

Your favourite M·A·C tinted lip balm makes its return this summer. Combines the look of a gloss and the benefits of a balm, with the protection of everyday SPF 12 sun protection. Smoothly satin in texture, and non-sticky. Provides just-enough colour. Conditions, moisturizes, helps to smooth and improve the look of the lips. Features a light, strawberry-kiwi flavour."

Melissa Says: If you just love your lip balms, this may very well be one to add to your list. It's incredibly soft and comfortable, not at all sticky, has a pretty ultra-subtle sheen and has an uplifting but not overpowering scent. It feels more substantial than many simple balms, and lasts a fairly decent amount of time.

If you're a fan of Smith's Rosebud Salve, this is similar in feel but a bit more silky.

Keep in mind that most all shades are only slightly visible when applied; even the more bold ones merely give a slight wash of color. They're obviously more for mild conditioning and appearance than for deeper moisturization, but they serve their purpose. These pots of balm have a more chic feel than plain balm, but are a pretty step between that and gloss.

Retail Price: $14.50 (at maccosmetics.com or at a retail location near you)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "Formulated with strobe pearl, this luxurious lip conditioner combines sheer soft-light-quenched colour with broad spectrum UVA/UVB SPF 15 protection and moisture."

Melissa Says: I am once again In Love.

These tubes of sheer, pretty color make lips look lush and moist, with a gorgeous kiss of pigment. Even when the shine goes away a bit, the lightly luminescent pigment still tints the lips. These are my VERY favorite new non-lipstick day go-to shades.

Pretty, lustrous, sheer and comfortable...what's not to love? Get them now while the collection is being sold.

Retail Price: $14.50 (at maccosmetics.com to purchase and/or to view the 5 gorgeous shades, or go here to find a retail location near you)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "Lip Polish and Lip Conditioner work together for softer, supple lips instantly.

The Lip Care Kit contains two products to create soft, supple lips. The gentle Lip Polish exfoliates and lightly buffs away dry skin cells from the lips while the Lip Conditioner's rich creamy texture moisturizes and hydrates the skin's surface. Together, the Lip polish and Lip Conditioner offer the ultimate protection without being heavy or sticky.

• Provides softer, smoother lip instantly
  
• Gently exfoliates lips
  
• Hydrates without being heavy or sticky
  
• Dermatologically tested

Melissa Says: Say hello to lip comfort with this duo. The Lip Polish feels like creamy sugar crystals and lightly removes dry, flaky skin from lips and leaves them revitalized, and the Lip Conditioner is incredibly emollient. A little of it goes a long way and it stays on lips to keep them comfortable for a long time (it is even glossy and pretty enough to double as a lip gloss). This set should last though many uses, and will keep your lips smooth and glowing.

Retail Price: $22.00 (online here)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "Introducing new Softlips® tinted lip conditioners in rose and bronze. These subtle shades moisturize and protect with SPF 15, while adding some shimmer to your style. Pick up Softlips® rose and bronze today and get ready to flirt with color!"

Melissa Says: I am always up for finding a good tinted lip balm, because I prefer the comfort and ease of a balm for daily wear. This one was a little minty-tingly on my lips immediately after application, but that was actually okay. The shade (I tried Rose) was pale and and kind of frosted-looking (the shimmer was a bit intense). Also, it didn't last especially long or impress me in the moisturizing department.

Retail Price: $2.97 (at drugstore and grocery/superstores)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say:

• Ultra-conditioning balm increases lip volume and adds healthy, natural color
  
• SPF 15 provides total UVA and UVB sun protection
  
• Emollient castor seed oil, shea butter, avocado and sweet almond oil smooth vertical lines and rough texture
  
• No synthetic fragrances

Not tested on animals.

How to Use: With fingertips, apply a small amount to lips. May be worn alone or prior to applying lipstick.

Melissa Says: I really love the subtly pretty, sheer pinkness of this balm - which happens to look as pretty as a light gloss. It takes about 2 hours for before I feel the need to reapply, and it does make lips very soft. However, I didn't notice any plumping or increase in lip volume. If anything, I'd say that the smooth look created by the balm combined with the natural-looking slight flush gives merely a visual appearance of fuller lips. While there are balms I've tried that leave more lasting softness, I do still like this one for its slight color and smoothing shine.

Retail Price: $26.00 (at spas across the U.S. - call 800.433.6650 or go here to find one near you)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say:
"Beauty claims:
This rich Balm helps nourish, repair and relieve even very dry, cracked lips.

Is it for you?:
This is a beauty treatment for all the family, including children from 36 months.

Skin benefits:
Immediate sensation of comfort, with no sticking effect. Even very dry, cracked lips become more supple, softer and perfectly smooth.

How to use:
Apply every day, both summer and winter."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: This is definitely a thick balm, though it's true it's not really sticky. It does have some traction to it, however, and for that reason it would be a great lip primer. Personally, I find this a bit too thick for regular use. It does soothe right away, but I find the texture a bit less than perfect. The thing to remember is that the Rêve de Miel product line from NUXE is honey-based, so that contributes to the thickness. I actually prefer the LUSH Honey Trap balm over this one in terms of softness and lasting comfort. With this one I felt I needed to reapply a bit more often.

Retail Price: $21.00 (at spalook.com)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: “Our intensive, long wear lip balm heals and prevents any chapping without a glossy or waxy residue. Pure fruit oils infused with organic herbs protect your lips from the elements without creating laziness or dependence. Petroleum-free of course.”

Alissa’s Opinion: The description of this lip balm is 100% accurate. It is intensive and protective without any gloss, so it doesn’t look like you’re wearing anything. Although the application doesn’t feel smooth like most balms, the thick texture is beneficial because it is very long lasting. There is a slight citrus scent that wears off quite quickly. This is a good everyday lip balm that I now use for work, at the gym and while sleeping.

Retail Price: $8.75 (Sukisnatural.com)

Rating:

Vasanti recently sent products labeled for us (Melissa and Toya); they'd even taken time to try to make sure we got the best colors for our skin tone! (Melissa) "This was the first time I'd ever heard of or tried anything from the Vasanti product line, and overall I was quite impressed."
(Toya) "I am really pleased with Vasanti Cosmetics, which I’d never even heard of until I received my package from DeLush. I couldn’t find much information on the company, but it’s clear that they strive to fit the needs of every woman, of every skin tone."

All of the following products can be purchased at vasanticosmetics.com. Read on for our individual product reviews.

Vasanti Liquid Cover-Up:
What They Say: "Liquid concealer and foundation in one. Cover only where you want, it blends into the skin without a trace. Gives the skin incredible radiance and feels like you have nothing on at all.

This multi purpose cover-up is an incredible under eye concealer, colour corrector, eye brightener and all over foundation.. It looks so natural on, no one will know you have it on but you.

The formulations work on all skin types and skin tones. It's oil-free and contains active ingredients to hydrate and brighten the skin. The shade range was developed to compliment any skin tone - from the fairest to the deepest."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: While this may not be powerful enough to cover up really prevalent dark circles (it's medium-coverage at best), it does blend away redness (blotchiness or little blemishes) and some darkness under the eyes. I thought it was really smooth and light with very little line-settling (a big plus).

Toya's Take: The Liquid Cover Up comes in a large tube, which I like. It blends nicely, but although the cover up was the same shade as the foundation I tested, it showed up as a bit dark and muddy, so I wasn’t completely happy.

Retail Price: $22.00

DeLush Ratings:
Melissa -
Toya -

Vasanti Face Base:
What They Say: "Shades created specifically for yellow based skin tones.

• Gives you a natural finish of a pressed powder with coverage of a foundation
• Glides on easily and blends right into your skin
• Colors that match your skin tone and add a radiant glow
• Light weight, oil-free and oil absorbing
• Moisturizing
• Non-comodogenic (won't clog your pores)

Comes in a sleek platinum compact with a full face mirror and a sponge for a smooth application."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: I get a little nervous about powder foundations, because they seem to work best for those with nearly perfect skin but look dry and cakey on anyone who wants a little more than a swipe of coverage. This one surprised me a little bit at first. The compact design is truly unique, with a plastic hinged cover inside to protect the powder and a vented bottom underneath the sponge applicator. As far as the formula itself goes, it glides over the skin and gives moderate coverage. However, I did think it looked a little bit dry and I also saw the tendency for it to emphasize fine lines and larger pores, so I think this would work best for those with well-hydrated, smooth skin.

Toya's Take:
The Face Base comes in an ingenious case – very modern looking in plain, brushed silver with the company name on it. When you open it, there’s a large mirror on top and on the bottom half, a large square of foundation powder and a sponge. The foundation powder is covered by plastic, so it doesn’t get on the mirror – it flips down for easy access. The foundation looks very flaky, but it goes on quite smoothly and doesn’t leave your skin overly dry. It dries to a lovely matte finish and it blended in with my skin perfectly.

Retail Price: $24.00

DeLush Ratings:
Melissa -
Toya -

Vasanti Pencils (Toya only):
What They Say: "Our lip and eye pencils contain Orange Wax, Vitamin A and Vitamin E – all of which have antioxidant properties and will fight free radicals while they moisturize. Shea butter and jojoba oil have also been added to ensure a creamy formulation that glides on beautifully and lasts all day."

Toya's Take: This pencil is luscious. Vasanti markets the pencils as both eye and lip appropriate. However, the pencil is so moisturizing that, while it feels wonderfully smooth and creamy when applied to the lips, I think it would lead to quite a bit of creasing if used in the eye area.

Retail Price: $13.00

DeLush Rating: (Toya) (because it would crease as an eye pencil)

Vasanti Tinted Lip Balm:
What They Say: "Hooked on that chapstick? Introducting a lip conditioner that gives just a natural hint of colour. It’s got a silky smooth texture and it protects your lips and gives off an incredible shine!

Our tinted lipbalms are loaded with moisturizers, conditioners and natural sunscreens such as: Shea Butter, Mango Butter, Meadowfoam Seed Oil, Sunflower oil and Olive oil.

The flavours are exotic and fresh- Leaves your lips velvety smooth."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: By far my favorite product of the entire set, this balm is incredibly comfortable and wears like a beautiful sheer lipstick. I LOVE it. This is the first balm I've tried that is packaged exactly like lipstick, and it's really versatile. Whether alone or over lipliner, this feels super-soft and looks lovely. Unlike Toya, I thought that the scent was another highlight of the product, and I'd describe it as slightly fruity - kind of like watermelon. It could be that different shades use different fragrances (I tested Bahamas, a light brown-pink).

Toya's Take: The Tinted Lipbalm is my favorite product of the bunch, except for the ghastly smell! I have no idea what ingredient leads to the stench, but, if possible, Vasanti should remove it, posthaste. How do they expect you to want to apply the product to your lips, which are so close to your nose? God! But, once I got past it, I was thrilled to find that the balm is ultra-moisturizing and the color, while sheer, is more than I expect to find from a tinted lipbalm. I think it would be better classified as a sheer lipstick. Either way, one coat of the Columbia shade, described as “medium neutral brown” was “my lips but better” and two coats gave my lips a beautiful chocolate-y sheen.

Retail Price: $15.00

DeLush Ratings:
Melissa -
Toya -

Vasanti Shimmer Powder:
What They Say: "Loose Powder...apply anywhere you desire. For subtle shimmery highlights. Use as an Eyeshadow, highlighter on your brow bone, cheeks, decolleté or anywhere on your body...use your imagination."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: I'm not really one to use shimmer in lots of places - typically it stays around the eyes for me. But even just in that aspect, this worked pretty well. The color is completely buildable and can be as bold or sheer as you like, and the glow is nice and subtle, not glaring. Used as a full shadow, it does crease a little after a while but holds on about as well as many shadows I use.

Toya's Take: The Shimmer Powder is a bit messy, like any loose powder, but it gives awesome color, sparkle and glow. Thumbs up!

Retail Price: $14.00

DeLush Ratings:
Melissa -
Toya -

What They Say: "ChopSaver: For Musicians With Lips!
Made of 100% natural ingredients, ChopSaver is a combination of shea butter, mango butter and other natural moisturizers. Its secret weapon is a mixture of herbs that promote healing and reduce swelling, chapping and soreness in a natural, gentle way. And the smell is clean yet not overpowering.

It's not just for musicians!

Why? Because it’s made of all-natural ingredients!

• It’s full of herbs that make your lips feel good!
  
• It smells great!
  
• You don’t have to constantly re-apply!
  
• ChopSaver soothes and moisturizes your lips for hours with just one application.

Other uses for ChopSaver:

• Are you or a loved one taking medication that dries you out?
  
• Looking for something to keep your lip stick or gloss in place?
  
• ChopSaver is the answer!

ChopSaver is also terrific for use under your eyes and on cracked fingertips and cuticles.

If musicians trust ChopSaver, shouldn’t you?
Find out what thousands of musicians around the world already know!"

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: I discovered this balm recently during a random search online for some new products to try, and as a former trumpet player for 13 years, I was intrigued. In high school and part of college, I had a Carmex pot everywhere I went. That was one thing that all of us knew could help soothe our worn out and DRIED OUT lips. But that stuff smells kind of nasty and medicinal. So as soon as I saw this I knew that I wanted to check it out for myself.

This balm is not glamourous. It isn't fancy. It's not packaged in a pretty, girly tube (though the design on the tube IS kind of fun). But here's the thing: IT WORKS. It's not too thick but is substantial enough to not disappear after 15 minutes, and it's not sticky or slick. On top of that, it's got a nice lime-like scent that is very uplifting.

As far as I'm concerned, I happened upon a good thing online that day. You really should give this a try - especially if you've had a hard time finding something soothing enough for your lips and are tired of the drugstore options, but don't want to spend a fortune on lip balm.

Retail Price: $14.85 for a three-pack - but you can also buy up to 8 dozen! (available at chopsaver.com)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "Craving coffee? Try one of our freshly brewed vegan lip balm handmade in small batches and with protective ingredients and certified organic coffee beans!

A must have for all coffee lovers!"

Jen's Experience: I hate the thought of getting addicted to balms, and I tend to avoid them unless I absolutely have to use them. But when the weather turned colder these past couple of weeks, I just had to use something, and I was really glad I had this on hand. I received this lip balm as a full-sized sample with some Sevi products I ordered as Christmas presents, and I really couldn't be happier with it. It really works to soften up my lips and prevent the flaking that occurs, but I don't have to carry it around and constantly re-apply. I put it on in the morning and occasionally at night, and my lips are back to normal (which is always a bit dry to me, but a little I can handle). It also works well as a first layer when I'm wearing a lipstick so that it goes on more evenly. I am not a huge fan of coffee flavors in general, but if you're a coffee fan you may very well love the taste as well. Even for non-coffee lovers, you'll find the taste is tolerable I think when you see the wonders it does for your lips.

Retail Price: $6.00 (SeviCosmetics.com)

Rating:

What They Say: "All our lip balms contain only the finest ingredients to moisturize and protect your puckers:
Sweet Almond Oil is used to soften and soothe the lips. Beeswax is used as a natural waterproofing barrier between your lips and harsh elements. It also locks moisture in, keeping your lips soft and supple. Shea Butter is another natural moisturizer. It is derived from the vegetable fat of the karite tree. Vitamin E is a natural preservative. It is commonly used in lip balms to keep them their freshest. Flavors and colors are added to make our balms distinctively Bag Lunch. These butter, velvet-smooth balms go on clear. Pucker up..."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: These are unique, fun and comforting balms with an awful lot of great flavors to choose from. I think they flavors are actually better described as SCENTS, because while each and every one smells sinfully good, they don't necessarily have strong TASTE. There is a hint of flavor, but for me the main sensation is in the (OH SO YUMMY) scent. But this is good, because it satisfies cravings without making me lick my lips into chapped misery! (Some of the choices include Strawberry Milkshake, Chilled Margarita, Pancakes and Syrup, French Vanilla Latte, Red Lollipop, and many more.) I do love these, for their ingeniously spot-on smells/flavors and their incredible long-lasting softness and comfort - they really do last among the longest of any balms I've tried. This is definitely a fun line of balms - try them out!

Another plus: They don't test on animals, and neither do any of their suppliers! Also, they support the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals with their special "Angell" Food Cake lip balm.

Retail Price: $4.00 each (at baglunchco.com or go here to see retail locations)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "This unique lip treatment provides essential long-lasting moisturization to help condition and protect dry, chapped lips. With an exclusive combination of natural oatmeal and natural skin conditioners, including jojoba oil and shea butter, it restores moisture and locks it in long after applying. It contains UVA/UVB sunscreens to protect lips from the sun and is good for daily use."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: What can I say? It's getting colder and my lips are telling me they want to hibernate in lots of lip balms, so I keep finding myself pulled toward them. Some are better than others, some are mostly cute packaging with little benefit. This is fortunately one of the former of the two. This is not a fun, tasty treat for lips (which they say actually causes you to lick your lips more anyway, creating more chapping), but instead is a super-comforting, soft and long-lasting source of lip relief. This is a frontrunner in my balm rotation - it feels amazing and keeps lips moisturized for a really long time. Stock up for winter!

Retail Price: $3.39 (at drugstore.com and drugsores and superstores everywhere)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: (about Happy Talk) "How excited were we when Helen got out a little tray of new lip balms to show us earlier this year? Happy Talk has been safely cloistered away until now, secretly saving its coffee scented shine and softness ready for when we were allowed to tell you all about it. It tastes like Italian espresso with two sugars and reminds us of Milan in springtime. This can only be a good thing." (about Lip Squeak) "We can see our new apple pie flavoured lip balm outselling everything else we've ever made. It is a supremely moisturising, buttery balm with fresh apples, antiseptic lemon balm herb, poppy seed, passion flower and green tea oils. Softening cocoa butter, carnauba and beeswax make your lips feel as smooth as a gigolo dancing Argentinean tango in patent leather shoes on a polished mahogany floor."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: Happy Talk is slightly coffee-scented and creates a soft shine, and also lasts a fairly long time. It's not a deep-down moisturization for lip treatment, but it's nice for every day. I really love the cinnamon-clove scent of Lip Squeak, which wasn't too strong with the tin I tested (some readers commented about this on LUSH's website). I actually like the smell a lot, but find that while the balm feels very soft on the lips, it seems to dry them out a bit more after it wears off (due to the spice?) than they are normally. It also wears off a bit more quickly than I'd like.

Retail Prices: $6.95 each (at lushusa.com or go here for retail locations - international readers go here)

DeLush Ratings:
Happy Talk
Lip Squeak

What They Say: "New! Hypo-Allergenic Formula. No flavors, fragrances, or sensitizing ingredients.

Everyday Care For Sensitive Lips.

Blistex® Gentle Sense™ delivers serious moisturization and protection with a gentle touch that will not irritate sensitive lips. It's gentle enough for everyone, even children, to use everyday!

Clinically tested non-sensitizing formula. Gentle Sense's™ hypo-allergenic formula is rigorously tested and clinically proven to be mild on lips.
No unnecessary chemicals. Gentle Sense™ contains no flavors, fragrances, colors or other unnecessary sensitizing chemicals that can irritate sensitive lips.
All natural moisturizers for gentle hydration. Gentle Sense™ contains two all-natural moisturizers for rich, comforting hydration.

Cocoa Butter - a rich tropical extract that moisturizes and protects dry lips.
Shea Butter - an African nut extract that moisturizes and tones lips while giving them powerful natural anti-oxidant protection.

Satisfaction guaranteed.

Carton is 100% recyclable."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: Say hello to my new carry-it-everywhere balm. The product itself is actually clear. The smoothness and moisture is incredible, and lasts a long time, even through a meal. It's moisture-rich but also lightweight. This is by far one of those things I'd tell all my friends to try. (Which is why I'm telling YOU, silly.)

In fact, I'm wearing it right now. AND it's in my pocket.

Retail Price: $2.19 (at drugstores and superstores everywhere, and on drugstore.com)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "Whatever your oral affliction
(be it chapped lips or sugar addiction)
Tarte has got the Rx for your blues
And it's garnering all rave reviews
Sugar grains scrub your pout smooth
While Vitamin E balm helps soothe
Believe it or not, it's non-fiction
Cause it's not only fact...it's FRxtion

Directions:
Use sugar exfoliator side on dry flaky, chapped lips to smooth out and follow with the vitamin e enhanced balm side to soothe lips."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: Okay, first of all - I don't think you can fully appreciate the fun of the popup mirror built in to this case unless you get to use it in person. Obviously, this would be a godsend for all actual lipstick cases, but I digress.

The sugar side is actually sweet, isn't TOO rough for lips, and still gets the job done. The balm side is very smooth and conditioning, with lasting moisturizing effects for several hours. Another plus is the fact that so far the stick has proven pretty sturdy, which is important considering the fact that you'll be applying more pressure than with other lips balms because you're trying to exfoliate.

Even though this may not be my everyday balm, when I notice that my lips are dry and rough, this will definitely be within hand's reach.

Retail Price: $11.00 (at tartecosmetics.com)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "Use balm to prepare lips then add color for a sheer, moisturizing finish or use lipstick only for intense color stay."

Jen's Experience: From the first day I got this lipstick and lip balm combo from Jemma Kidd, I've been carrying it in my handbag and using it every chance I get. The color I am using, Eve, is ultra-bright against my pale skin, but it works well with the blue undertones in my skin. This color in particular is a dark pink with a hint of purple -- appearing nearly red at times -- so it fits in well with this season's trendy bright lips. It looks matte in the lipstick tube, but is actually quite shiny when applied.

I generally apply the lip balm first since my lips, like my skin, are usually dry. The lip balm portion of this product softens them right up and plumps out the wrinkles so that the lipstick can be applied smoothly. As they mention, the lipstick can also be used alone for a more vibrant color. The color was plenty vibrant for me when I applied the balm underneath, though.

This is definitely one of the best lipsticks I've tried in a long time. The color is great and is long-wearing, and the plumping balm is an added bonus that really makes this lipstick Totally DeLush.

Retail Price: $20.00 (Jemma Kidd Online in the UK, or Neiman Marcus in the US)

Rating:

What They Say: "He will be into you! It is a proven fact that men are attracted to the aromas of cinnamon and vanilla. These lipsticks, lip glosses, lip palettes and lip balms contain a blend of vanilla and cinnamon fragrances that when applied to the lips, the irresistible aroma will get his attention! Contains maxi-lip and Dermaxyl- safe, clinically proven ingredients to firm and plump lips instantly."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: I typically enjoy cinnamon scents, so I was very interested to see how this would work in a balm. The formula itself is a bit more like a lip OIL than a balm, so keep that in mind or you could accidentally squeeze out an awful lot when you go to use it for the first time; it can come out really quickly. That aside, the formula is moisturizing for a few hours, but once it dries your lips don't feel super-hydrated. The cinnamon and/or the plumping ingredient tingle a bit, and after about 10 minutes here's the difference:

There is a little more fullness, but certainly not a glaringly obvious effect as with some plumpers out there. Which is fine if you're looking for something subtle and you just like that tingly feeling (some of you do!). But, it only lasts about an hour or so.

This CinnaMen formula also comes in a lipstick and lip gloss I see on Joey New York's website. I think I would have liked to have tried the gloss to get something a bit more substantial on the lips; perhaps results would have lasted a bit longer and there would have been more lingering moisture.

OH, and darn it - I slyly put this on and gave my husband a few pecks while wearing it and he never said a thing! Hmph. Maybe that's just him, though. You may have better luck. *wink*

Retail Price: $12.00 (joeynewyork.com)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: That's a great question - what DO they say? I had a hard time finding something online about this product. I even had to take my own picture! But hey, Aquafina isn't used to the beauty game yet, so I'll cut them some slack. Here's some info I managed to get for you - "The lip oil combines the brand recognition of Aquafina bottled water with a botanically enriched formula to soothe and moisturize lips. The new product offers a clean, refreshing taste. The semi-transparent crisp blue tube offers a 10g fill and features a slant-tipped, soft sponge applicator. Lip gloss lovers will appreciate the moisturizing benefits as well as the super wet shine."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: This is actually a very soothing formula for lips. The first thing you'll notice when you apply it is the minty scent and flavor. If nothing else, you can always pull this out after lunch or dinner for a quick breath fix! But aside from the pleasant and not-at-all-overpowering minty-sweet taste, the next thing to notice is how well the coverage is. Lips are incredibly moistened and conditioned, and stay that way for quite a while. This isn't sticky at ALL or too shiny and gloppy. It actually gives lips a very subtle pretty shine. This is one of my new faves from the Drugstore!

Retail Price: $4.99 (at Wal-Mart and possibly other drugstores and superstores in your area)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "Lip Butter is rich in nourishing oils for natural healing and moisture maintenance. A delicious blend of herbal infused jojoba, sweet almond, shea butter and beeswax with therapeutic grade essential oil blend. Hand-poured in an oversized tube for maximum lip coverage. Soothing, smoothing, and velvety good!"

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: With its subtle citrusy-sweet scent and super-soft just-right cons