How many of us struggle with makeup? What to wear for special occasions, what to wear on a daily basis and, for heavens sake, what to wear on our lips? My personal experience is that no matter what I choose, I end up feeling like it's wrong. But I'm not a quitter, so I always keep looking for the right one to make me feel feminine. So then, what is the right choice?



Lip stains, lipsticks, lip gloss -- the list is endless when it comes to our lips! The market is flooded with makeup companies, and each one makes a variety of shades in every category to try to lure us into purchasing. But lips are important, because when you're talking with someone, they're a focal point, right along with your eyes.

As with anything, what you choose to wear definitely boils down to personal taste. Still, I thought it might be nice to take a lay of the land when it comes to stains, sticks and glosses. I figured if I need it, there must be at least one other person as lost as I am in the land of lip color!

Of the three, lip stains are currently in demand, and for good reason; they are a happy medium between long-lasting lipsticks that can dry out and feel heavy, and lip glosses that quickly wear off. Why bother with the fuss and muss of reapplication if you've only got to put it on once? Remember, lip stains come in sheer colors, so even if you purchase one that looks dark in the tube, don't expect it to come out that way. Some are also available with extras that plump up your lips, in case you want that look of extra fullness, but aren't willing to go get an injection to make it happen.

If you're looking for a darker shade that will be more noticeable, if slightly less natural looking, shoot for a long-lasting lipstick. These come in dark and light shades and stay on all day; however, they can be difficult to remove and can become dried out, leaving you feeling like your lips are caked on. This is one product in the lip line that I tend to shy away from, although a dark shade can make you feel incredibly sexy, it can also be a total disaster.

Fun and flirty is what lip gloss is all about. Sheer and shiny, it's easy to put on and gives you an instant lift. Every company on the market makes lip gloss and they cater to every price range. These will always be sheer when applied, just because of the nature of the product. This is a great look for summer, whether you're headed out on the town or to the beach.

So, which one will you buy, stick, stain or gloss? Whichever you choose, smile bright and laugh a lot. Your lips will thank you