MY LIPS ARE PERPETUALLY DRY AND chapped so that I am usually limited to lip gloss or sheer lipstick formula. Matte or long-lasting lipsticks, even those labeled creamy, make my lips uncomfortably tight in minutes as soon as the moisture evaporates and leaves the pigment behind.

Usually I reapply gloss, which defeats the long-lasting purpose. Not so with Laura Mercier Satin Lip Color. Lips go from satiny to matte in minutes with Softisan, a lightweight ?elastic? seal that perfectly adheres to lips to set and lock in highly pigmented color and moisture without feathering. It feels like a stick of butter when applied to lips but it deposits a whole lot of pigment that lasts.

Even when it transforms to a matte finish, my lips are plumped up and highly moisturized. My color choice is Barely Nude, a flesh tone which goes great with defined eyes and looks natural on very light skin. Other colors are Pink Cocoa, medium brown with pink undertones, and Maple Brown, medium neutral brown. Check out Rustan?s for the latest collection or their website to plan what you need to buy at www.lauramercier. com.

Cosmetic brand managers know my weakness for lipstick. Too many times though I have gotten brands with Holy Grail texture, consistency and formula with exquisite packaging but with hefty price tags and the worse part?the wrong shade. A lot of these I have been able to save with neutral lip liners like MAC Spice or by mixing them to produce a surprise pretty shade.

For very dry lips, lip liners can be torture so lipsticks are better alternatives. Lipstick that Neutralizes Bright Garish colors: 1. Shiseido Perfecting Lipstick in BE 310 in Dune?a gray beige shade. Best for lipsticks that have too much orange as the cool bluish undertones neutralize the orange?s teeth- and skin-yellowing effect. 2. NARS Belle de Jour?This sheer nude beige is only for the truly porcelain-skinned when worn alone, without color adjusters on a bare face. It tones down lipstick shades with too much pink or lavender tones like Guerlain?s Gentiane, pearlized rose, or Nars? own Roman Holiday, a delicate pastel pink. 3. Fashion 21 Liquid lipstick in 11?a perfect mix of bronze and pink which can be worn alone or on top of a too bright lipstick to make it suitable for most skin tones.

Lip glosses with pen-like applicators

Turn the dial to allow color to seep into the brush applicator to deposit shine, pigment and that sexy extra pout to your kissers. These are best when they come in colors that closely match the natural lip tone. Suggested brands and shades: 1. Stila Lipglazes which match the scent with the shade name for yummy plus moist color. Try Guava, a sheer rosy brown, and Sugar Plum, a sheer nude plum. 2. Clinique Vitamin C Lip Smoothie is loaded with antioxidants to keep lips looking young, supple and damage-free which lasts even as the very sheer color fades: Try Raisin the Bar, nude rosy brown with a slight red tint, and Rhubarbie, a dusty pink nude with shimmer.

Makeup Designory aka MUD?Started out as a school that teaches basic to complicated makeup application. It ranges from facial enhancement to prosthetic effects for movies. It was only logical for them to come out with their own makeup line. Now available only in their showroom at 302 Quadstar Bldg., 80 Ortigas Ave., Greenhills; tel. 7446210. My favorite to date is their sheer lipstick line. MUD?s Eggplant Lipstick is an ultra-sheer wine color with bluish undertone. This is an ideal color when a light stain is desired. Gives light coverage, a moisture-rich formula and is a dead ringer to Benefit?s Bene Tint in sheer lipstick form. Check out the website at http://shop.mudshop.com for the products with accurate shade description. I also recommend sheer lipsticks in Mudslide, neutral brown, and Mai Tai, peach with bluish tone.

All lipsticks/glosses and glazes are available at Rustan?s Department Store and Essenses except for Shiseido and MUD.