PERHAPS IT stems from our childhood, watching our mom apply lipstick. When it comes to formulas though, finding the right balance is tricky: moisturizing lipstick that?s not too greasy, a richly pigmented shade that?s not a drying matte, a sheer that stays on a bit longer, or that perfect in between that will not compromise the important things. Here?s to you, tough customers.

Guerlain Rouge G de Brilliant?Neutral shades go on sheer, moist and shiny so the color blends with a wide range of skintones. Ruby Powder makes lips look fuller. Unlike other moist lipsticks that break in tropical weather, this one maintains its shape. The packaging is a total head- turner.

Shaped like a silver gadget the lid pops as you separate it from the flute, showcasing a mirror so one can scrutinize the missed spots on her lips. Among the 10 sexy shades, my favorites are the nudes Barbara and Bridget and the pink-based Bella.

Shiseido Perfect Rouge Glowing Matte?The first of its kind, this is a matte that is semi sheer and moisturizing at the same time. This is for hard-to-please women who think matte can dry one?s lips and makes one age. Trust the Japanese in pleasing every customer. The bestseller PK224 Sugar Babe looks like a toddler?s natural lip tone. People will really wonder if you have lipstick on because there is that tint of color but no shine and your natural lip tone shows through as well. RD325 Coral Glow will make one?s lips red; BR323 is brown beige nude.

Color pigments

Revlon Color Burst?I never thought any other lipstick of Revlon could displace my love for their Super Lustrous Lipstick. This one sure did the job. One swipe deposits a lot of color pigments but it is moisturizing and feels as light as lip gloss without the too shiny finish. It has more shine than super lustrous and is not thick and creamy. The matte black quilted packaging is classy and the color swatch on the lid is a close match to the color you find inside. My shades: Mauve, Rosy Nude, Soft Rose and Sienna.

Avon Smooth Minerals SPF15?Available in 10 wearable dye- and preservative-free shades of Lip Gloss Sticks. The hybrid child of lip gloss and lipstick, one coat gives moisturizing coverage. Two or more gives more color, shine and moisture. They contain skin-nourishing minerals to improve the condition of lips and subtle shimmer which gives the sexy shine factor without feeling gritty and looking cheap.

My shades: Plum Craze, Rosy Brown and Rumberry. Bestsellers: Pink Quartz in first place and Apricot Glow, second.

Colour Collection Moisture Intense Lipstick SPF 15?Distributed by Tupperware, I am surprised at the quality of the lipstick. The white plastic packaging may not be great but in this instance, the inside really counts. Richly pigmented, creamy and moist with SPF15 the staying power is impressive. Downside: It was a bit tough to find a shade that suited me though as the colors are pretty pigmented and bright. No nudes or pales in this collection.

My top pick: Raspberry Wine, a bright red with enough tinge of brown to make it suitable for most skintones. It fades into a just-bitten lip tint and even on a bare face it blends with the pink tones of one?s cheeks, which brightens up the whole face. Call 8593000 or 8672222.

Note: Due to the intense heat, at least one from the five colors I have opened in each Avon, Revlon and Colour Collection was broken upon application.