MAC Tinted Lip Conditioner SPF 15 in Gentle Coral, £10.50
MAC is one of my favourite brands and the chic packaging on this is very sleek. The colour is gorgeous and if you're afraid to try corals this is a perfect place to start. Don't be startled by how bright it looks in the pot, it's almost like a sheer stain with a hint of gloss. The consistency is slightly sticky and unfortunately your fingers get some stickiness too. The colour lasts well though, even if the gloss doesn't.
Maccosmetics.co.uk
Clarins Colour Quench Lip Balm in Rose Bon Bon, £12.50
At first touch this gloss seems perfect as the tube applicator allows the gloss to go on nice and evenly. Unfortunately the next sensation is a rather unappealing petroleum jelly scent which is difficult to overlook. The consistency is a little bit sticky, but I loved how it made my lips appear shiny and healthy.
clarins.co.uk
Clinique Superbalm Moisturising Gloss in Lilac, £10
I've used Superbalm before and loved it, but the new colours are making me fall in love all over again! The gloss is the perfect consistency - no gumminess - and it's so easy to use that I'd happily trust myself to put it on sans mirror. I like the fact that it doesn't have a strong scent and it actually does keep lips moisturised. And did I mention the colour? Natural yet noticeable and perfect for spring - a new must-have for my makeup bag.
clinique.co.uk
Body Shop MTV Guarana Lip Butter, £5
This limited edition gloss does more than just beautify your lips as over half the price of every pot sold will go to the Staying Alive Foundation to raise awareness of HIV. What else does it have going for it? A nice scent, a gloss that's moisturising without being sticky and super cool packaging. Unfortunately the gloss seems to wear off easily and for those who like their colour, unfortunately it's nonexistent. But it's a good handbag basic that helps a good cause.
thebodyshop.co.uk
Burt's Bees Lip Gloss in Raspberry, £4.50
I am a huge fan of Burt's Bees but had yet to try the gloss. True to form, this gloss was rich, absorbent and a pleasure to use. Even though it was in a pot, my fingers remained gunk-free and my lips were happily moisturised, glossy and tinged with a hint of raspberry. The only thing missing is more of a hint of colour but as a classic lip balm or to layer over a matte lipstick, this is ideal.
Stockist: John Lewis 08456 049049
