The Product: CoverGirl NatureLuxe Gloss BalmThe Price: $5.99
The Company Spiel: "Get the sheer color and shine of a gloss with the soft, lightweight feel of SPF 15 balm. Fortified with mango and shea butter, this feel-good formula leaves your lips feeling decadent and delicious."
The Real Deal: I was a lip gloss girl for years, but lately they all seem too ... glossy, overly shiny, and way too sticky. So I started searching for an alternative with a hint of color and gleam -- but without the glue-like consistency that attracts every strand of my hair whenever a breeze blows. This "gloss balm" is the perfect compromise -- it really does reside in that gray area between lip gloss and lip balm. While there are 16 colors available, even the boldest-looking ones fall into the "your lips but better" sweet spot. I have a substantial collection of lip products on my desk, but I keep reaching for this one -- and I've made a serious dent!
The Upshot: Not only is it sheer, shiny, moisturizing, and available in the prettiest colors, it also has SPF 15. I'm already stocking up on the bright coral (called Anemone) for summer.