longwear lip options

I often receive emails from friends and previous clients about product advice. As they know, I love to talk product! Here's an email I just received the other day: "Dearest Cassandra, When my mother was last visiting, she noted that my lipstick doesn't stay on very well, but that other brands would. I knew immediately who to ask. Which brands stay on the best? What are your recommendations? Please cover this on your blog and/or my Facebook Wall at your earliest convenience. All best, Lipstick-needing Lisa". Lisa: you know I'm partial to lipgloss for everyday wear. I just think it looks fresh and youthful. I think you would look absolutely lovely in a shimmery (not glittery) pale (not too pale) pink gloss. There are loads of long-wearing lipsticks out there. Many of them seem a bit dry or "serious" looking. The really moist ones do not last very long - perhaps this is the kind you are using now. Luckily there are some new solutions to get the look of a gloss without feeling super dried out AND they actually last a long time. Option 1: L'Oreal Infallible Never Fail Lipgloss, which allegedly lasts 6 hours. I was impressed with this product's longevity. It felt like a gloss, went on like a gloss, and lasted a very long time. After a while it only looks like a gloss but feels more like a moist lipstick but it certainly outlasted regular gloss. Option 2: Maybelline Superstay Gloss. This looks like a gloss but you need to apply it carefully and let it set (dry completely). The color makes a little film that bonds to your lips and stays on for allegedly 16 hours. You then apply clear gloss over the top as much or as little as you like throughout the day. They have a beautiful selection of colors - Beaming Blush is a gorgeous nude - and are available in drugstores everywhere. Covergirl also makes a version of this product. If the glossy feel is not for you, try Maybelline's Superstay Lipcolor which comes with a balm topcoat instead of a gloss. [Lisa, they have a pink one with gold shimmer that would look great on you]. The downside is that these can crack after several hours and leave teeny lines in your lips. Still they are quite impressive! Option 3: super hardcore stays on for 2 days...LipSense Liquid Lip Color. This product is perfect for occasions like weddings where you want the color to last all day with no touch-ups. Like the Maybelline, you apply the color and let it set. This stings a bit (briefly) as it stains the first few layers of your lips. Once it dries it's on there until you remove it (coat with vaselline and then scrub off with washcloth). Several of these are sheer colors that let your real lip color show through (try the ones with champagne in the name). You can also do two coats for a more intense color. You will need to choose a gloss or balm to go over it and the company sells several different finishes. Lisa, if you are interested I recommend the color Pink Champagne - a light shimmery wash of pink (more natural than bubblegummy). The company works like Avon so you have to order from a distributor. You can look them up on-line and order from their web page. Products are sent to you very quickly. I hope you find something that works for you. Let me know how it goes!