I own quite a number of lipsticks but there are a few that I always reach out for. I have found these tubes to be the most flattering on my skin color, plus they can work with a variety of looks, from safe to risque. Sure, I like a lot of other shades, but these particular lipsticks will always be my staples!

Aside from their gorgeous shades, these lippies can be relied on when it comes to staying power and comfortable texture. They're also not the flaky sort as long as I use a lip balm as base.

Indeed, I love, love lipsticks since they can instantly make me feel pretty even though I'm wearing minimal makeup. They also have the ability to cheer me up and allow me to take on a different personality for the duration - imagine that power! Anyway, I'll stop gabbing now and show you my top lipstick picks:

L-R, MLBBs: Estee Lauder Pure Color Lipstick in Bois de Rose, Bobbie Brown Lipstick in Brownie Pink, Guerlain Rouge G in Galia

MLBB or My Lips But Better shades are a no-brainer. They're the kind to wear when you're going to the office or whenever you simply want a no-fuss au naturel look. 

Estee Lauder Bois de Rose

Guerlain lipstick in Galia

I've already reviewed the Colour Collection Color Intense Lipsticks before (in a nutshell: awesome stuff), so this time I just want to share a swatch of my latest CC lippie. It's called Crimson Pink, a deep reddish pink that looks quite sophisticated yet very wearable. I imagine this as a rich complement on morena skin.

My CC lipsticks are some of the most frequently used ones in my rather extensive collection.

Lip balms are the kind of things you should keep lying around in case you need it - which is all the time! Me I keep a lip balm on my desk, current bags that I use, my jeans pocket, and my dresser. I can't stand dry, chapping lips so I take extra precautions. Especially now when the weather is cooler, sensitive skin tends to be drier.

One lip balm I love is the Mentholatum Lip Ice lip balm (P89). This lip balm brand has a cult following in Singapore and Hong Kong, so much that my friends would stock up a good supply before leaving for the Philippines. Everyone hoorayed when Lip Ice finally arrived in our shores last year - and I totally understand why.

What I love about the product

• Moisturizing without being waxy.
• Takes a loooong time to dry up on your lips, and when it does, it just sort of absorbs into the skin instead of drying up in flakes.
• Has SPF15!

I have already reviewed the Revlon Super Lustrous Lipsticks (P450) so I'd just like to share swatches of the two new shades here. I think these came in a couple of months back, so if you haven't seen them yet, I do think one of the shades is worth a gander in your nearest Revlon counter!

Primrose and Coral Berry

I am in love with Coral Berry! I find it a unique lipstick shade that has a very rich, satiny finish on my lips. As the name suggests, it's a medium coral pink that looks great on warm-toned skin like mine. I highly recommend this to anyone - it's currently one of my favorite lipppies. It goes beautifully with peach cheeks and gold eyeshadow. 

VMV Hypoallergenics is not particularly known for its makeup, but from what I've tried so far, I would have to say I'm impressed (remember the Ooh-La-Lash! Volumizing Mascara and the Lip Glitter Gloss?). VMV cosmetics is quite underrated but I do hope that will change in the future since their formulas are ace, with the added bonus of being truly hypoallergenic.

This time, I'd like to share my review of two VMV lipstick formulas: Velvet Matte and Glitz. Velvet matte lipsticks are, well, as matte as you can get. They feel very soft on the lips and isn't too drying. Glitz, on the other hand, has a shiny, glossy finish that's very look-at-me. Here's a quick rundown of each formula's strengths and weaknesses!

VMV Hypoallergenics Velvet Matte Lipstick in Kitten

"Soft kitty, warm kitty, little ball of furr!" is a song that plays in my head whenever I think about this lipstick. Kitten is an incredibly soft lipstick - both shade and texture-wise - that's quite unique for me.

One of the most beautiful lipsticks I own is this Paul & Joe Lipstick C in Afternoon Delight. What an apt name! The cardboard packaging features a beautiful floral print in grays and fuchsias while the lipstick tube itself has Paul & Joe's iconic chrysanthemum engraving.

As with all Paul & Joe products that I've tried, this lipstick has a superb formula. It feels like lip balm, very thin and moisturizing. The finish is a hybrid of satin and gloss which makes lips look more supple. As for the color - it's cute!

I loved my ColorBurst lipsticks - they're one of the most-used tubes in my collection. That's why I had great expectations from the Revlon ColorBurst Lip Gloss (P575) which was released just a couple of months back. It promises to make lips "shine with killer color" and "pop with 5X more shine than patent leather."

Strawberry and Rosepearl

I was fervently hoping that these ColorBurst glossies would be an evolved version of the Revlon Creme Gloss, and yay, they actually are. They're thinner on the lips without that tacky, plasticky feel. They aren't quite liquid lipstick, but they give a nice color payoff with even just one swipe.

Here's a detailed rundown!

What I love about the product

• Not sticky or tacky, my number one requirement when it comes to glosses!
• Gorgeous shades that are quite wearable and pigmented.
• Color goes on smoothly and evenly, making lips look plumper and less wrinkly.

Head's up! Paul & Joe, the French-Japanese cosmetics brand, is releasing their latest collection next week at their Rustan's counters. It's called L'Horizon Bleu, inspired by that tropical and romantic place where the sea meets the sky. If you've ever stared off towards the sea's horizon, then you've probably seen the rich colors of swirling blues and sunsets that P&J has in this collection.

The ‘Twin Fish’ Bronzer (P2,250) is perfect for creating that light, glowing, sun-kissed look you want

Fabulous new Eye Colors (P1,250) give you a real sense of the movement of the waves. Choose from 3 fascinating shades. L-R: Adrift, Le Midi, Tranquility

Ultra Moisture Rich...Moisture Seduction? Yes Virginia, Avon has a new lipstick line coming out this June! The Avon Moisture Seduction Lipstick (P249) is built on their best-selling Ultra Moisture Rich line. They already have a winner formula in the UMR lipsticks, but it seems that the brand wants to push the envelope a little bit further by creating something ultimately more moisturizing.

The Avon Moisture Seduction line has 10 shades ranging from nudes to deep reds. It's infused with white swirls that seem to be lip balm, charging the colors with much-needed moisture.

Ribbons of moisture

What I love about the product

• Super moisturizing to the next level chuva. It feels like you're wearing lip conditioner. You definitely don't need to slather on lip balm before using Moisture Seduction.
• Zero flaking and drying. As in zero.

I've held off wearing red lipstick for a while because summer demands more flirty colors, but now that the mood seems to be coming to an end, the classic palette is back. But that's just me though so don't take my word for it. ;) Hehe.

Anyway, one of my favorite shades of red is this new color from VMV Hypoallergenics. It's their Lip Glitter Gloss in Cherry Fizz (P1,200), a bright red with silvery blue glitters. I know that this is probably sounding a few alarm bells in your head, but don't worry - the glitters are quite fine so they don't really show when you have the gloss on.

The Lip Glitter Gloss formula is closer to being that of a lipstick than the usual lip gloss. It's highly pigmented and doesn't have that goopy feeling on the lips. You only need very little (like one dip) to apply the color evenly, so it feels comfy and cushy when worn.

A week ago, a commenter named Audrephepburnfan left a question on my Ask Away! forum. Actually, it was more than a question - she left a review of one of her favorite products, the Lip Ice Sheer Color balm (P145). A few days later, someone from Lip Ice sent me a package containing their whole line. Coincidence? Looks like it!

Oh, but what a happy coincidence.

Two variants: strawberry and fragrance-free

This product is awesome! It's definitely worth all the raves. :D And to think this is only P145 (2 grams) and easily available in SM Department Stores and Watsons. What I like most about it is how gorgeous the color is. It has a nice glossy finish and comes off as a pretty pink, emphasizing the natural pigmentation of your lips.

So, for a change, here's Audreyhepburn fan's review of Lip Ice Sheer Color!

I'm currently using this product called LipIce Sheer Color. It is a clear balm which turns your lips pink depending on your moisture level. I have read reviews about it before I purchased myself one.

One of the gifts I got from Clinique is this sample tube of their Long Last lipstick in Blushing Nude. It's practically full-sized though! Anyway, I find the shade name amusing because it's neither "blushing" nor is it "nude". It's a very warm MLBB brown-pink lipstick that's perfect for a work-safe face.

I love the formula. It's incredibly creamy, moisturizing, and fairly long-lasting. I'm not that fond of the shade though - I find it too warm for my skintone, coming off a bit reddish brown on me. This will look good on morena skin, however.

Last week I had the pleasure of meeting Pam, the Marketing Coordinator for VMV Hypoallergenics. I must confess that I was pretty excited about the casual meeting because I've always been curious about the brand. I've heard so many good things about their Armada sunblocks and line of foundations, and of course, their claim about being completely hypoallergenic.

Did you know that VMV is a proudly Pinoy brand? I was really surprised when I first heard about that a couple of years ago. VMV is so well-packaged, so well-branded, that many of us are not aware that it started right here back in 1979. It's local, but it has a global mindset. Currently, VMV can also be found in New York, UAE, and Hong Kong among others.

It's among the first brands in Asia to formulate a hypoallergenic line, going as far as creating its own rating system for each product.

Yes, yes, I know, Majolica Majorca again! Can't help it! I have a bunch of Majo stuff I still need to review. I like the products from the brand so I end up talking about them anyway.

This time, I'll be reviewing the Majolica Majorca Rouge Majex lip gloss (P495). 

What I love about the product

• Non-sticky. Doesn't feel tacky on the lips.
• Moisturizing. I don't even have to use lip balm underneath!
• Great lasting power for a lip gloss. Eating doesn't take it off, a feat not many lipglosses can achieve.

My mom and I are lipstick buddies. When I was still in school, I would always borrow her lipsticks. But now that I have a collection of my own, she would always borrow mine! So when we had lunch the other weekend she complimented my loud pink lipstick - mind you, she's 51 - and asked if she can wear it too. Of course I said yes. We went around the mall, arm in arm, wearing the exact same shade. Ah, how beauty products make fond memories!

The Colour Collection Color Intense Lipstick (P350) is supposedly patterned after NYX's wildly successful Round Lipsticks, but I dare say that CC lipsticks are better than NYX ones. Why? Color Collection has the intense pigmentation and moisturizing properties of NYX lippies, but they last longer and smell better (NYX lippies smell and taste kind of soapy).

Let's go through the pros and cons!

What I love about the product

• Intensely pigmented. One swipe will deliver rich color on your lips.
• Creamy and moisturizing, although I would still suggest a light layer of lip balm
• Delivers a satin finish (my favorite kind).

Call me typical, but one of my favorite movies of all time is Breakfast At Tiffany's. A favorite scene of mine is the one where Holly Golightly wakes up late on a Thursday. She fumbles all over her flat for her shoes and her dress, rushing down the stairs to visit mob boss Sally Tomato in Sing Sing prison. Nevertheless, Holly was groomed in five minutes, finishing her look with a nude pink lipstick and a few spritzes of perfume.

Holly is the kind of woman who loves beautiful things, carefully chosen pieces that she can afford with her limited "glamour girl" money. She's also the kind of girl who isn't ready until she has lipstick. "Hand me my purse, will you, darling? A girl can't read that sort of thing without her lipstick," she says.

This memorable woman is the first person I thought of when I tried the Guerlain Rouge G Lipstick in Galia. The beautiful packaging looks just like something Holly Golightly would carry in her purse or keep in her apartment cubbyhole if she were alive today. Of course, I'm sure she would love the nude pink color of Galia, which is similar to the lipstick she's wearing in the photos.

I'm not an addict, baby that's a lie! Says K's Choice in their iconic song. I have dozens of tubes of lip products, but I still keep on buying a few here and there. I can't help it. I blame it on my curiosity! It doesn't help that most lip stuff are cheap and easily accessible, what with all the online resellers out there. NYX is one guilty pleasure of mine.

The NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream is one of the brand's newest lip color lines. It promises to be "nothing you've experienced before" - and I agree! It's certainly unique, defying the definition of what lipstick or gloss should be. I love the color payoff and how it feels on my lips, but I find that it dries in a rather unflattering way. Here's a quick run-down of the pros and cons!

Antwerp

What I love about the product

• Pigmented. One dip is enough to make the whole lip opaque with color.
• Dries quickly enough.

Remember my post last February? Majolica Majorca is now available in the Philippines! You can already find it in SM Makati's Beauty By SM area. There was supposed to be a big launch at Opus yesterday, but due to the unforeseen disasters in Japan, it was only right that the event was moved as a sign of respect and mourning for the country's losses.

Moving on, I was so delighted when I received a gift from Majolica Majorca last Sunday. It was hanging by the door knob when I got home from my vacation - cute, but thank goodness it wasn't stolen! Haha. Here's what I got:

How do you feel about frosty lipsticks? Me, I wasn't a fan. I found them tacky and outdated. But hey, it seems that I haven't been looking in the right places! If the MAC Viva Glam IV lipstick (P1,000) is to be used as a benchmark, MAC frost lipsticks are actually pretty good. In fact, I do think I like them better than the Amplified Creme ones!

MAC frost lipsticks feel lighter on the lips and has a nice, smooth finish. The frost isn't too obvious to begin with - it has more of a luster than the usual frost effect. Like most MAC lipsticks, this has good staying power but it's not as good as, say, Satin or Matte types.

Last Thursday, I had the pleasure of finally meeting the product manager of Guerlain and Bulgari, Sigrid Villamil. She's a vivacious, beautiful woman who is obviously passionate about the brand. Over delicious food (thanks Sigrid for letting me know about Chelsea's cookie dough cheesecake!), we talked about Guerlain and how it is one of the oldest brands in the industry, representing quality, tradition, and the ultimate luxury when it comes to beauty.

Guerlain was founded in 1898 by Pierre-François Pascal Guerlain in Paris. His perfumes were so popular that he became the perfumer of the royals, first by the King of France, then by Queen Victoria in England, and also by Queen Isabella II of Spain, among others. Some of the Guerlain scents that are part of perfume history are Jicky (recognized as the first modern perfume), Après L'Ondée, Mitsuoko, and Shalimar, the flagship fragrance. Read my review! 

The 183-year old house of Guerlain eventually started producing skincare and makeup, the most famous of which is the Orchidee Imperiale skincare line and the Meteorites. 

Guerlain must-haves: Midnight Secret, L'Or makeup primer, Orchidee Imperiale Cream, Rouge G lipstick, Meteorites, Lingerie De Peau liquid foundation

According to Sigrid, Guerlain believes in beauty - the kind that a woman naturally has and in the things that she uses on herself. Hence, Guerlain products are always in beautiful, luxurious packaging which makes them keepsakes in their own right.