I talk a lot about which I like about which lip gloss I think is the best for kissing or plumping, but friends can be just as knowledgeable. The only advantage I can give you is I test hundreds of lip glosses a year. Actually, now that I think about it, that’s a pretty big advantage. However, I still think friends and family are great reviewers. For instance, my mother introduced me to the lip gloss I’m going to review next, by Avon. (you’ll have to come back to read it!).

Friends and family have a unique perspective on what makeup they wear. They are usually loyal to one brand as well, which gives them a narrow, but comprehensive view on which products they use. Everybody has their favorites, which means they’ve tested what they like a really long time, so they probably have a really good idea of what they like and what they don’t like. Maybe they even told you how much they love their gloss. When a friend says “I have the best lip gloss ever.”, it might encourage you to go out and buy a lip gloss, but that lip gloss might not be right for you. Unless they loan you the gloss, you can only go by what they say, and even then you haven’t tested it long enough to get a good idea of the glosses pluses or minuses. The next time a friend or family member recommends a lip gloss, asking the right questions, or to borrow the gloss for a period of time, may save you the trouble of buying a gloss that isn’t suited to you.

Last week, my friend Liza was about to go on a date. I told her, of course, “Don’t forget your lip gloss”, and her reply kind of shocked me. She told me she never wore gloss on a date because “men don’t like it”. I told her my husband loves it when I wear gloss, especially one that tastes great, and perhaps she has just used the wrong gloss. I told her that the wrong gloss can taste bad, or smell strange, or feel greasy. No guy wants to kiss a girl with Vaseline lips. I recommended she try the Born Lippy from The Body Shop. I know that some women complain that Born Lippy line does not have an applicator, but that’s exactly why it’s perfect for kissing, besides the fact that it tastes awesome. When using a lip gloss that has no applicator, it’s easy to be precise when applying the gloss. So for shine you’d maybe use a thicker application, but for kissing you’d use just enough so your lips taste sweet. That is the kind of unique recommendation a friend can give.

So the next time a friend recommends a gloss, ask to borrow the gloss for a week or so, or ask why they specifically like that particular gloss. Be sure to ask probing questions, or you may miss the important aspects of the product that you won’t like. For example, it might be important to ask “How long does it last?”. You might find it useful to know if it rubs off easily, if it lasts through smoking and eating, what other colors are available, does it taste good after hours of use. These are questions that won’t be answered by borrowing the lip gloss just once.

Friends have great advice when it comes to choosing the best lip gloss, but be sure you ask all the right questions.

I exchanged my lipstick habits with lip gloss about 5 years ago. It started when I found the best lip gloss I’d ever owned,  The Body Shop Born Lippy Lip Balm in watermelon, and evolved to the mango peach.

The Body Shop’s Born Lippy Lip Balm products were the very first Body Shop products I had ever bought. Of course I went back and bought pretty much everything else there including eyeliner, foundation, powder and on and on, but the lip gloss was my favorite. At the time I write this article I have 4 different types of Born Lippy in my bathroom and handbag; Body Shop Raspberry Born Lippy Balm, Body Shop Strawberry Born Lippy Balm, mango peach and watermelon.

Born Lippy even comes in Body Shop Cooling Mint Born Lippy Balm

My mango peach flavor I received from my sister-in-law about 3 or 4  years ago for my birthday and its still great. I  use it all the time. Its the best lip gloss to wear on romantic evenings. The Born Lippy glosses have a great flavor which make kissing even more fun.

Pros:

Tastes great – Since I lick my lips, and kiss my husband, a lot I notice the flavor of lip gloss. The best lip gloss has a tolerable flavor, Born Lippy has a great flavor.
Smells incredible – I love the frity flavor smell of the berry Born Lippy glosses best, but the mint gloss has a lovely fresh smell.

Nice sheen – the gloss effect is very subtle and light. There is no color just a soft sheen and the gloss doesn’t feel heavy or greasy.

Environmentally friendly packaging: While most customers do not take advantage of the refill policy that attracted me to the Body Shop in the first place, I believe the fact Born Lippy is in environmentally friendly packaging makes it the best lip gloss on the market.

Positive humanitarian and global policy advocate – The Body Shop sends a strong and important message through its global and humanitarian advocacy policies. The Body Shop lobbies extensively for their causes: Protect Our Planet, Defend Human Rights, Support Community Trade, Activate Self Esteem and Against Animal Testing.

Cons:

Refillable container – The need to use my finger in the container confines this particular gloss to casual social engagements or nights at home. I sometimes use a lip brush if its just dinner with me and my husband out, but I tend to use an applicator brand for business or non-casual social engagements.

You can buy the Born Lippy Lip Gloss at The Body Shop and it by far the best lip gloss for me.

The Body Shop Born Lippy - best lip gloss casual daywear