Kissable Lips

I sing the praises of lipstick/gloss/balm hybrids an awful lot on this blog, and for good reason: They have a sheer wash of colour which is office-appropriate; they're layer-able for added intensity; and they moisturize and add a bit of shine minus the stickiness of full-on glosses. Plus, this winter in particular, they've saved my lips from many a chapped day when matte lip colours proved unwearable.

That's why I'm proposing you choose a hybrid formula this Valentine's Day for soft, kiss-ready lips. Unlike pigmented lipsticks, hybrids don't smudge too noticeably and are easy to re-apply and wipe off--perfect for romantic wining, dining, and smooching. Another bonus: You only have to tote around one lip product in your evening clutch.

Bright lipstick addicts who crave colour should choose an orange or fuchsia shade, which brightens up winter complexions while providing a noticeable change in tint. Here are my top picks, most of which can be found in drugstores for under $10 a pop.

From left to right: Clinique Chubby Stick 'Oversized Orange' ($19 at Sephora) | L'Oreal Colour Caresse by Colour Riche 'Fiery Veil' | Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter 'Tutti Frutti' | Revlon Just Bitten Kissable 'Rendezvous'

From left to right: Clinique Chubby Stick 'Pudgy Peony' ($19 at Sephora) | L'Oreal Colour Caresse by Colour Riche 'Velvety Fuchsia' | Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter 'Lollipop' | Revlon Just Bitten Kissable 'Sweetheart'

If you really can't bring yourself to part with bright lips for one evening, try a long-lasting matte formula like Stila Long Wear Lip Colour (my go-to when I need something that won't budge for 6-8 hours) in 'Exhilarating' or 'Outrageous'. Dab on lip balm/gloss at intervals to keep lips soft; I like LUSH's limited-edition The Kiss lip balm ($8.95 at LUSH stores) for its cute tin, shea and cupuacu butter formula, and sugary scent.