Dear Belle,

I am getting married in just over a month, and I’ve found the perfect guy. I’ve had no such luck with lip gloss, however. I love Lancome Juicy Tubes, but when I wear it, if I give the aforementioned fiance even a quick peck on the cheek he gets slimed. I know they have all those nuclear-strength kiss-proof lipsticks, but I look awful with a strong, matte lip. Any suggestions for a very sheer, light and non-sticky lip gloss appropriate for a demure, yet sincere nuptial kiss?

-Befuddled Bride-to-Be

Dear Befuddled,

The one part of my makeup routine that is truly low maintenance is my lip color; ninety-five percent of the time, I’m not wearing any.  But when I do wear something on my lips, I choose one of these three products.

I received the Sephora Hydrating Nectar Shine Gloss in Litchi Shine as a free gift with purchase some months back, and I really like it.  What impressed me most is that it is not too sticky, which is great because I hate glosses that feel like flypaper.  I also liked the light rosy color and the sweet scent.  Whether it has kiss-proof staying power would be a mystery to me; my lips have been pucker free for a number of years now as I attempt to see how long one must remain celibate before even Nuns admire your fortitude.

Second on the list is Lorac Sheer Wash lip stain.  I know you said that wanted a gloss, but a lip stain will provide lasting power with any hint of stickiness.  As for your comment about matte lips not being your thing, the color from this stain is far less matte than most lip stains.  I would compare the color of the Sheer Emotion stain to the color of a Bonne Bell lipsmacker.  Just run a light coat of Eucerin Aquaphor or sheer gloss over the top and you will be good to go.

Lastly, a fellow fashionista swears by NARS Lip Stain Gloss.  As the name would suggest, this product combines the long-wearing power of a stain with the effortless coverage of a gloss.  She often wears Sayonara, a color that flushes the lips with a light berry-pink hue.  The other great thing about this product is that unlike a traditional gloss which can only take one coat, this combo gloss-stain allows you to build color and intensity without getting all gooey.  Because no bride wants to have her kiss feel like an oil slick.

If you need further recommendations, I suggest you mosey over to the home of Capitol Hill Barbie, the undisputed Empress of all things lip gloss related.  She might have some further tips on what glosses make for the best wedding day kisses, as she is also married and thus, a far better advisor on both the topic of gloss and kissing than this lipstick-free spinster.  Congratulations on your wedding and good luck in your search.