Lip Gloss

MAC Cosmetics, in partnership with Nicki Minaj for Viva Glam, has just released two new limited-edition products to add to the lineup: Nicki 2 Lipstick ($15) and Nicki 2 Lipglass ($15). The bold lavender-pink pastel shade, for which both lip products are pigmented, is ideal for accenting your Spring ensembles. And for every purchase, MAC donates 100 percent of the profits toward helping those affected by HIV/AIDS. Talk about lifting your look — and your spirits.

Ever stop to think about what's in your lipstick as you swipe it on in the morning? Good Morning America wanted to find out if lipsticks across the board were pulling a clean bill of health, and the results were . . . unexpected. After testing 22 lipsticks, ranging from drugstore buys to luxury glosses, with Underwriters Laboratories, they found that 12 of the products contained trace amounts of lead.

Slightly freaked out? Unfortunately, it's not a new issue, and it's not illegal. In essence, there is no lead limit for cosmetics in the US.

The tests showed levels that ranged from no detectable levels to 3.22 parts per million. To put it in perspective, California has a state-mandated limit for lipstick of five parts per million, so it's below even that. And overall, it's progress from 2010, when the FDA tested lipsticks and found the highest levels of lead at seven parts per million. However, watchdog groups like the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics emphasize that it is possible to manufacture lipstick sans lead, as many other brands have proved.

Good Morning America couldn't find any pattern in the types of lipsticks and lip glosses that contained lead, so the bottom line is that you should be aware, especially if you're pregnant. But many scientists claim that trace amounts of lead in lipstick is not as much of a concern. To find out what's in your makeup, check out the EWG's Skin Deep Cosmetic Database. Your lips will thank you.

Have you ever had a lip gloss that appears pigmented in the tube but disappears on the lips? That problem will be a thing of the past with Becca's Ultimate Colour Gloss ($24). Each shade settles into a bright hue that's just sheer enough for a daytime look. The base color is evident after only one coat, even on darker skin tones. With hydrating vitamin E, it feels more like ChapStick than makeup — which is great for bold-lip newbies. Could this be the perfect marriage of stain and gloss? Signs point to yes.

For times when big, full lips are desired, it's makeup to the rescue. Using three products that you probably already own — lip liner, lipstick, and lip gloss — you can get full, beautiful lips that Angelina Jolie herself would envy. Want to learn the tricks? Just keep reading for more.

A lip brush might seem like one of those extraneous beauty tools, but once you uncover its benefits, you'll want one in every size, shape, and color. A long handle provides optimum control, and curved, tapered bristles provide precision. This means more even, feather-resistant, budge-proof results. And because there's less product to use, you'll extend the life of your lip liners, lip glosses, and lipstick.

Use a lip brush to blend out lip liner for a less harsh look. Then, for a lipstick or lip gloss application, start at the center of your lips and blend product out toward your lip line. To get a crisp finish, use the tip of the brush to define the lip lines at the bows and corners. You can even break the rules, and use a lip brush with concealer to erase small spots, redness, and darkness on the complexion. On the eyes, use it as a smudge brush, lash liner, or shadow applier. Just be sure to put a halt to the double-dipping; you don't want mouth germs on your eyes.

Looking for the best of the lip gloss and lipstick worlds? Here it is, in one tiny tube. Shiseido Lacquer Rouge ($25) is lipstick liquefied. After two coats, lips are saturated with lipstick-like intensity, but they remain smooth to the touch. There's just the right amount of shine, so lips look hydrated — not dripping wet. And even though the color will transfer onto your coffee cup, the look on your lips won't waver. We once thought lacquer was only for nails, but this winner proves that you can get a polish-like finish on lips, too.

YouTube star and beauty guru Michelle Phan always has smart tips for making life easier. This week, Michelle tells us her top lip gloss tips for Summer:

Is there anything worse than dry or burnt lips after a day at the beach? Well, spending too much time in the sun is definitely part of the problem, but your favorite shiny pink lip gloss may also be to blame . . .

Find out how to fix foundation and powder that's too light

Wearing lip gloss in the sun is like putting baby oil on your lips; it does the opposite of protecting and hydrating your lips by attracting the harmful sun rays! (Think about how tanning oils and reflective surfaces work under sunlight). Also, just like the rest of your body, your lips require hydration and moisture both during and after time spent in the sun, and not all shiny glosses contain those elements.

Instead, protect your lips at the beach by wearing SPF lip balm. There are a lot of awesome tinted lip balms out there now, too, so you don't even have to sacrifice any of your signature color. If you can't find one you like, click here to learn how to mix in your own color at home.

You can still rock the gloss if you really want to, just make sure it has SPF. Your lips will definitely thank you later . . . and besides, gloss looks best on healthy lips, anyway.

What's your favorite lip balm for the Summer?

<3 Mish

More from Michelle Phan:

• A quick and easy way to help your eyelash curler work better
• Learn the best ways to wear colored mascara
• Is this facial a little too extreme for you?
• How to use an egg for more than a delicious breakfast