:: file under: there are worse things to OD on ::

Cheap and pretty, and one can argue a ~true necessity~ especially during schizophrenic varied Boston weather, lip gloss is in it with me forever. I'm a fan of sheer and shiny, but not too much of either. I'm also weening myself off the sparkle, as I've been told that as one ages, bling on our butts and bling on our lips needs to decrease significantly. The latter rule has always been followed. The former? Notsomuch.

The treasures below are my current favorites. Yes, I have them all and yes I use them all. Don't pretend you're not right there with me.

1. Smashbox O-Gloss ($23) :: Avocado oil and antioxidants could almost convince you that you're just putting vitamins on your lips. The color is supposed to customize to the shade of pink that's right for you. This is always just a touch too bright for me, but I love it paired with evening makeup.

2. Smith's Rosebud Salve ($6) :: Smith's, how I love you so. I adore this product, and it's great for cuticles and curling iron burns (yes, ugh). It also comes in mint and strawberry. The only drawback for me is that I have to stick my finger in the tin to apply it and when you're riding the subway twice a day...I don't even want to think about it.

3. Lancome Juicy Tubes ($18) :: So many colors, so thick and glossy. An addict's dream. If I wasn't constantly getting all my hair stuck on my lips when the wind blows, I would have a JT surgically implanted between my fingers.

4. EOS ($3) :: I'm new to these cute little balls, but I'm liking what I'm feeling. I'm trying to forget that I saw Kim Kardashian with one in a recent US Weekly and instead am focusing on the fact that they're organic and all natural and really cheap.

5. Philosophy Lip Shine ($10) :: I've already confessed my love for all things Philosophy. And this gloss is no different. I'm walking the sparkle-line here, but not officially crossing it. Yet.

6. Fresh Sugar ($22.50) :: Technically a lip treatment, this one is more like a balm and also contains SPF 15. And tastes delish.

How about you? Any must-try or stand-by glosses I've forgotten?