I have been a self-proclaimed lip gloss addict since the early age of nine (yes, I have a problem). Through the years, I have tasted, puckered, and kissed my way through every kind of vial, tube, stick and tub available to (wo)man. Now that I think about it, I should really be in the lip gloss industry… ----dreaming---- or rehab… Anyway, since I've titled myself a lip-glossing expert I feel it's my duty to share my wisdom.

When it comes to the gloss, I personally don't think that cost and quality go hand in hand. If anything, the cheaper the stick the better the balm. For a high-quality, delicious, and super affordable pucker-pleaser, stick with the classics: Lip Smackers by Bonne Bell.

They come in all kinds of tempting and delish flavors, and are so super affordable at under two bucks a pop I can stock up and switch it up to make sure my lips (and my boyfriend) never get bored.

Keep in mind I'm talking about the classics—no glitter (too scratchy! Ouch!), but even that's fine because every year the brains at Lip Smacker come up with new flavors for the original formula.

They're creamy, have a perfect texture, and leave just the right sensation on your pucker. Most are sheer, some have a slight tint, but all are perfect alone or as a base/primer.

For summer, my personal fave is Tropical Punch. It comes in a sassy, hot-pink tube, has a slightly tangy scent, and leaves just a hint of vibrant pink/orange on your lips that looks so natural, it will have all your friends jealous of your genes!

These little sticks have never let me down throughout my love affair with glosses. I love trying and wearing all types of gloss (and will probably be passing on my tips on many), but in the end I've always got that little Lip Smacker in my bag as backup, and so should you!

Kisses from TBB Beauty Expert

Get the Bonne Bell Lip Smacker trio lip gloss with Kiwi, Tropical Punch and Mango flavors, $4.15 at drugstore.com.