I've long been a fan of Stila Cosmetics. Ever since the first time I hunted them down at Barney's on 60th and Madison, I'm totally hooked. The colors are hip and wearable, the textures outstanding. Stila's Fade and Hint blushes, Kitten, Puck and Puppy eyeshadows, Taupe and Blush lip glosses are among my all time favorite cosmetics.

Speaking of lip gloss, I've been a fanatic for as long as I can remember. I think that first bottle of Maybelline Strawberry roll-on lip gloss was what started it. From there, its bordered on obsession. I'm reluctant to admit just how much lip gloss I have, and still keep buying!

My passion for lip gloss is what lead me back to the Stila counter at Saks. Thankfully, Stila is now widely available to suburban "bumpkins," like me. I was getting a little tired of toting my lip brush around with various pots and tubes, so when I heard about Stila's new Lip Polish, I couldn't wait to try it.

True to form, Stila's new Lip Polish does not disappoint. It is the perfect marriage of sheer color and substantial texture. The packaging ties it all together: A sharp looking silver "pen" housing the color and brush applicator. You twist the end until it clicks, sending the color up through the brush. Application is beyond easy. You can line, fill in, and be done in mere seconds. No messing around with tubes, pots and brushes. The spill proof packaging travels well. Just click the cap closed, throw it in your bag, and you're off. No worries about spilling, glopping or ruining anything.

The colors are easy to wear and last fairly long. Count on two to three hours under normal circumstances. However, Lip Polish will not be there after a meal.

The two best shades for my skin tone are Sheen and Luster. Sheen is a light, neutral pink/mauve, and Luster is a darker, rosier pink. Both are the perfect choices for a casual, polished face. There are three deeper shades that are equally suitable for fair and darker skin tones, as well as clear. At $28 each, purchasing the clear Lip Polish is nothing short of extortion. Instead, may I suggest some flavored roll-on lip gloss from the drugstore and maybe a few lottery tickets. There are infinitely less expensive choices for when you need that clear gloss fix.

Overall, Stila Lip Polish is a quick, easy way to get great color and shine. I've said farewell to my lip brush, at least for now.

Happy Shopping!