Did you know that cosmetic sales offer an indication of where the economy stands? It's true: Statistics show that when the economy isn't doing well, lipstick sales go up. The theory is that it's an inexpensive pick-me-up that offers the thrill of shopping without putting a big dent in the ol' pocketbook.

I'm no economist -- but I am a lip gloss junkie! I love the expensive ones, the inexpensive ones, and everything in between. (My skin is particularly dry, so I tend to prefer moisturizing lip products to potentially drying lipstick.) I'd love to hear about your favorite lip products in the comments section below! In the meantime, check out some of the best products I've come across in my ongoing search for the perfect gloss:

• For starters, I have to give a nod to plain old petroleum jelly. No, it's not terribly glamorous -- but when my lips are very dry, it offers a great hydrating base. Then I just apply my favorite colored gloss on top.
• My favorite inexpensive product is L'Oreal Glam Shine -- the color Prima Donna always gets me compliments! I can wear it when I am speaking on TV or when I'm heading to the grocery store, and it's perfect for both.
• If you're typically a lipstick wearer, Philosophy's Supernatural Lip Gloss is a great way to give lip gloss a try. It offers more color and coverage than many other glosses, without sacrificing shine and moisture.
• The other day, I went to the department store and fell in love with the new pots of Dior Gloss Show. You can use it on top of lipstick or alone. Or, if you prefer to cut down on the number of products you use, try the lipstick/gloss combination Dior Addict Ultra Shine.
• For evening glamour, a little shimmer is just the thing to take things up a notch. Laura Mercier's Star Struck Glace adds just the right amount of sparkle -- and it's perfect for layering over any lipstick.
• And if you want to spread the lip gloss joy -- or need to find a fun gift for a pal -- one of my favorite lip gloss samplers is the Elizabeth Arden Lip Gloss Kit.

But in this day and age, offering color and shine just isn't enough -- lots of lip products have started doing double duty...

• ... as a sunscreen, like Laura Mercier's Lip Kisses.
• ... as lip plumpers, like Freeze 24/7's Plump Lips.
• ... as appetite inhibitors, like Joey New York LipFIT Lip Gloss.
• ... as anti-aging products, like iQ Chroma LipTensity Extreme Volume Lip Gloss or BORBA Cashmere Fiber Lip Kix.

So, what's your signature lipstick or gloss? Any must-haves that you'd like to share with the group?

Wishing you great skin!