In honor of the passing of poor portley Pavarotti, I would like to promote another wonderful thing to do with one's mouth other than singing tenor in a lyric opera: wearing lip balm (which is almost as noble). Specifically, wearing C.O. Bigelow's Mentha Lip Shine. I really know nothing finer when it comes to lasting, minty balm that freshens breath. Now let me confess, beauties. This is no trade secret. I'm not to thank for discovering this product, even though "discovery" is practically abused as a word these days. I side with David Sedaris. He says that he cannot stand it when others refer to a restaurant as one that they've discovered, like Ponce de Leon discovering the fountain of freakin' youth, when all along the restaurant was listed IN THE PHONEBOOK. You didn't discover it. It was yours to be discovered. You could have used a map. But you didn't. However, I like to think myself almost as cool as good old Ponce, now that I've got my small tube of youth, otherwise known as Bigelow's Mentha Lip Shine.

Like I mentioned, though, I didn't discover it. First, Ellen gave it to me. Then, I told Ellen how wonderful I found this product to be. Ellen told me that she had propagated the love for Mentha, as well, and had all of her co-workers puckering up with their own tubes. Then, I told Eunis, who bought some for herself and her gaggle of girlfriends. Then, just recently, I saw that Jenny (who would *never* set foot in any manner of cosmetics stand!) was rocking Sir Bigelow's best balm, as well. Clearly this goodness is contagious. What are you sticking around being parched for, beauties? Get hip to the apothecary!

This balm comes in a .5 oz tube, but a little really does go a long way. I haven't had the contents-under-pressure problem with this one as I have had with other balms (ahem: see also this oozy doozie). Plus, if you are inclined to buy balm for ya man, the nice minty color of the tube is fairly unisex, as masculine as Burt's Bees, or Chapstick, but with a tasty smell that will keep his breath from stankocity, and that, beauties, is a very good thing.

C.O. Bigelow has a lovely website if you are interested to learn more.