Evolution of an Addict

When I was younger (teens, I believe) I started using Chapstick. I don't even remember why. I doubt it was chapped lips. Maybe I liked the slight glossiness? Anyways, after using that for a while, I started experimenting with Lipsmackers. They were good and tasty, but didn't have the longevity of Chapstick. Now, I think most people are aware that Chapstick is addictive. We've even discussed it in this blog, as I recall.

Anyways, after alternating between Chapstick and Lipsmackers, I eventually found NYC Lip Smoothie (strawberry flavored). It was heaven sent. Not only did it last, but it left a pinkish shine on my lips. And it tasted wonderful! I bought it constantly. Much to my dismay, after too short a time, it was discontinued. I have no idea why. I wrote to the company, and they offered no explanation. It was disheartening. I don't even remembered what I used after that. I started compulsively buying lip balms everywhere I went, in search for the replacement. I even bought the lip balm at Jamba Juice! I'm not sure how long ago it was, but I eventually came across the Vanilla Sugar lip balm from Bath & Body. At first, I wasn't in love with it. At least not when comparing it with the NYC lip gloss. But the sweet taste and smooth texture won me over, and I had a new favorite. I bought in bulk each time I went in. It smells like warm roasted marshmallows, to me. Quite a few months ago, I realized I was running low (maybe had 4 or 5 left) and I went to the store to get more. I'm sure you can guess what happened next. It wasn't there!

I was upset, obviously. I immediately came home and got online. To my delight, it was all over eBay! I bought a dozen that day, and I think I paid maybe $20 for it. Tonight, I decided that I should buy some more, since it can't last forever, and to my shock, there was hardly any left on eBay. Not only that, but they are selling approximately for $5 per lip balm! Nothing in bulk, either. There were groups of two or three, max.

Now, I am faced with a dilemma. Do I buy everything they have, at a ridiculous price, or do I start a search for something new, since I'll eventually need to anyways? I know how dramatic this all seems, I really do. But the addiction is very real, and I have no idea what to do next. Chapstick just doesn't really cut it for me, though in desperate times, it'll do. Lipsmackers are pretty much out.

Here's my question: What happens if I try to quit? Will my lips ever go back to not needing it? It's like hand lotion. I crave the feel of it, all the time. If I don't buy a replacement, will I turn to lipstick? And how practical is that? And lip glosses on wands with little sponges? Too sticky.

Does anyone have any advice? I'm open to suggestions for new things to try, but here are my guidelines:

Can't be too expensive, as I use it a lot.
Can't be applied with the finger. That grosses me out.
Has to be small enough to fit into my pocket.
Preferably a twist up kind of balm, (as opposed to a roll on, or wand) similar to chapstick.
Preferably shiny, but not too much actual color, because I hate getting color on my water bottle.