I’ve built up quite an impressive lipstick/gloss/balm collection over the last few years but I do tend to wear the same few on a daily basis. I’d say my favourites are equally made up of high-end and affordable products. When browsing the makeup stands in the likes of Boots and Superdrug it is often overwhelming as there is now such a wide range of affordable makeup brands. I thought I’d put together a list of my favourite affordable products from my collection as a guide.

Lush Lip Scrubs (£5.95)
This product is great especially if like myself you get very dry and flaky lips when the colder weather hits. You don’t need much of it at all so you get so much product for your money that will last you ages. I have the Sugar Plum Fairy and Bubblegum flavours/scents and both taste really sweet so are a pleasure to use.

Eucerin Intensive Lip Balm (£6.00, available from Boots or Superdrug)
This lip balm is an absolute godsend in the winter, I discovered it a couple of years ago and it took only a few days for my lips to be transformed from a flaky mess to smooth and ready to wear my favourite lipsticks again. It is more expensive than the likes of Vaseline or Carmex but in my opinion there is no competition and this Eucerin lip balm is much more effective.

L’Oréal Infallible Sexy Balm – Gossip (£5.99)
This sheer balm is a really great throw in your handbag option as its very quick to apply and hydrating. It just gives a sheer colour to the lips so is perfect for more casual looks or if you aren’t used to wearing anything bold on your lips.

Soap & Glory Sexy Mother Pucker Gloss Stick – Nudist (£3.50)
An oldie but a goodie, this gloss stick in the shade nudist was a favourite amongst beauty bloggers a few years ago and it is still one of my go to products now. The packaging has changed since I purchased mine and to be honest I probably need a new one. This is really hydrating much like the above L’Oréal Sexy Balm and is actually a really similar product although this is said to plump your lips – not something I find that happens for me but it could be because mine is quite old.

Natural Collection Lip Gloss – Turkish Delight (£2.49)
I don’t own much from Natural Collection but I have a couple of their lip glosses, my favourite shade being Turkish Delight. I don’t wear that many glosses but this isn’t that horrible sticky consistency some can be and it’s just really comfortable to wear. I also included this lip gloss in my 5 Great Beauty Products Under £5 post last year.

Soap & Glory Sexy Mother Pucker Nudes Collection Lipstick – Love & O-Beige (£9.00)
Another of my favourites from Soap & Glory, this is such a good nude for me no matter what time of year. Its also one of their “shine” finishes which is great if my lips are having a bit of a dry moment. I’d definitely recommend checking out this range as there is a nude shade to suit every skin tone, I find it’s not the longest lasting but then on me anything that isn’t matte doesn’t seem to last that long. I don’t find it an issue as its easy to top up throughout the day as it goes on so well.

Milani Color Statement Lipstick – Nude Crème (£6.99, available from http://www.milanimakeup.co.uk)
One of my favourite purchases from across the pond and until I wrote this post I was completely unaware Milani had a UK website, I will be off for a browse on there once I have finished writing! I love this lipstick, its a slightly darker nude than the Soap & Glory one I have mentioned and its opaque with just one glide across the lips. I alternate between keeping both of these in my handbag as they’re just so versatile.

L’Oréal Infallible Lip Paint Lacquer – Darling Pink (£6.99)
This lip paint is a liquid lipstick with a difference, instead of being matte like most you can buy they have a high shine finish. This shade is extremely pigmented and is a dark pink shade with hints of red, even though its not red its the red-est shade in my collection that I feel suits me. I have been wearing it loads throughout the summer and going into the colder weather I think it will look lovely with cream chunky knit jumpers. I’ve found it does last well as it sort of stains the lips so when it does wear away it doesn’t look patchy.

NYX Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick – Tea & Cookies (£7.00)
I think NYX is one of the best affordable brands out there in terms of quality and variety, its great they’re becoming more widely available in the likes of Boots, Debenhams and on ASOS. The liquid suede lipsticks apply really well and dry down to a matte finish, I don’t find them really drying and they make my lips feel soft when applied. The Tea & Cookies shade is highly pigmented although I think for even application two coats works well and its long lasting which I presume would be the same for other shades in the range. I would describe Tea & Cookies as a dusty pink shade.

NYX Lingerie Liquid Lipstick – Embellishment (£7.00)
Another one of my favourites from the brand -the shade Embellishment is a grey based mauve, its much bolder and darker than I usually wear. I really do like it and think it suits my pale skin tone well. This is a matte liquid lipstick, it lasts well and I don’t find it drying at all.

I’ve loved looking through my collection and picking out the real gems, I’d love to do it with more products so let me know what you’d be interested in seeing.