This time last year, my nude lipstick stash was dismal at best. Twelve months on though, the story is quite different. The little plastic tray in which I keep them is practically overflowing to the point where I really need to divide them up again into another tray (or two!). Hey, things could be worse. Now don't get me wrong, I do love my bold lip colours, but it's the practical nude lipsticks that I reach for the most. So, I figured it was about time I shared with you an edit of my nude lip products collection featuring only my very favourites.

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THE LIP PENCIL

An ode to the 90s and even just to a smooth, long lasting lipstick application, the humble lip pencil has made humungous waves since Kylie Jenner revealed her luscious lips (she even had me convinced for a while there, but alas, even over-lining the lips isn't that effective).

The two shades that have made the cut into my everyday makeup routine are the new  Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Lip Pencil from  Mecca in both  Stark Naked and  1993, a match made in heaven either worn alone or together for a contoured look. They're an easy-to-apply matte lip pencil that make the perfect base for not just nude lipsticks, but pretty much every other shade too. Yeah, I'm in serious need of a decent pencil sharpener.
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THE LIPSTICKS

Ah yes, the lipstick is without a double the pivotal step to achieving the perfect lip. There are several that I've been reaching for lately (I had to go and fish a few of them out of various handbags), with almost all featuring in My Top 20 Ultimate Makeup Finds of 2015.

I've spoken a lot about the  NudeStix Lip + Cheek Pencil in Whisper/Mystic from  Sephora ( I raved about it here) and the  Elizabeth Arden Beautiful Color Moisturizing Lipstick in  Nude ( worn here), two very different yet perfect matte shades. I also named the  Clinique Chubby Stick Intense Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm in  Curviest Caramel one of my favourite Clinique lip products, which is super hydrating and comfortable to wear.

And I really cannot go passed the  Rimmel London Lasting Finish by Kate Moss Nude Lipstick in  Nude #45 ( swatched in this video) or the luxe worth-every-penny  Charlotte Tilbury K.I.S.S.I.N.G Lipstick in  Penelope Pink. Needless to say, these are the lipsticks you'll find everywhere they shouldn't be (or should be, which ever way you look at it) - the ensuite bench, my handbag, in the car; pretty much anywhere that's convenient.

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THE LIP GLOSSES AND BALMS

Since I have typically dry lips, I almost always apply some sort of gloss or balm on top of my lipstick to keep them from flaking on me ( ha-ha, get it?) throughout the day, particularly the matte finish formulas. Heck, these even look amazing layered over the  Urban Decay Lip Pencil. I'll get the one I always mention out of the way first; the seriously good looking and ridiculously moisturising  Mecca Cosmetica Lip De Luscious. I've also touted Lanolips as The Balm My Lips Can't Live Without, so there was no way I could leave the  Lanolips Lip Ointment with Colour SPF 15 in  Rose off the list, a sheer pink-based nude shade. I was considering not including the  ModelCo Shine Ultra Lip Gloss in  Strip Tease because of its scrumptious edible scent that makes me want to devour it after spreading the  slightly shimmery gloss on my lips, but hey, that just wouldn't be fair. Trust me when I say, you have to smell its sweet deliciousness - *drools*.

I'd love to know what nude lipsticks, lip pencils, glosses and balms have been your go-to lately? x

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SHOP MY NUDE LIPSTICK EDIT: