Budget beauty products seem to be everywhere at the moment and with the credit crunch it couldn't come at a better time.

Mascara for a pound and lip gloss for under a fiver seems perfect but how well does it actually work? Are cheaper products just as good as their more expensive counterparts or is some stuff just worth splashing out on?

Female First hit the make up counters to find out how products up and down the price scale compare.

Today we look at lip gloss.

Elf Hypershine Lip Gloss is just £1.50. It isn't overly shiny for a product caller hypershine but it is an all round good lip gloss. It does need reapplying every couple of hours but the colour is lovely and not too in your face. A great buy for such a small price.

Blistex Blush, £2.25, is technically a lip balm but the soft texture and pink colour means it works just like a gloss. It is long lasting and even stays put after eating and drinking.

W7 lip lights, £4.95, feels lovely on your lips. It is clear but shimmery at the same time and lasts ages. The lip gloss is made even better by the mirror on the tube and lights in the lid, so you can reapply wherever you are.

Prestige Vinyl Wear High Shine, £5.95, comes with a great thick applicator, unfortunately that means it goes on a bit heavy. It has a lovely bright, glittery colour but the smell is a bit off putting.

Tigi's Bed Head Chocolate Raspberry Lip Gloss, £6.95 at feelunique.com, is a little bit on the thick side but it has a lush taste and smell. It's long lasting and the soft applicator means it goes on easily. The colour is a nice dark pink but it's the amazing smell that makes this one special.

Fake Bake Bronze Addiction, £9, goes on easily but does not feel that great on, it is a bit uncomfortable to wear. Also there is not much colour to it.

Benefit Her Glossiness lip gloss, £13, gives a lovely sheen, it is almost clear but there is a hint of pink. It has a great lightweight texture but does not last too long so needs reapplying often.

Middle of the price range, W7's Lip Lights comes out on top today. It's shimmery colour is perfect for a lip gloss and the lights and mirror on the tube make things even better.

FemaleFirst - Jessica Watson