A sweep of red lipstick makes an big impact and has the power to transform an outfit from OK to WOW in seconds! Traffic-stopping red lips are everywhere, particularly during the Christmas party season, and will make you look and feel extra fabulous in that little black dress.



However, most of us are terrified of colouring our lips red and are convinced that we just can't wear it. But we can! There is such a variety in red tones and hues, that everyone can wear a red lipstick. However, if you're not sure this is going to be a look that lasts for you, look for brands that are great value for money ? you don't want to spend a fortune if you only wear red lips for very specific events. 17 or Rimmel have some fabulous shades and won't break the bank.

Alternativley, try a brand that offers plenty of choice - No7 make-up, for example, has a great range of lip colours for you to pick from. But first, here are some top tips about what colour is best for you, and how you can wear this fashion must-have, and give the likes of Gwen Stefani and Scarlett Johansson a run for their money!

Firstly, choose the right hue. A shade that makes your friend look glamorous can make you look positively ghastly; hence, finding a shade that flatters your skin tone is the most important factor. For this, ask yourself this simple question: do you have you a ?warm? or a ?cool? complexion?

?Warm? complexions have yellow, olive and darker undertones and tan easier in the sun. If that's you, then go for warmer reds with a brown base, such as brick or rusty red. ?Cool? complexions are pale with pink undertones and are prone to burning in the sun. Opt for true reds or reds with a pink, plum or blue undertone. A blue-red will also make your teeth look whiter and brighter.

Next comes the application, and lip liner is essential if you want to avoid looking like the Joker by the end of the night! As reds have a tendency to bleed, the first step of application should be to line and fill your lips with a lip liner that closely matches your natural lip colour. Then apply the red with a lip brush and lightly blot with a tissue. Alternatively, try softly sweeping some translucent face powder across your lips to give the colour some extra staying power and a more matte finish. Some make-up artists even cover lips with foundation or face powder before applying the lipstick, so experiment and see what works best for you.

Next, you have to know how to complement your red lips with the rest of your makeup. Since red lips make a dramatic statement, it's vital to keep the rest of your face bare. To complete your look, simply groom your brows, add a touch of mascara and finish with a dash of blush. Keep nails neutral unless it's a really special occasion ? then, matching red nails will add that extra touch of glamour.

Finally, wear red with confidence. Red can make you feel sexy, powerful and give you va-va-voom! Wear it with pride, feel confident and don't forget to smile!