How To Wear Red Lipstick

Red lipstick is back. Yes, we know it's a classic look that never really goes out of fashion but this season (and looking forward to spring/summer 2015) the only lip shade we saw on the catwalks was red. 

Forget everything you thought you knew about red lipstick. The post box hue may have classic 'Old Hollywood' connotations; you may think it's tricky to find a shade to suit, or that it's a faff to wear - but we have the tips and tricks you need to find your perfect shade and wear it in a way that requires very little maintenance

At the Maxmara A/W 2014 show the models wore a deep red shade, perfect for autumn. Wine red shades look great on dark skin, but if you're fair don't shy away but just ensure your complexion is perfected first with foundation and concealer - a dark lip tends to draw attention to a less than perfect skintone

Use a lip pencil like this one by MAC in Cherry, £12.50, ideal if you're new to wearing dark lips shades you can build the colour up gradually. Use a little balm over the top to prevent lips drying out.

Don't want a high maintenance lip look but want to go bold? Strike a balance by using a bright red shade and take your cue from the Prada show, but use a cotton bud to soften (read: blend) the edges and buff the lipstick in for a more wearable - and long-wearing - look.

Orange-red lip colours suit anyone with a tan, or an olive skintone and will make you look more glowy. But, as with all rules they are there to be broken (see Art Director Miette, pictured), so if you like the shade give it a try and see.

If you really want to wear a red lip but don't want to make a big commitment, make like Maybelle and opt for a soft red balm.

INSTYLE,BY Amy lawWRENSO