Beauty trend report: Dramatic lip colour

Singer Gwen Stefani often wears a bold red lip. Photo / Getty Images

Dramatic lipstick may seem like a frighteningly bold move, but as Will Malherbe, Smashbox Global artistry and education director, explains, success lies in pushing the boundaries with your existing colour preferences.

"First, ensure your skin is perfected before applying bold lip colours, as they can often make the skin tone appear uneven. With lip colour, don't be afraid to explore - if you usually wear a soft rose pink, choose a bright pink. Or you if you like coral colours, try a bright orange. If plum is your thing, try out an intense, rich purple."

Top tip: to ensure longer wear, apply a clear liner to help set the colour and prevent feathering.

1. Smashbox Be Legendary in Electric Pink Matte, $46
2. M.A.C Liptensity in Hellebore, $50
3. Karen Murrell in Coral Dawn, $30
4. Smashbox Always Sharp Clear Lip Liner, $42

Canvas loves

CurioNoir Pocket Parfum in Opia, 5ml $40
Fruity, woody and very sensual, this unisex parfum concentrate has notes of rhubarb, oud wood and labdanum absolute. From curionoir.com

Clinique Superbalanced Silk Makeup SPF15, $65
Perfect for summer, this feather-light foundation gives a natural matte finish, plus the hydrating formula is infused with silk to minimise lines, pores and imperfections.

You beauty

Toni Street, co-host Seven Sharp and The Hits
Contouring is the best for slimming down the face. I was on heavy doses of steroids last year and got the dreaded "moon face". You brush bronzer just under your cheekbones and along your jawline. The two best are Elizabeth Arden's Prismatic Bronzing Powder and Benefit's Hoola Matte Bronzer.