KEY POINTS:
Red lipstick is essential in the kit of any budding vamp. Frankly, Dita Von Teese wouldn't be half the burlesque artiste without it. This season though, the femme fatale connotations long associated with a red mouth have been lost and it's open season. To be really modern, a perfect red pout must be worn with polished skin and curled lashes.
1. Innoxa Love That Lipstick Clear Red
$20
Lip-plumping lipstick is such a clever idea. You get a hit of pure red pigment plus the clever-clogs ingredient that stimulates collagen synthesis in the lips so the volume is increased by 40 per cent. Even better, lip condition and hydration is also enhanced.
* From Farmers, selected pharmacies and department stores.
2. Clarins Souffle de Rouge Redcurrant
$48 for 2g
The subtle metallic flecks in this creamy, smooth-textured lipstick helps this red from taking itself too seriously and keeping it from being too much of a commitment for those afraid of being too daring with red. And because it's Clarins you know there are going to be benefits for the lips, such as continuous moisture.
* From selected department stores and pharmacies.
3. M.A.C Matte Lipstick Lady Danger
$38 for 3g
M.A.C is renowned for its commitment to brilliant lipstick and fabulous colours. Anyone who's ever gone near red lipstick will know the virtues of Russian Red. This one is also something. It's full-on matt with plenty of the most fabulous bright orange-tinged red. So now it hurts.
* From Smith & Caughey's Newmarket and M.A.C Chancery.
4. Lancome Le Rouge Absolu Lipstick SPF15 Rouge Grenat
$55 for 4.2ml
What a lot of features this lipstick has: pigments that give pure colour, six hours of continuous moisture and an SPF15. This blue-based red is a dream to wear. Guess that's what they mean about the colour being voluptuous.
* From selected department stores and pharmacies.
5. Anna Sui Dolly Girl Lipstick 02
$45 for 3.7g
The cute packaging of Sui's stylised purple and black girlies makes this a front runner for a dressing table. It's the kind of red you wear when you don't want to commit to serious red. This has a relatively sheer coverage, a hit of lame, the famous rose fragrance and a dull rusted out red that makes it plenty wearable.
* From DFS Galleria.
