Few products conjur images of instant glamour and beauty than red lipstick. It's a true beauty icon and a fail-safe companion in many makeup bags. Whether you're going for a glamourous evening look or want to give your everyday look an instant boost, a good red lipstick will never fail you. It gives you that hit of confidence like nothing else, a "you can't mess with me today" attitude mixed with hint of fun, transforming any look in a matter of seconds. Once you find a red that works for you it can easily become a staple within your bag. Walk into any beauty hall and you are spoilt for choice, with hundreds of shades, textures and formulas on offer. It's a question of which one to go for and which one is the perfect fit for you.

For High Impact Gloss...

A gloss finish with amp up any red lip and give a gamourous finish. The YSL Vinyl Lip Cremes are comfortable to wear with a high-shine finish that resembles more of a oil-balm than sticky gloss. They offer hydration without compromising on the overall pigmentation and leave behind a strong stain on the lips once the gloss has worn off. Go-to shade: 411

For An Affordable Option...

You don't need to spend the earth to achieve the perfect red lip. The L'Oréal Paris Color Riche Matte Lipsticks have an almost-matte finish making them more comfortable to wear than some of their matte counter-parts and easy to apply with and without a lipliner. The shades of red on offer are vast, from deeper berry's to bright oranges and of course the classic reds so you are bound to find one for you. The creamy formula means they don't leave lips dry but the pigmentation means they will last you all day with just a little tocuh-up after lunch. Go-to shades: 229 Cliche Mania, 330 Coco Ricco

For A Lightweight Feeling...

There's often an association with bolder lip shades that they formulas will be heavy, drying and uncomfortable to wear but this isn't always the case, Giorgio Armani Lip Magnets are a perfect example. The formula is almost water-like, a little glides across the lips with a strong pigmentation. One thin layer is enough and the formula dries in a few seconds, once set it doesn't smudge and will stick around for several hours before a top-up is needed. The shape of the applicator makes them easy to apply and dispenses the perfect amount of product, allowing you to line the edge of your lips with precision before smoothing the colour across the lips. Go-to shade: 302

For your Summer Lip...

If you want one to see you from the spring through to the summer months than an orange tone is the perfect option. The Delilah Lipstick in Tango gives a perfectly pigmented finish with a bold dose of colour. It's easy to apply without a lip liner, comfortable to wear, isn't drying on the lips and the colour screams summer like no other.

For A Long-Lasting Formula...

When it comes to longevity the Sephora Matte Lip Cremes win every time. They're comfortable to wear, don't crack or look overly drying on the lips, the pigmentation is incredible and they last all. day. long. Make sure your lips are smooth and hydrated before applying for the best finish and you're set all day. Go-to shade: 07

A red lip is a frequent go-to for me, it brightens up any look and takes your effortlessly from day to night. Once you find the best formula for you and the colour that complements your skin tone there's nothing better.