By now we're all familiar with the "Lipstick Effect", a term coined for the theory that in bleak times, we are more likely to trade extravagant items with a humble stick of wax and pigment for an instant pick-me-up. Whatever you want to call it, the inherent power of a good lip colour is undeniable. It's an easy way to go from drab to fab, akin to topping off an outfit with a piece of statement jewellery.

  
Altuzarra fall/winter 2011; Diane von Furstenberg fall/winter 2011

 

For fall, we're hankering for shades of sexy deep red, luscious burgundy, and alluring plum. At Gucci, models wore scarlet pouts topped with high-shine gloss, balanced with a lighter hand on the eye makeup, while it was unabashedly bold over at Altuzarra with a strong lip and eyes. Perfect for everyday wear is the look sported at Diane von Furstenberg, with natural-looking skin and a touch of dark eye shadow for definition.

Here are some tips for applying lipstick:

- Make it a regular routine to exfoliate your lips and keep them moisturised, such as swiping on some Vaseline before going to bed

- Whether you prefer using a lip brush, your finger or applying it straight from the tube, start by applying one even layer of colour on your lips, blotting and building on the intensity from there

- Use a lip liner than matches your lipstick, and for a more natural look, apply it after your lipstick, just to keep colour in check

- As an added precaution against feathering colour, apply concealer along the outside of your lips. This also helps define your lips more

- Skip the gloss if you're trying to minimise large lips

- Play around with your lip colours - sometimes it's easier to arrive on the perfect colour by mixing and matching!

 

    

MAC Seasonally Supreme Lipstick in Korean Candy; Sisley Phyto Lip Shine in Sheer Burgundy

   

Bobbi Brown Lip Colour in Desert Plum; Estee Lauder Pure Color Velvet Lipstick in Fuchsia Velvet

 

 

Model images courtesy of MAC Cosmetics