Every woman can wear red lipstick- fact. But, those that are brave enough to do so, often get the shade wrong - sad fact.

You can leave the decision up to your make-up artist, but give yourself a confidence boost by knowing what suits you best and how to wear it well.

THE COLOUR

Skin tone is the biggest factor in finding the right red shade. It can get pretty complicated so we've broken it down to two simple rules:

Fairer skin tones should wear reds with an orange undertone - so think brighter, lighter reds, such as tomato or pillar-box.

Dusky skin tones should wear reds with a blue undertone - so think deeper, richer and darker reds, such as burgundy or maroon.

THE APPLICATION

The last thing you want to see in your wedding pictures is red smudges across your face or heaven forbid, pink teeth.

The key to getting the lipstick to stay on your lips and not foraying into your mouth or other parts of your face, is the method of application. Follow these fundamental steps and smile away with confidence:

• Prepare your lips for the intense experience! Make sure that they are moisturised and crack free, as red shades are unforgiving on out of shape lips.
• Apply a very light layer of foundation or base to your lips. This essentially creates an even, dry canvas for the lipstick to hold onto.
• For added security, dust a light layer of powder over them once the base has dried.
• Stop lip bleeding in its tracks by outlining the lips with a lip liner, which is like the shade of your lipstick. Whatever you do, resist the urge to create a bigger pout and try to stay as close to your natural lip line as possible. If in doubt, leave the comedy to the clowns.
• Its time to apply the wow factor! Use a lip-brush, rather than applying straight from the tube, as its goes on more evenly and thoroughly. Its best to start from the middle and work your way to the edges.
• Lightly blot your lips with a tissue to remove any excess.
• Finally for good measure, apply a second coat with a brush.

Most good lipsticks will stay in place a lot longer with this method, although it's always handy to have a bridesmaid on hand for any last minute touch ups. Another tip is to pop your finger into your mouth, and wrap your lips around it in a sucking motion (yes ladies, that way...) and then pull your finger out. This genius method favoured by red lipstick icons such as Marilyn Monroe, will remove any excess rouge from the tender parts of your mouth and keep your teeth pearly white. At which point, it's time to turn to your adoring public and to blow them a kiss.