What better way to start my Top Five picks, than with my all-time favourite red lipsticks? These shades of scarlet have taken me through good and bad days, and always, always – gets me noticed. Nothing else makes me feel instantly pulled together. In no particular order, my best reds.  

Chanel Rouge Allure in Lover

Rouge Allure has a fabulous texture, great satiny finish – and a sexy name to top off with. I mean, you just can’t go wrong with a name like Lover! Coverage is instant, but I normally apply two layers to get the most vivid shade. Just click and remove cap, swivel and slick on – this crimson is the kind screen sirens like Jean Harlow and Marilyn Monroe would’ve worn.

Laura Mercier Lip Stain in Scarlet

Stains are normally drying on the lips, but not this one. It’s smooth and comfortable on the lips, feels like lipstick, and a little goes a long way. I’m on to my fifth jar since they first launched two years ago. I’ve also recommended this tomato-red to friends and surprisingly, it suits a girlfriend with really fair porcelain skin and one other that’s more an olive tone. Make-up artist Pat McGrath suggests applying this with your finger for a look that’s polished without trying too hard.

Givenchy Pop Gloss in Hip Hop Red

Packed with pigments, this one is a serious vermilion and isn’t sheer like most gloss. It has the consistency of liquid lipstick, and goes beautifully with the Laura Mercier Lip Stain for the longest-staying red. Sadly, this gloss is no longer with me. I lost it, along with my favourite Dior satchel, during a snatch-theft incident.

Rouge Dior in Premier Red

When Dior rebranded and repackaged their signature lipstick line, the company used this fire-engine red on spokesperson Monica Bellucci in their ads. The lipstick’s really moisturising, and it contains ingredients that help care for your lips too. I whip this out to wear on days when I need to impress.

M.A.C Slimshine Lipstick in Urgent

I call this my best-for-any-occasion red. The colour is so sheer and glossy, and I wear this so much, I’m scooping out the last bits right now. Slimshine has to be one of M.A.C’s best lip products – it’s a lipstick, gloss and balm – all in one sexy slim tube.

I’d love to hear about your favourite reds, so do share!