The common denominator between these ladies is self-confidence - to sport this bold look, the wearer must be comfortable being the centre of attention. 

The red lip is an ubiquitous trend that typically carries through each season, yet fall is undoubtedly when this lip look is most fitting.  We're surrounded by rusty hues of orange, yellow, brown and red, and our wardrobes reflect the richness of the season, draping us in luxurious fabrics such as velvet, suede, wool, and lace.  Painting on a sexy red lip is the ultimate finish to this season's opulence.  Unfortunately, for many of us the red lip can be the most daring and daunting look to pull off.  Here, we'll outline how to sport a notice-me pucker with style and ease.

Texture

Many women avoid trying a red lip because they feel it can look too brash, but depending on the application and texture of the product, lips can be as subtle or as intense as you're comfortable with.   This season, almost anything goes as far as texture, with the exception of a high-gloss finish, as it can look too garish with an already stand-out mouth. 

Application

Another important consideration is the application.  If full-on colour makes you nervous, apply lipstick with your finger, patting it on the center of the lip and working outward to create a stained look, which is discreetly sexy and wearable anywhere.  For more intensity, first choose a lip liner that either matches the desired lipstick or is a shade darker than your natural lip colour.  After tracing the lip line, smudge the line slightly with a Q-tip or your fingertip to make it less rigid.  Apply lip colour with a lip brush, sweeping on just enough to lay a foundation of colour.  Blot lips with a tissue and apply a second coat, painting colour on carefully.  This gives lips dimension and makes lip colour last.  Finish the look with a dab of pearlized highlighter in either the centre of the bottom lip, or just above the bow of the upper lip, which accentuates the mouth.

Wearing the right shade for your skintone is crucial in choosing a red lip colour - as a rule, a blue-based red is flattering on most complexions and will make your eyes sparkle, teeth look whiter, and skin more luminous-looking.  In particular, reds with a blue undertone look great on fair skin or that which has a cooler undertone.  If skin is ruddy, aim for a lip colour that has violet or fuchsia in it.  For olive or darker skin, orange-, golden-, or brown-based reds work best, although on very dark skin a cool blue fuchsia-red can look beautiful. 

The following are some handy shade suggestions:  For fair skin, Cover Girl Continuous Colour Lipstick in Really Red, or Chanel Lover Rouge Allure Luminous Satin Lip Colour. 

For medium skintones, Clinique Long Last Soft Shine Lipstick in Red Red Red, or Estee Lauder Pure Colour Long Lasting Lipstick in Red Attitude both look great. 

Olive or dark skin tones look beautiful in shades like Lancôme Rouge Absolut Crème in Merlot (my personal favorite) or Maybelline Moisture Extreme Lipstick in Crushed Cranberry.

At this point you may be thinking: What do I do with the rest of my makeup?  How should I wear my hair?  When should I wear red lipstick, and when is it most appropriate?  As with any makeup look, balance is key.  Keep the lip the focus of the face by wearing only a sheer wash of champagne-coloured shadow on lids and a soft application of rosy blush to the apples of cheeks.  For added drama, brush on several coats of mascara to lashes.  Hair pulled loosely back into a chignon or bun at the nape of the neck looks polished; for a more glamorous look, try wearing soft retro curls or waves reminiscent of Marilyn Munroe. 

As far as appropriateness goes, the red lip has been around so long it's almost a neutral.  For day or for a more casual look, choose a moist, creamy formula and try not to apply it too precisely, which can look too extreme during the day.  At night or for more formal affairs, try a lipstick with a matte consistency, which will up the intensity, and apply carefully all over lips.  Ultimately, the choice is up to you - whatever you're most comfortable with is what will look best, because you'll wear it with confidence.

Now its time to test run your new lip look and admire your saucy self in the mirror - don't forget the attitude!