Choose a shade and slick it on; it should be that simple. But the fear of 'getting it wrong' backs so many of us into a neutral lipstick corner. Perhaps this is because the makeup advice we heard when growing up came solely from ill-advised cosmetic counters. As a result, the phrase "dark skins suit a nice plum shade" still plays ad nauseam in our heads.

Here's what they didn't tell you: light and bright shades of lipstick look as beautiful on dark skin tones as they do on fairer skins. It's just about finding the right consistency for you, whether it's Jennifer Hudson's metallic coral lips at the 2010 Oscars or Nicki Minaj's hot pink pout.

"What stops women from experimenting is the feeling that everyone is going to think 'she doesn't carry it off'," says make-up artist Nicola Chapman, one half of YouTube make-up duo Pixiwoo. "Take the colour you currently wear and try something a few shades brighter first as a stain or as a gloss, then as a full colour when you're ready. Going from lip balm to brick red would terrify anyone," Nicola advises.



Correction is one of those loaded words, bandied around more frequently with darker skins than others. It can be summarised thus: if you want to play certain features down and others up, you can. That's the beauty of make-up. But nobody should feel compelled to do so. "Women often ask me about correcting their dark lip colour towards the outside of the lips, but I think it looks beautiful because you have your own lip definition," says Nicola. "However, if you did want to even this out to get a bold block of lip colour, use concealer or a lip liner all over the lips first, then apply your lipstick."



The trickiest part is finding a balance between a bright lip and the rest of your makeup. "There are no rules anymore when it comes to choosing either lips or eyes. Soft browns, khakis and velvety moss greens look incredible with dramatic lips," she says. It's easy to think that darker skins always need eye definition, but a little mascara and a smudge of eye gloss to the lids and cheekbones (Mac Pro do a brilliant one) creates an ultra-modern look. Whatever combo you opt for, apply your lipstick first and work backwards, that way you'll always keep the proportion perfect.

Photography/Getty Images/Gallo Images ROOTS

If you're (still) reading this column and take away nothing else, then disregard the notion of cool and warm toned lipsticks. It's about taking a look, whether it's a catwalk trend or something ripped out of a magazine, and making it work for you. "My fail-proof tip for trying a tricky new colour, like an orange or red for example is to also buy a slightly darker lip liner so you can alter the colour yourself if it looks too bright," says Nicola. "Above all, the joy of makeup is that it's not a tattoo on your forehead, it always comes off." So go forth and experiment, remembering that the best gauge of whether you like a look or colour is your own infallible beauty barometer.



Thanks to: Nicola Chapman www.pixiwoo.com

A few products to get you started:

Dior Serum de Rouge in 850 Red Serum (£25) www.dior.com

One part serum, one part luxurious creamy colour in this seasons must-have crimson.

MAC Posh Paradise Mattene Lipstick in Potent Fig, £13.50, www.maccosmetics.co.uk

Wear this matte purple dark and minimal – think Beyonce in Gaga's Telephone video.

Bobbi Brown 20th Anniversary Lip Palette, £43, www.Bobbibrown.co.uk

Twenty mini shades means you'll be spoilt for experimenting choice. Definitely one for the Christmas list.



Rimmel Kate Moss Lasting Finish Lipsticks, £5.49 www.boots.com

Take lipstick inspiration from the lady herself with these bold and unapologetic hues.

Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey, £15, www.clinique.co.uk

This sheer lip tint was my first ever beauty buy and it still works perfectly for autumn's berry shades.

Anita is beauty assistant at Stylist Magazine. Next time, Anita tackles under-eye concealers.