Some may argue that lip balm only makes the red lipstick runny, sparse and worse, unable to stay put and will end up 'bleeding' within minutes. For that purpose, opt for sliding that lip balm on before anything else – before your primer, moisturiser and so on and so forth. By the time you get your face on, your lips would have absorbed the product, and are left feeling supple, hydrated, and most of importantly, ready for some heavy-duty colour.

We may be of the old-school belief that you should line your lips on the outside only, to prevent the lipstick from moving. However, if real colour pay-off and lasting power is what you want, go all the way with your lip liner and colour it like you were assigned to that section in a colouring book. But remember what you tell kids, "Stay within the lines". 

Smile while doing your lower lip to ensure that you don't leave out a bit of lip in the end. Plus, this is the quickest, painless and non-invasive way to plump up your lips. Also, make sure that the lip liner you choose is the closest shade to the actual lipstick that you're going to use. 

Here are a couple of our suggestions on some of the best lip liners:

1. Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Lip Liner in Bang
2. Burberry Lip Liner in Military Red
3. Kat Von D Outlaw in Brick Red
4. M.A.C Lip Liner in Cherry
5. Butter London in Red Hot

 While there isn't a correct way to actually put on lipstick, there are many who are intimidated by this shiny tube housing a rich pigment. Does one start at the top, the bottom or the middle? The thing is, there are no rules. It's up to what you're comfortable with. Coat your lips liberally (don't be shy, after all, it is a bold colour). Take your time. Applying red lipstick can be nearly ritualistic, it has a way of transforming not only the way you look, but the way you feel at the end. 

No idea what shade of red you should go for? Or have you ever thought that you just cannot pull red off? Don't worry. There is a shade of red for every woman out there. Don't be afraid to bother the make-up assistant until you find the perfect red for you. But until then, here are some of the best red lipsticks out there:

Left to right: Chanel in Pirate, M.A.C in Ruby Woo and Dior in 999

Left to right: NARS Powermatte Lip Pigment in Don't Stop, L'Oreal Infallible in Ravishing Red and Yves Saint Laurent Rogue Pur Couture #1 Le Rouge

Here's where the lasting power comes from (aside from quality lipsticks, of course). The idea is to create a stain on your lips, so much so that your red lipstick would remain intact even after you drink, eat, smooch and such. After lining your lips and applying the lipstick, grab a piece of tissue, fold it between your lips and blot away. Don't be scared about removing the colour; for the first few times, that is exactly what we want. 

After blotting, reapply the colour, and re-blot ... for at least three times. We know what you're thinking – that sounds nearly nuts – but that is the essence and the key technique to ensuring that your red lips stay on the whole night without fear of it bleeding, smudging, transferring. Top it off with a slight dab of the lipstick and you're ready to go.

The last step requires you to thoroughly wash your hand. Then, as if doing the 'Silence/Shh' motion, slide your index finger between your lips. The colour that will come off on your finger will be the usual suspect that stain your teeth after lipstick. So once you're done with the finger, so to speak, you can now be utterly confident with your red lipstick and pearly whites.

All the best!