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New York Fashion Week’s autumn collections have shown a number of trends that represent an overall shift back to more classic styles and looks, and make-up is no exception. Bold lips ruled the runway, with red lips seeming to be the favourite of a number of designers, and fashionistas seem delighted by the return to classic style. Both the current vampire fever, inspired by the Twilight movies, as well as the need to pick up the season’s traditionally dreary colours, are two of the main reasons for the return of sultry red. This old favourite is famously gorgeous, and notoriously difficult to get right, so find out what looks best, then learn how to do it yourself, easily and professionally.

Simply red

There are a few good reasons why red lips are hot on the runway right now: autumn has always been the season best suited to this sultry look, and this year the influence of the vampire craze in both Hollywood and the small screen is sure to have had its impact. Another key reason for the splashes of crimson colour is that this season’s clothing is largely understated, with a classic style and muted tones, allowing bold make-up to be incorporated into the look without looking brash or vulgar.

Keeping it classy

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A good rule of thumb when wearing this classic style is to keep the rest of your make-up simple – the combination of bold lips and dark eyeshadow is extremely outdated, and can make you look not only tired, but also as if you’re trying too hard. Keeping it simple, however, has reached new levels this season: perhaps as another result of the vampire inspiration seen all over the runway, models looked unusually pale (even by models’ standards), wearing little more than foundation along with their lipstick. This seems to make make-up easy, but remember that when you’re doing something simple, it’s got to be done perfectly – use concealer and keep your foundation flawlessly smooth, and steer well clear of smudged mascara or eyeliner.

Application

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Keeping your make-up polished around the lips is especially important – using concealer here will create a gorgeous contrast, while some lip liner will give your lipstick definition and prevent it from ‘bleeding’ onto the skin around your mouth. You can use lip liner all over your lips for a really bold finish, and to avoid creating actual lines around your mouth. For the same reason, it’s a good idea to buy a liner that matches your lipstick as closely as possible. Next, apply your lipstick. If you’re extremely confident in your ability to get the shape of the lipstick on your lips right, go ahead and apply it straight from the tube, but you might want to consider using a brush to apply lipstick in darker shades. This allows you to apply the lipstick slowly, making sure you don’t have to face the challenging task of removing red pigment from your lips and mouth area if you apply too much. Blot with a tissue before applying a second layer.

The last word on lips

Red lips are a classic style that can work for anyone, and right now they are all over the runway.  As long as you take the time and trouble to get the look right, you can enjoy the feeling of glamour and confidence that comes with making a bold statement.