The Ten Best Lipsticks

A deep raisin-pink, sheer and shot through with grown-up glitter, Wild Tulip picks up on this winter's trend for moody shades of aubergine and berry. Because it's sheer, it's subtle enough for paler skin tones.
www.chanel.com; 020-7493 3836
2 Yves Saint Laurent 16.50
Red Desire is a diva-class cherry-red lipstick that looks fantastic on cooler complexions. To avoid a hard look, apply using a brush, and work from the middle of the lips outwards.
www.ysl.com; 01444 255 700
3 MAC 11
ou won't walk away with a desperate-divorcee shade of wine-pink if you buy MAC. It lives up to its reputation for innovation, and a great new colour from the brand is the vibrant, berry-violet Rebel, which looks just as striking on fair and dark complexions.
www.maccosmetics.com; 020-7534 9222
4 Estee Lauder 15
The golden case (first used in 1984) is as classy as this nude- brown colour, Toasted Walnut, especially if you're olive-skinned. Moisturising and subtly shiny, this is well-mannered lippy for grown- ups who aren't into eye-popping colours.
www.esteelauder.co.uk; 0870 0342 444
5 Organic Glam 16.95
The Organic Pharmacy on London's King's Road now has its own make- up line, using organic extracts and mineral coloursand leaving out synthetic preservatives and fragrances. Of its seven shades of lipstick, Red is pure Hollywood glamour.
www.organicglam.com; 020-73512232
6 Clinique 12
Honey Nut is one of those colours that simply can't look bad on any lips. Its texture is sheer, creamy and long-lasting, and its brownish-pink hue is understated enough for the office.
www.clinique.co.uk; 0870 034 2566
7 Bobbi Brown 14
For the make-up artist Bobbi Brown, the ideal lipstick is the colour that matches that of your lips, and her bestseller is the creamy Sandwash Pink, a sophisticated brownish-pink.
www.bobbibrown.co.uk; 0870 034 2566
8 RMK >15
It's called Orange Red, but this is a true red with a matte finish by the Japanese brand. Good for darker skins/warmer complexions - if nervous, tap colour on with a fingertip.
www.rmkrmk.com; 020-7318 3538
9 Lipstick Queen 15
Poppy King's cult brand splits colours into "Sinner" (90 per cent pigment) and "Saint" (sheer), and Berry Sinner is a deep, matte brown, only recommended if you have very white teeth.