By Rachel Kavanagh

Lipstick, the most profane and sought after make up product in the world. Without even a simple slick in any shade, a finished make up look simply lacks lustre and polish.

One shade in particular adds this instant elegance and femininity – red lipstick. I for one am delighted to see its constant return to the catwalk and to be now considered social accepted without feeling like a certain 90’s call girl from a famous movie.

During the poverty ridden times of the World Wars, women all over the world famously found solace in red lipstick, and it became an icon of femininity. Although we haven’t returned to quite such trying times, we certainly need cheering up. It can be hard to find the perfect red. With its return to popularity, there are a ridiculous amounts of shades to choose from and not every one will suit your colouring.

However I may have come close to finding a ‘One shade suits all’ red. As a judge at the IMAGE Magazine Beauty Awards this year, lipstick was one of my sections. I got over 25 varying shades of red lipsticks and one in particular came out trumps, with several top make up artists in agreement. Introducing Elizabeth Arden’s ‘Poppy Cream’ .

The colour is a rich full bodied blood red-much like your favourite bottle of vino! It’s a classic colour that suits nearly all skin tones, with a soft moisturizing sheen that deflects from any harshness. Just one remaining piece of advice-don’t wear red lipstick if you don’t want to be noticed, and never ever feel self conscious if you are-its exactly what its designed to do, so embrace it.

Elizabeth Arden is available in Brown Thomas Dublin, Cork and Limerick, and many other good department stores nationwide.