A fantastic red lipstick is nearly always in style, especially around the holidays. This year, true red is the must-have shade. Matte reds are the hottest look, but a little shine (not shimmer) works, too. If you haven’t tried a really red lipstick before, it can be a bit daunting. If you’re willing to give it a whirl, though, the results are usually sexy and well worth it. Here are three gorgeous red lip colors to try for your holiday party look.

Max Factor Colour Perfection Lipstick in Rouge. $7. This slightly cool true red should look good on most skin tones. The gel-based lipstick is smooth and doesn’t feather as much as some. I love that it’s matte without being drying, which can be a problem in the winter.

Maybelline Superstay Lipcolor in Flame. $8. If you plan to party all night, this vivid red should party right along with you. The two-step lipcolor has a long-lasting pigment that goes on first. Once it’s dry, you add the balm-type topcoat, which is incredibly moisturizing. The fade-resistant color won’t come off if you spend a little time underneath the mistletoe.

Cover Girl Continuous Color Lipstick in Classic Red. $5.50. A slightly warmer true red, this rich lipcolor from Cover Girl will look good on almost anyone. It goes on smooth and lasts a reasonably long time. Best of all, this classic lipstick is available at nearly any discount store.

But what about those of you who are afraid of going for all-out red lips?

It happens. Sometimes it’s wise to ease your way into a beauty trend. If you’re not sure the bold red lip is for you, try a tinted gloss first to see if you like the idea of the color, and work your way up. This is also a great way for younger girls to get in on the trend if mom isn’t OK with tarty red lips just yet. Two delicious red glosses to try:

L’Oreal HiP Jelly Balm in Delectable. $8.50. I know the color looks shocking in the jar, but trust me, you can rock this red. L’Oreal’s HiP line is known for intense colors, and the color *is* fantastic in this gloss, it’s just delivered in a sheer, non-threatening manner. Wear this gloss alone for a hint of color. When you’re ready, add red liner underneath for more pop.

Cover Girl WetSlicks Amazemint Lipgloss in Red Riot. $5. Again, you’re going to have to trust me on the color issue here. Yes, it looks like a fairly stout red in the tube, but this gloss is incredibly sheer. For the younger crowd, this is a perfectly appropriate choice. The Crest peppermint oil adds an interesting tingle, too.

With red lip colors, there are four commandments you should follow.

• Know thy skin tone. Learn to choose a red that works with your face. You may need to choose a slightly warmer or cooler shade to look your best.
• Wear thy lipliner. Prep your pout so you don’t have migrating lipstick issues. Don’t just line the outside of your lips - fill them in. That way, if your lip color wears off, you’re not left with only a red outline.
• Tame thy eye makeup. Bold, smoldering eye makeup is also sexy for holiday parties, but you should choose either the smoky eye or the tarty lip instead of pairing the trends. Show off one gorgeous feature at a time, or you may end up looking less like a sultry siren and more like a circus clown.
• Smile. Or pout. Whichever makes you feel sexiest with your red lips. Yes, everyone’s looking, as well they should be. You’re hot, mama. Work it!

Tags: holidays, Lips, trends, Walmart