Photos: Xiaohan Shen | Writing, makeup & hair: Anni Hall

Just as a pair of Levis, a LBD and a crisp white shirt are all wardrobe essentials, red lipstick is a must in every bathroom cupboard. The cosmetic of choice of seriously stylish women throughout history (think Cleopatra, Marie Antoinette and Marilyn Monroe), the red lip is fun, sexy, and the ultimate confidence booster. At Ashka we believe in doing things our own way, so we won’t be telling you which lipstick to buy because it suits you or is “right” for you. We think that if you’re drawn to a colour and you love it, when you wear it with a smile you’ll make it work.

There are two types of reds to keep in that beauty cupboard, an orange-based red and a blue/pink-based red. Orange-based reds have a warmth to them and are complimentary to all skin tones. Blue/pink-based reds on the other hand are vibrant, cool colours that brighten the complexion. Remember, a red lip doesn’t always have to be a bold affair. We recommend having vibrant hues on hand so you can always knock back the intensity. For mornings or low-key activities, turn the lipstick into a stain by smudging the colour across lips with a fingertip, and for a fun, girlish take, mix a touch of lipstick with lipgloss.

While the red lip never goes out of fashion, the trends come and go. We’re currently obsessed with the goth lip seen on Gucci’s Fall 2012 runway, Balenciaga’s Spring 2012 runway, and worn perfectly by actress Kate Bosworth at the 2012 Met Ball. To get this look Xiaohan wears Nars Semi Matte Lipstick in Scarlet Empress mixed with a hint of Nars Semi Matte Lipstick in Viridiana. Anni on the other hand decided to opt for something bright and classic. A slick of Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in the siren red Dragon Girl and she’s ready to go.

Our top tip when choosing a red lipstick (especially in the Instagram age), is to keep in mind that blue-based reds are fantastic for making teeth look whiter and brighter. So, which is your favourite red lipstick? And are you in love with the goth lip trend too?