Beauty spot: Red pout to shout about

Style icon, silver screen goddess and retro pin-up poster queen Marilyn Monroe was famous for her curvaceous figure, provocative personality and pouty, sexy smile. She wore daring red lipstick like a badge of honour and created a timeless beauty trend that is still in vogue today. Red lipstick is a universal classic, popularised even more by starlets on the hit TV show Mad Men - and almost anyone can achieve the look if they follow a few simple guidelines.

RED RULES

Keep other makeup to a minimum and go for the natural look so you don't over- accentuate other features and end up looking like a clown.

Avoid coloured eye shadow at all costs - if you feel naked without it opt for a subtle tone of the lightest beige or brown.

If you can, ditch the eyeliner; use only mascara and curl your lashes.

Apply lipliner for a more defined line.

Match your skin tone. True reds work best on a pale face and will make it pop, while olive skin calls for brown-reds or mahogany shades. Also, if your teeth are yellow, a red lipstick will make them look whiter.

Glossy or matte? A moister lip looks more modern but a matte formula stays on your lips longer and won't feather.

Taking cues from our very own native pohutukawa tree, the rich red of Karen Murrell Red Shimmer was inspired by the bright flowers and red tones of this much-loved New Zealand natural icon. Red Shimmer is long-wearing, creamy, easily applied and has a slight scent of cinnamon.

WIN

We have a Karen Murrell lipstick in Red Shimmer, $30, to give away. Send your name and contact details to regionalfeatures@apn.co.nz by August 22.