If your complexion is pinkish, you'll look better in plum shades; yellow under tones are flattered by warmer reds that have a brown base.

Rule number two: Blend, blend, blend. Have you noticed that beauty experts always mix a number of lipsticks to come up with the prefect shade? Experiment until you find just the right blend.

Rule number three: If you’re going to go with vampy red, tone down the rest of your face! A little liner and mascara for the eyes, subtle blush and you’re done.

Rule number four: My mother taught me this, and she was right, like she was about everything else (not that I would ever admit it).  Apply a light powder over your perfect red lips to “set” them. Of course, if you’re going for the glossy, hit-them-over-the-head look, omit this step.

So get out all the tubes of red lipstick (we all have them) and start playing around.

Cleopatra was on to something.