'Tis the season and hence the time to make sure your beauty look echo's Christmas cheer - especially if you have a Christmas party look to plan. But rather than go OTT with green and gold eyeshadow, red cheeks and jangly 'jingle bells' earrings to match, try a simple red lip instead.

Universaly flattering, without a hint of guade. Think of a simple red lip as classic Christmas fairy lights, where as the over made up effect can only draw comparisons to tinsel *Cue shiver. Here is how to nail it...

Buy a bullet

New to lipstick? Dive in, head first. Creamy textures and highly pigmented, the new breed of lipsticks are nothing like the cakey, drying ones your Nan used to wear. Apply straight from the bullet for a more look that is easy to achieve. Try applying, blotting and applying again for staying power.

Try a tint

Tints are probably one of the best things to happen to lazy girls since dry shampoo. Not only do they last and last, but some can also double up as lip wear and a cheek colour too. They can also be used to build colour gradually, so start out with a little and add more as you go for a deeper, bolder pout. My pick for application? Just use your finger to tap and blend into your lips. If it's a dressier occasion (office end of year party) finish with a slick of clear gloss for extra points.

Don't be afraid to team your nails to your lip too...

Matchy, matchy can sometimes be an amazing thing, and pairing a bold pout with crimson nails is one of those times. Just make sure to keep the rest of your look simple and fresh, to avoid 'the Lady in red' comparisons. Subtle nod to Christmas with dignity and personal style intact? Tick!

Do you wear red? How to your incorporate it into your look? Are you a lippy or a tint girl? Let us know! - Lauren