Hello my name is Kate, and I’m a berry lipstick addict. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a big believer in strong lip colour of any kind. Classic Red? Yes please. Neon Pink? I love you too. But nothing is as universally flattering or as easy to wear as berry. And nothing, trust me on this, will warm up your face in winter like bright berry lips can.

The great thing about berry lipstick is that it can make you feel pulled together with very little effort, but it’s less of a “look” than red or bright pink lipstick, making it much easier to wear. It’s perfect for day, because you can go easy on everything else – just add a swipe of blush and a few coats of mascara. And in the depths of winter when your bathroom floor might give you frostbite if you hang around too long, a quick pulled together look is something to be encouraged, no?

It’s versatile too. You can also kick berry lips up a notch for night by adding a thin flicked out line along your lashes with liquid eyeliner. Or, if you want to go heavy on the eye makeup, but keep some colour in your face, try smudging a berry shade onto you lips with your finger.

Berry is a great starter for those wanting to try a bolder lip colour, or a welcome change for those of you who are experts already. It’s best to go with lipstick as you can control the depth of the shade better than gloss. Unlike reds or pinks, you don’t have to be as conscious of getting the right shade for your skin tone, as most berries will suit everyone. And they have the added bonus of making your teeth look whiter.

You’ll probably find a smudge of berry lipstick looks great as blush too. See? There’s nothing berry lipstick can’t do. Except change the oil in your car. Well, in theory. I haven’t tested that yet.

Article by Kate Montgomery