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I’ll admit it: my lipstick drawer is out of control. There's an abundance of shades that to the uninterested observer (my boyfriend) look near identical, but to me, are that little bit too light/dark/dry/cloggy and therefore don't make my permanent rotation. 

Despite all the choice, there are five combinations I rely on again and again. These are the ones that never let me down: whether I want a neutral, hydrated look for the office or a statement red for a fancy event. 

As a redhead (with a love of fake tan), I’m especially picky about undertones, so each of these has been road-tested to make sure they never wash me out, don't make my dry lips even drier, or simply look like I've got ready in the dark. See this as your cheat sheet to take the guesswork out of getting ready.

This is one of those quietly brilliant pairings that makes you look instantly more put-together with minimal effort. Charlotte Tilbury’s Lip Cheat in Pillow Talk gives just enough soft definition to shape and subtly enhance, while Merit’s Signature Lip in Andie glides on with a sheer, tinted finish that looks like your natural lips enhanced. The finish is creamy and flattering, so you needn't worry about cracks or dryness, either. 

I’m a redhead, so I’m fussy about a red lip: too orange and it clashes, too dark and it overwhelms. But in my book, this is one of those quietly confidence-boosting combinations that just works. Make Up For Ever’s Lip Pencil in Forever Passion gives a neat, softly defined outline that keeps things polished without looking heavy, while Lisa Eldridge’s True Velvet Lip Colour in Jazz adds a rich, velvety red that lifts copper tones and brightens the whole face. After all, who says a red lip isn't for a redhead? 

This is the softly diffused, lighter-than-your-natural-lip shade that Claudia Winkleman has made her signature. Kiko Milano’s Lip Liner in Natural Rose gives just enough gentle structure to stop things looking washed out, while Laura Mercier’s Caviar Smoothing Lipstick adds that creamy, ballet-pink veil that makes lips look plush and polished. It’s understated, flattering and quietly expensive-looking: the kind of lip that lets a great fringe, a smoky eye or a chunky knit a la Claudia do the talking. 

I'm always a bit nervous about a berry lip looking too vampy. But with a gloss, you get a gentler effect you can top up as you see fit. Fenty Beauty's pigmented Trac'd Lip Liner in Bored Heaux provides a deep, crisp colour, which topped with Elf Glow's Cherry Lip Oil, diffuses into the perfect soft berry, juicy look. Bonus points for how hydrating the combo is. 

This is that warm, peachy pop of colour that instantly makes the whole face look brighter. Rimmel’s Lasting Finish Liner in Peachy Me gives a beautiful glowy effect that keeps everything looking neat without overpowering the shade, while NARS’ Sensual Shine Lipstick in Truth or Dare adds a juicy, coral-leaning shine that makes skin look fresher. It’s light and flattering across all skin tones, and perfect for the brighter months ahead. 

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