On the catwalks, the bold lip made its presence known in a manner of guises, with glossy crimson at Jason Wu, ladylike greyish pink at Ferragamo and a surprisingly chic turquoise at Mary Katrantzou as lipstick was taken to the next frontier.

“It’s been proven that women who wear lipstick smile more often,” explains Poppy King, author and creator of Lipstick Queen, who has just launched a lipstick collection for No 7.

As a businesswoman with over 20 years in the cosmetic industry and a vintage make-up enthusiast, she knows the power of a velvety, full mouthed, perfectly coloured lip. “Lipstick is an instant mood lifter and gives you an extra injection of confidence. I remember the first time I put on my mum’s lipstick - I felt as if I had been transformed into a superhero and could take on anything. I still get the same feeling now when I put on my lipstick every day.”

Application is everything for the perfect vintage lip and Poppy is an advocate of the apply, blot, reapply method for stay-put colour: “I also use a little concealer around the outside of the lips to add extra impact and give a really clean finish.” But moving the look on is key; “If you’re confident using red then try an orange or coral shade which are everywhere this Spring. You’re still making a bold statement, but it evolves your overall look,” King explains.

Want to work a retro lip? See Poppy King's pick of the perfect lip shades to suit every decade.

Words: Anita Bhagwandas

How to wear bold lips