Perhaps it’s because Halloween falls between the fall-winter season, but the moment September kicks in, I whip out gothic red lipsticks and wear them on a daily basis. These colors range from Old Hollywood 1940s deep-red to an almost black burgundy.

These colors are very flattering on women. But those who are more timid or who feel that the shades don’t match their personality can choose watered-down tints or stay away from them entirely.

When it’s Halloween or a costume party, go as wild and over the top as you want with full makeup.

For daily wear, it’s best used with a close-to-bare face: just flawless foundation, the palest blush, upper lash liner and black mascara on lashes.

Cover red spots. With dark red lips you unfortunately end up highlighting any pimple on your face. My savior turned out to be Celeteque Acne Clearing concealer that has salicylic acid so it does not just cover the problem but works to get rid of the pimple. It comes in a skinny pencil-like applicator so you can easily store it in the smallest bag for touch-ups without the bulk or mess.

Use foundation for glowing skin. Stay away from starchy white or muddy foundations as it’s easy to look like a zombie when matched with a strong red lip.

Like perfect skin

Shu Uemura Lightbulb foundation gives you luminous glowing skin with shades that blend so well it looks like perfect skin. It is designed to look flattering in most lighting conditions (candle, bar, sun, fluorescent, etc.).

Here are some tips regarding the Lightbulb:

1. Choose the fluid foundation for a dewy glow that gives a moist finish for 12 hours.

2. Use Oleo Pact for a dewy, satin glow like that found in a child. Best for balanced or combination skin. It’s my favorite.

3. Apply UV compact powder foundation with the double-sided sponge. I grease up at the slightest provocation so I apply this with the absorbent side of the sponge first, then polish it off with the smooth, slightly slippery side to mop up powder streaks and set it on my skin. The result is the coveted flawless porcelain glow of Japanese, Hong Kong and Korean movie stars.

Ask the expert consultants at Shu Uemura counters for the proper application technique to maximize effect. It comes with no extra charge.

My favorite dramatic reds that favor all skin tones:

1. YSL Rouge Pur 140 in Purple Velvet—velvety Bordeaux any vampire fanatic would love.

2. Chanel Rouge Coco Lune Rousse 36—a perfect balance of a deep brown and blue-based red that whitens teeth. Best for those with dry, chapped lips as the formula is creamy. Coverage is buildable so you can go from a juicy daytime red to deep cranberry.

3. Etude’s Dear My Blooming Lips RD306—highly pigmented, looks ghoulish in the tube but goes on a deep 1940s siren red and stays on without drying lips.

4. Fashion 21’s Prom Date Lipstick—a black red of Bing Cherries, it’s perfect for those who will wear only the Chanel Vamp-inspired shade a few times.
5. Revlon’s Colorstay Ultimate Suede in Backstage (P575)—the color of crushed Burgundy rose petals is a purplish red much like MAC’s Diva.

If you want the widest selection of deep, dramatic reds to choose from, drop by a MAC store and check out Diva, Viva Glam 1, Russian Red, Dark Side (think original cartoon Maleficent). Narrow it down to the finish you want (matte, satin or amplified crème) so you do not end up overwhelmed or broke.

Those with dry lips should stay away from matte and satin formulas. If you can wear matte with no problems, go for it.