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If you don't know it by now, you soon will; this season there is little chance of playing the wallflower. The classic red lipstick is back. And we love it!

The catwalks, fashion magazines and red carpets have seen a welcome return to the old-school glamour of Hollywood's Golden Era - think screen-sirens like Veronica Lake and Marilyn Monroe.

The trend for classic '40's style glamour is epitomised by Burlesque performance artiste Dita von Teese, and Hollywood's A-list have also embraced the look, from Scarlett Johansson, Gewn Stefani and Keira Knightley through to vamp acts Christina Aguilera and the new-and-improved Kelly Osbourne.

See our pick of the best A-listers who know how to rock the red-lipped look.

Getting the look
If you too want to embrace your inner siren, there are a few key tips to getting the look right. Burlesque is good, freak-show is not. So, to transform yourself into Garbo or Gwen, follow these foolproof tips for creating the perfect ruby red pout this autumn:

1. Skin tone
Think about skin tone. If you are fair and pink reds with a bluish tone are likely to work best, whereas warmer skin tones will favour reds with a golden base. Darker skin will love the berry shades. For the right shade, test colours out on the inside pad of your hand.

2. Lip size.
Thin-lipped? Stay away from darker tones as this will only accentuate your lack of lip-volume. Opt for softer orangey-reds rather than, darker, harsher tones.

3. Day or evening?
Think about the outfit that you are wearing. Day demands something office-friendly so maybe tone it down with more subtle shade - a stain with a touch of gloss on top rather than the full, 'made up' look. But for evening, let rip with a pillar-box red which is a winner on everyone. Remember: if you are wearing red clothing, don't match the shade exactly, it'll be too much.

4. Preparation
Preparation is key for this look. First gently exfoliate the surface of your lips using some Vaseline Lip Therapy and a toothbrush. Then moisturise so that you have a smooth, plump surface. Smudge in a little light concealer or foundation around the mouth and edge of the lips to enhance your lip colour.

5. Lip liner
Lip liner can add depth and definition to lips, and help prevent the colour from 'bleeding' and make the colour last longer. However, use with caution. A dramatically different shade of liner to lipstick can create an awful 'two-tone' effect that is more tacky '80's than classic '40's! Aim for a shade of liner that is as close to the colour of the lipstick as possible. With a steady hand outline the shape of the lips (don't think about going outside your natural line, unless you are going for the transvestite look), then fill in with the lipstick blending the two together so that no 'line' is visible. Try Rimmel Exaggerate lip liner in Red Diva - rich and long-lasting and only £3.49.

6. Staying power
For true staying power, follow these tips. Use a lip brush for control and definition. After each layer applied, gently blot with a tissue you can also dust over the tiniest amount of face powder to help 'set' the colour. After the last application put your index finger in your mouth, close your lips around it and pull it out like a lollipop - this will get rid of any excess pigment on the inside of your lips that could later end up on your teeth. For a less precise effect, simply dab on some of your favourite shade with a finger. This smudgy, un-done look is tousled and sexy in it's own right, and much quicker if you're short of time.

Our favourite lippies
You won't get more intense colour than with L'Oreal Paris Perfection Colour Riche in Starlett, or try their Secret Stars collection, inspired by such luminaries as Claudia Schiffer and Natalie Imbruglia. Maybelline's Moisture Extreme lip colour in Precious Ruby is another hot colour. For up-to-the-minute fashionista value, a season must-have is one of the hot colours from Jonathan Saunders at No. 17 - the shade of the moment is Alwyn.