This season, we in the beauty department love MAC's Lustre Lipstick in Ladybug (RMB 150). Don't be scared by this formidably red shade; it actually flatters almost any skin tone and gives you lots of options to play with.

Wear it alone for lips that dare to be noticed. Or create a perfect stained look by applying color, blotting with a tissue, then reapplying and blotting once more. To play down lips, layer Ladybug with a tangerine orange gloss, like Bobbi Brown's Mimosa (RMB 220). This hypnotic combination had us posing like divas in every mirror we passed. MAC's Lip Liner in Chicory (RMB 130) subtly contrasts with its deep berry hue for a fantastic finish.

Of course, bold colors require a steady hand -and a good lip brush. Lip brushes aren't just for digging out the last scrapings of your favorite color at the bottom of the tube. A good brush guarantees precise application, and no bleeding around the mouth. Don't scrimp in this department; try Shu Uemura's Lip Shaping Brush in 6M (RMB 280) and prepare to be amazed at your deft grip, and transformed lips.

Finally, a high-voltage lip color needs the balance of a soft cheek. Only a dab of Bobbi Brown's Pot Rouge (RMB 250) rubbed into the apple of each cheek will instantly make them pop. And Bobbi's creamy blush can also be worn on the lips, giving them a soft wash of color, or mixed with any lipstick to tone down color intensity.

All products can be found at Isetan department store on Nanjing Lu.

Isetan department store
Location: No.1038, Nanjing Xilul