Breaking news ladies, and good news too. The lipstick index has spoken – for the first time in three years, sales of nude coloured lipsticks are outselling traditional reds. In cosmetic terms this swing is an indicator that we are well on our way out of recession , during which we couldn't get enough of cheery reds to lift our spirits. At the recent Oscars, the carpet may have been red, but one star after another posed with natural lips. Cate Blanchett, Angelina Jolie and Sandra Bullock all accessorised their dresses with an understated lip. Choosing a natural shade exudes class, helps disguise a less than perfect lip shape and allows for a bold eye treatment, should you fancy it. If you need any more convincing, check out Nigella Lawson, who's currently showing a flawless finish on Channel 4's The Taste – she's all perfectly lined eyes, complete with fluttery lashes, killer cheekbones and pillowy soft lips.

Finding a flattering nude shade is easier said than done. A too-beige shade will drain the complexion and make lips disappear; too grey and you’ll look like the walking dead. Take into consideration your skintone, hair and eye colour. Paler types will find a pinky nude flattering, whereas a more rosy tone suits medium skintones. Don’t go lighter than your natural lip colour unless you plan to attend a 1960s fancy dress party; simply accentuate your natural lip shade and you won’t go far wrong. A good indicator of colour is to bite down on lips to intensify your lip colour and match that with a lipstick.

Lips need to be in good condition to pull off any lip shade, so exfoliate them regularly and apply a balm at night. I love Olay's Regenerist Anti-Ageing Lip Treatment, €15.14 from Boots.

For a stay-all-day finish, first blot a teeny bit of foundation over your lips – this gives a good base and allows you to apply lip colour slightly outside your natural lip line if you’d like a fuller lip. Nudes have it over dark lip shades which can make thin lips look mean. A liner is crucial and the holy grail of natural lip liners is

MAC’s Spice

, €19.50, a suits-all neutral. Fill in lips completely before applying lipstick, blot back with a tissue and reapply. You could leave it at that, but a pop of gloss in the centre of the lower lip will add volume and freshness. Or skip the lipstick and just use the liner and gloss – this look is flexible.

Maybelline Color Sensational Stripped Nude

s, a collection of natural shades for every skin tone, €9.49

Rimmel Kate Moss Lasting Finish in shade 08

, a lovely pinky beige that lasts and lasts, €6.99

YSL Rouge Volupté Nude Beige

, a classic pinky beige that looks great on blondes, €33

Urban Decay Naked Ultra Nourishing Lipgloss

, understated chic in a neutral lipgloss, €19, Debenhams

Rouge Dior Lip Color in Angelique Beige

, an elegant warm neutral €34.50

Nars Sheer Lipstick in Cruising or Honolulu Honey

, both of these uplifting shades prove that neutral need not be boring, €25

Tom Ford Lip Color in Casablanca

, a creamy dusty pink in a glamorous retro case, €46

pclarke@irishtimes.com