Lots of things scare the crap out of me, like curling wands without clamps, crying babies and flying over the Pacific Ocean on my own. Red lipstick was once on the 'scary list' and occasionally lumped in the 'too hard basket'. Red lipstick is tricky, but when it's executed beautifully all bets are off.

It's December, so let's throw caution to the wind just this once. Dust off that tube of red lipstick and scrub those lips smooth for your best pout yet.

Without further ado, here are a few of my favourite red lipsticks working from wicked cheap to super luxe.

Rimmel's Kiss of Life ($12.95 AUS / $4.97 USD) - a rich, matte formula that'll last 'til the end of time.

MAC's Ruby Woo ($16.00 USD / $36.00 USD) - the lip pencil version of this classic red is my personal fave. Be sure to pick up the Keepsake Red Lip Bag before it sells out!

Illamasqua's Maneater ($25.00 AUS / $24.00 USD) - A red you have to work hard for, but it's totally worth it.

Burberry's Fuschia Pink ($30.00 USD / $50.00 AUS) - the motley crew of reds. Pink sentimentality with a cherry red twist.

Which shade of red lipstick do you like to reach for?

Released as part of the "I'm the One" Valentine's collection, this velvety, matte red isn't for the faint-hearted -- the name alone says it all.

Illamasqua's Maneater is a vanilla scented, "highly pigmented, classic cherry red." At first glimpse I immediately pictured Gwen Stefani on the cover of Tragic Kingdom -- the tilt of her head, her Gretta Garbo inspired 'do and those bright red lips.

In order to achieve full opacity, Maneater requires patience, persistence, Q-tips, makeup remover and a slow/steady hand. The texture might feel creamy when swatched on the back of your hand or on the inside of your arm, but don't let that experience fool you. Be prepared for tug o' war when it's time to apply Maneater; it's as if you're going against the grain.

Illamasqua's formula proved to be long-lasting (I wore Maneater for 5+ hours and experienced minimal fading) and non-drying (thank goodness).

Want to try red lipstick, but don't feel brave? Here's a tip I gave my friend Vanessa. Start by wearing a bright shade around the house to see how it wears and feels. Before you know it you'll be walking around the mall or out for a drink with your friends -- I bet you'll even find your girlfriends will be asking where you picked up said bold lippie.

The Bagful breakdown:

Total amount for Illamasqua's Maneater: