Lipgloss is so easy… that must be why when we asked you in a recent ELLE poll, 72 per cent of you revealed you’re devoted to the stuff.

Lipstick, on the other hand, requires a bit more commitment… but what else can make you feel smarter, chicer or edgier in one fell slick? Think Chloe Sevigny, Angelina Jolie or Scarlett Johanssen and you get the idea.

One person who needs no convincing of the power of lipstick is Poppy King (pictured below), the brains behind sassy just-lips brand Lipstick Queen. We met up the other day at London’s Soho Hotel to discuss everything great about lipstick. 28 per cent of you will know exactly where we are coming from, but for the rest, here are Poppy’s brilliant do’s and don’ts for getting started:

Don’t follow the rules

It doesn’t matter whether it’s got an orange undertone or a blue one, the key to finding the right lip stick is this: when you put on the right shade, it should brighten your face, as if the sun has come out. The wrong shade will make you look like the sun has gone behind a cloud.

Do follow the classic routine

Exfoliate your lips with a soft toothbrush, use chap stick to prime them and a tissue to blot between applications so the colour lasts longer.

Don’t stick to just one texture

Once you’ve found a few colours that really suit you, find them in different formulations, like gloss, sheer and metallic.

Do keep things simple

You don’t need much other make-up with a bright lipstick – just even out your skin with a little foundation, add a slick of mascara to balance your lips and blend a little of the lip colour on to your cheeks to lift your complexion.

Don’t put lip liner on first

Use the pencil to fill in any gaps afterwards for a more natural effect – and make sure your liner is the same colour as you can get to your lipstick.

Do live in your lipstick for a while

Wear your new lipstick round the house, try it on with different outfits and get used to seeing yourself in it. This will give you the confidence to pull it off.

And, if you still need more reasons to give lipstick a try consider the following: lipstick is the purse friendly way to give your whole wardrobe a lift this summer.

Plus, the A-listers have been making a statement with bold lipstick, click here now for inspiration.