I know it’s the done thing to say you don’t buy into beauty trends, you just go with what suits you because nothing is lamer than looking like a try hard. I agree to some extent but… sometimes it’s fun to give the new things a go. I’m not saying I’ll start wearing sequins in my eyebrows like on the Chanel runway but orange lipstick? Well OK, now we’re talking.

Unless you’ve been living under a rock you’ll know orange lipstick is big news this season. MAC has done a whole All About Orange make-up range and loads of designers went for the look as well. When I first saw it I wasn’t convinced, but that usually happens to me with trends. Initially I’ll think they’re rubbish and will mock them, then I’ll decide I quite like them (hello wedge trainers).

I tested the waters with Boots No. 7 High Shine Lip Crayon in Tickle and Boots No 7. BB Cream in Blush Coral. They were both pretty good and I still wear them a lot, but once my appetite was whetted it was time to ramp up the volume. Enter MAC Neon Orange lipstick.

This really isn’t for the faint hearted – if you aren’t sure about orange go for a softer option first. This is a no-holds-barred, screamingly bright, high powered lip shade. I’ve swatched it on my hand so you can get an idea – keep in mind I’m pale so it probably looks even more punchy.

The trick with this is to just go for it. Don’t be afraid; even if you think it won’t work try it out. As I said I have porcelain skin and red hair, by rights orange lipstick should make me look like a clown. But honestly, I’ve never had as many compliments when wearing a lip shade as I have with this on. Something about it just works, I’m a total convert. It has pretty good lasting power, you definitely do need to reapply but t’s not like you need to be in the mirror every half an hour. It is a little drying too, but put some balm on first and you’ll be set all day. I didn’t even use a liner and it didn’t bleed and the pigmentation is fantastic.

My other tip would be to think about the rest of your make-up. With lips this bright you need perfect skin, I used Max Factor CC Cream and covered my under eye shadows with my trusty Cover FX concealer. I’m not the sort of person who would do lips and absolutely no eyes, so I did a nude eyeshadow with a subtle silver shimmer (Boots No. 7 Eye Mousse in Pretty Pink review to follow), grey liner and a couple of coats of Benefit’s They’re Real. With orange lips I think you need cheeks to match – pink won’t work. Benefit Coralista is my absolute favourite, stand by for a review of that too. Here’s a pic of my look, what do you think?

You can pick up MAC Neon Orange for £14. It’s sold out on the website at the moment so your local store is your best bet.