1. Size up your lips :

If they're medium to full, try a creamy, glossy, or matte lipstick, which is saturated with pigments for a bold look, says Rebecca Restrepo, a global makeup artist for Elizabeth Arden. If lips are on the thin side, uneven (i.e., asymmetrical, or the top is much skinnier than the bottom), or if you have a narrow, pursed mouth, go for something with extra shine. "Reflective balms and glosses have a sheen that helps visually plump the lips," she says--they're also ideal if you're timid about intense shades.

2. Line them right :

When worn alone, lip pencils create a matte stained effect; they can also help "anchor lipstick and prevent it from feathering, which can look unpolished," says Restrepo. (If you're in the thin-lip camp, skip liner and just apply your shiny or sheer formula.) Choose a shade that matches your dark lipstick; trace the border of your lips in short strokes (apply with more precision on the cupid's bow for sexy definition), then scribble the shade over your entire mouth.

3. Go easy on the eyes (and cheeks) :

"The lips should be the focus, but to keep the look put-together, do a soft, neutral eye shadow like beige, taupe, khaki, or mocha, a light coating of mascara, and a subdued pink or peach blush," says Avon global celebrity makeup artist Lauren Andersen.