A red lip is great for many reasons. One of them is that it can easily give you a dramatic look. Cate Blanchett would be gorgeous in a paper bag, but she created an even better than usual look by adding red lipstick. The effect would be totally different without it. 

Rose Huntington-Whitley is another great example of a perfect red pout, she manages to make wearing white look dramatic.

And where with Gwen Stefani be without her signature red lips?

The other way red lipstick works really well is by giving you a retro look, which is actually our favorite use of it. Christina Hendricks is a great example, her boobilicious character Joan Holloway on Mad Men wouldn't look so "of the time" without her red lips. See how different she looks with red lipstick vs. pink?

Kate Hudson, Selena Ebanks and Mena Suvari all channel the 1940s with Veronica Lake hairdos and red lips.

And of course, where would the epitome of retro glamour (who is actually retro), Marilyn Monroe, be without her famous red pout?

So if you want to add some dramatic flair to your look or go for a more retro style, give red lipstick a try.