Coral lipsticks have been popping up in many a collection these days, but fret not - they're not the hideous, blinding hues of yesteryear. Even though coral is so heavily associated with decades past - there was even a character named Coral in Cocktail, remember? - in its new incarnation it can actually look quite modern and fresh.

I will admit wearing a coral lip is dangerous territory, though - get it wrong and you'll end up looking like Dana Carvey as the Church Lady. But if you're ready to take the plunge, read on for a few tips on how to make it work!

Lipstick
When working with a full coverage lipstick in a matte or satin finish, keep your skin fresh with a tinted moisturizer (try DuWop Revolotion Face) or a dewy foundation (try La Prairie Concealer Foundation). Use a neutral blush (see suggestions here) or a bit of bronzer as blush; your usual pink has a good chance of looking utterly hideous with this look. For eyes, black liquid liner that's just slightly "winged" gives a retro touch that's still modern. A few lippies to try:

• DuWop Realipstick in Sophia - light peachy-pink coral, semi-matte. Lovely on light complexions with a careful balance of blush and eye makeup.



• NARS Lipstick in Niagara - coral pink, satin finish, a bit brighter than the DuWop shade



• CARGO PlantLove Lipstick in Evangeline - sheer, vibrant coral, satin finish, with more of an orange cast than the previous two.



• Estee Lauder Signature Lipstick in Princess Grace Coral - classic vintage coral, satin finish. Looks great on olive or tan complexions.

Gloss
With the sheerer, shinier look of a coral gloss, a beachy, summery look works really well. As above, keep skin fresh and dewy, and don't forget the bronzer. I love a "smokey taupe" eye with this look, or you could go with a sheer wash of gold. Or, don't use any shadow at all, just lots of black mascara on upper and lower lashes for a very 60's California beach babe look. A few to try:

• Chanel Glossimer in Coral Reef - bright peach with gold shimmer. More subtle than it looks in the tube!



• Stila Lip Glaze in Starfruit - peachy coral with a more subtle shimmer than the Chanel



• Estee Lauder High Gloss in Coral Reef - bright but sheer, with a bit of gold shimmer and a red cast. My favorite from Lauder's summer collection!



• MAC Lipgelee in Glosspitality - very sheer with a reddish tone; the most wearable and versatile of the bunch