For women, there are several essential items. The perfect pair of jeans, a little black dress and the perfect red lipstick.

However, every woman knows that wearing red lipstick can be really intimidating. If you dare to be bold and you're looking for a shade of red that doesn't require a street corner to serve its purpose, look no further.

Consider these factors and you're on your way to the sexy, classy, Marilyn Monroe-style pout you've always wanted.

Lip size: If you suffer from thin lip syndrome, stay away from dark shades. They only make your lips look smaller, which makes perfect sense. That is why women love wearing black, right?

Skin tone: For bronze skin, deep reds will look best.  Think blackberry or burgundy. Blue undertones and tints compliment bronze tones well. If you're on the ivory or light beige side, true red will look best. No tints necessary, go all out! However, if your complexion is extremely fair with pink undertones, find a shade of red with a pink tint to it to tone down the power just a tad. If your fair complexion has yellow or warm undertones to it, find a red with a bit of an orange tint.

Teeth: Teeth are one of the most important concerns for any color around your lips. If you're a coffee addict and your teeth prove it, look for a red with a blue undertone, which will help "whiten" your teeth. Stay away from cooler shades if you can help it, they often have yellow or orange undertones which will only accent the stains.

Everything else: Due to the intensity level of red lipstick, it is extremely important that the rest of your look stays subtle. If you need eyeshadow, keep it very light. A dusty shimmer eye color should do the trick. Keep eyeliner and mascara light and the lines thin. Keep your blush light and natural and you're good to go!

My final words of advice? Make sure you do the finger trick. Immediately after applying your lipstick, stick your finger in your mouth, close your lips around it, and pull your finger out. This will get rid of any lipstick that went too far inside your lips and prevent it from getting on your teeth. Oh, and of course, always wear your reds with confidence!