Few of our 'Team Tries' features have provoked quite so much as a stampede as this one. But it didn't come as a surprise. As the ultimate iconic make-up product, nothing looks as polished or perks up a complexion like a delightful dash of red on the kisser.

Most of us have at least one statement red in our handbags for when we need cheering up, or for key moments in our lives such as first dates, job interviews and weddings - and probably even a few divorces. Many would go so far as to argue that nothing makes a more powerful beauty statement (or is more effective at hiding the evidence of a heavy night).

When we're running late, we can leave the house sporting a flame-coloured lip on our otherwise tired-looking mush and successfully pass off our slap-dash efforts as 'laid-back chic.' Such is a red lipstick's unparalleled ability to completely transform the wearer.

But when it comes to choice of which red shade to wear - many of us are stumped. Our make-up bags have seen hundreds of killer rouges come and go, as we search for the perfect shade to complement our colouring and flatter our lip shape. This summer's crop of shades have undertones of pink and orange; they're happy, bright and not too severe. Here's how the team got on with them.

Elin Evans, junior fashion editor tried Clinique Long Last Soft Matte Lipstick in 45 Matte Crimson, £18

I’ve never met a red lipstick that I didn’t like. In fact, I have at least ten pairs continually on rotation, from really matte true reds to more sheer varieties. This Clinque style definitely deserves a place in my lipstick line-up. The selling point for me is the matte texture – totally modern, but also unusualy rather moisturising. If you’re a fan of a matte red lipstick, chances are that you’ll know about MAC’s Ruby Woo – this is much easier to wear, but gives that same, great, matte finish. It’s a corker. 

Ursula Lake, fashion director tried Bobbi Brown Rich Lip Colour in Blazing Red, £19

I really love a red lip, but generally on someone else. When I put it on I often feel very self conscious and though I want it to look nonchalant and cool, I am never sure I achieve that. However, I have just got back from a weekend in the sun so I feel like this lovely orangey-red is working quite well with my tan. I liked its texture too - matte but not too drying.

Laura Silver, staff writer tried Burberry Lip Mist in Rosy Red, £22.50

I wear red lipstick pretty much daily – I love it, and I firmly believe you can never have too many. Matte ones, glossy ones, orange-toned ones, deep scarlets – they’ll all jolt your face instantly into the glamour realm even if it’s the only thing you apply. I loved the texture of this appealingly named Burberry ‘lip mist’ as it felt balmy and light, which is great for my permanently dry lips. The sheer finish means you can keep it subtle or build up a glossy slick of deeper colour, without it feeling too heavy. All you need for a fresh, summer look, this one will definitely become a staple in my burgeoning red lipstick collection.

Harriet Walker, news editor tried Lipstick Queen Endless Summer in Aloha, £18

I love red lipstick but I don’t wear it all that often, because I’m too lazy for the maintenance it requires. But when I do slap some on, I like really bold, pure shades of crimson – I think they’re more flattering on pale complexions. So you could say I’m a bit 'all or nothing' about red lippie. This shade was pinker than I would usually choose, and I don’t think it suited me as much as the tones I would normally go for.

Lynn Enright, staff writer tried Lancome Rouge in Love in Midnight Crush, £12.50

I am a regular lipstick wearer and in general I prefer matte reds while I like my pinks with a bit more moisture. I liked this shade because it seemed to be a low-key pinky red, something quite like the shade of my own lips. Although when I put it on, it was much brighter and pinker than I’d expected.  It’s a good daytime look however – quite bright and girly but not garishly so. And the texture is lovely, so soft – it feels more like wearing lip balm than a lipstick. 

Carrie Tyler, editor tried Dior Addict in Mayday, £24
I have been dabbling with red lipstick in recent years but haven’t been very adventurous in my selection. I want to wear it well, but I fear I’m merely getting away with it instead. Which is why I was convinced that the lucky dip approach to picking a lipstick for this trend challenge was sure to fail on me. You can’t just pick a red bullet at random and it work, can you? Dior’s Mayday shade seems to one of those lipsticks that might just fall in that camp. It’s a true red, with no added shimmer or sparkle (quite right) and pleasingly thick. One slick was all I felt I needed and the faint stain is still present hours later. This is one of those lipsticks – like MAC’s Ruby Woo – that looks great on lots of skin tones.

Joanna McGarry, beauty director tried Topshop Red Lippy Project, £8

I am pitifully, sorrowfully, preternaturally addicted to red lipstick. Wherever I go, it follows me, in droves (in those little inside pockets of my bag that I constantly forget are there). It steals the light in photos, it hides me from situations in which I’d rather disappear and it makes my face look happier and better put together. All of which is why, I’m hard pressed to find a red I don’t like. And this Topshop number – aptly named Red Lippy Project – is no exception. It’s glossier than the matte, long-lasting (but all too often drying) formulas I’m used to. Thereby, it’s infinitely more comfortable on the lips but also ends up on the rim of my water bottle or on the end of my pen. But, the specific temperament of the red is spot on; poppy and even-toned, without veering too far into orange or wine. Plus, 30% goes to The Red Lippy Project to raise awareness about cervical screenings, so it’s not such a sybaritic act any longer, it’s doing good.