Another great starter brown lipstick (if you will): Nars Lipstick, $27, in Hot Voodoo. It's basically a nude lipstick, but 1,000 times better, thanks to the hints of shimmer and bronze-brown hue.

Yes, shimmery brown lipstick can look completely modern -- and sexy. To get Palermo's metallic brown lip, try L'Oréal Paris Colour Riche Lipcolour, $7.99, in Bronzine. It looks supershimmery in the tube, but once applied, it looks glossy -- and has the staying power of a lipstick. Pair it with matte, neutral-toned makeup to avoid metallic overload.

Ashley Benson's raisin-hued lipstick toes the line between vampy and gothic. She keeps her look from veering into Marilyn Manson territory by pairing it with lightly defined eyes, bronzer and a modern, sleek hairstyle.

Try Laura Mercier Crème Smooth Lip Colour, $27, in Cocoa, a lightweight, moisturizing lipstick that's ultra pigmented and doesn't settle into lines or creases (very important when wearing a dark lipstick).