The vintage lipstick shades that have stood the test of time.

Marilyn Monroe in “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes”.

If you want to pull off a perfect, vintage lipstick shade, why not wear a lipstick that was actually created in that era? In your local chemist or department store is a secret treasure trove of lipsticks that have stood the test of time and are still making pouts pretty today.

Here’s a glimpse of my favourite vintage lipstick shades. (Post continues after video.)

I first became fascinated with the idea of vintage lipstick shades when I read that Sylvia Plath, who wrote one of my favourite books, The Bell Jar, wore the Cherries in the Snow shade of Revlon’s Super Lustrous Lipstick ($21.95). So, I went ahead and bought this classic shade, which had made its debut in 1953.

Then, in the throes of my Orange is the New Black addiction, I wanted to mimic Morello's retro red pout.

This meant that I also handed over my bucks for another Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in the Certainly Red shade, which perfectly resembles Morello's love-hungry pout. This lipstick has been on sale since 1951.

After that, for no reason other than to expand my vintage lipstick collection, I bought one more Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Fire and Ice - a bright, orangey-red, a shade which has been looking fresh since 1952. I skipped down to Chemist Warehouse, and snatched up this lipstick on sale for only $10.

I mean, if it's on sale, it's OK if I buy it and add it to my collection of millions of lipsticks, right?

Well, now I have an unabashed addiction to vintage lipstick shades. Rimmel's Lasting Finish Lipsticks ($9.95) in Coffee Shimmer and Amethyst Shimmer remind me of being a teenager in the '90s.

L'Oreal's Colour Riche Lipstick ($21.95) collection is 30 years old this year, which of course means that I NEEDED to own the aptly named Intense Plum and the your-lips-but-better-and-sparklier Berry Blush.

My favourite lipstick from this retro-inspired spree is Max Factor Colour Elixir Lipstick ($20.95) in Ruby Tuesday. It's inpisired by Marilyn Monroe's favourite Max Factor shade and it's a gorgeous candy-apple red. The best bit? It stays on and stains while still feeling soft and moisturising.

Do you own any of these vintage lipstick shades? Who's your lipstick icon?