CAN AVON REALLY BE BETTER THAN MAC? I TEST THEIR NEW PERFECTLY MATTE LIPSTICK

You may think Avon is more suited to your Nan's beauty collection than your own, but over the last couple of years they've been making a real effort to overcome that misconception. We've all got fond memories of circling the pieces we'd like from the fortnightly brochure, but did you know as one of the world's biggest beauty powerhouses they're actually responsible for more innovation than pretty much every other name on the market? In the US Avon is synonymous with celebrity endorsement and affordable luxury, but in the UK we still seem to turn our noses up rather than embracing their truly effective formulas. There's a simple way to overcome that: create something that you claim to be better than MAC, and shout about it from the rooftops. Matte lipstick is definitely on-trend right now, thanks to the modern twist it adds to the traditional red or berry lip; although it can be tricky to wear if your lips have seen better days, if you pick a formula that works for your needs then the result is a powerful look you won't regret applying. If you're a fan of MAC's 'The Matte' lipstick but not necessarily the £15.50 price tag,  then you may be pleased to know that Avon's Perfectly Matte Lipstick is just as good for a fraction of the price. Isn't it about time Avon had their time in the spotlight?


Unlike other matte lipsticks which are formulated with powders at the end of the process to remove shine, the Avon Perfectly Matte Lipstick is infused with matte powders throughout; this means it not only offers a true matte finish, but it's more pleasant to apply. There's no drag and no heaviness, nor is there a drying sensation that prevents the lipstick from feeling comfortable. Many lipstick wearers struggle with a matte texture because of the dryness it causes on the lips, but this extremely lightweight and oil-infused formula is surprisingly comfortable. The bullet glides over lips to deposit a rich pigment that feels practically invisible; it may transfer onto your coffee cup just as badly as other lipsticks, but the texture ensures re-applying isn't troublesome or uncomfortable. 

Available in fifteen shades (including classic reds, bold berries, uplifting corals and understated nudes,) the heroes are definitely the stronger tones - my personal favourites are Red Supreme, Coral Fever, Vibrant Melon and Superb Wine. The nude shades look lovely in the bullet, but when they're applied to the lips I find they only exaggerate dry patches and leave an uneven texture; for high fashion looks I'm sure they'd look absolutely gorgeous (over thoroughly exfoliated and prepped lips,) but for every day use they're a bit too understated and completely wash out my complexion. However, the bolder shades create a precise and on-trend look that looks great with a slick of eyeliner. So how do they stand up when they're compared and contrasted? Although MAC's is slightly heavier and a touch more comfortable on the lips, Avon's interpretation is lighter and just as pigmented. The colours of 'Russian Red' and 'Red Supreme' are absolutely identical, so much so that when applied 'half and half' you really can't see where one ends and the other begins. Avon's Perfectly Matte is definitely a touch more opaque, but apart from that it's hard to tell the difference.

Considering these are half the price of MAC's offering, I'm seriously impressed. It seems that Avon really can be (marginally) better than MAC... Your bank balance will be very happy.

The Avon Perfectly Matte Lipstick is available in 15 shades, priced £8.00 each, from February 2016. An introductory offer will see the price reduced to £5.50 for a limited time.