Warm Red Autumn: Avon Totally Kissable Lipstick in Make Out Red

"Designers want me to dress like Spring, in billowing things. I don't feel like Spring. I feel like a warm red Autumn." - Marylin Monroe

I know what you've been thinking: oh, this NYC business you babble on and on about is all perfectly well, but woman, show us some lipstick, dammit! And I'm happy to oblige today with this Avon Totally Kissable Lipstick in Make Out Red ($8 for 0.106 oz.), which I picked up at the beginning of September along with some more eye pretties. Again, I know what you're thinking (yes, I'm turning into a veritable mind-reader these days): Avon? But isn't it like... frumpy and old-fashioned? Well, maybe - but in my book, they're stepping up their game. The lipstick I have to show you is a far-cry from the gritty glittery bombs of my high-school years, and it's a perfect red for fall and winter.

First off, I think Avon is going in the right direction with their packaging: the Totally Kissable Lipstick tube is quite straightforward in all its silver glory, and feels light but sturdy in my hand. The bullet is secure in the case and has a simple inscription with the brand's logo. The lipstick itself smells faintly of vanilla custard (quite bizarre, but I like it) and has a smooth, creamy consistency that would be the most comparable to Revlon's Super Lustrous cream finish lipstick formula. For some reason, I expected this to be more on the sheer side (which is why I've swatched it next to a Chanel Rouge Coco Shine), but it is in fact a full-on, quite opaque formula with a moderately glossy (non shimmery!) cream finish.

The shade Make Out Red (far left in the swatch) isn't mind-blowingly unique but just a tiny bit different from the reds I already own and love: it's a raspberry red that leans pink, which suits my cool undertones. It's a bit lighter and has more of a white base than Revlon's Cherries in the Snow (middle left) or similar Milani Berry Rich (far right, swatched on the lips here). And umm, yeah, it's nothing like Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in Monte Carlo (middle right). Sorry for the confusion.

On the lips, the Totally Kissable formula is neither drying nor moisturizing, and has an average staying power - slightly worse than the Revlon Super Lustrous but probably on par with the Milani. It also looks great dabbed lightly on top of lip balm, or blotted off for a more matte finish. In the photo below, I'm wearing a couple swipes straight from the bullet paired with shimmery taupes from Fyrinnae on the eyes, some Gosh eyeliner in Black Ink, and a Stila Convertible Color in Lillium.

If you're looking for an inexpensive, no-fuss lipstick formula, I do recommend the Totally Kissable range (although caution should be exercised as some shades contain a lot of shimmer). It's nothing revolutionary, but with all the enticing Avon offers, it's a nice treat. Have you bought anything from Avon recently? What is your favorite red for fall?