Swatches + Review: Going nude with Avon’s six new shades of matte lipstick
Have you ever looked at your lipstick collection and noticed a pattern? There’s probably one shade that you purchase more frequently than others. Some people can’t live without their 50 shades of red, while I personally can’t get enough of plums and MLBB pinks. My fellow PV girls are well-aware of this and give me a nudge when they spot something they know I’d like!
Perhaps this sounds like good, old-fashioned enabling, but isn’t shade collection all about appreciating the nuances anyway? So here I am, sending nudes your way, courtesy of Avon’s Perfectly Matte Nudes (P399 for 3.6g). Let’s appreciate the nuances together, shall we?
Nude Suede
Divine Twig
Lush Cocoa
Nude Suede is a light peachy-pink that registers as a soft, MLBB pink on my NC15 skin. It is the most appropriate for a no-makeup makeup day.
Divine Twig is a medium rosy pink that has a refined look to it. Definitely the more grown-up shade of the bunch.
Lush Cocoa is warm medium pink. It has warmth but is still safe (flattering!) for those who fear orangey shades.
Marvelous Mocha
French Toast
Chocolate Crush
Marvelous Mocha is a caramel peach that reminds me of 90’s sandalwood lipstick. In my experience, Marvelous Mocha and Lush Cocoa have the most even pigment application of the six shades.
French Toast is an ashy, dusty pinkish brown. Its rosiness becomes apparent when swatched on the back of my hand, but I was amazed to see how it looked more neutral and light on my pigmented lips.
Chocolate Crush is a dark chocolate shade with a hint of maroon. Unfortunately, it has a very patchy application, which is further emphasized by its dark color. The pigment also tends to migrate to the outer edges of my lips, so I have to take extra care not to press my lips together.
The first thing I noticed about the Perfectly Matte Nude line is the texture. I’m used to a creamy, perhaps even waxy matte that distributes pigment evenly as it is applied. These are lightweight, powdery, and almost mousse-like. It reminded me of the silicone-y texture of the Sunnies Face Fluffmatte Lipsticks. Longevity is at around 2.5 hours before fully drying out. The lipsticks transfer, and reapplication is a must after meals.
As noted, these lipsticks have a certain patchiness to them and it shows the most in the darker shades. The formula also tends to cling awkwardly to the lines and dry parts of my lips so prepping with lip balm is highly recommended. I do feel like the cream-to-powder texture would allow these to function a mousse blush, though!
Are you particular about your nudes? Do you just buy shades recommended for your skin tone, or do you choose based on what would look good with the rest of your FOTD? Personally, I tend to do the latter with focus on matching the shade with my eyeshadows and blush. What is your ideal nude?
Product photography by Nicole Quindara
