Red Alert.

Left to Right: Rimmel Lasting Finish in 22, Rimmel Lasting Finish Matte in Kiss of Life (111), Avon Ultra Colour in Radiant Ruby

Top to Bottom: Avon Radiant Ruby, Rimmel Kate Moss Kiss of Life (111), Rimmel Kate Moss in 22

I, like i am sure most girls are, am on the quest for the perfect red. If i'm totally honest this mission pales in comparison to my search for the perfect nude (see here). The perfect red is different, it has the power to turn even the most mundane librarian-types into wild, adventurous sex kittens. The perfect red can change how you feel. (If it's wrong that a beautiful lipstick can change my emotions, then quite frankly I don't wanna be right.) I'm not sure if I've found my perfect red yet, but my quest begins with these three:

Kate Moss Lasting Finish in 22 - £5.49 - A super luxe, glossy and extravagant red. More vibrant and shiny than the others, which I like, but it does have a tendency to slide around after a few hours (though it's nothing that can't be fixed with a blot and powder).The colour is on the pink side of red, with blue undertones that whiten my teeth, but I honestly don't know how flattering it is on me. I think I look a bit like a child playing with Mummy's lipstick. That said, the formula is an absolute winner (Rimmel Kate Moss lipsticks are amazing. Period.), and I'd recommend it anyone wanting make a statement with a bargainous glossy red (just remember to blot before you leave the house).

Kate Moss Matte Lasting Finish in 111 Kiss of Life - £3.99  A classic pillar box red and my favourite of the three. I prefer reds to be matte, probably because in my head I fantasise about looking like a Marilyn Monroe-esque pin-up girl whenever I swipe on some red lippy. Realistically though, matte reds are my favourite as they are the most long-lasting and won't end up smeared all over your face (and/or teeth) at the end of the night. I love this, it's lasted until the end of a night out (and you know that is the sign of a good lipstick), doesn't make my lips dry (as i fear matte lipsticks so often do) and the colour is so gorgeous. I'd wear it all the time if I was confident enough to and I urgently need this formula is some more shades!

Avon Ultra Colour in Radiant Ruby - £3.50 (not available online) -> I'm sure everyone within the beauty blogosphere (and outside of it, actually) discounts Avon as the weird crap that the woman next door sells, but I think it's been unfairly tarnished. Their mascaras and eyeliners are surprisingly good and their lipsticks are good quality, cheap and have an extensive colour range. I love the darker, slightly vampier shade of this and the formula is good, lasts around 3 hours before fading, and doesn't slide around in spite of its glossiness. I just don't think it suits me. I'm not a huge fan of the heavy glitter and I think the shade is a bit too 'muddy' for my complexion. It's a lovely colour for the colder months though, and maybe when November rolls around again I'll be more adventurous and give it another try. 

Have you found your perfect red yet?