Benefit They're Real! Red On Lipstick

The latest lippy offering from Benefit claims to be universally flattering so I was keen to get it on my lips, like, yesterday.
Thus far, the title of the perfect red lipstick has belonged solely to my beloved Mac Ruby Woo (it truly is universal in it's flattering abilities) and I was interested to see how Red On would measure up.
First up, Red On is presented in an entirely different way to what we've become accustomed to when it comes to lipsticks. It comes in a pot complete with kitsch embossed lips and it's very own little brush to apply it - quite a controversial move, packaging wise, considering how rich the colour is.
Speaking of colour, Red On is seriously red. This is not sheer or forgiving. It's unashamedly, mega, hugely red and it means business. In other words, it's pretty richly pigmented.

A selling point of Red On is that it goes on creamy and smooth then 'sets' to a matte state, where it should remain for quite some time.
After I applied it for the first time I went and indulged in a festive hot chocolate from Cafe Nero and while there was a definite lipstick mark left behind on the cup, the look of the lipstick on my lips was not compromised.
I feel like maybe I didn't give the lipstick quite enough time to set before the impromptu hot chocolate test because about ten minutes later it had dried down to a lovely, matte look that felt very, very light on the lips. Lesson learned.

As mentioned, Red On is supplied with a little tapered brush. Benefit recommend that you pick up a little product on the brush and line your lips before filling them in with smooth, even strokes. While I did find it a bit fiddly and a little more time consuming than swiping on lipstick straight from the bullet, I do think it's a nice touch and adds something extra to the whole ritual of doing your makeup.
A blue-undertoned red, the lipstick is not only an instant smile brightener and easily buildable but I'd imagine it really would suit virtually any complexion - much like my beloved Ruby Woo. In terms of longevity, once it dried it was pretty much budge proof and I felt pretty confident going about my business without worrying about it migrating to my teeth. A definite win in my book.
Could Red On really be the perfect red? I dare say it might just be.
You can find Benefit They're Real! Red On for an RRP of £16.50 at Boots and anywhere that sells Benefit.