I couldn't decide between MAC Ruby Woo or Russian Red, so I got both. This review is a comparison of two of MAC's most popular red lipstick.
Ruby Woo: Cool blue toned, very matte, dry, powdery, brighter, more youthful, harder to apply on freshly balmed lips. Last longer on lips due to retro-matte finish.
Best to use a matching lip-liner for better application and clean lip edges w/cotton swab. Suitable for most skin tones and all seasons/occasions.
Price: $19 USD.
Possible 'dupes': Wet n Wild 'Stoplight Red' $2.99-$5.99, L'oreal 'Lincoln Rose'$8.99, Colorpop 'Trust Me' $5.00.
Russian Red: Medium dark neutral red, semi-matte, goes on smoother, few shades deeper/richer than Ruby Woo. Has slight brown cream tones.
Price: $19 USD.
Possible 'dupes': Revlon 'Red Rules The World' $5.99, Milani 'Confident' $5.99 , NYX 'Perfect Red' $4.99, NYX 'Eden', Maybelline 'Red for me'$5.99 , Fenty Beauty 'Ma'damn $22.
Note: Price varies depending on countries.
My thoughts: Both lipsticks seem to brighten up my fave despite a bare face. It will go well with minimal makeup/cat eye/lashes look. I like smudging the lipstick for a soft gradient look. My fave is Ruby Woo because of the matte powdery formula and lasting power. Since Ruby Woo is a super dry matte, it is much harder to find a dupe, especially from the drugstore. Color wise, red lipsticks are plentiful on the market (see my previous red lipstick collection post), but nothing can really come close to this kind of crayon texture.
If you want to splurge for a red lippy, you can't go wrong with neither.
Still not sure if red lipsticks is for you? Go with one of the listed 'dupes' before splurging!
Happy shopping!
Stay tuned for a more in depth dupes review on my next post.
xo
J