When we talk about OG’s in the lipstick game, you have got to mention MAC Cosmetics. They have dominated the makeup market when it comes to lipsticks that cater to all skin tones, creating bold tones and real nudes for ALL complexions.
And when we’re talking about the sexiest, boldest and most universally loved shade of red in the business, the brand’s popular Ruby Woo hue might just make take that top spot. Some of its most prolific fans are rumoured to include global superstars Rihanna and Taylor Swift, and no wonder it is a party season beauty staple. Fun fact, every minute, MAC sells four Ruby Woo Lipsticks around the world!
Big beauty news.
MAC have just upped the game by launching three different lip finishes alongside the original Retro Matte lipstick - enter the Ruby Crew! Whether you like the soft lightweight lipstick, you're a fan of a liquid lip formula, or prefer a matte finish, then they have got a red formula for you covered.
In true GLAMOUR testing fashion, we put the different formulas of the newest Ruby’s Crew range to the test, and here are five people’s honest thoughts.
Ruby’s Crew Lip Range, from £19.50*, MAC Cosmetics
*Save when you shop with these MAC discount codes.
Shei Mamona, GLAMOUR’s Beauty & Entertainment Assistant
Product: Ruby’s Crew Powder Kiss Liquid Lipcolour in Ruby Boo
There is nothing sexier than a red lip on muted makeup to spice up your party season look. Red is known as a visually powerful hue, and on lips, it can dramatically transform anyone’s look, not to mention the fact that it's incredible flattery on all complexions. That is if you find the right type of red, of course. As much as I rave about red lipstick, I don’t wear it all that often. Finding the right one can take some search.
I like mine with a purple/wine coloured undertone and a velvety matte finish, with a nicely shaped wand to ease application. That’s exactly what I got. The hourglass-shaped wand, allowed the product to glide seamlessly. It gave me maximum coverage in one swipe, enough to even out the shade of my darker upper lip and my pinkier bottom lip. The red was matte but non-drying and boy did it last. I wouldn’t say it was 100% mask-proof, but the transferring wasn’t enough to have to consistently be re-applying the product. No bleeding and I didn't even have to line my lips with my trusty lip liner (although you always can to add extra dimension). Queen Rih Rih was right all along, you cannot go wrong with Ruby Boo, and having found the perfect formulation is icing on the cake. Ruby Boo, I Love You!
Rating: 9/10
Ella Simpson, Conde Nast’s Head of Marketing
Product: Ruby’s Crew Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour in Ruby Phew!
I’ve never liked the way I look in red lipstick and have only worn it a handful of times (usually around Christmas which I then instantly regret when I see myself in photos afterwards!). Yet people have always insisted that it suits me so I thought I’d give it one more chance! For me, when I do think of red lipstick, MAC is always the name that springs to mind. My girlfriends all swear by their reds, and a MAC lippy seems to be one of the few constants in their makeup bags.
The MAC Powder Kiss Liquid Lip Colour in shade ‘Ruby Phew!’ comes with an tear-shaped applicator which allows me to shape a really precise outline of my lips (something I’ve normally struggled with when it comes to red lipsticks). The formula isn’t drying at all — in fact, quite the opposite. At first, it had an almost mousse-like texture but when it settled on my lips it felt really moisturising and rich.
The Lip Colour lasted well on my lips, and whilst I’m still not convinced that red lipstick is for me, I can’t fault the application and formula. I’d definitely purchase it in other shades for this reason, and as for the red? Well, my girlfriends are already fighting over who’s getting their hands on it!
Rating: 8/10
Saffy Altmeyer-Ennis, Conde Nast's Events Manager
Product: Ruby's Crew Powder Kiss Lipstick in Ruby New
I've always shied away from red lipstick, thinking it makes me look more clown than chic. However, if there was ever going to be lipstick to convert me, it would likely be Mac's iconic Ruby Woo. Some quick googling told me that this shade is apparently one of the best for red-heads due to the blue undertones.
Application was very smooth and it does feel more like a balm than a traditional lipstick, which I loved as it didn't dry my lips out. The colour really does pack a punch, being a very vibrant energetic red I was very aware of smudging, but overall it did last very well, with just the edges needing some touch ups over the day.
Rating: 8/10
Lottie Winter, GLAMOUR’s Beauty Editor
Product: Ruby's Crew Retro Matte Lipstick in Ruby Woo
Review: I don’t often wear red lipstick, but when I do, it’s almost always MAC’s Ruby Woo. Why? Well, there’s many reasons. Firstly, it stays put for hours on end without drying out my lips like a liquid formula tends to do. Next, it’s a great pillarbox red shade - it’s not too pink nor too orange, meaning it’s perfect for every occasion and every outfit.
Finally, the finish is a velvety matte rather than a flat matte, which gives lips a nice plumped up feel while still ensuring ultimate staying power. In other words, I love it - and for anyone who has never tried it, I’ll bet you would too.
Rating: 10/10
Kim Zhang, Conde Nast’s Account Strategist
Product: Ruby's Crew Powder Kiss Liquid Lipcolour in Ruby Boo
The Christmas festive build-up is in full swing, Taylor Swift has dropped her juicy album re-release, mulled wine is already brewing — red really seems to be on everybody’s lips. Well, except mine. I’m not usually one to venture forth with a bold red lip, but MAC’s new powder kiss liquid lip colour has changed the game. First of all, the hourglass applicator is so smooth - it glides out from the bottle with a satisfying pop! - and molds itself well to the shape of your lips. The texture is magic.
Unlike most liquid lipsticks I’ve tried, this one feels moisturising and creamy, softening into a matte finish without ever making my lips look (or feel) dead. I also enjoyed having my ego stroked with compliments on the colour Ruby Boo, and generally being associated with adjectives unfamiliar to me in my non-Ruby daily life: “powerful” and “sophisticated”. The only downside is the product transfer.
The creaminess of the formula meant that I did need a few re-applications throughout the day, though the lippy luckily fades into a pretty berry tint without any patchiness or flaking. All in all, this was a surprisingly wonderful product, and well worth the hype on its way to paint the town red.
Rating: 10/10
For more from Glamour UK Beauty & Features Assistant Shei Mamona, follow her on Instagram @sheimamona
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