MAC Ruby Woo
MAC Ruby Woo is certainly striking, but I have serious doubts when I'd ever wear it. It photographs more orange-toned/warm than how it looks in real life. It's definitely blue-based, but not too cherry red. It's darker than anticipated, bordering on vampy. It reminds me of the Memoirs of a Geisha book cover (the tie-in with the movie adaptation) more than anything. This might be an odd thing to say, but I find it's more flattering on someone in photos than in person.
What makes Ruby Woo remarkable is the intense pigmentation and ultra matteness of it. It's unlike anything I've experienced in a lipstick. It's completely devoid of any shine and is the kind of drying that makes it a minor struggle to apply straight from the bullet. There's quite a bit of resistance and tugging when you're dragging it across the surface of the lips. I had to utilise all my years of lipstick application to get it on without looking a total mess. This one would probably look far more polished with a lip liner, but I neither have a matching lip liner nor the will to take that extra step.
I don't think I could ever love Ruby Woo because frankly, it looks strange on me. It's so bold and dramatic that it can look flat and stark. Though I have fairly full lips, the width of my mouth is not that much longer than the width of my nose when I'm not smiling. Dark colours tend to emphasise this and make my face look oddly proportioned (and my nose/visible nostrils more prominent, which is never a good thing). You can always make thin lips plumper with lip liner, but you can't really elongate a mouth.
l-r: MAC Ruby Woo, Revlon Cherry Tart, Revlon Cherries in the Snow, Revlon Strawberry Suede, Rimmel 11, Revlon True Red
Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter in Cherry Tart is similar in colour to Ruby Woo, but pinker and of course, sheerer and glossier. Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Cherries in the Snow is more cool-toned and pinker, almost fuchsia in comparison. Revlon Matte Lipstick in Strawberry Suede (my favourite red lipstick of all-time) is more orangey and retro-looking. Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick by Kate Moss in 11 is darker, vampier. I've never managed to get along with this lipstick and have basically never worn it, so after digging it out for this post, I promptly gave it away to a friend. Revlon ColorBurst Lipstick in True Red is brighter, with a glossier finish.
Though I may never wear it in public, Ruby Woo still feels like one of those truly classic makeup (not just lipstick) products that every cosmetics enthusiast should have. In terms of opacity of colour, lasting power and an undeniably matte, transfer-proof finish, I can't imagine any lipstick beating it.
Awh I think it looks lovely on you! Maybe not for everyday if you're not used to it but would be nice for a special event c: definitely a nice addition to your arsenal of lipsticks and at least hey, you know you don't have too many dupes of this (unlike all your pinks and peaches haha!) c;
ReplyDeleteI've always been more of a Russian Red person and I don't own Ruby Woo but I did pick up Riri Woo when Rihanna did her collaboration with MAC and it's practically the same color! I'm not sure if the formula is the same but it's hyper matte too.
I do think it's a great red for day time wear when Russian Red is a bit too intense though. I used to love a good red lip but I haven't worn red lipstick in ages! I might have to whip it back out!
Chloé⎪ status.chlo
Thanks Chloé! Sweet of you to say. And yeah, at least I don't have 5 exact dupes :p I always thought RiRi Woo was Ruby Woo by a different name, lol. I was eyeing Russian Red at some point but I think it's a bit more blue-toned? Not too sure. Either way, they're both intense!
DeleteIt def. photographs really well.. but I agree I haven't been wowed ever! In fact none of the classic MAC reds came close to being loved or liked! I recently got my hands on Nars Cruella and the first time I wore it I knew it was the red I've been looking for! :-)
ReplyDeleteTheConscienceFund
I wish I had bought the NARS Digital World Lip Pencil Coffret that had Cruella in it. It was such a good price considering what was in it!
DeleteI can't pull of reds so Ruby Woo just scares me. Having said that though, I find that By Terry's Red Ceremony doesn't seem to be that dramatic of a red so maybe give that one a go?
ReplyDeleteThanks for the recommendation! I don't really wear reds but I have heard great things about By Terry's lip formulas.
DeleteI tried it but I liked my YSL Matte in 204 a lot more.
ReplyDeleteLoving your photos!
Finding that perfect red is such a personal thing! Glad you found something that you like more :) And thank you!
DeleteI do not like MAC lipsticks (generally speaking), but I own Ruby Woo for the second time. It is really something special in my book. I think the ultra-matte finish makes it even more special and somewhat wearable. I mean I could never pull off this color in cream or glossy finish.
ReplyDeleteReally? I love MAC lipsticks, haha. I'm such a sucker for them. Yeah, the ultra matteness of Ruby Woo is definitely something that works in its favour, if we're talking a really distinctive, bold, dramatic lip. It makes it classier for sure.
DeleteAwww! You mentioned me! I have always loved the IDEA of red lipstick but when I try it on it doesn't suit me! My lips look too full and it's a bit much, detracting from the rest of my fac .
ReplyDeleteI chose to get Rimmel Kate Moss 111 for my sister when she wanted a red to accomplish Memoirs of a Geisha style editorial stuff for a high school art project and it's pretty good, and I ended up giving my grandmother my tube of Revlon Cherry Tart when she came to visit, and haven't dabbled in reds since. I've got a Taylor Swift-themed party coming up next week and I have the shocking sensation that everybody will be rocking red lipstick. Woe me.
Of course I had to mention you :)
DeleteI think that red lips (or any kind of really dramatic colour) work ideally for someone whose lips are in proportion to the rest of their face. I don't think the fullness of the lips matters as much as the proportion of the lips to the nose/eyes. Good bone structure of course helps. I guess it's really very much the same story for any kind of makeup - if you're blessed with good features that take to makeup well, the possibilities are endless.
It's funny how the red lip has now become reminiscent of Taylor Swift as her "signature look". Hope you track down a red you like! My favourite is still Revlon Strawberry Suede though it's discontinued. If you want something more orangey-red then I think Rimmel have one called In Love With Ginger.
I do love ruby woo, I am a Nars girl myself though when it comes to red lipsticks, just something about their formula makes their reds so incredible
ReplyDeletexx
http://diamondsandtulips.blogspot.com.au
Yes, LOVE NARS! Eyeing Red Square :) (Though must not buy any more lip products...)
DeleteI've always wanted to try this and it is such a classic color and I love the bold color. I don't have many reds myself and I don't think I own any like this. Maybe one day I can wear this. I do want to try Cherry in the Snow though.
ReplyDeleteJackie | fashionxfairytale | bloglovin' |
It's very bold and super matte so it's not for everyone, but definitely makes a statement! Cherries in the Snow I find is quite drying and staining. Hope you find the red for you eventually :)
DeleteI love Macs ruby woo. It is very much a staple, despite being difficult to apply. I love matte lips, and I love red lips, so for me, this is something wearable.
ReplyDeleteRachelShuchatMakeup
If you're a fan of both red lips + a matte finish, then you certainly can't go wrong with Ruby Woo!
DeleteIt photographs lovely on you! I'm yet to try this, although I have considered purchasing it a few times. It is definitely one product that virtually everyone owns, but it was interesting to read your thought on it!
ReplyDeleteHeather, porcelainbeautyx
It is certainly one of those classic MAC colours. Even if I won't wear it outside the house, I'm kind of happy to have it in my collection nonetheless.
DeleteI think this looks so good on you, especially for special events, you should definitely wear it out of the house;) x
ReplyDeleteMaddy, xo // UNSTITCHEDD
Haha, thanks Maddy. May have to experiment a bit more with it in terms of the rest of my face. Perhaps bronzer and lashes is the way to go :)
DeleteI don't think this would be something for me either...
ReplyDeleteOrange-typed lipsticks aren't really for me :c
Take care*
It's actually pretty blue-based in real life. I prefer orangey-reds!
DeleteRuby Woo is the only MAC Lipstick I kinda like even though I don't wear it often enough due to its ultra dry texture.. The formula is indeed very matte and also dry, but I like how it looks on me and as someone who loves red lipsticks, Ruby Woo is just like the mother of all reds :P. I am not a fan of Russian Red though..
ReplyDeleteI think Ruby Woo would look gorgeous on you! I can picture it :) And yes, great description - "mother of all reds", haha!
DeleteI think it looks stunning on you, definitely bold really beautiful <3
ReplyDeleteAww, thanks Jennie :) I still think it looks pretty weird with the rest of my face, but I guess in isolated lip swatch pictures, it's okay :p
DeleteIt is definitely a stunning neutral red. The formula sounds great despite the slight difficulty to apply due to the matte formulation. I'm someone who stays clear of matte lip products (except the bourjois lip velvets), I love the look of matte lip products but can't stand a dry feeling as my lips can go from normal to dried and cracked in one day due to what I'm wearing! I think this is gorgeous and worth owning for those lip stick and red lips lovers! I still own no mac lipsticks but can't wait to buy a couple nude shades!
ReplyDeleteI haven't really worn Ruby Woo long enough to comment on how drying it is after a few hours. I imagine very drying! I have wanted to get my hands on the Bourjois matte lip creams (especially Pink Pong) but I just can't overlook the weird metallic scent. MAC definitely do some excellent nudes - can wholeheartedly recommend Patisserie :)
DeleteI absolutely love this shade of red!
ReplyDeleteConnie | Sponsored by Coffee | Bloglovin’
It's very bold and classic!
DeleteSuch a classic!
ReplyDeletehttp://whattaylorbuys.blogspot.co.uk/
Agreed! :)
DeleteThis lipstick AND your lip shape both look stunning! Seriously, that's a killer pout there, lady. I kind of get an idea of what you might mean by the shape/size in proportion to the rest of the face but I say just roll with it and rock it. You are you and no one else looks like that. I have majorly asymmetrical eyes that keep me from piling on too much eye makeup at once because one ends up looking sewn shut while the other looks huge, but what the hell. Life is short. I'm wearing the makeup, lol.
ReplyDeleteAww, you're far too kind Liz haha. Especially coming from someone with a killer pout herself ;)
DeleteAnd I LOVE the sentiment. You're right, life's too short. Just wear whatever makes you happy. I think women in general are just way too self-critical. Rock it and do so proudly, right? It's just makeup at the end of the day.
Fab post, I have to agree Ruby Woo is very striking, I was a little scared to try this lipstick however I’m so glad I picked this up :) Sad to hear that it didn’t work out for you :( I have to agree it’s definitely a classic shade, and I think one that you do need in your collection hehe :P
ReplyDeleteCharlee XO | CharmedCharlee
It's definitely a classic makeup item! Glad that you're enjoying it :)
DeleteWhenever I see colors like this, I always feel sorry that I can't really stand to go out with colorful lips...I don't know why :( It somehow seems to me it suits me best to only put the accent on my eyes. :P
ReplyDeletehttp://colorspiritattitude.blogspot.ro/
Aww, I'm sure a colourful lip would look great on you! Maybe you can experiment with a product that you can build up in pigmentation, like a non-staining lip crayon :)
DeleteSuch a beautiful shade! I have this in my collection as well :)
ReplyDeleteAnnie | www.drugstoredreamer.blogspot.com