MAC Ruby Woo is considered by many to be the holy grail red lipstick. A bright red matte with blue undertones. I have a love/ hate relationship with it. I love the color but hate the matte formula. It is extremely drying, I mean make your lips peel drying. For that reason I don’t wear it much but I decided to pull it out and take it for a spin.
Products Used
Face
Black Radiance Complexion Perfection Shine Control Primer
Revlon ColorStay Foundation in Cappuccino mixed w/ NARS Orgasm Illuminator
Ben Nye Neutral Set Setting Powder
Cheeks
MAC Raizin Blush
Sleek Contour Kit in Dark to Contour
NARS Albatross Blush to Highlight
Eyes
Inglot AMC Eyeliner Gel in 77 Matte Black on upper lash line & waterline
MAC False Lashes Mascara in Extreme Black
Wet ‘n Wild ultimate Brow Kit in Ash & MAC Studio Finish Concealer in NW45 to define brows
Lips
Smith’s Rosebud Salve
NYX Hot Red Lipliner
MAC Ruby Woo Lipstick
I have seen Ruby Woo worn on many different skin tones and I believe it will work on anyone, especially if you have cool undertones in your skin. I have warm undertones and it still works for me. Brown-skinned beauties who are afraid of red lips, stop being afraid… this will work for you! It pairs perfectly with NYX Hot Red lipliner. I always put on a lipbalm first to combat the dryness some, and if you have dry patches you should use a lip scrub first or they will show through.
Available at MAC Cosmetics $14.50. But I’ve got a dupe for you and it will only cost about $2.99, Wet ‘n Wild Megalast Lipstick in 911D Stoplight Red…
Ruby Woo, Stoplight Red
Stoplight Red is also a matte and the perfect dupe for MAC Ruby Woo, but it is a bit more moisturizing. I actually like it better.
53 Responses
Everyone hails Ruby Woo as the best red ever. It looks beautiful on you!
I feel that I have so many reds that look just like this color. I don’t see the purpose in purchasing it and I was definitely thinking the same thing when you said W&W Stoplight Red is a dupe.
Thank you. The only dupe that I have personally is Stoplight Red and I reach for it way more. I definitely suggest Stoplight Red over Ruby Woo, but I still have to give Ruby Woo props where it’s due. It’s gorgeous!
I’m going to pick this one up because I returned Ruby Woo because it was to dry for me!
You should really like Stoplight Red then!
Hmm great post cus just this week i was contemplating about gettin my first red lipstick and i have seen everyone talking about MAC Ruby Woo
As long as you balm up your lips first and use a scrub if you have dry patches, Ruby Woo will be your best friend.
Wow! Super GORGEOUS doll!
Thanks hon! 🙂
this is lovely shade
i like my russian red… it was the 1st mac lippie i ever bough.
I don’t have Russian Red lipstick but I do have the lipglass and love it. I wear it over Stoplight Red sometimes.
I love the way it looks on you. You must condition and moisturize your lips very well…with the seasons changing in all. How often do you use a lip scrub? I too am a brown skin beauty and I’ve been debating the color RED for years and years. With the way it looks on you, I’m definitely going to try the Spotlight Red. Thanks<3
No problem and thank you. I have to admit that I don’t use a lip scrub nearly enough. I have a mechanical toothbrush though and I go over my lips lightly with it or sometimes my Clarisonic. When I do use a lip scrub, I usually make it with brown sugar and olive oil.
This color looks beautiful on you.. I’ve been looking for a red lip color and think I will try the Wet n wild version. I am like u.. I can’t have dry lips, mine are too big to be dry… Lol.. Luv the complete makeup look very classy and chic
Thank you and lol @lips too big to be dry, I totally feel you on this. I don’t have the smallest lips in the world either and matte/dry lippies draw more attn for some reason smh
You look gorgeous as usual!
Thanks girlie!
I have both of them too. I like Stoplight better because Ruby Woo is hella dry. I usually use Ruby then put Spotlight over it. Plus Spotlight feels so much better on my lips.
Stoplight Red really does feel better and it is just as long wearing. Lasts really long without touch ups and leaves a slight stain.
very pretty, I need to get ruby woo!
Thank you!
You look gorgeous! <3
Thanks mama!
I do agree that this lipstick is super drying but I just LOVE how beautiful it looks once is on. I usually put on a little bit of lip balm on before applying it and it works for me. But I will have to go check out your other suggestion : )
You are so right. While wearing it yesterday, I did a nice scrub of the lips during lunch then reapplied my rosebud salve and let it soak in, applied my lipliner and then more rosebud… then applied Ruby Woo and I had no more problems for the rest of the day. My lips are super smooth today and not peeling as usual.
I tried ruby woo awhile back. I felt like it was saying “hi I am lips!” the reddest I have is Rebel. Maybe I’ll try the WnW next time rite aid has a sale.
I just almost choked on my apple laughing at your comment lol. It’s definitely a bright bold red for the brave, I love it. Try the Wet ‘n Wild, it is just as bright though.
I love how you do your makeup and i’m always using your recommendations. I’m wondering if you ever feature guest blogger post? I would love to have more followers.
Thank you so much and I am glad that my recommendations work for you. I currently feature guest reviews and I am working on broadening the features a bit. Shoot me an email so we can work something out!
Lovely! I have the wet n wild dupe n nev er knew it was like ruby woo! Glad I got it before I went out for a ruby woo tube
Thanks girl. Yup, the same look at a fraction of the cost!
Ok, this lip it cute. I am so happy to see this review on this lipstick because I was about to go out and purchase it, but I am not a fan of drying lipsticks.
If you don’t like ’em dry get the Wet ‘n Wild Stoplight Red instead!
GORG! & thanks for the honest advice on the *peeling* alot of my lipsticks give my lips a peel. What I’ve found that helps me personally is applying a little chapstick/carmex prior to putting the lipstick on if I don’t do that within a couple of hours my lips are sooo dry! LUV THIS LOOK MZ MORE!! HAUTE!
Thanks girl and no problem. Lipbalm is definitely key. My Rosebud Salve works wonders!
Yes I own it! And I actually looove the matte look of this lipstick. I think that’s what makes it look so good on me. It’s not drying on the lips if u use a good moisture b4 applying it. I used VS cherry bomb n that was too glossy and added a sheen to the lipstick after I applied it. It didn’t look bad but since I like the matte look I wasn’t pleased. I now use EOS lip balm in sweet mint and it’s perfect. I pair It w MAC Brick liner and it looks divine!
I used to love the smell of VS Cherry Bomb. You just made me remember how much I love the EOS Balm. I am going to have to try the mint. Thanks girl!
I love Ruby Woo. It is one of my favorite lipsticks. I agree it is drying. I usually put on lip balm also before applying. I put just enough to not have chapped lips. I actually like the matte finish as long as it doesn’t look chapped. I love your entire look, it looks fabulous!
Thank you. I agree matte lipsticks look gorgeous as long as your lips are smooth. If they are chapped you can forget about it. Every dry patch and wrinkle will show through. No bueno.
Love this look…
Thanks hon 🙂
Why am I just stumbling on your blog??!!? Love it and just added it to my reader! Your makeup is fab so now I gotta find you on instagram too 😀
Thank you so much. Glad you enjoy reading my blog 🙂
I just wanted to say thank you!!!! I am 28 and finally found a red I can wear!! And for so cheap! I love spotlight red! Tips like this are truly genius!
Glad I could help! 🙂
How much does it cost?
Which one?
NYX has a beautiful dupe for Ruby Woo called soft matte lip cream in ” Monte Carlo.” It is a matte lipstick but it goes on a lot smoother then Ruby Woo. Several people have approached me asking if it was Ruby Woo bc the two colors are so identical. It’s definitely attention grabbing so be prepared to get stopped constantly!!! Smooches and happy new year!
Happy New Year hon! Thx for the dupe info. I’ve been wanting to try the NYX Matte Cremes for a while now 🙂
My daughter convinced me to buy this lipstick. I did it reluctantly, but every time i wear this people tell me how nice i look. Men,women and children love this lipstick!
It’s definitely an attention grabber!
thanks for the swatch!! going to try it but definitely pick up the wet n wild — much more affordable and sensible for someone who doesn’t really wear lipstick!
No problem. You will love it!