Few lipsticks achieve legendary status, but MAC Ruby Woo has solidified its place as a true icon in the beauty world. Renowned for its distinctive shade and unparalleled matte finish, this lipstick has captivated makeup enthusiasts and professionals alike, becoming a staple in cosmetic bags worldwide. Its enduring popularity stems from a unique blend of color, texture, and lasting power that makes it a perennial favorite for anyone seeking a classic red lip.
The Allure of Ruby Woo: A Deeper Look at the Classic Retro Matte
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Our Picks for the Best Lip Stick in 2026
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| Num | Product | Action |
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| 1 | L\'Oreal Paris Colour Riche Lipcolour, Ballerina Shoes [135], 1 Count |
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| 2 | L\'Oreal Paris Colour Riche Original Creamy, Hydrating Satin Lipstick with Argan Oil and Vitamin E, Fairest Nude, 1 Count |
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| 3 | L\'Oreal Paris Colour Riche Original Creamy, Hydrating Satin Lipstick with Argan Oil and Vitamin E, Brazil Nut , 1 Count |
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| 4 | L\'Oreal Paris Colour Riche Original Creamy, Hydrating Satin Lipstick with Argan Oil and Vitamin E, Berry Parisienne , 1 Count |
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| 5 | Maybelline Super Stay Teddy Lip Tint, Long Lasting Matte Lipstick For Up To 12HR Wear, Kneehigh, 1 Count |
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| 6 | L\'Oreal Paris Colour Riche Original Creamy, Hydrating Satin Lipstick with Argan Oil and Vitamin E, Blushing Berry , 1 Count |
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| 7 | L\'Oreal Paris Colour Riche Original Creamy, Hydrating Satin Lipstick with Argan Oil and Vitamin E, British Red , 1 Count |
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| 8 | Honeybee Gardens Truly Natural Lipstick, Rose & Dagger |
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| 9 | Aquaphor Lip Repair Stick, Moisturizing Lip Balm Pack, Relieves Dryness, 0.17 Oz Stick, Pack of 2 |
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| 10 | L\'Oreal Paris Colour Riche Original Creamy, Hydrating Satin Lipstick with Argan Oil and Vitamin E, Blazing Lava , 1 Count |
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At the heart of Ruby Woo’s appeal is its stunning color. It’s often described as a vivid, clean blue-red—a shade so perfectly balanced that it lacks discernible orange or pink undertones. This specific hue is celebrated for being universally flattering, brightening almost any complexion and, famously, making teeth appear whiter. It’s the quintessential “true red” that transcends trends and suits a myriad of skin tones.
The original MAC Ruby Woo is part of the brand’s Retro Matte line, delivering an intensely matte, flat finish. This ultra-matte appearance is a significant part of its charm, offering a sophisticated and bold statement. Beyond its striking visual, the Retro Matte formula is celebrated for its impressive longevity. Once applied, Ruby Woo is known to stay put for hours, with many users reporting wear times of 7-8 hours without significant fading, even with light eating and drinking. It wears gracefully, leaving a beautiful stain as it eventually fades.
Mastering the Application: Tips for a Flawless Red Lip
While the Retro Matte finish is beloved for its look and staying power, it’s also famously firm and dry, which can make application a bit challenging. The lipstick bullet may tug on the lips, especially if they are not adequately prepared. To achieve a smooth, flawless application and maximize comfort, lip preparation is key.
Start by gently exfoliating your lips to remove any dry patches. Following exfoliation, hydrate your lips with a nourishing balm, allowing it to absorb fully. Many enthusiasts also recommend using a lip primer, such as MAC Prep + Prime Lip, to create a smooth canvas and enhance glide. For precise edges, especially with such a bold color, a matching red lip liner is highly recommended. These steps can transform the application experience, ensuring the vibrant color adheres evenly without accentuating any dryness.
The Evolution of a Classic: Ruby Woo’s New Forms
Recognizing the desire for comfort without compromising the iconic shade, MAC has expanded the Ruby Woo universe to include newer formulations. The MACximal Silky Matte Lipstick offers a more comfortable, smoother glide and a silky-matte finish, providing 8 hours of moisture and 12 hours of lasting color while retaining the beloved Ruby Woo hue. Similarly, the Powder Kiss Lipstick and Powder Kiss Liquid Lipcolour versions offer a softer, more diffused matte look with enhanced comfort, making them excellent alternatives for those who find the original Retro Matte too drying. These innovations mean that the iconic red is now accessible in a variety of textures to suit different preferences, from the extreme matte to a softer, more hydrating feel.
Finding Your Perfect Red: Comparisons and Alternatives
For many, Ruby Woo is the ultimate red. However, the beauty market offers numerous other excellent red lipsticks. Within MAC’s own lineup, shades like Russian Red, with its intense bluish-red tone and a more comfortable “Matte” (rather than “Retro Matte”) formula, often draw comparisons. Lady Danger provides a vibrant, warmer orange-red alternative.
For those seeking more affordable options or a different formula, several “dupes” or close alternatives exist from drugstore brands. These alternatives often aim to replicate Ruby Woo’s cool-toned red without the extreme dryness of the Retro Matte formula, providing a similar visual impact with a more comfortable wear. Brands like Revlon, Maybelline, and ColourPop have offerings that beauty enthusiasts frequently compare to the classic.
Is MAC Ruby Woo Still a Must-Have?
Despite new formulas and countless competitors, MAC Ruby Woo continues to reign as a timeless classic. Its status as a cult favorite is well-deserved, offering a bold, universally flattering blue-red that instantly elevates any look. While the original Retro Matte formula requires some lip prep for optimal comfort, its unmatched longevity and intensely matte finish are unparalleled. With the introduction of the new MACximal Silky Matte and Powder Kiss versions, there are now comfortable options for every preference, allowing even those with dry lips to enjoy the magic of this iconic shade. Whether you prefer the classic, unyielding matte or a more forgiving, silky finish, MAC Ruby Woo remains a quintessential red that every lipstick lover should experience.
