We all know that certain lipstick shades/colours look better on certain skin tones. You would usually hear that, peach, nude, coral and dusty red are lipstick shades that look gorgeous on the fair or light skinned. While, berry, rose, cherry red, and mauve are the perfect choices for a medium skin tone.
What if I tell you that there are some lippies that break boundaries? Mac’s ruby woo lipstick is one of such rare gem lippies.
I got introduced in my earlier years to this versatile and gorgeous lipstick as far back as 2013 by a roommate and friend. I just could not ignore how beautiful she looked with the red delight. I had to cop one for myself.
Back then Ruby woo seemed like the lippie for big girls, now that I reminisce, hilarious is the word that comes to mind. If I thought, it was pricy then I obviously had no idea of what was to come. Due to the current dollar exchange rate in my country, snagging one of these costs a foot and an arm, but trust me, it is totally worth the hype and money.
Brief history
Mac’s Ruby woo was released in 1999 as part of the five-piece Retro Matte lipstick collection. It is the only surviving member of its collection and has become one of the brand’s bestsellers till date. It was said to have been made accidentally!
Who would have thought right? A best seller made by accident. You see, in the late nineties, the brand’s product development team tried to tweak Russian Red (MAC’s bestselling red lipstick at the time) to make it less matte.
It was however, immediately returned to its original formula following back lash from its loyal fans. In the process, it was discovered that the new base made the pigments brighter and more vivid. “This discovery caught the eyes of the powers that be, and the rest is MAC history.”
Why is Ruby woo so popular and loved?
Ill’d tell you why, it is because the retro matte red formula delivers a highly pigmented, matte finish with minimal-to-no shine. The icing on the cake is that it has a dazzling red-blue hue that has been seen to be a universal shade of Red. This M.A.C fan favorite shade literally flatters all skin tones.
It doesn’t get better than this trust me. Each time I put on my ruby woo lipstick I am sure to dazzle people, my confidence level superceeds limits.
Product appearance
It comes in a black rectangular box with a red detail at its end. Inside this box is our precious jewel, which is a black roll-on red lipstick. It has such a distinct smell; it is not pungent and has a fruity aroma just right enough to fit the euphoria of the nasal buds.
Now as for the ingredient line up, I won’t bore you with the details, however, know that all ingredients are pretty much safe.
Affordability
If I am being honest, this product is considered high end in my country. It comes in two sizes, but illd say that with the price difference between both sizes, it is advisable to go with the bigger of the two.
What I mean, is that the mini size retails for about 18 dollars while the bigger version retails for 21 dollars. Why not sacrifice three dollars for a size that lasts much longer.
Performance
I would always advice, that you use a lip balm or at least moisturize your lips properly before applying this lipstick. Trust me, It makes all the difference.
Though it doesn’t have a drying effect, it dries matte. Therefore, applying a lip moisturizer makes it glide on silkier and smoother. This would help with preventing lip chapping on the long run.
Now, how long Ruby woo stays popping on your lips depends on your lip activities through the day. Considering it isn’t smudge proof, it is important to consider mouth actions such as (kissing) or eating. Please note, that this is a highly pigmented, and bright lipstick regardless. It would take a lot of mouth action to get this red beauty completely out of your lips.
Regardless of your race, skin tone/ shade, this is one powerful lippie you need in your corner.
Rating; Very highly recommended 9/10
