If you’ve spent any time in the beauty world, you’ve definitely heard about MAC Ruby Woo Lipstick. This iconic red lipstick has achieved legendary status, with a tube reportedly selling every 8 seconds worldwide. But here’s the question: Is it actually worth the hype in 2025?
I’ve had this famous lipstick in my collection for almost two years. My Sister was for a while obsessed with getting Taylor Swift’s signature Red Lips, And she read that Taylor said she using this iconic red lipstick for her lips. So My sister bought it for us.
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This post is all about MAC Ruby Woo Lipstick
Mac Ruby Woo Lipstick isn’t just another red lipstick. Launched by MAC in 1999, it quickly gained cult status among makeup artists, celebrities, and everyday beauty lovers. Everyone from Rihanna to Taylor Swift has been spotted wearing this particular shade of red, and it’s consistently ranked as one of MAC’s best-selling products of all time.
Features
Color:
Mac Ruby Woo Lipstick is described as a vivid blue-red, and that’s exactly what it is. If you’re not familiar with undertones, blue-reds tend to have a slightly cooler tone that can make your teeth look whiter and generally flatter a wide range of skin tones.
I’ve compared it side by side with other MAC reds in the collection:
Russian Red: Slightly darker and less bright, with more of a neutral-cool undertone
Lady Danger: Much more orange-toned and warmer
Chili: A brownish brick-red that’s nothing like Mac Ruby Woo Lipstick.
Texture:
Infamous retro matte formula. I’m not going to deny it – this is one of the driest lipstick formulas on the market. The first time I applied Ruby Woo, I was shocked at how different it felt from other MAC lipsticks. The tube itself even feels harder when you apply it.
This gives it incredible staying power but also means it can feel uncomfortable if your lips aren’t in perfect condition. My lips are feeling parched just thinking about it!
I’ve developed a pretty foolproof routine for making Mac Ruby Woo Lipstick to work:
- Prep is non-negotiable: I always exfoliate my lips with a sugar scrub the night before I plan to wear Ruby Woo.
- Hydration is key: I apply a thick layer of lip balm while doing the rest of my makeup, then blot it off right before application.
- Liner is your friend: MAC’s Cherry lip liner creates a perfect base that helps the lipstick apply more smoothly.
- Patience matters: I apply it in thin layers rather than trying to swipe it on heavily all at once.
- Tools can help: Sometimes I use a lip brush for more precision, which also seems to help with the dryness factor.
I still keep it around. Because when I need a red lip that will not budge through an important presentation, dinner, or event, this is my ride-or-die.
Longevity:
I only need to touch up once, after lunch. The lipstick had faded slightly in the center of my lips but in a way that actually looked natural rather than patchy.
My secret trick for making Ruby Woo last through an entire wedding (dancing included): Apply, blot with a tissue, dust a tiny amount of translucent powder over the tissue while it’s still on your lips, then apply one more thin layer. This technique creates a stain that seriously will not budge.
Application:
One thing I love about Ruby Woo is its versatility. Here’s how I style it for different occasions:
For work: I apply it as more of a stain by putting a small amount on my finger and pressing it into my lips. Then I blend the edges for a softer look that’s professional but still polished. I pair this with minimal eye makeup – just mascara and a neutral shadow.
For evenings out: Full-on Ruby Woo with sharp edges, paired with liner and lots of mascara. This classic combo gets me compliments every single time. There’s something about the vibrant blue-red that looks especially striking in dimly lit restaurants.
For weddings: Ruby Woo is my go-to wedding guest lipstick because I know it will look good in photos and last through all the talking, eating, and dancing. I make sure to bring it for touch-ups after the meal, but otherwise, it stays put well.
For casual days: A light dab of Ruby Woo with clear lip balm on top creates a gorgeous poppy-red tinted lip balm effect that’s perfect for casual brunches or weekend outings.
Pros and Cons
After years of wearing Ruby Woo, here’s my honest assessment:
The Good:
- The color is truly universal and flattering
- Staying power compared to most traditional lipsticks
- Doesn’t feather or bleed, even without a lip liner
- Makes teeth look whiter
- The matte finish looks sophisticated and classic
- A timeless red that never goes out of style
- The smell so good.
The Bad:
- Drying formula that can be uncomfortable
- Requires lip prep
- Can emphasize lip lines and dry patches
- The texture makes quick application challenging
Dupes and Alternatives
Here are the ones actually worth considering:
NYX Perfect Red: The closest drugstore dupe I’ve found in terms of color, though it pulls slightly warmer. The formula is less dry, which makes it more comfortable but also means it doesn’t last quite as long. Great budget option if you’re not ready to commit to Ruby Woo’s price tag.
Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint in Uncensored: More expensive than Ruby Woo, but the color is remarkably similar. The liquid formula is more comfortable while offering similar longevity.
Final Thoughts
After all these two of wearing Mac Ruby Woo Lipstick, my relationship with it remains complicated but ultimately rewarding. Yes, the formula is drier than the Sahara Desert. Yes, the application requires more effort than most lipsticks in my collection.
But – the perfect blue-red shade that makes my teeth look whiter, complements my skin tone, and somehow works for literally every occasion? That’s the reason that keeps Mac Ruby Woo Lipstick in my makeup bag for a long time probably.
If You interested in adding more Red to your vibe check Cherry Aesthetis: The Juicy Trend