Please see my overview on the MAC Keepsakes Red Lip Bag for swatches and comparison.
Ruby Woo FOTD
MAC Ruby Woo is probably the only opaque red that I can decently pull off.
In my opinion, what makes this blue-toned red so unique is the ultra matte finish, not the color itself. There are many similar ones out there, but other finishes (satiny, creamy, glossy,..) combined with this already intense color does not really work on my complexion.
Which is why I cannot pull off Ruby Woo Lipglass by itself although it is an amazing color for sure.
Ruby Woo Lipglass
This is pretty much with one coat and I actually sheered it out quite a bit, so you see it is a great choice if shiny opaque gloss is your thing.
Formula wise, it is a vast improvement from the last MAC Lipglass I had. I have no complaint. It is much like the reformulated NARS Lip Gloss.
When blotted lightly, it leaves a really natural and flattering stain behind, which also lasts for a while.
And this actually makes a great base for MAC Ruby Woo Lipstick!
I suppose you could put on the Lipglass on top of the Lipstick to boost up the color and add moisture, but that is just too much for me and rather pointless since I like the matte finish.
It is recommended to prep your lips with lip balm before applying Ruby Woo Lipstick.
However, those emollient slippery types don't work with the matte formula. Waxy ones like Burt's Bees Lip Balm are your best bet. I've tried this and it works well for the initial application, but I still find it doesn't help by much regarding the drying effect. This waxy lip balm/Ruby Woo lipstick combo still leaves my lips parched by midday.
Ruby Woo Lipstick
So far, the best way for me to wear Ruby Woo Lipstick without sacrificing the beautiful matte finish is,
1. put on a very little amount of emollient balm (like Smith's Rosebud Salve) on the lips and smooth it out carefully.
2. Let it sit so it can be absorbed.
3. Blot lightly
4. Apply Ruby Woo Lipglass and blot it off
5. Apply Ruby Woo Lipstick straight from the bullet
6. Clean up the uneven lines using Ruby Woo Lip Pencil
This may sound too complicated, but I promise you it isn't so bad. Most importantly, it is totally worth the time and the effort. You can skip the step 4 and 6 if you don't have the Lipglass or the Pencil. The result is similar.
I was out all day wearing Ruby Woo and I was really surprised to see how well it stayed on my lips. It was windy but I didn't have to suffer the pain of hair sticking on the lips. My lips felt comfortable, too.
Although it is very resistant to drinking, you will see some patchy spots after eating greasy stuff especially in the middle. Reapplying Ruby Woo Lipstick won't work in this case (it simply wouldn't adhere to the wet bald spot). The Lipglass comes to your rescue, though! Smooth on a little bit of Ruby Woo Lipglass in the middle and you're good to go again.
A drop of Shiseido Sheer And Perfect Foundation mixed with two pumps of Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheer 07 was used for a sheer yet luminous base.
Powder and blush were skipped.
For eyes, I just defined them using Viseé Smoky Rich Eyes GY-7 (told you its "nothingness" is useful sometimes).
This is a minimalistic look that also goes well with eyeglasses.
Hope this post is helpful for those who find Ruby Woo Lipstick impossible to wear due to the drying formula.
With a bit of additional effort, Ruby Woo actually could be low maintenance compared to some of the red lip colors out there. Having the set with the same shade of Lipglass and Lip Pencil definitely makes it easier, too.
Do you own a Ruby Woo Lipstick?
What is your trick to use this lipstick with rather fussy formula?
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