MAC Keepsakes Red Lip Bag

I am not a huge fan of MAC cosmetics. I've only bought a handful of things, and my last trip to a MAC counter was years ago - It was to get the limited edition Cyndi lipstick a year after it had been sold out, and the rep gave me that pitiful "you don't know anything, do you?" look. She advised me to search on eBay (and to act faster next time) so I did only to find out Cyndi was sold at $55 at that point. I think that was it for me. I'm quite done with the brand, to be honest with you. I'd rather pay more for higher-ends or buy two of my favorite drugstore lippies.
With that opinion of mine unchanged, I still had a soft spot for MAC Ruby Woo. Infamous for the extremely drying formula, but to me it is such a special red. In fact, it is the Retro Matte formulation what makes this blue toned red so special. I had a stick a while ago, and despite the love-hate relationship that I had with Ruby Woo, deep down I wanted it again.
Then I saw the MAC Keepsakes Red Lip Bag.

MAC Keepsakes Red Lip Bag

I must say I like this year's MAC "Keepsakes" series. 

Those rather questionable glittery bags aside, all assortments are pretty much solid basics with good value.

MAC Keepsakes Red Lip Bag consists of Lipstick, Lipglass, and Lip Pencil all in the Ruby Woo shade. Plus you get a glittery ivory colored makeup bag.

The box

The bag is boderline tacky but not so bad.

I was expecting glitters all over my hand, but surprisingly nothing like that happened.

The bag is adorned with faux pearl beads along the zipper line and a cameo.

It is a decent size and has an additional pocket inside, so I think I will carry it around for a while.

(In case you're wondering, here I'm wearing Butter London Come To Bed Red polish.)

MAC Ruby Woo Lipstick

MAC Ruby Woo Lipglass

I will show lip swatches some other time, maybe with a look post. Because of its drying nature, I wasn't quite up for abusing my lips so much in one day.

Good thing is though, MAC Ruby Woo Lipstick is less drying than I remembered. It is drying, but don't be too scared. Mind you, Ruby Woo at the MAC counter usually is a dried-up mess since they supposedly dump it in alcohol every night. Your own stick of Ruby Woo should be fine.

Also, I am happy to find now Lipglass is not that sticky glue which used to peel my lips like mad. (See how far behind I am when it comes to MAC? I might have heard that Lipglass was reformulated or something.)

I initially had zero interest in the Lip Pencil, but it is actually useful to correct the shape after applying the Lipstick straight from the bullet. This can be used as a lip color over lip balm, too.

Having Ruby Woo in different forms is quite an advantage to overcome the possibly problematic formula. I will talk about the various ways to wear this fussy shade soon in the look post.

(Note: OMG, the third row. Really -> Revlon. Sorry!)

Formula wise, Revlon Super Lustrous Matte is closer to MAC Matte (not the Retro Matte) which provides a slight sheen to the finish and is more comfortable to wear.

Revlon Really Red is a bit warmer and In The Red is browner. 

From the comparison swatch, Giorgio Armani Rouge Ecstasy 400 looks similar to MAC Ruby Woo, but it shows up a bit muted and softer on the lips not to mention the formula is completely different.

Overall, I'm quite happy with the set. 

Are you looking at any of the Keepsakes collection from MAC?

Shop The Post

*Disclosures*