MAC Lipstick in Ruby Woo - "Colour plus texture for the lips. Stands out on the runway. Simmers on the street! What made M·A·C famous." via maccosmetics.com. 3 g / 0.1 US oz | US$16.00 | Php 1000. Purchased at BeautyMNL.com

MAC Lipstick in Ruby Woo (Retro Matte)

Hey guys! It's Monday again and to help me fire up the week, I've got a red-hot MAC lipstick Ruby Woo. This shade has been on my To-Buy list for quite some time. Most times, I was afraid that I could only occasionally wear this color so I couldn't justify the price. I finally gave in and bought it, as a sort-of post Christmas gift for myself. I have decided to boldly wear this, even casually (at the mall!), stares of strangers be damned. Besides, reds and bold colors are a trend right now.

MAC Lipstick in Ruby Woo

“It is iconic! We sell millions of units a year. We call Ruby Woo the perfect sexy red from the runway to you,” says Jennifer Balbier, senior VP of global product development at MAC.

MAC Lipstick in Ruby Woo (Retro Matte)

Ruby Woo can be described as a medium-dark true red, with cool undertones. It has an ultra matte finish, absolutely no shimmers nor sheen. The color looks very lush and rich out of the tube. I was inclined to stare and admire it for hours but alas, for review purposes I have to swatch it and destroy all the gorgeousness.

MAC Lipstick in Ruby Woo (Retro Matte)

MAC Lipstick in Ruby Woo, (L) Natural Lighting, (R) With Flash

Despite the matte formula, it did go on smooth, with minimal tugging. Most people would complain of the matte-ness and the dryness but I personally consider this a boon. The finish adds to the drama and sophistication of the lipstick.

MAC Lipstick in Ruby Woo (Retro Matte)

MAC really does mattes well. I feel that their mattes are one of the least (if not the least) drying formulas in the market. You do need to have moisturized your lips before application to prevent flakiness.

I took a bunch of pictures of this lipstick just because I like it so much!

Swatches: MAC Lipstick in Ruby Woo

Swatches: MAC Lipstick in Ruby Woo

Swatches: MAC Lipstick in Ruby Woo (Flash)

I love the vivid color and the contrast it creates. The blue undertones brings out the whites on my skin. I somehow look more alive and refreshed with this on - it really brightened up my face.

MAC Lipstick in Ruby Woo (L) No Flash, (R) with Flash

MAC Lipstick in Ruby Woo (L) No Flash, (R) with Flash

MAC Lipstick in Ruby Woo

MAC Lipstick in Ruby Woo

Pros
- Opaque pigmentation
- Universal color suitable for a wide range of skin tones
- Light and non greasy
- Matte, but not too drying (I love mattes!)
- Long-lasting

Cons
- Drying formula (for most people)
- A bit expensive

FOTD: MAC Lipstick in Ruby Woo

Overall: If you're a lady that loves mattes, then MAC Lipstick in Ruby Woo is for you. In exchange for the dry-as-crayon texture, you get a lipstick that's opaque, immensely pigmented, non-slippery, non-feathering and stays on your lips for hours. Ruby Woo's universal and classic color also means that this is suitable and looks great on (almost) all skin tones. For me, the pros far outweigh the cons and would gladly re-purchase as soon as I run out.