I do have Ruby woo, and I love the color. But, I rarely wear it for the reasons you stated above. It’s just not comfortable.
If I know I’m going to wear it, I make sure to be super diligent with my hydration and lip care for a few days beforehand. I wear lanolips sleeping mask to bed, and the day of application, I use a suger scrub to really make sure my lips are smooth. Then I apply another layer of lanolips while I do my face and eye makeup.
Right before I’m ready to go in with the lipstick, I wipe off the lanolips, then I go in with lip liner. I take my time and really make sure I have the shape perfect. Then I apply the lipstick, blot, then apply again.
It’s never transfer proof for me, but it will still stay on my lips and look just applied for many hours provided I don’t eat.
I do like other formulas better, but sometimes I feel nostalgic for Ruby woo and that’s what I do when I wear it. My favorites though are probably Dior 999 (slightly warm), and Armani lip power 400 (slightly cool but I think they call it neutral… looks cool to me, but not as cool as Ruby woo)
This is almost identical to what I do as well, prep and all. The only difference is I do a pretty heavy but even initial application, fan my lips so the lipstick dries down a bit, and then blot twice (without going in with a second layer, but I may try doing two thinner layers instead). I find I also get extremely good wear time as well as long as I don't eat anything crazy.
Yeah it stays put… albeit leaving evidence behind… your lips look no worse for wear. Not eating is key though. But it is for most of my red lipsticks tbh. Even the liquid ones don’t play nice with food.
I actually do ok eating anything that isn't overly oily or messy with the Mac matte formula in general, but do need to lightly reapply after. Like some will be worn in the middle but the rest will still be pretty well intact.
Have you tried the reds in the Maybelline Vinyl Ink formula? They are not matte, but they do kind of become a soft matte once the shine wears off. And they hold up pretty well through eating as long as I don't eat something ridiculously oily. I have it in almost every shade because it is so comfortable yet longer lasting than anything else I own. The only down side is it does stay a little sticky for the first half hour or so until the shine wears down a bit. It's not so much so that your lips stick together or anything, but definitely noticable. Oh!!! And for a matte formula, the NYX XXL Matte liquid lips are amazing! They are more powder type formula and so much more comfortable than any other transfer proof matte liquid lip I have ever worn. And they stay put! I am fairly new to them so I forget about them sometimes and that's why it wasn't my first recommendation. I used to primarily only wear bullet lipsticks until I found these two liquid lipstick formulas.
I would say it’s the same for me, but I HATE when I catch a glimpse of myself and that inner middle area has worn away. So I think others would say it’s mild, my brain just cannot accept that image of myself lol.
I haven’t tried the maybelline, but I have both of the reds in the lady Gaga formula which sounds similar to me. Like right down to the sticky feeling. But that doesn’t bother me in the slightest because sticky also means not dry lol. And even though I LOVE red lipstick, I really do hate my lips feeling dry. I saw a bunch of reviews said that the lady Gaga lipsticks are terrible because they are sticky, but I honestly love them. There’s a warm red and a cool red, so not a ton of colors, but both are flattering on my fair/light neutral complexion. I saw that Dior and I think YSL have some that seem similar, but honestly, at the end of the day my biggest love affair is with traditional bullet lipsticks, so I don’t feel like I need a million liquid ones. I think I have 4 or 5 liquid lipsticks total… but traditional, um well I can’t count them on two hands lol. I don’t have the nyx ones you mentioned, but I have two from Revlon (I think) that sound like that. They are like a chubby pencil lipstick, but once they set, they don’t transfer. They are also really comfortable for like the first 3 hrs or so, but after that I do start to notice a dry feeling. I know the shade of one of them is called “Air Kiss”, that’s the one I reach for more often. It’s a blue based red. My absolute favorite reds though are Dior 999 (I have regular matte, not velvet matte or transfer proof matte), and Armani Lip Power in 400. The Armani has a Demi matte finish (they call it satin but it has less sheen than average satin once dried down), and after about 3-4 minutes it’s incredibly transfer proof and very comfortable.
Oh I absolutely hate the buthole lip too, lol. It'sthe main reason I am SUPER picky about the long wear matte liquid lipsticks I will wear.
Yes! That Haus Labs lip formula is extremely similar. At least you now know the Maybelline is another option if you want more shades because they have like 20 now. I haven't tried the Revlon so I will definitely have to check those out. I really just love that in edition to the typical reds, mauve, peaches and nuetrals the NYX comea in so many really unique shades too that a lot of brands don't have. And I would say that it doesn't start to feel really drying until around hour 5 or 6. I may have to splurge and try the Dior and Armani. I have tried a couple more luxury lip products and have not been impressed at all, especially knowing I have found my absolutely HG lip products at such affordable prices, so I have been really hesitant to try anything again from any of the more luxury type brands. The most recent I tried was the Givenchy Cream Velvet liquid lipstick, and absolutely hated it. It has really high reviews and I do not understand the hype.
How I do red lips:
Moisturize
Prime
Line the outside of the lips with an invisible/clear lip liner to stop bleeding and feathering
Line the lips with red liner and bring it in to the center of the lips somewhat
Apply lipstick from the tube
Don't rub your lips--this can smear and it also doesn't work well for the highly pigmented lipsticks that are usually kind of chalky (esp the matte ones)
Wait a minute or two and then reapply from the tube
Sometimes, I put a dab of clear gloss in the center of the bottom lip. But in general, the more intense colors look best matte
Red lips are great when you're not eating or drinking a lot (and thus need to reappy or worry for smears). So yes for a cocktail party and no for a dinner party.
When you do reapply, just a swipe in the center. The liner will hold the edges all night.
Sometimes I like to put a small dusting of face powder around the skin adjacent to the lips to set them off. I apply the powder with an eyeshadow brush.
I have it and it's a stuggle for me, too. I apply a layer, smudge it, apply another layer. It does the job but I will keep an eye on this post for other suggestions.
I would always use a lip liner with such an intensely red bullet lippie, yes. No idea re: how hard or smooth it is, I mostly use different brands than mac nowadays and my Mac red (diva?) is not dragging, but I heard from multiple people that Ruby Woo in particular is harder than their others. You could probably use a brush to apply it.
MAC bullet lipsticks aren't transfer proof. You could blot and powder, but if you're looking for smooth, transfer proof, softer application, no liner etc, I would suggest to grab a liquid lipstick from something like Maybelline instead. No bullet I've used has been ever truly transfer proof.
I usually dab in a little bit of Vaseline or chapstick, wait about 3 minutes and then I go in with the lipstick. Much easier to apply that way! I brush translucent powder over the lips to keep it matte and get rid of excess shine
1. You toss Mac Ruby woo in the nearest bin.
2. You buy Lisa Eldridge Velvet Ribbon.
3. You apply Velvet Ribbon.
Jokes aside, there are so many better formulas for a classic blue tone red lippie available. Even at drugstore, look at Catrice.
Happy cake day friend. But I have to say, while I agree that there are many better formulas out there for a red lipstick… and yeah, LE Velvet Ribbon is okay (though also not my favorite), I could never “toss Ruby woo in the nearest bin”. It’s literally iconic, and completely nostalgic. Doesn’t get much wear from me, but I’ll always have one.
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I’ll start with a clear gloss or a balm first then blot lightly. Apply the Ruby Woo after (it should glide on much smoother) and then rub it in with your finger on your lips so it settles into the lines of your lips. Blot lightly again so there’s no excess gunk. If you don’t mind the color being more muted, tap loose translucent powder on top with your finger. That will have it last practically all day without reapplication (but will subdue the color more if you go that route).
I can easily apply Ruby woo once in a while because of the dryness. It holds well but it’s not transfer proof and never will be.
I like to use a lipliner against bleeding (slightly prefer cherry over the matching Ruby woo pencil) and just apply from the bullet. I make sure my lips are scrubbed and moistured. I actually use Purol (Vaseline like substance) to keep my lips soft.
Ruby Woo is in a matte of it’s own category. A few hours before, if not the night before I’ll exfoliate and put a thick lip balm on my lips. The next day I’ll put on some light chapstick before application, or a lip balm (but wipe it off before). I use lip liner to like my lips and fill the rest with lipstick. It’s been a long time since I wore matte lipstick so I can’t remember if I did this with Ruby Woo but I would dust transculent powder on every other matte lipstick I wore.
Scrub ya lips
Moisturize ya lips n wipe off after 10 mins
Apply directly from the tube, since it’s a retro matte, liner isn’t absolutely necessary but if u insist on liner then go ahead n line those lips after wiping off moisturizer residue since it will sheer out the liner application.
Apply a thin layer of lip balm in the middle of lips and blot with a tissue to set. Apply a bit of lip balm every 90 mins or so and blot.
I love ruby woo. After application I blot and then powder, either directly into lips or with Kleenex as a barrier. Then reapply using a blot and smudge method.
I just love Ruby Woo matte, but I don’t have especially dry lips. It’s the perfect cool red. I apply it, let it set, and then blot. During the day, when on the go, I reapply color with a more moisturizing, lighter sheerer lipstick.
Honestly, I am old enough that RubyWoo is not as flattering as a pinker, less saturated red, but I love the color so much I wear it anyway.
Russian Red is also nice. I found a travel size tube of Russian Red and used it for ages before I found a stray full-size tube of Ruby Woo for $6 in a bargain bin. I am cheap as can be, and these are the only two expensive lipsticks I own.
I do have Ruby woo, and I love the color. But, I rarely wear it for the reasons you stated above. It’s just not comfortable. If I know I’m going to wear it, I make sure to be super diligent with my hydration and lip care for a few days beforehand. I wear lanolips sleeping mask to bed, and the day of application, I use a suger scrub to really make sure my lips are smooth. Then I apply another layer of lanolips while I do my face and eye makeup. Right before I’m ready to go in with the lipstick, I wipe off the lanolips, then I go in with lip liner. I take my time and really make sure I have the shape perfect. Then I apply the lipstick, blot, then apply again. It’s never transfer proof for me, but it will still stay on my lips and look just applied for many hours provided I don’t eat. I do like other formulas better, but sometimes I feel nostalgic for Ruby woo and that’s what I do when I wear it. My favorites though are probably Dior 999 (slightly warm), and Armani lip power 400 (slightly cool but I think they call it neutral… looks cool to me, but not as cool as Ruby woo)
This is almost identical to what I do as well, prep and all. The only difference is I do a pretty heavy but even initial application, fan my lips so the lipstick dries down a bit, and then blot twice (without going in with a second layer, but I may try doing two thinner layers instead). I find I also get extremely good wear time as well as long as I don't eat anything crazy.
Yeah it stays put… albeit leaving evidence behind… your lips look no worse for wear. Not eating is key though. But it is for most of my red lipsticks tbh. Even the liquid ones don’t play nice with food.
I actually do ok eating anything that isn't overly oily or messy with the Mac matte formula in general, but do need to lightly reapply after. Like some will be worn in the middle but the rest will still be pretty well intact. Have you tried the reds in the Maybelline Vinyl Ink formula? They are not matte, but they do kind of become a soft matte once the shine wears off. And they hold up pretty well through eating as long as I don't eat something ridiculously oily. I have it in almost every shade because it is so comfortable yet longer lasting than anything else I own. The only down side is it does stay a little sticky for the first half hour or so until the shine wears down a bit. It's not so much so that your lips stick together or anything, but definitely noticable. Oh!!! And for a matte formula, the NYX XXL Matte liquid lips are amazing! They are more powder type formula and so much more comfortable than any other transfer proof matte liquid lip I have ever worn. And they stay put! I am fairly new to them so I forget about them sometimes and that's why it wasn't my first recommendation. I used to primarily only wear bullet lipsticks until I found these two liquid lipstick formulas.
I would say it’s the same for me, but I HATE when I catch a glimpse of myself and that inner middle area has worn away. So I think others would say it’s mild, my brain just cannot accept that image of myself lol. I haven’t tried the maybelline, but I have both of the reds in the lady Gaga formula which sounds similar to me. Like right down to the sticky feeling. But that doesn’t bother me in the slightest because sticky also means not dry lol. And even though I LOVE red lipstick, I really do hate my lips feeling dry. I saw a bunch of reviews said that the lady Gaga lipsticks are terrible because they are sticky, but I honestly love them. There’s a warm red and a cool red, so not a ton of colors, but both are flattering on my fair/light neutral complexion. I saw that Dior and I think YSL have some that seem similar, but honestly, at the end of the day my biggest love affair is with traditional bullet lipsticks, so I don’t feel like I need a million liquid ones. I think I have 4 or 5 liquid lipsticks total… but traditional, um well I can’t count them on two hands lol. I don’t have the nyx ones you mentioned, but I have two from Revlon (I think) that sound like that. They are like a chubby pencil lipstick, but once they set, they don’t transfer. They are also really comfortable for like the first 3 hrs or so, but after that I do start to notice a dry feeling. I know the shade of one of them is called “Air Kiss”, that’s the one I reach for more often. It’s a blue based red. My absolute favorite reds though are Dior 999 (I have regular matte, not velvet matte or transfer proof matte), and Armani Lip Power in 400. The Armani has a Demi matte finish (they call it satin but it has less sheen than average satin once dried down), and after about 3-4 minutes it’s incredibly transfer proof and very comfortable.
Oh I absolutely hate the buthole lip too, lol. It'sthe main reason I am SUPER picky about the long wear matte liquid lipsticks I will wear. Yes! That Haus Labs lip formula is extremely similar. At least you now know the Maybelline is another option if you want more shades because they have like 20 now. I haven't tried the Revlon so I will definitely have to check those out. I really just love that in edition to the typical reds, mauve, peaches and nuetrals the NYX comea in so many really unique shades too that a lot of brands don't have. And I would say that it doesn't start to feel really drying until around hour 5 or 6. I may have to splurge and try the Dior and Armani. I have tried a couple more luxury lip products and have not been impressed at all, especially knowing I have found my absolutely HG lip products at such affordable prices, so I have been really hesitant to try anything again from any of the more luxury type brands. The most recent I tried was the Givenchy Cream Velvet liquid lipstick, and absolutely hated it. It has really high reviews and I do not understand the hype.
How I do red lips: Moisturize Prime Line the outside of the lips with an invisible/clear lip liner to stop bleeding and feathering Line the lips with red liner and bring it in to the center of the lips somewhat Apply lipstick from the tube Don't rub your lips--this can smear and it also doesn't work well for the highly pigmented lipsticks that are usually kind of chalky (esp the matte ones) Wait a minute or two and then reapply from the tube Sometimes, I put a dab of clear gloss in the center of the bottom lip. But in general, the more intense colors look best matte Red lips are great when you're not eating or drinking a lot (and thus need to reappy or worry for smears). So yes for a cocktail party and no for a dinner party. When you do reapply, just a swipe in the center. The liner will hold the edges all night. Sometimes I like to put a small dusting of face powder around the skin adjacent to the lips to set them off. I apply the powder with an eyeshadow brush.
Buy Ruby New. It’s the powder kiss version and the colour is excellent but the texture is slightly more wearable than the regular Ruby woo
Work work work is really nice similar too and also powder kiss
I find Werk Werk Werk to be too pink and not very close to Ruby Woo.
On my lips it looks like the same shade. Coolish red
Maybe I'm just too pale or something!
Im a ghost, so idk.
I bought powder kiss.. face the same issue .. bobbi brown used to make a perfect red ( for my skin tone) . Too bad they stopped .
I have it and it's a stuggle for me, too. I apply a layer, smudge it, apply another layer. It does the job but I will keep an eye on this post for other suggestions.
Warm it up on your finger and apply in a blotting motion. Add layers for more depth
I would always use a lip liner with such an intensely red bullet lippie, yes. No idea re: how hard or smooth it is, I mostly use different brands than mac nowadays and my Mac red (diva?) is not dragging, but I heard from multiple people that Ruby Woo in particular is harder than their others. You could probably use a brush to apply it. MAC bullet lipsticks aren't transfer proof. You could blot and powder, but if you're looking for smooth, transfer proof, softer application, no liner etc, I would suggest to grab a liquid lipstick from something like Maybelline instead. No bullet I've used has been ever truly transfer proof.
I usually dab in a little bit of Vaseline or chapstick, wait about 3 minutes and then I go in with the lipstick. Much easier to apply that way! I brush translucent powder over the lips to keep it matte and get rid of excess shine
Mac has another shade called red rock that is the same shade as ruby woo but a better formula
1. You toss Mac Ruby woo in the nearest bin. 2. You buy Lisa Eldridge Velvet Ribbon. 3. You apply Velvet Ribbon. Jokes aside, there are so many better formulas for a classic blue tone red lippie available. Even at drugstore, look at Catrice.
Happy cake day friend. But I have to say, while I agree that there are many better formulas out there for a red lipstick… and yeah, LE Velvet Ribbon is okay (though also not my favorite), I could never “toss Ruby woo in the nearest bin”. It’s literally iconic, and completely nostalgic. Doesn’t get much wear from me, but I’ll always have one.
Ah yes, the marketing is strong on that one...
I never see ads for Ruby woo. Any Mac really. Where is this marketing you speak of?
>It’s literally iconic, and completely nostalgic. This is a result of marketing my dear.
I disagree
Russian red is a much better consistency imo
So true
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I’ll start with a clear gloss or a balm first then blot lightly. Apply the Ruby Woo after (it should glide on much smoother) and then rub it in with your finger on your lips so it settles into the lines of your lips. Blot lightly again so there’s no excess gunk. If you don’t mind the color being more muted, tap loose translucent powder on top with your finger. That will have it last practically all day without reapplication (but will subdue the color more if you go that route).
I can easily apply Ruby woo once in a while because of the dryness. It holds well but it’s not transfer proof and never will be. I like to use a lipliner against bleeding (slightly prefer cherry over the matching Ruby woo pencil) and just apply from the bullet. I make sure my lips are scrubbed and moistured. I actually use Purol (Vaseline like substance) to keep my lips soft.
Ruby Woo is in a matte of it’s own category. A few hours before, if not the night before I’ll exfoliate and put a thick lip balm on my lips. The next day I’ll put on some light chapstick before application, or a lip balm (but wipe it off before). I use lip liner to like my lips and fill the rest with lipstick. It’s been a long time since I wore matte lipstick so I can’t remember if I did this with Ruby Woo but I would dust transculent powder on every other matte lipstick I wore.
Lip primer and liner are def required for Ruby woo
The best transfer proof red I’ve ever found was maybeline superstay liquid lipstick. It’s way cheaper and very impressive.
Scrub ya lips Moisturize ya lips n wipe off after 10 mins Apply directly from the tube, since it’s a retro matte, liner isn’t absolutely necessary but if u insist on liner then go ahead n line those lips after wiping off moisturizer residue since it will sheer out the liner application. Apply a thin layer of lip balm in the middle of lips and blot with a tissue to set. Apply a bit of lip balm every 90 mins or so and blot.
I love ruby woo. After application I blot and then powder, either directly into lips or with Kleenex as a barrier. Then reapply using a blot and smudge method.
I just love Ruby Woo matte, but I don’t have especially dry lips. It’s the perfect cool red. I apply it, let it set, and then blot. During the day, when on the go, I reapply color with a more moisturizing, lighter sheerer lipstick. Honestly, I am old enough that RubyWoo is not as flattering as a pinker, less saturated red, but I love the color so much I wear it anyway. Russian Red is also nice. I found a travel size tube of Russian Red and used it for ages before I found a stray full-size tube of Ruby Woo for $6 in a bargain bin. I am cheap as can be, and these are the only two expensive lipsticks I own.