MAC Ruby Woo Review And Dupes

MAC Cosmetics has been one of the top cosmetics brands for years. They reinvented the standards for makeup, and for that, they are cherished by the beauty community. They carry high-quality makeup that is used by both casual makeup users and professional makeup artists. One of the makeup products that MAC Cosmetics is known for is their lipsticks.

The Ruby Woo Retro Matte Lipstick is one of MAC Cosmetics’ bestsellers. But, the truth is that the price point is out of most people’s budgets. So, ditch those expensive lipsticks and go for these affordable options instead. The closest dupe to the MAC Ruby Woo Lipstick is the NYX Matte Lipstick in Perfect Red. It is a perfect shade match that is long-lasting and highly pigmented.

MAC Ruby Woo Review

MAC Retro Matte Lipstick In Ruby Woo

A long-wearing lipstick formula with intense color payoff and a matte finish.

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The MAC Retro Matte Lipstick line is a hot item on their website. While it only comes in six red-toned shades, the Ruby Woo shade is definitely the most popular.

Ruby Woo is a classic red shade with neutral undertones. One of the reasons this color is so popular is that its flattering on many different skin tones. Hence the lipstick’s name, this lipstick has a matte finish. But, it isn’t drying on the lips. This lipstick is very long-lasting and comfortable to wear throughout the day. Another great thing about this product is the color payoff. In a single swipe, you get all the pigment you need for a bold and vibrant lip!

One of the obvious cons this product has is the price. It is simply too expensive for a lot of people to justify buying. Another thing you should know is that MAC has still yet to become 100% cruelty-free.

Pros:

  • Complements many skin tones
  • Matte finish that isn’t drying
  • Long-lasting and comfortable on the lips
  • Highly pigmented

Cons:

  • Highly-priced
  • Not cruelty-free

Where to buy it: Amazon

MAC Ruby Woo Dupes

If you’re like me, spending a lot of money on a single high-end lipstick is not something you love doing. What if I told you that you can still get a high-quality lipstick for a drugstore price? That’s right – there are so many hidden gem lipsticks found at the drugstore that are super underrated.

All of the dupes on our list are super affordable and an almost exact shade match to Ruby Woo. With these dupes, you won’t have to worry about spending tons of money on lipstick ever again.

NYX Matte Lipstick in Perfect Red

Our Pick

NYX Matte Lipstick In Perfect Red

This shockingly smooth, red lipstick glides right on and stays in place with a matte finish.

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The NYX Matte Lipsticks are common dupes for the MAC Matte Lipsticks. The formulas are very similar and they’re long-lasting. The shade by NYX called Perfect Red is almost identical to Ruby Woo.

The NYX Matte Lipsticks, like the MAC ones, stay in place all day long without needing to be retouched. Also, they are highly pigmented. In only one swipe, you get a full color payoff. Like Ruby Woo, this lipstick has a matte finish, but it isn’t drying on the lips. When applying this lipstick, it easily glides across the lips without any clumping. A great thing about NYX Cosmetics is that they 100% cruelty-free!

One thing to note about this lipstick is that it is not transfer-proof. It possibly can transfer onto coffee cups, napkins, etc. throughout the day.

Pros:

  • Stays in place all day
  • Highly pigmented
  • Isn’t drying on the lips
  • Doesn’t clump together
  • Cruelty-free
  • Affordable

Cons:

  • Not transfer-proof

Where to buy it: Amazon

ColourPop Lippie Stix in Trust Me

ColourPop Lippie Stix In Trust Me

This full-coverage, matte lipstick is loaded with skin-loving ingredients like shea butter and Vitamin E.

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ColourPop used to only be available on their online website, but they recently expanded to being sold at Ulta. With the brand becoming more accessible, it has gained a lot of new popularity. One of ColourPop’s most popular products is, undoubtedly, their lipsticks.

Specifically, the ColourPop Lippie Stix in the shade Trust Me is a great dupe for the MAC Ruby Woo Lipstick. The design of the Lippie Stix is super easy to apply, so they are great for beginners. Like MAC’s lipsticks, ColourPop’s are always super highly pigmented which is one of the reasons why they are so popularly. The Lippie Stix are packed with nourishing ingredients like shea butter, Vitamin E, avocado extract, and mango extract. Also, ColourPop is certified cruelty-free and this product is vegan!

Some people find this lipstick to have a plastic-y scent. If you are sensitive to scents, this may not be for you. Also, it doesn’t really dry down all the way, so it can potentially smudge throughout the day.

Pros:

  • Super easy to apply
  • Highly pigmented
  • Packed with nourishing ingredients
  • Cruelty-free and vegan
  • Inexpensive

Cons:

  • Has a plastic-y smell
  • Tends to smudge throughout the day

Where to buy it: Ulta

Maybelline Color Sensational Made For All Lipstick in Red For Me

Maybelline Color Sensational Made For All Lipstick in Red For Me

This lipstick features satin and matte formulas with honey nectar for a smooth and comfortable feel.

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What’s fantastic about the Maybelline Color Sensational Made For All Lipstick line is its inclusivity. For this line, they strategically chose shades that matched all different skin tones.

The shade called “Red For Me” is another rich red color very similar to Ruby Woo. It really does look great on a variety of different skin tones. The formula is made with honey nectar for a smoother feel that doesn’t dry out your lips. The cool undertones in this lipstick complement the skin’s complexion and make your teeth appear whiter. Another great thing about this lipstick is that it barely has any scent in it. Usually in lipsticks, having any sort of scent isn’t a great thing. This one is practically scent-free.

Sadly, this lipstick is definitely not transfer-proof. Reviewers say this lipstick frequently transfers to their teeth throughout the day. Also, Maybelline is not cruelty-free.

Pros:

  • Looks great on a variety of different skin tones
  • Feels smooth on the lips
  • Complement the skin’s complexion and makes teeth look whiter
  • Scent-free
  • Low cost

Cons:

  • Not transfer-proof
  • Not cruelty-free

Where to buy it: Amazon

L’Oreal Colour Riche Collection Exclusive Red Lipcolour in Eva’s Red

L’Oreal Colour Riche Collection Exclusive Red Lipcolour in Eva’s Red

L’Oréal’s Colour Riche Collection Exclusive Lipcolour is bold, iconic, richness that glides on for a soft matte finish.

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Not a lot of people know how great L’Oreal’s Colour Riche Lipsticks are. Specifically, the shade “Eva’s Red” is an exclusive edition lipstick that is a very close shade match to Ruby Woo.

This lipstick has a matte finish, but it still feels smooth and velvety on the lips. Reviewers say this lip color lasts all day long without needing to be retouched. Many users even say it stays on longer than all of the other lip products they’ve tried in the past! It is smudge and transfer-proof. This is optimal for those with busy lives and not a lot of time to be worried about their makeup.

Unfortunately, this is another lipstick that doesn’t have a great scent. Also, L’Oreal is not a cruelty-free brand, as they sell their makeup where animal testing is required by law.

Pros:

  • Feels smooth and velvety on the lips
  • Long-lasting
  • Smudge-proof
  • Transfer-proof
  • Affordable

Cons:

  • Has an offputting scent
  • Not cruelty-free

Where to buy it: Ulta

Milani Bold Color Statement Matte Lipstick in I Am Fierce

Milani Bold Color Statement Matte Lipstick in I Am Fierce

This pigment-rich, easy glide lipstick formula provides smooth application, and dries comfortably.

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Milani is one of those drugstore makeup brands that feel high-quality. A lot of people in the beauty community say that Milani lipsticks are some of their favorites from the drugstore!

One of Milani’s bestselling lipsticks is the Bold Color Statement Matte Lipstick in the shade “I Am Fierce.” Like Ruby Woo, the shade is a true red with cool undertones that beautifully complements the skin’s complexion. Even though this lipstick has a matte finish, it is actually super hydrating on the lips. This is due to the ingredient called Monoi Oil. This lipstick is very, very highly pigmented. You get great pigmentation in just one swipe on the lips. So, you don’t have to apply a lot for it to look good. Also, Milani is a certified cruelty-free makeup brand!

Since this lipstick is so heavily pigmented, it can be kind of difficult to apply. If you’re a makeup beginner, this probably shouldn’t be the first lipstick in your collection.

Pros:

  • Complements skin’s complexion
  • Super hydrating on the lips
  • Highly pigmented
  • Don’t have to apply a lot
  • Cruelty-free
  • Affordable

Cons:

  • Difficult to apply

Where to buy it: Amazon

Morphe Mega Matte Lipstick in Steamy

One of the amazing things about Morphe is that it is super affordable, but it is used by many professional makeup artists. Even though they’re known for their eye shadows and makeup brushes, their lipsticks shouldn’t be overlooked!

Particularly, their Mega Matte Lipstick in the shade Steamy is a classic red with cool undertones – much like Ruby Woo! Famously worn by beauty guru, Nikita Dragun, this lipstick is one of their most popular shades. The color looks great on many different skin tones. This lipstick is another one that is highly pigmented. In only swipe, you basically have all the color payoff that you need. With only one application, this product will last you the entire day without needing to be retouched. In addition, Morphe is a cruelty-free brand!

Like the Milani lipstick, the Morphe one can be difficult to apply. The pigmentation is so heavy that you can lose control easily in the application process. Also, it can be a little bit drying on the lips if you don’t apply a lip balm beforehand.

Pros:

  • Highly pigmented
  • Long-lasting
  • Looks great on a variety of skin tones
  • Cruelty-free
  • Inexpensive

Cons:

  • Difficult to apply
  • Can dry out the lips if you don’t apply a lip balm beforehand

Where to buy it: Ulta

Final Thoughts

MAC’s Retro Matte Lipstick in Ruby Woo is a cult favorite. So many people view it as their holy grail lip shade. While we have so many great things to say about it, it just is too highly-priced. We’ve created a list of the best dupes that won’t cost you a fortune. Our favorite is the NYX Matte Lipstick in Perfect Red. It is long-lasting, deeply pigmented, and a perfect shade match to Ruby Woo. However, all of the dupes on this list are also amazing and very affordable!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent matte lipstick from drying out my lips?

A good matte lipstick isn’t too drying on the lips. But, you should always prepare your lips before applying to avoid that dry feeling or any cracking from occurring. To do this, simply apply a hydrating lip balm right before you apply your lipstick!

What skin tones do cool-toned red lipsticks look good on?

The great thing about cool-toned reds is that they pretty much look great on any skin tone! Reds are great because they complement your skin’s complexion no matter your skin tone or your skin’s undertones. Also, cool-toned red lipsticks tend to make your teeth look whiter!

How can I make my lipstick last longer?

Even if your lipstick says it lasts all day long, that’s not always the case. There are a few things you can do to make your lipstick last longer so you won’t need to keep touching it up. First, make sure you apply a lip balm before you apply the lipstick. When you apply the lipstick, blot the excess off and apply a second thin layer. Another thing you can do is set your lipstick with a little translucent powder.