6 Must-Have MAC Red Lipsticks
6 Must-Have MAC Red Lipsticks
About the Temptalia Must-Haves Series
A series of posts showcasing must-have products from MAC Cosmetics’ permanent line of products. Selections are based on quality, universality, uniqueness amongst the line, and the like. Limited edition shades are deliberately excluded to make buying easier. Readers’ comments act as a supplement to these lists of their favorites and must-haves. You can find the entire series here.
Russian Red lipstick is a matte, super bright blue-based red. This is pretty much a standard red lip for anyone. I’ll admit it doesn’t always work on me, since it can run too blue, but you can always pair it with a lip liner or gloss to make it more your tone.
Viva Glam I lipstick is a matte, retro red. Retro red is kind of a deeper, more muted red. This is a very wearable red for all skin tones, and it is one of my favorite reds on me.
Dubonnet lipstick is a deep red with a slightly burgundy tone to it with a creamy, slightly glossy finish. This is another flattering shade on a variety of skin tones.
See three more!
Brave Red lipstick is a creamy slightly muted red with a very light sheen in its finish.
Ruby Woo lipstick is a matte, blue-based red with a lightly creamy, super opaque color to it. If you love Russian Red, you’ll probably love Ruby Woo, too.
Lady Bug lipstick is a sheerer tomato-red (orange-based) that is kind of an entry red–just because it has a glossy, sheer finish to it.
What are your favorite red lipsticks?
Do you think Lady Bug and Viva Glam Cyndi are very similiar? Thanks ^^
Lady Bug is redder!
should i get Viva Glam 1 or Dubonnet? im fairly pale, about a NW25 and i want a deep red color
Dubonnet is deeper.
thank you!
Hi, I just wanna seek some recommendations. I have been searching for the perfect red lipsticks that will look best on my NC25 skintone. Any suggestions? Heard from reviews that MAC's Russian Red is a dupe of Revlon's Really Red? Thanks a lot!
I haven't tried Really Red, sorry! Viva Glam I, Russian Red
No one has said anything about Lady Danger, what do people think?
Hi, Ive been trying to find a everyday red that would fit my nc25 skintone. Everything ive tried on has been too bright, i want something more subtile and natural since im only 16. & nothing too drying, since i have very severe chapped lips. I am IN LOVE with the classic pinup look, which i wear everyday. so i was thinking mayb VV cyndi, or brave red? Im really lost here, Please Help!
Viva Glam I!
Hi, I'm trying to choose a red lipstick that's suitable for my nc40 skin... Deciding between ruby woo, russian red or viva glam 1? Which would you recommend?
VG I
I got Ruby Woo yesterday and I look forward to wearing to a wedding on Saturday!
have you tried Lady Danger, Christine? would you recommend it? x
I have, but it was awhile ago - it's an orange-y red, and it's very pigmented!
Ruby Woo, Lady Danger, Lady Bug and Classic Dame Mattene Lipsticks. Plus, Rue D'Rouge Dazzleglass! I love a bold look-at-me red, matte or glossy.
Nice picks, Kristen! I only wish Ruby Woo wasn't so drying!
I have: Russian Red Dare You Adore It -(Holiday collection 08) and Racy- (Holiday collection 08) I love all of these colours, i use my Red Enriched Lip liner with the dare you because the colours almost match perfectly. I love using red lipstick to make a dull or boring outfit turn into something chic.. (if it can do that (: ) Red lipstick is one of my favourite looks, aswell as the dark pink/berry lipsticks! :D
Great list, Emily! :D
I am 17 and want a good red without being too much. I'm neutral toned and very fair...things wash me out really easy...I was thinking about brave red since its a cremesheene and wont worsen my chronically chapped lips....is this a nice natural red that doesnt wash fair girls out?
I think that would be a good one, Kristen!
I love Ruby Woo, it's by far one of my fav red shads of lipstick in a while. Christine I wanted to know if that lipstick you have called wild about you was still around somewhere and if not do you have a good dupe for it??
I love Dubonnet, as does everyone else, it seems.... but nobody has even mentioned Diva. Maybe it's only good for darker skin tones (I'm NW43-45). It's very matte, and looks great with Burgundy lip pencil. You can control how dark it applies if you use a lip brush. I also like Brave Red and Fresh Moroccan. <---Try that with some clear lip glass on top... the gold flecks POP! *keep it sassy*
Diva is nice! It's a bit berry on me, though!
ruby woo is my all time favourite because it is so bright and so matte and it stays on through anything. i have been through 4 tubes, and have another three, just in case i run out. lady danger is bright and fun, i wear it when i'm going out clubbing. lasting lust is a good prolongwear colour, and so is red flame. port red, dubonnet, queen's sin and kanga rouge are all shades that havent worked for me, i'm NC15 for reference, but i'm pretty neutral tbh.
How do you combat Ruby Woo's dryness, Alison?
I like MAC's Ramblas Red -- it was released as part of the U.K./Europe only Euristocrats collection last year.
Wish we had had that launch!
I only have one red so far, and that is Lady Danger, but it is gorgeous!
Nice first red, Lana!
queen's sin is pretty much the only red I love. pity it was le.
I love that one, too! My fave!
I have both Russian Red and Ruby Woo, and find the later a bit too dry. Really want Dubonnet (I love amplifieds),Viva Glam I, Underworld and would love to see a swatch of Mac Pro's Red Pepper.
Ruby Woo can definitely be drying -- it's one of those ultra dry matte formulas.
viva glam 1!!!
Agreed!
I'm VERY pale - almost GHOSTLY! - and I tried Lady Bug. They say that fairer ladies can wear brighter lipsticks, but I SWEAR, this was SUPER bright, cool-toned glossy opaque bright red. It looked horrible on me, so I swapped it for Dare You which has become my HG red - as long as I blot it, because when applied full-on, it's borderline vampy.
This is really good to know! Thank you for sharing :)
I don't think I've progressed beyond the very sheer, can't tell it's even a red ;P In fact, I think I've only dared to try one red lipgloss once lol. Nonetheless I like the look. My mom's fave is Ladybug, she has me buy her one even before the other has run out or just to have one in each purse! ;P
Aww! It'll take some getting used to ;) You can always borrow your Mom's!
New York Apple is my favorite red MAC l/s! wearable day or evening on my NW10 complexion. Also love MAC Red l/s for a brighter, non shimmer look :)
One of my faves, too!
LOL, Christine, these are my 6 favorite reds! I love Fresh Moroccan and Dare You as well. Dubonnet has to be my all-time favorite right now...
Haha! Sounds like you have a lot of red faves, though ;)
I love Dior's High Shine in Gipsy Red. As for MAC, I don't have any of their reds, but I've been eyeing Fresh Moroccan and Dubonnet for a while now... just don't like the formula much.
What about the formula don't you like, Catherine?
I'm NC15 and looove Dubonnet and Kanga-Rouge from Dame Edna (this one's a fave :)). I always wear them with the Cult of Cherry lipglass on top. Too bad I'm running out of it :(
Thanks for sharing your faves (especially for your skin tone)!
red she said is the best red ever that i ever wore
It's a good red!
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