May 8, 2013

MAC RiRi Woo Lipstick Review & Swatches

This was provided to me by a brand for review but all opinions expressed are my own

MAC RiRi Woo Lipstick Summer 2013

I know MAC RiRi Woo Lipstick is sold out online but don’t panic it’ll be back in June which is why I decided review and swatch it. I promise I’m not teasing you with this review!

MAC RiRi Woo Lipstick is a remix of MAC’s classic, cult favorite shade Ruby Woo by Rihanna herself.

Take a peek!

MAC RiRi Woo Lipstick ($15) is a matte cool red. I was actually hoping that RiRi Woo would be less cooler than Ruby Woo as I can wear warmer reds easily but not so much cooler ones.

MAC RiRi Woo Lipstick

MAC RiRi Woo Lipstick Swatches

Unfortunately, from my experience it appears RiRi Woo is basically identical to Ruby Woo just what a slightly different finish. I think it’s more of a fan thing than an actual beauty junkie thing. Another words if you love Rihanna it’s probably something you’ll want to own. But if you’re a more logical beauty junkie that wanted a unique shade of red, well, you won’t need it because if you already own Ruby Woo it seems senseless to bother unless you really want the matte finish of RiRi Woo.

I personally don’t like matte finishes and this feels particularly dry to me. It migrates all over the damn place and tugs during application and looks uneven on my lips due to this. I feel like Ronald Mcdonald with it on to be honest…I just don’t do shades of red like this very well.

MAC RiRi Woo Lipstick FOTD

The only special thing about it is Rihanna’s signature is wrapped around the lipstick itself but MAC’s standard black packaging stays the same here.

It’s $15 and will relaunch again shortly if you are lemming.

Is it on your list?

This was provided to me by a brand for review but all opinions expressed are my own

About the Muse

Isabella MuseIsabella is just an average everyday geeky girl who doesn’t blend her eyeshadow correctly, wears too much blush, and hopes she never finds her holy grail products because she likes the thrill of the chase so much. Her mission is to bring you super honest reviews on makeup, skincare, fragrance and all things beauty. She’s in no way an expert on the topic and she sure as hell isn’t a super model. But she’s passionate about makeup and is seeking like-minded individuals that like pina coladas, getting caught in the rain, and ones that enjoy spending hundreds of dollars at Sephora without feeling buyer’s remorse. If you’re that person feel free to reach out and leave a comment or follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Bloglovin‘.

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Comments

  • Liane

    I actually think it looks really beautiful on you. Brightens up your complexion and everything!

    • the Muse

      aw thanks liane, feel a little silly with it on tbh!

      • Liane

        I know what you mean. I like the idea of red lipstick but whenever I put it on i always feel like it’s too much.

  • Mei

    I was debating whether or not to buy this one when it went up for sale online, but didn’t end up getting it (the decision was made for me since it sold out!). I’m very glad I didn’t considering it’s practically identical to ruby woo and I definitely won’t be getting it when it’s back in June. I’m a little disappointed though, I was expecting a slightly darker, more “vampy” shade of red

    • the Muse

      I was too…I thought it would be a touch more brick and a little more warmer…this is too cool for me and very similiar to ruby woo outside of finish

  • Deb

    Muse, the color doesn’t look bad on you. I think you can wear red better than you think you can! The thing I don’t understand about these super matte finishes is why do people want their lips to look so dry and parched? I’ve seen numerous reviews and pics of this on other blogs and in every single lip swatch, it looks like the lips are crying and screaming for moisture. It’s just so unflattering. I guess I’m just not meant to understand why people think this is a good look.

    • the Muse

      amen to that deb. I think it looks dry as hell on my lips as well. I think it depends because I’m seen some people wear matte (hello dita! perfect example) and they ROCK it hardcore. Where as others, myself included, that it looks incredibly dry 🙁 I dunno I’m just not a matte girl so I def don’t get the appeal either 😀 and thanks…I’m not so sure about this red for me, I feel odd with it.

    • Irene

      I often do retro make-up looks so I love true matte finishes 🙂 they can be drying, but if you prep your lips, it can also look gorgeous! I’ve gotten more compliments wearing MAC’s Russian Red than with any other lipstick.

  • lily

    That’s a really pretty red, actually and I LOVE it on you. I like the lighter/brighter reds but agree with you on the matte finishes….sooo drying!

    • the Muse

      aw thanks lily…agreed, mattes are the devil’s work for me 😀

  • Melissa

    I don’t see the difference between this and swatches of Ruby Woo, even when compared side by side, but others seem to INSIST there is a slight difference in color and finish. So glad to hear someone say it’s just a Rhianna fan thing!

    • the Muse

      not to me, they both apply and look the same on my lips, it’s just the finish that differs and of course, you get the riri signature on the lipstick shrug….I mean if you’re a fan of hers it is understandable that you would want it but don’t buy it because you’re a fan of ruby woo and expect some variation on that shade, it’s virtually the same exact shade as ruby woo.

      • Pockykami

        You know quite a few people are showing comparison swatches where they are not even in the same shot and the lighting is clearly different. It’s very strange. I don’t own ruby woo and it’s been on my wish list, so I’m kind of tempted to pick this up. From what I can tell it is just slightly, and I mean slightly cooler, which actually does appeal to me. I just don’t want to support this kind of nonsense that mac is doing.

  • Blee

    I LOVE IT ON YOU!!!! Yes you can rock this red. And yes I want!! Ill be getting one in June for sure. Thanks for the swatch and review :d

    • the Muse

      my pleasure blee and thanks you’re too kind 🙂 <3!

  • StellaDiva

    It looks great on you. I thought it was very draggy going on. Didn’t smooth out well with a brush. Maybe it was my primer. Going to try it over balm tomorrow.

  • Clio

    I don’t own Ruby Woo — what is the difference between the two finishes?

    • the Muse

      supposed matte too but feels more satin to me and has more of a sheen than this. Mac calls riri woo more of a vintage matte whatever the hell that means, it runs drier and more matte than ruby woo or at least that’s how I feel about the two shades.

  • blueraccoon

    The color looks good on you but the texture is just…maybe it’s me, and I know I prefer satin or shimmer or glossy finishes, but this just looks painfully dry. It’s Ruby Woo with Rihanna’s signature…not sure what the huge appeal is for non-RiRi fans, or for people who prefer lipstick that’s not so dry and drying (like me :P).

  • Patsy Desautel

    I’m wearing my Riri Woo today and LOVE it. Its definitely an acquired taste. I think there is just a drop more blue in this than my Ruby Woo, because my teeth look a touch lighter. The difference is ever so small. But the formula is very drying and tugs on application. I also am using the MAC Cherry lipliner, which kicks up that blue tone a little more I think. It’s not an every day lipstick, but its definitely “Friday and I’m going out!” kind of lipstick.

  • Cindy Ramirez

    Honestly, everyone was going after this like crazy and I was like “Whats the big deal?” but I really really want this. I feel like I can convince myself that Ronnie Red is good enough, but I might just cave and lem after it like a crack addict once its re-launched. And I don’t even LIKE her!

  • Nina

    I have both Ruby and RiRi Woo. You may not see a difference but there is a few things that make them different. RiRi is bit darker, deeper, bluer red. Ruby is much lighter and require a lot of swipes to get it opaque. Ruby is waaaaaaay drier! Much drier than any other MAC matte lipstick known to mankind. That’s a fact. I own a few other mattes from MAC and for some crazy reason they decided to make Ruby out of sand and dust. RiRi is matte but it still not like a chalk to your lips, similar to other mattes from MAC. If I had to choose, RiRi is my go to red lipstick, because of the shade and texture. I am not a RiRi fan, but when this comes out again, I’ll be buying a backup. That how much I love this shade on me. BTW the color looks great on you! Wear that red with a fierce attitude girl!

    • the Muse

      thanks nina that was incredibly helpful 😀 aw thanks! I’m scared of it tbh!

    • the Muse

      good example why you should never test makeup in store 😀 swatch yes but I’d NEVER apply any of it to my face from high end to low it doesn’t touch my mouth or face ;-D