MAC Ruby Woo – The Complete 2025 Shade Guide
Try it on instantly with AI. See undertones, swatches, dupes & similar shades.
About MAC Ruby Woo
MAC Ruby Woo is one of the most iconic red lipsticks in beauty history, beloved by makeup enthusiasts, celebrities, and beauty professionals worldwide. This cult-favorite shade has achieved legendary status for its classic blue-red color and exceptional staying power.
Iconic Status: Ruby Woo gained massive popularity thanks to its timeless appeal and universal recognition. It's been featured in countless editorials, recommended by beauty influencers, and remains one of MAC's best-selling shades year after year. Its classic blue-red finish makes it a staple in many makeup collections.
Retro Matte Finish: Ruby Woo features MAC's signature Retro Matte finish, which provides a zero-shine, ultra-matte look. The formula delivers comfortable, long-lasting wear with exceptional color payoff. The Retro Matte texture ensures it stays put while maintaining a bold, statement-making appearance.
Cool Blue-Red Undertone: This shade has cool undertones with a blue-toned red base. The blue undertones make it particularly flattering for cool skin tones, creating a classic, sophisticated look. The cool base gives it that timeless red lip appearance that's been iconic for decades.
Best Skin Tones for Ruby Woo: Ruby Woo works beautifully on fair to medium skin tones with cool or neutral-cool undertones. It's particularly stunning on fair skin where it creates a bold, classic contrast. While it can work on deeper skin tones, it provides excellent contrast across the spectrum.
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Try Ruby Woo Now - FreeRuby Woo Swatches
On Fair Skin
Classic blue-red that creates bold contrast
On Medium Skin
Bold statement red with excellent color payoff
On Deep Skin
Provides excellent contrast and definition
Ruby Woo Undertones Explained
Is Ruby Woo Warm, Cool, or Neutral?
Ruby Woo has cool undertones with a blue-toned red finish. The blue undertones make it particularly flattering for cool skin tones, creating that classic, timeless red lip look. If you're unsure about your undertone, cool shades like Ruby Woo typically work well if silver jewelry flatters you more than gold.
On Fair Skin
On fair skin, Ruby Woo provides a bold, classic red lip with excellent contrast. The blue-toned red creates a sophisticated, statement-making look that's perfect for special occasions. Fair cool-toned skin will find it particularly flattering.
On Medium Skin
Medium skin tones are where Ruby Woo truly shines. The blue-red undertone complements medium complexions beautifully, creating a bold, sophisticated look. It's one of the most recommended reds for medium skin with cool or neutral undertones.
On Olive Skin
Olive skin tones with cool undertones will find Ruby Woo very flattering. The blue-toned red harmonizes well with cool olive complexions. However, warm olive skin may find it slightly too cool, preferring warmer reds.
On Deep Skin
On deeper skin tones, Ruby Woo provides excellent contrast and definition. The bold blue-red creates a striking, classic look. While it works well, those with very deep skin may also enjoy exploring deeper, richer reds for additional options.
Who Does Ruby Woo Suit Best?
Fair Skin Tones
Ruby Woo is excellent for fair skin, especially those with cool undertones. It provides a bold, classic red lip with excellent contrast. The blue-toned red creates a sophisticated, statement-making look that's perfect for special occasions.
- Best for: Fair cool and neutral-cool skin
- Effect: Bold, classic red lip
- Consider: Perfect for special occasions
Medium Skin Tones
Medium skin tones are the ideal match for Ruby Woo. The blue-red undertone complements medium complexions beautifully, creating a bold, sophisticated look. This is where the shade truly shows why it's so popular.
- Best for: All medium skin tones, especially cool
- Effect: Bold, statement-making red
- Consider: This is Ruby Woo's sweet spot
Olive Skin Tones
Cool olive skin tones will find Ruby Woo very flattering. The blue-toned red harmonizes well with cool olive complexions. Warm olive skin may find it slightly too cool, preferring warmer reds like MAC Lady Danger.
- Best for: Cool olive skin tones
- Effect: Harmonious, classic red
- Consider: Warm olive may prefer warmer reds
Deep Skin Tones
Ruby Woo works well on deep skin tones, providing excellent contrast and definition. The bold blue-red creates a striking, classic look. While it works beautifully, those with very deep skin may also enjoy exploring deeper, richer reds.
- Best for: All deep skin tones
- Effect: Bold contrast and definition
- Consider: Also explore deeper reds for variety
Best Dupes for MAC Ruby Woo
Looking for alternatives to Ruby Woo? Whether you're searching for a more affordable option or exploring similar shades, these dupes capture the essence of this iconic blue-red lipstick.
Maybelline Color Sensational in Red Revival
Excellent affordable dupe with similar blue-red undertones. The drugstore option provides comparable color at a fraction of the price.
Try OnNYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Monte Carlo
Close color match in liquid matte formula. Great budget-friendly alternative with similar blue-red tone.
Try OnRevlon Super Lustrous in Really Red
Classic blue-red with similar undertones. Great alternative with comfortable formula and comparable depth.
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Frequently Asked Questions About MAC Ruby Woo
What undertone is MAC Ruby Woo?
MAC Ruby Woo has cool undertones with a blue-toned red finish. The blue undertones make it particularly flattering for cool skin tones, creating a classic, bold red lip that's been iconic for decades.
Is Ruby Woo good for fair skin?
Yes, Ruby Woo is excellent for fair skin, especially those with cool undertones. The blue-toned red creates a stunning contrast and classic look on fair complexions. It's one of the most recommended reds for fair skin with cool undertones.
Is Ruby Woo good for medium skin?
Yes, Ruby Woo works beautifully on medium skin tones. The bold blue-red provides excellent contrast and creates a statement look. It's particularly flattering on medium skin with cool or neutral-cool undertones.
Is Ruby Woo good for dark skin?
Yes, Ruby Woo can work on deeper skin tones, providing bold contrast and a classic red lip look. However, those with very deep skin may prefer richer, deeper reds for better harmony. Ruby Woo provides excellent contrast on all skin tones.
Is Ruby Woo long-lasting?
Yes, Ruby Woo has excellent long-lasting properties thanks to its Retro Matte finish. The formula provides ultra long-wearing coverage that can last 8+ hours without touch-ups. The zero-shine matte finish ensures it stays put throughout the day.
Is Ruby Woo a matte finish?
Yes, Ruby Woo has a Retro Matte finish, which is MAC's most matte formula. It provides a zero-shine, ultra-matte finish that's bold and statement-making. The Retro Matte formula is known for its intense color payoff and exceptional staying power.
What are the best dupes for Ruby Woo?
The best dupes for MAC Ruby Woo include Maybelline Color Sensational in Red Revival (affordable drugstore option), NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Monte Carlo (close color match), Revlon Super Lustrous in Really Red (similar blue-red tone), and Charlotte Tilbury Red Carpet Red (luxury alternative with neutral undertones).
What skin tones does Ruby Woo suit?
Ruby Woo suits a wide range of skin tones, especially those with cool undertones. It works particularly well on fair to medium skin tones with cool or neutral-cool undertones. The blue-toned red creates a classic, flattering look that's universally recognized as one of the best reds.
Is Ruby Woo good for everyday wear?
Ruby Woo is more of a statement shade than an everyday color. While it can be worn daily, it's known for its bold, classic red lip look that's perfect for special occasions, events, or when you want maximum impact. For everyday wear, you might prefer softer reds or nudes.
What occasions is Ruby Woo best for?
Ruby Woo is ideal for special occasions, evening events, parties, and when you want a bold, classic red lip. It's perfect for date nights, formal events, and any occasion where you want to make a statement. The iconic blue-red shade is timeless and sophisticated.
How does Ruby Woo compare to other MAC reds?
Ruby Woo is MAC's most iconic blue-red, known for its cool undertones and Retro Matte finish. It's more matte and longer-lasting than MAC Russian Red (which has neutral undertones). Ruby Woo is bolder and more statement-making than softer reds like MAC Lady Bug.
Is Ruby Woo transfer-proof?
Ruby Woo's Retro Matte formula is designed to be transfer-resistant once fully set. However, it may transfer slightly during eating or drinking, especially with oily foods. For maximum transfer resistance, allow the product to fully set and consider using a lip primer.
Can I try Ruby Woo on before buying?
Yes! You can try MAC Ruby Woo on virtually using GlowLip's AI try-on feature. Simply upload a selfie and see how Ruby Woo looks on your lips instantly. This helps you determine if the shade complements your skin tone before making a purchase. No sign-up required.
What makes Ruby Woo so popular?
Ruby Woo is popular because of its iconic blue-red color, exceptional staying power, and universal appeal. It's been a cult favorite for decades, loved by celebrities, makeup artists, and beauty enthusiasts worldwide. The Retro Matte finish and classic color make it a timeless choice.
Is Ruby Woo good for warm skin tones?
Ruby Woo can work on warm skin tones, but it's specifically designed for cool undertones. Those with warm skin may find it slightly too cool, preferring warmer reds like MAC Lady Danger. However, Ruby Woo's boldness can still create a striking look on warm skin if you prefer a cooler red.
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