Mac Riri Woo Retro Matte Lipstick Review, Swatches and Comparison With Russian Red and Ruby Woo
By Contributor: Tejinder Kaur
Today we have a red lipstick that has achieved an iconic status in no time and is often compared to the most popular matte red lipstick Ruby Woo. Yup I’m going to review the limited edition retro matte Mac Riri Woo lipstick named after Rihanna. And I will also compare the swatches of Russian Red and Riri Woo side by side to help you decide. I it 3 weeks ago as suggested by ShivaniOrder Makeup. She messaged me when it was available online at MAC UK official website and I didn’t waste any time and ordered asap. As the free delivery was available if you buy 2, so I bought Candy Yum Yum also which I have already reviewed. Let’s start with the review!
MAC Claims: Colour plus texture for the lips that made MAC famous. Four Limited-edition shades created by Rihanna. In Retro Matte – the signature red of RiRi Woo, the dark plum of Talk that Talk and creamy cool of Nude. In Frost-the mid -tone orange of Who’s That Chick. Limited-edition RiRi ♥ M.A.C Packaging.
My Review:
Mac describes Riri Woo as a cool toned red with retro matte finish. It is a very pretty, eye catching, gorgeous and stunning red lipstick. The colour is incredibly pigmented and one swipe gives full coverage. It goes very well with both Indian and western outfits. And I love to make a statement by pairing it with Smokey eyes.
I love the texture as it gives matte finish which stays on for a long time. The staying power is superb as it stays for at least 8 to 9 hours. It also makes your teeth look whiter which is positive point! It does not bleed at all which other red lipsticks tend to do a lot but transfer a bit on cups. It tugs and pulls during application so I would recommend applying it with a lip brush for an even and better application. It may not be comfortable for some people as it dries your lips but lip balm and prior exfoliation will take care of the dryness.
Packaging: The packaging is classy, chic and awesome. Being a limited edition, it is different compared to normal MAC packaging. It comes in rose gold tube with Rihanna’s signature engr aved on the tube too. It is very sturdy and travel friendly too.
The fragrance is vanilla but its taste free.
Swatches of Riri Woo in natural light
Lip Swatches of Riri Woo Retro Matte
Comparison with Ruby Woo and Russian Red:
The colour of Riri Woo is very similar to Ruby Woo as per other reviews by beauty bloggers but I don’t have that myself to confirm. (Editor: I’ve compared both of them and yes they are indeed dupes of each other). But I have Russian red to compare.
Russian Red is warm toned and much deeper compared to Riri Woo. And ofcourse the finish is poles apart. Its creamy while RW is retro matte and very drying. You can read my detailed review on it. Compared to RIRI Woo it does not pull. It neither dries the lips nor looks patchy or accentuates the lines. But both of them are equally pretty.
Pros of Mac Riri Woo:
Pretty cool toned red shade
Long lasting for around 8-9 hours
Pleasant fragrance
Brightens up the my face and makes teeth look whiter
Superb Pigmentation
Classy rose gold packaging
Totally matte finish
Travel friendly
Cons of the lipstick:
Does dry out the lips (so apply lip balm underneath)
Transfers a bit
Does tugs/pulls
Price: Rs.990
VNA Rating: 4/5
Final Verdict: Mac Riri Woo lipstick is for all you red lipstick lovers put there. It’s perfectly matte shade and a crazy red which would, in fact, look amazing on all skin tones..Indians too. It gets a little drying after a while but easily rectified by adding a little gloss or lip balm over top. It tugs and pull during application but I would recommend applying with lip brush. It comes in an elegant and classy rose gold packaging with Rihanna’s signature engraved on the bullet. Although if you have Ruby Woo then you don’t really need it.