The one red to rule them all: MAC Russian Red
Monday, September 10, 2012 at 10:29AM Remember my red phase? Yep, still not quite over it. I was in Powerplant a couple of weeks back when I randomly decided to buy a true red lipstick. For the life of me I don't know why I did it, because I have maybe seven red lipppies in my collection already. I just wanted a true red and there's only one lipstick I know that fits in that category: MAC Russian Red (P1,000).
Like I said, I already have a handful of reds, but Russian Red is on a whole new level of its own. It's a seductive, intense, blue-based red that nobody can miss. It's completely opaque in one layer and has a matte finish. I would recommend this to anyone who needs a memorable, eye-catching red - skintone issues aside as this is touted to match all shades. Makes teeth look super white too!
Now matte lipsticks are great because they tend to be very pigmented and long-lasting. The downside, however, is that they drag when you apply them, plus they can also be very drying. The solution is simple: prime your lips with a balm first, then pat most of it off before working the lipstick in. This ensures that you have supple, smooth lips to serve as a canvas for the dry matte lipstick.
Here are more tips on how to wear intense red lipstick!
- Should you make a mistake, keep a cotton bud in hand to clean up the errant line. Move fast because once the color sinks into your skin you will have to use a makeup remover.
- When wearing red, make sure that your face is flawless. Red, for some reason, makes your skin's flaws more obvious. So cover up anything that needs to be covered!
- Let the red take the spotlight by keeping the rest of your makeup bare. If you want a glam, party-ready look, then feel free to add smoky eyes, but keep away from blush to prevent overload.
- A classic red like Russian Red can be worn during the day or at night, but if you just really want a simple look, use this lippie as a stain. Just dab a bit on your lips, apply lip balm of top of it, then blend it all over to even out the color. Voila! You have an all-day stain.
Sorry for the blurry pic! Wearing Russian Red with big lashes and cat eyes. No blush, just contour.
And that's it! I don't know why I waited this long to buy my own MAC Russian Red. All the beauty gurus swear by this, and by jove they're right. It's a classic red that would look good on anyone, with a long-lasting opaque formula that will not move even when you eat. Get one if you're looking for the ultimate red!
Show of hands - who here has this lipstick? Thinking of getting it?
Reader Comments (31)
I have that lipstick and I love it to bits. Perfect red lipstick for me, as I prefer a matte finish for a red lipstick. I outline it sometimes with a slightly darker red lip pencil for an added dimension. And yeah, I always keep a cotton bud on hand bec with this, application needs to be perfect. :)
I've also seen my friend wear this and also read raves about this red lipstick. It really does look good and classic. And yes, I'm thinking of getting it too, will definitely save up for this.
The color looks lovely on you, Ms. Liz!
I visited MAC in Ayala Center Cebu last weekend and their consultant suggested I get a red lipstick. I didn't think I could pull it off so I ended up getting something else (Cosmo, which I absolutely adore btw). I wish I've read this then~ the little push I need to try reds out. I really trust your beauty advice...most of the stuff in my makeup kit were recommendations from you. :D
While we're on the subject, what do you think of Ruby Woo? I've been reading a lot about this from other bloggers. It's supposed to be a rocking red as well and I just want to know how it compares with Russian Red?
Red really brightens up any dull face! :) Russian Red and Ruby Woo are truly winners if you want to splurge on a lippie!
Hi Liz,
Looks nice on you. This is the only lipstick I own. haha... But I don't wear it often because it can get intimidating for someone who usually wears her face bare. Thanks for the tip... I'll try to wear it more :)
I love this lipstick! :) It still intimidates me sometimes, and I'm more comfortable with wearing orange everyday, but when I do get to wear this, I feel instantly glamorous hehe I reserve this for special occasions instead hehe Looks great on you, Liz! Thanks for the review!
Pin up girl ang peg! love it :)
I want to invest on a Mac red lippie too but can't right now. There's too much on my to buy list and I'm prioritizing VMV Hypoallergenics Skintangible muna, maybe next month or on November na ko magmmMac.
I'm torn between this and Ruby Woo, which is the ultimate red between the two?
Love this lip on you! As Kris (Aquino) would say, bongga sya! ;) Im also thinking of getting this, or Ruby Woo. Still reading thru tough, reviews on which is better on what skin. Im medium and wonderin if I can pull this off. I need courage to wear this on day time though :)
PS
@Lysha I too have Cosmo fr Mac, the only Mac lippie I got. I would say its good MLBB shade. Would you?
Wow! That red color suits you so well! Do you have any suggested dupes of this shade?
Loving how you matched the lip color with your cat eyes!
-Iya
http://iyaboto.blogspot.com/
Hi Liz! Thanks for this suggestion. I think matte reds are better than the glossy ones. It just exudes professionalism and power. It looks good on you, but can I ask you something? Did you use a highlighter on your cupid's bow? Because somehow it seems like it.
LOve the look! So classic, :)
@Iya Boto: NYC Ultra Moist Lipwear Retro Red is a dupe of Mac Russian Red. I don't know if the quality's the same because I don't have Russian Red, but Retro Red is opaque and creamy; not waxy at all.
Ganda ng Russian Red sayo! :) I'm still trying to find my HG red lipstick - and since I'm not brave enough to try Russian Red / Viva Glam 1 yet, I just bought Mac Camden Chic :D Working my way up to the full, classic, true red lip :D
I have this lippie too and I'm completely in-love with it along with Ruby Woo! Best red lipsticks ever!
Ruby Woo usually suits women on the pale side (Anne Curtis, Gwen Stefani, etc.). Russian Red looks better on women with warmer skin tones. :) Hope this helps. :)
The MAC reds that I own are Heartless (limited ed. with the Villains collection) and Dare You. Both are FANTASTIC but they are deeper reds, not bright like this. For morenas, Dare You is a beautiful match and it's not too full on. My older sister has Ruby Woo and it's gorgeous on her more fair skin tone. When I see Russian Red naman I imagine a woman dressed in furs with snow in the background... haha! Looks great on you!
Looks great on you, Ms. Liz! :) i really adore MAC lippies yet I am not trying their reds. However, Im into mattes and MAC is the best when it comes to that finish. I love the shades: Taupe, Viva Glam III and Please Me. Ruby Woo is also a good red lippie but Russian Red is more the classy & sophisticated look :) thanks for this review!
@Manilajen Hi there! Yes! I am so thankful I got Cosmo and I do think it's a great MLBB. Parang effortless ang kagandahan! Hehe
I have yet to test this but I'm feeling it'll look nice on any Pinay. :)
I have this and it's definitely the perfect red for me! I dunno, but I really felt the magic of a good red lippie when I wore this during one of my review classes. I was a bit late then because of unexpected Tuesday morning heavy traffic, and when I entered the room (there was only one door in that room in the review center) most eyes went on me, and some lingered longer due to the lippie! :))
I dunno if I wear too much makeup for my own good, because most reviewees don't wear even a bit of blush or lip color. I wonder how I come across to them. :)) But in my defense, I only wear what's appropriate as daily makeup! :))
Please Ms. Liz, tell me that I'm normal and it's okay to look pretty while reviewing my ass off for the board exams! :P
I've never own any MAC Lipstick, but I'm thinking of buying one from now. I'm confused to buy either Viva Glam I or this Russian Red :s
The Lipstick looks good on you and perfect for your make-up look.
I have a problem though, my boyfriend doesn't want me to wear bold lipsticks, he has this different thoughts for girls wearing red lippies but I really want to try. :S
@Nin: Wearing makeup should make you feel your best self, and for me if the red lip accomplishes that for you, go for it. :) Being in a profession where not everyone is not like that may be kind of intimidating but at this day and age, it shouldn't matter.
Want your OWN ONLINE STORE?
Sign up FREE at www.ultimatepowerprofits.com/xBRIANTx
Now is the perfect time to get IN as a marketing affiliate promoting the company's website and products! Pre-Launch state, so you are guaranteed a very good position to earn. Upon Launch, your own personal website offering Travel, Money Management,? Health Products, Shopping Mall w/ Stores in 175+ Countries with sales of MP3, Movies, Games, eBooks?, social network software + a Humanitarian Trust with eco/bio products for homes and for project save lives.
I love red lipsticks. Most women would feel a bit scared wearing them but really that's only because they haven't tried. It's not vulgar or too much. Trust me, when you're wearing it you feel and look sexy.
I don't have any mac lipsticks but I've tried Russian Red when it was part of the Wonder Woman collection and it felt too dry.
Been thinking of getting this lippie for the longest time, but I'm torn between this and Korean Candy! I used to love only red lippies, but after trying oranges I just couldn't stop buying them na! I hope you post more orange lippies in the future :)
@Manilajen, thanks dear! Tama! I must follow my heart! :P