My favorite red lipstick alternatives!

So, I have a confession to make.

I don’t wear Ruby Woo every day of my life.

I know, I know.  Right now, you are probably questioning my character as a blogger, as a MAC devotee, and even as a person.

But, honestly, while I love me some bright red lips, I love mixing it up.  Or, maybe I don’t feel like messing with it that day, or I know I’ll be eating a lot, or whatever the reason is.

Here are my suggestions on days where you’re just not feeling the Ruby Woo.  (Since, I know since you’ve started reading this blog, you’ve bought your own tube.  Right?  Right?!)

Revlon Colorstay Ultimate Liquid Lipstick in Top Tomato, here

“Another red lipstick, Tier?!”   No, no.  Quiet down.  This is different.  I love this stuff–it’s almost an understated red, if that’s possible.  It’s a little darker than Ruby Woo, and literally, it stays on all day.  I’ve even tried that kiss test where you kiss something white, and it doesn’t come off.  It does dry out your lips a little at times, but I usually pop on some Burt’s Bees over top, and it’s amazing.  Plus, you apply it like lipgloss, which is always psychologically satisfying if you’re a fellow lipgloss addict.

Top Tomato!

MAC Satin Lipstick in Captive

This is another of my newly discovered MAC lipsticks.  I got it when I traded in six empty MAC containers at the store.  (Note:  Yes, you get a free lipstick when you recycle MAC.  Awesome, right?)   I told the saleslady about my love for Ruby Woo and Russian Red, but said I wanted something that I could wear with a dark eye.  (Girls, if you are wearing Ruby Woo with a smoky eye, then you get an F at life.  Don’t do it, gal!)   MAC has several different “lines” of lipsticks:  for instance, Ruby Woo is a “Retro Matte” lipstick, which means it goes on very dry and doesn’t feather or bleed.  Captive is a “Satin” lipstick, so it’s much more creamy and glides on nicely.

As you can see, Captive is almost my natural lip color, but a little darker.  Plus, it doesn’t overpower with a dark eye.

MAC’s Matte Lipstick in Velvet Teddy.

I know.  Another MAC lipstick.  I have a weird relationship with Velvet Teddy. This is a super neutral shade–good for days that you really don’t want a lot of color.  Some days, it looks amazing on–especially when you’re playing up your eyes with lots of shadow and mascara–it balances well.  But, other times, it feels really heavy and tan, which I don’t like.  I think Velvet Teddy does much better with some kind of gloss on top–or, really, when I’m tan.  I think when I’m pale, it washes me out.  

For the I can’t really tell if you’re wearing lipstick or not look.

MAC “Amplified Creme” Lipstick in Girl About Town

I originally bought this for New Year’s Eve.  I told them I wanted the pink equivalent to Ruby Woo, and this is what they gave me.  Honestly–it’s a lot of lipstick, but I’m a lot of girl, so it works out. (Haha.  I’m a nerd.)  But seriously, if you want something bright and happy, this creamy shade is for you.  Just make sure you don’t overdo it with any other colors–treat a pink this bright like you would a red–a nice simple cat eye or a little black shadow in the crease, and you’re good.

What are some of your favorites that you think I should try?  Do you like these?  Are you going to buy them?  Let me know/show me pictures!

xoxo

Tier