Oct 31, 2014

MAC Keepsakes Red Lip Bag

I am not a huge fan of MAC cosmetics. I've only bought a handful of things, and my last trip to a MAC counter was years ago - It was to get the limited edition Cyndi lipstick a year after it had been sold out, and the rep gave me that pitiful "you don't know anything, do you?" look. She advised me to search on eBay (and to act faster next time) so I did only to find out Cyndi was sold at $55 at that point. I think that was it for me. I'm quite done with the brand, to be honest with you. I'd rather pay more for higher-ends or buy two of my favorite drugstore lippies.
With that opinion of mine unchanged, I still had a soft spot for MAC Ruby Woo. Infamous for the extremely drying formula, but to me it is such a special red. In fact, it is the Retro Matte formulation what makes this blue toned red so special. I had a stick a while ago, and despite the love-hate relationship that I had with Ruby Woo, deep down I wanted it again.
Then I saw the MAC Keepsakes Red Lip Bag.


MAC Keepsakes Red Lip Bag
MAC Keepsakes Red Lip Bag



I must say I like this year's MAC "Keepsakes" series. 
Those rather questionable glittery bags aside, all assortments are pretty much solid basics with good value.
MAC Keepsakes Red Lip Bag consists of Lipstick, Lipglass, and Lip Pencil all in the Ruby Woo shade. Plus you get a glittery ivory colored makeup bag.

The box

MAC Keepsakes
The bag is boderline tacky but not so bad.
I was expecting glitters all over my hand, but surprisingly nothing like that happened.
The bag is adorned with faux pearl beads along the zipper line and a cameo.
It is a decent size and has an additional pocket inside, so I think I will carry it around for a while.
(In case you're wondering, here I'm wearing Butter London Come To Bed Red polish.)


MAC Ruby Woo Lipstick
MAC Ruby Woo Lipstick


MAC Ruby Woo Lipglass
MAC Ruby Woo Lipglass


MAC Ruby Woo swatch

I will show lip swatches some other time, maybe with a look post. Because of its drying nature, I wasn't quite up for abusing my lips so much in one day.
Good thing is though, MAC Ruby Woo Lipstick is less drying than I remembered. It is drying, but don't be too scared. Mind you, Ruby Woo at the MAC counter usually is a dried-up mess since they supposedly dump it in alcohol every night. Your own stick of Ruby Woo should be fine.
Also, I am happy to find now Lipglass is not that sticky glue which used to peel my lips like mad. (See how far behind I am when it comes to MAC? I might have heard that Lipglass was reformulated or something.)
I initially had zero interest in the Lip Pencil, but it is actually useful to correct the shape after applying the Lipstick straight from the bullet. This can be used as a lip color over lip balm, too.
Having Ruby Woo in different forms is quite an advantage to overcome the possibly problematic formula. I will talk about the various ways to wear this fussy shade soon in the look post.


MAC Ruby Woo swatch comparison
(Note: OMG, the third row. Really -> Revlon. Sorry!)

Formula wise, Revlon Super Lustrous Matte is closer to MAC Matte (not the Retro Matte) which provides a slight sheen to the finish and is more comfortable to wear.
Revlon Really Red is a bit warmer and In The Red is browner. 
From the comparison swatch, Giorgio Armani Rouge Ecstasy 400 looks similar to MAC Ruby Woo, but it shows up a bit muted and softer on the lips not to mention the formula is completely different.


Overall, I'm quite happy with the set. 
Are you looking at any of the Keepsakes collection from MAC?








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Join the conversation!

  1. Dying over that shot of your nails against the white bag! SO PRETTY.

    I'm really tempted by the Rihanna lipstick set. That weird frosty brown-grey shade isn't something that I can wear more than a few times a year, but it's just stunning in person. Maybe I can wear it as cream shadow, hmmm...

    Anyway! Yeah, the LE chase can be exhausting but you're a good huntress, lol. I have my own brand grudges as well but if I really want something, I'll grab it now and save months of misery and turmoil.

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    1. Aww, thanks Liz! :) It is probably the bag. It looks better than holding a polish bottle. ;D
      I was looking at the Rihanna set as well because I wanted a red or black bag. LOL. It is an interesting idea. It would be beautiful as an eyeshadow color for sure.

      The problem with MAC is they bring out so many LEs and the turnover is just too quick. The moment you get into it, you easily become a chipmunk on the wheel. ;-/

      Delete
  2. I'm also not a huge fan of MAC for some reason, but there are certain things here and there that I'll get, otherwise, I find I can get similar products at better price points and quality.

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    1. Hi Vicky! :)
      I couldn't agree with you more. Also drugstore products have improved in a great deal over the recent years not to mention they come in better packaging, too. MAC should amp up the game very soon.

      Delete
  3. I like MAC's permanent line a lot, but the whole LE thing is not for me either. I don't wast my time with them anymore trying to hunt down stuff. I had the old Ruby Woo and hated how drying it was, but this does look creamier! I like MAC's new matte formula actually. I think it's pretty nice!

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    1. Now I see LE game is just their business strategy but it is not my cup of tea, either. Too tiring!
      But there is this amazing color that haunts me for years despite of all the thorns. I had to cave it. LOL
      I do hope this time around is a bit better. I'm quite hopeful since now I have more moisturizing option in the same shade. :)

      Delete
  4. Ahh your nails! I am so distracted by your nails!

    I am lucky enough not to find MAC mattes drying, but you're not the only one who has this problem. I think MAC secretly reformulated the glosses a while ago, because they aren't that thick and sticky anymore!

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    1. Thanks, Sunny! ^-^ Come To Bed Red is my all time favorite red.

      I think even the Lustre finish dries up my lips. Retro Matte is totally unforgiving compared to Matte finish, but I will try to make it work this time. It is actually the totally matte finish that brings out the gorgeousness. Must suffer a bit for that! ;D
      Oh, and yes! Now Lipglass feels much more like the reformulated NARS lip gloss. :)

      Delete
  5. I am too, not a big fan of MAC and sometimes I don't get it when MAC limited edition products have been craved and hyped so bad by some. Here in Germany, the products are more expensive as in the US :/, another reason for me to not buying from them regularly.
    I have tried few blushes , some lipsticks, and some eye shadows from MAC, and my experiences have been a mixed from like, okay and dislike. Ruby Woo belongs to the 'like' box for me. It is a solid red lipstick with matte finish which looks very nice, but the drying texture could sometimes be too much for me, that's why I don't reach for it often..
    anyway the make up bag is cute, I think! or maybe I have weird taste. lol

    ReplyDelete
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    1. If it is more expensive over there, pft, forget MAC. I'd really focus on Haut brands in that case, you know? :)
      Their blushes are really drying on me, too! It is just to hard to find their merits that appeal to my current taste in makeup. Even acquiring another Ruby Woo was a delivered choice.
      The bag IS cute. I think I would liked it much more if it was black, though. :)

      Delete
  6. I do kind of like MAC's mattes quite a bit, but I have never tried Ruby Woo because of its reputation for being absolute destruction on one's lips, lol. The color is so pretty, though! So vibrant and almost neon, lol. I think we'll have to see it on you!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Retro Matte is supposedly much more drying than Matte. I decided on another Ruby Woo because it is the most flattering red with full coverage. It will pain my lips for sure, though. ;p
      I'm trying to find a way to wear it safely(!) without sacrificing the beautiful matte finish. I will do a look post soon! :)

      Delete
  7. Your nails are so pretty!! I haven't really tried Mac products but that red lipstick looks amazing. Although I only wear lipstick on rare occasions (for performance-heavy makeup uses), the Ruby Woo looks perfect for that use!

    outfits & ramblings

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    1. Thank you, Michelle! :)
      Ruby Woo photographs very well, too. If for occasional wears, it should be find. Go test some of them. :)

      Delete
  8. I've never been the biggest MAC fan either. I can see the appeal of some of their products but somehow the brand doesn't really impress me. Glad to hear this set worked out for you! The nail color is gorgeous! The bag has an Asian flea market look to me for some reason.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. LOL. Now I see it, too! - Asian flea market. ;)
      I think at some point I even try to follow MAC LEs and other people's enthusiasm. I just couldn't! ;p Ruby Woo is quite special, though. It is the combination of the pure color and the finish. Had to make an exception for her. ;)

      Delete
  9. your nails are really pretty. mac is drying for me, but i still have a few (old) ones that i'm finishing up because i love the colors. i've heard about ruby woo, but never tried. classic reds always show up bright red on my lips, but i prefer deeper, darker shades, so i passed on this one. love it on other people though. i think this keepsakes set is a nice idea.

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    1. There are some special colors that make me endure the rather unsatisfying formulas. I totally get what you're saying!
      Ruby Woo is really bright but translate well on my lips thanks to the ultra matte finish.
      I find all the keepsakes are nice. Eyeshadow palettes are really cute, too. :)

      Delete
  10. Your nails!!! They're gorgeous. :) I actually haven't tried any MAC products yet! I don't think I have even been in a MAC store before. But anyway, that is a really bold red! So bright and pretty. I can't wait to see it on you!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Really? A real MAC virgin! ;o
      I totally hear you, though. I have a MAC counter 5 minutes from my place but I never go. The clown-faced reps scare me (I hope I didn't offend anybody)! I ordered the set online as a matter of fact. ;-)

      Delete
  11. yea i was reading the tempatalia reviews and this year, the xmas sets seem to perform a lot better in general. i actually like the look of the bags! though i haven't actually seen it in person so maybe they look more tacky out of photos.
    the ruby woo set was one of the ones i was considering, though i probably wouldn't get any. seems like a set of classic reds, you really can't go wrong. i didn't realize it could be fussy though?


    Jenn
    A Beautiful Zen

    ReplyDelete
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    1. I saw her review after placing an order for this. It is interesting she even wore the lip pencil all over. I might try it but even thinking of it hurts my lips a little. Ow. ;p
      The bag is really not so bad. It is in the right size and shape and all my essentials fit nicely in it, too. The black one seems much nicer, too.
      Ruby Woo could be fussy for some since it is really opaque plus ultra matte. We will work it out, though! :)

      Delete
  12. I really like the bag actually, it would be even better if there was a plastic finish to the bag so the glitter definitely won't wear off over time. I love the lipglass, it's so damn glossy!

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    1. Yeah, that would have been great! I am mostly worried that it will get dirty really quickly and it is not really washable.
      Lipglass is quite nice, actually. The formula is much better now. :)

      Delete
  13. You know, with the raves MAC lipsticks always gets, I thought I was the only one that steered away from them because of how drying they are! Good to know that I'm not the only one. I've also heard that they wet the tips with alcohol to keep them moist too!

    I'd love to see you wear Ruby Woo - reds are hard for me to wear!

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    1. Of course you're not alone! In fact, we can found a club but seems us non-MAC-lovers are less aggressive than those who love the brand. (I'm just blabbering stereotypes here. Shame on me! ;p)
      I didn't know they wet the tip, too! Anyway some of the lipsticks out there for testing are really messed up.
      I find reds quite challenging as well but try to embrace it more. Let's hope I can pull this off nicely this time! :)

      Delete
  14. I share the same sentiments with you re. MAC. And MAC lipsticks leave my lips parched. I didn't know better a few years back, but after trying other MUCH BETTER ones, these just don't cut it anymore. I really prefer to pay more for something I know my lips and I will love :-)

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    1. Yes! Nowadays formulations matters so much for me. I do yield for some unique and amazing colors, but now I think " would I wear this more than a few days a week?" That pretty much narrows down my choice. Ruby Woo is definitely one of those exceptions, though. :)

      Delete
  15. Oh very beautiful set, the lip gloss ruby mac match perfect with your bails!
    xx

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    1. It is pretty great with nice value!
      And I agree that the nail polish is a very nice match for the lipstick. ;D

      Delete
  16. Never ever bought a MAC product before, and may not though I do keep hearing about Ruby Woo! My lips are super dry and sensitive so with how you describe the formula it may not get along with me sadly, the shade does look unique and pretty. Your swatches got me interested in the GA now :)

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    1. I have to see it in person but I hear RiRi Woo is very similar but the formula is much forgiving.
      GA has really great formula - creamy and light on lips. Unfortunately the Rouge Ecstasy line is scented. However, the other line is scentless and has the same color. I'd rather check that out (the black tube). :)

      Delete
  17. Glad you're loving the set! That really is a perfect red lipstick :)

    -Jen

    www.vibrantbeautyblog.com

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    1. I've been wearing this all day and it wasn't too drying. I'm happy! :)

      Delete
  18. I don't purchase many products from Mac, but I've been interested in getting a lipstick from them. Although, the idea of a drying lipstick doesn't really excite me, no matter how pretty the color. I'm just to fussy x)

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    1. They also have many different glossy formulas that are easy to wear. The main issue I have with MAC is the brand falls in some awkward limbo between higher-ends and drugstores. They sure have a wide range of pretty colors, though. :)

      Delete
  19. I used to hoard MAC limited edition products as I missed out on a couple of those and I searched on ebay and they were ridiculously-priced. I did purchase from a few collections but found I don't use them as much. So now I just browse their collection but don't necessarily HAVE to buy as I find they always release something similar in the future.

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    1. I think the packaging really matters when it comes to MAC LEs. I have to admit getting a bag actually played a small part for my purchase this time. ;p
      Isn't it quite relieving and satisfying to learn about your shopping patters and what the brands are trying to get out of us? I'm happy for you. :)

      Delete
  20. That bag. I could purchase the set just for the gorgeous bag as I'm completely obsessed with cameos. I have to say Ruby woo is not my favourite MAC lipstick - the formula feels really drying and tugs really badly on the skin - but I'll be definitely checking out the other shade options because the set itself is such a great gift idea. Or rather self-gift idea *wink*.

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    1. They also have the neutral eye/lip set and some others. I actually like the darker colored bags but really wanted to have the Ruby Woo again.
      I absolutely agree with you. It is a great self-gift item! ;D

      Delete

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