Beauty Battles: MAC Ruby Woo vs Wet n Wild Stoplight Red

Beauty Battles: MAC Ruby Woo vs Wet n Wild Stoplight Red

Sunday, July 19, 2015

Please forgive the frizz. My hair hates humidity.

Red is my favorite lip color. It's easy to feel all made up without actually doing all the work and I'm lazy so... yeah. I am sure by now you have noticed how often I wear a red lip anyhow, based on how often I sport red lips in my photos. My favorite, favorite red has always been MAC Ruby Woo, which is drying as the Sahara desert but the color payoff was so beautiful that I happily prepped my lips each night and scrubbed all the chapped skin of day after day. If this sounds annoying, it's because it is. That and the fact that MAC started testing on animals means I will not be repurchasing my near empty tube.

But what's a red lip loving girl to do? She is going to try the Wet n Wild matte Stoplight Red, that's what. A lot of people on various sites claim this is a true dupe to Ruby Woo. I disagree with that statement. When swatched side by side (warning, terrible picture... cannot photograph swatches to save my life), Stoplight Red has a pinkish undertone while Ruby Woo looks more like a true red. However, once on the lips, I really quite like Stoplight Red! It doesn't look pinkish at all on my skintone and feels so much creamier than Ruby Woo. Goodbye, lip prep. I'll still moisturize at night (using Jack Black lip balm), but no more scrubbing and obsessive moisturizing to make sure I'll be able to wear Ruby Woo the next day.

Oh, and the longevity ain't half bad either. Stoplight red will get me through till lunch and I usually remove my lipstick at lunch anyway.

Ruby Woo: $16. Stoplight Red: $1.99

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Favorites: Chanel Rivoli Lipstick

Favorites: Chanel Rivoli Lipstick

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

I was originally going to call this a Wordless Wednesday, but apparently I can't not talk. You guys, this is my favorite, favorite, favorite fall berry lipstick. Paired with Rimmel's lipliner in Wine, this is a killer combo. Normally I am waaaay to cheap to purchase Chanel, but a few years back I just needed a special treat, and this was it. When I pull it out, the packaging makes me feel so classy and grown up and I never fail to feel that inner smile from the heart. It's a wonderful little reminder to appreciate the little things in life.

tl;dr Best makeup splurge ever. What is your favorite cosmetic splurge?

P.S. Here I am wearing it! More of this outfit post here.

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Fall Makeup Trends, Part 2

Fall Makeup Trends, Part 2

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

You didn't think I forgot, did you?  Of course I didn't.  Last week, I talked about trending lip colors, but there is so much more to fall makeup than just lipsticks.  Today I will talk about the most gorgeous thing every woman has: the eyes.

As does fall traditionally, we are seeing lots of smokey and cat eyes this season.  Cat eyes, especially, because they go so well with a bold, bright lip. Smokey eyes are harder to pull off with a bright or dark lip, though it is possible.  My personal recommendation is that if you want smokey eyes with a bright or vampy lip, use lighter shades of brown or gold and possibly skip the eyeliner.  Black smokey eyes with red lips often looks ridiculous.

Here is a great video that can really relay the idea I am speaking of.  Note how she does have smokey eyes, but they are tame, allowing her wine lips to be in the spotlight.

If you want more of a 5 minute face version, as I usually need on a weekday morning, here is another great video to really get the point across quickly.  Note the lack of eyeliner.  This is a slightly exaggerate neutral look.

Another great look you are going to find out and about is the mod look.  Yes, it's back!  If you have ever wanted to be Twiggy for Halloween, now is the time!  Photo courtesy of Pinterest.

Want to achieve this look?  Fear not, it's readily available.  You can find tutorials here and another mod look here.

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The Perfect Holiday Party Dress...

The Perfect Holiday Party Dress...

Thursday, October 3, 2013

..is here. Now.  And once I can figure out how to pay for it, it's mine.  Necessary accessories: beaded or bright belt, black or red pumps, red lipstick.

Anthropologie, $138

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Fall Makeup Trends, Part 1

Fall Makeup Trends, Part 1

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

We already talked about fall fashion, now it's time to go beyond the clothes.  Makeup can, ahem, make up any outfit.  Yes, I meant to do that.  For me, colder seasons are all about the lipstick.  Once fall gets here it's all reds and berries with smokey, sultry eyes, or simple eye liner.  Today I am going to show you my favorite fall lipsticks, from bright reds to deep vampire like berries.  I really, really, wanted to show you guys the colors on my lips, but the lighting in my bathroom was just not very forgiving.  Each photo is captioned with the source.


1. Revlon Really Red.

This really is the best red for the best price I think I have ever seen in my life.  It is very similar to MACs Ruby Woo, previously my favorite red of all time, before I lost it and bought this one.  Yeah, the formula (Ruby Woo was just so so so dry...) feels much better after a long day of wear.  For a grungey look, wear this with smudged eyeliner or black shadow in the corner.  For a classic, Riveting Rosie look, do foundation, mascara, and the lipstick.  Nothing else.  If you want to see it more closely compared to Ruby Woo, just click here.

From makeupgeek

2. MAC Viva Glam I.
This is pretty dang close to perfect.  More vampy than Really Red, and totally retro. I love to wear this with plain ole' eyeliner and mascara.  When you buy this, 100% of the funds go the MAC AIDS fund.

Also from MakeupGeek.

3. Nars Jungle Red.
This one is you gals out there who want to wear a red, but don't want it to be too flashy.  You can pull off a smokey eye waaaay more easily with Jungle Red, as it is much more subtle, especially on pigmented lips.

From Hollywood Life

If it makes you feel any better, here is a picture of these lipsticks swatched on my arm, so you can really see the difference.  In order: Really red, Viva Glam I, Jungle Red.

Really though, Really Red is much brighter than what my bathroom lighting is showing you.  It's pretty damn perfect.

And now for those berries.

1.Chanel Rivoli
This is my favorite, favorite berry.  It is subtle enough to still wear a slight grey smokey eye, or to just smudge my eyeliner a little bit.  Just looking at it makes me feel fall.

From londonprettyboy

2. MAC Rebel
It's a little bright than Chanel, and will stain your lips, so be warned, but it's perfect for fall.  Makes me want to don a scarf and beanie.  I have currently lost my Rebel, but I am on the case to find it.

From LA in the Bay.

3. Tarina Tarantino Floriculture
Floriculture is a great berry for people who are scared of bright lips.  It's subtle enough to be worn with full eye makeup, but bright enough to stand on it's own when you need it to.  It's also great for spring, but I still like it in the fall.

From Pinterest

Each lipstick is linked below where you can purchase online.  I don't get paid for this, so you know I am sharing my honest opinion with these products.  I do not think you will be disappointed.  Now, excuse me, I need to go find my tube of Rebel.

Revlon Really Red at Ulta.
Viva Glam I at MAC
Nars Jungle Red at Sephora
Chanel Rivoli at Chanel
Rebel at MAC
Floriculture at Tarina Tarantino


Do you have a different favorite fall lipstick than what I mentioned?  If so, please share!  I am always looking to find new favorites.

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