Even those who’ve never stepped into a Sephora or Ulta have heard someone in their life — or Rihanna — utter the words “Ruby Woo.” Not only is it one of the most popular MAC shades to morph into a top-seller for the brand, it’s also an iconic beauty product, period, though there are other colors that have garnered just as much notoriety for their color payoff and long-wear capabilities.
Lipstick has long been regarded as a must-have for even the most novice makeup wearers and those who rarely wear it. We keep one in our purse, at our work desk and/or in the car. There are one or many tubes we rely on for date nights, holiday parties and family gatherings. Even if it’s a simple nude or blush tone, lipstick is that old faithful that easily elevates a beauty moment when our skills or time are limited. And for many, MAC is the go-to. Its lipsticks are about as classic as Chanel No. 5 and Pond’s Cold Cream, meaning that even if lip color isn’t your thing, you’ve felt the pressure to try at least one.
So whether you’re a newbie or have simply never experienced the dose of confidence a MAC lippie brings, here are the shades that have earned cult status over the years and deserve your attention.
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Originally posted on StyleCaster.
Ruby Woo
Everyone from Taylor Swift to Rihanna has name-dropped this matte red as one of their faves. Though it has blue undertones, countless reviews over the years have proven that it looks great on just about anyone.
Lipstick in Ruby Woo, $18.50 at MAC
Honeylove
Looking for another matte you can wear on those low-key days when you still want to look put together? This light beige with a rose finish is just the ticket.
Lipstick in Honeylove, $18.50 at MAC
Heroine
Like Ruby Woo red, this ultra-bright purple somehow looks amazing on all skin tones thanks to a purple that isn’t too dark or too light.
Lipstick in Heroine, $18.50 at MAC
Brick-o-La
Not too berry and not too mauve, this mid-level rosy tone gives off a lustrous finish that won’t flake or crumble after a few hours.
Lipstick in Brick-o-La, $18.50 at MAC
Diva
Whether you want to feel like a boss or simply find a dependable Bordeaux shade for the winter season, this rich burgundy is a must-try.
Lipstick in Diva, $18.50 at MAC
Candy Yum-Yum
Not for the faint of heart, this neon pink delivers a matte finish, so keep your application as neat as possible with a matching lip liner.
Lipstick in Candy Yum-Yum, $18.50 at MAC
Cyber
Whether you want a sheer wash of color with one swipe or full coverage with several, this blackish-purple satin lippie is guaranteed to bring out your inner badass.
Lipstick in Cyber, $18.50 at MAC
Rebel
Another satin lipstick with sheer- to full-coverage capabilities that’s a muted plum version of the aforementioned Heroine.
Lipstick in Rebel, $18.50 at MAC
Pink Plaid
If you want a slightly shinier, darker version of Brick-o-La, this pink with blue undertones is a perfect pick for low-maintenance beauties who want a go-to nude lipstick.
Lipstick in Pink Plaid, $18.50 at MAC
Twig
This pink with browner undertones makes for a lovely nude or blush-tone color against darker skin tones.
Lipstick in Twig, $18.50 at MAC
Velvet Teddy
The name alone should indicate just how luxurious this deep beige with matte finish feels and looks on the lips.
Lipstick in Velvet Teddy, $18.50 at MAC
Mocha
Though not as pink as Velvet Teddy or Pink Plaid, this satiny yellow-brown is also too pink to truly qualify as a brown lipstick.
Lipstick in Mocha, $18.50 at MAC
Russian Red
Though not as popular as Ruby Woo, this bluish-red with matte finish is just as bold and versatile.
Lipstick in Russian Red, $18.50 at MAC
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