Ruby Woo vs Red Carpet Red – Which One Should You Choose?
Two iconic red lipsticks, two different vibes. MAC Ruby Woo is the bold, cool-toned blue-red that's been a cult favorite for decades. Charlotte Tilbury Red Carpet Red offers a sophisticated, neutral-red with a softer matte finish. Discover which one suits your skin tone, style, and occasion best.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | MAC Ruby Woo | Red Carpet Red |
|---|---|---|
| Undertone | Cool (blue-toned red) | Neutral red |
| Finish | Retro Matte (zero-shine) | Soft Matte |
| Longevity | 8+ hours | 6-8 hours |
| Best for Skin Tones | Cool undertones, fair to medium | All undertones, universal |
| Price Range | $19-21 | $29-35 |
| Try On | Try Ruby Woo | Try Red Carpet |
MAC Ruby Woo Overview
Undertone
Cool, blue-toned red. The blue undertones make it particularly flattering for cool skin tones.
Finish
Retro Matte – a zero-shine, ultra-matte finish that's bold and statement-making.
Who It Suits
Perfect for cool undertones, fair to medium skin tones. Ideal for those who want a bold, classic red lip.
Charlotte Tilbury Red Carpet Red Overview
Undertone
Neutral red – works beautifully with both warm and cool undertones.
Finish
Soft Matte – comfortable, moisturizing matte finish that's less drying than traditional mattes.
Who It Suits
Universal shade that flatters all skin tones and undertones. Perfect for everyday wear or special occasions.
Side-by-Side Swatches
MAC Ruby Woo
Cool, blue-toned red with Retro Matte finish
Charlotte Tilbury Red Carpet Red
Neutral red with Soft Matte finish
Which One Should You Choose?
Best for Fair Skin
Ruby Woo is stunning on fair skin with cool undertones, creating a classic, bold look. Red Carpet Red works beautifully on fair skin with neutral or warm undertones, offering a more wearable, everyday red.
Best for Medium Skin
Both shades look incredible on medium skin. Ruby Woo provides bold contrast, while Red Carpet Red offers a sophisticated, balanced look that's perfect for any occasion.
Best for Olive Skin
Red Carpet Red is the better choice for olive skin due to its neutral undertone that harmonizes beautifully. Ruby Woo can work but may appear slightly too cool.
Best for Deep Skin
Both shades work on deep skin, but Red Carpet Red offers better versatility. Ruby Woo provides bold contrast, perfect for statement looks.
Best for Cool Undertones
Ruby Woo is specifically designed for cool undertones and is the clear winner here. Its blue-toned red is one of the best reds for cool skin.
Best for Warm Undertones
Red Carpet Red is ideal for warm undertones with its neutral base. Ruby Woo can work but may appear slightly too cool for some warm skin tones.
Similar Shades from Other Brands
If you love these shades, you might also enjoy these similar colors from other premium and luxury brands. All recommendations are from authentic, established beauty brands.
Similar to MAC Ruby Woo
Maybelline Color Sensational in Red Revival
Similar blue-red tone from an established drugstore brand
NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Monte Carlo
Close color match in liquid matte formula from NYX Cosmetics
Revlon Super Lustrous in Really Red
Classic blue-red with similar undertones from Revlon
Similar to Charlotte Tilbury Red Carpet Red
MAC Russian Red
Similar neutral-red tone from MAC Cosmetics
NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Cruella
Luxury option with comparable neutral red from NARS
Charlotte Tilbury So Marilyn
From the same brand, similar sophisticated red
Similar Shades You Might Like
Explore more iconic red and nude lipstick shades to find your perfect match.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which shade lasts longer: Ruby Woo or Red Carpet Red?
Both shades offer excellent longevity, but MAC Ruby Woo's Retro Matte formula is known for being ultra long-wearing, often lasting 8+ hours without touch-ups. Charlotte Tilbury Red Carpet Red also has impressive staying power with its soft matte finish, typically lasting 6-8 hours. Ruby Woo may have a slight edge in longevity due to its zero-shine matte formula.
Which shade suits warm skin tones better?
Charlotte Tilbury Red Carpet Red is better for warm skin tones due to its neutral-red undertone that works well with warm complexions. MAC Ruby Woo has cool, blue-toned undertones, making it ideal for cool skin tones. However, Ruby Woo can still work on warm skin if you prefer a bold, statement red.
Which shade is more matte: Ruby Woo or Red Carpet Red?
MAC Ruby Woo has a Retro Matte finish, which is a zero-shine, ultra-matte finish. Charlotte Tilbury Red Carpet Red has a soft matte finish that's more comfortable and less drying while still providing a matte look. Ruby Woo is the more matte of the two.
What are similar shades to Ruby Woo and Red Carpet Red from other brands?
For Ruby Woo, similar shades include Maybelline Color Sensational in Red Revival, NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Monte Carlo, and Revlon Super Lustrous in Really Red. For Red Carpet Red, similar shades include MAC Russian Red, NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Cruella, and Charlotte Tilbury's other red shades like So Marilyn. All recommendations are from authentic, established beauty brands.
Which shade is better for everyday wear?
Charlotte Tilbury Red Carpet Red is more suitable for everyday wear due to its softer, more wearable neutral-red tone and comfortable soft matte formula. Ruby Woo is bolder and more statement-making, making it better suited for special occasions or when you want maximum impact.
Which shade suits cool undertones better?
MAC Ruby Woo is specifically designed for cool undertones with its blue-toned red finish. It's one of the best reds for cool skin tones. Red Carpet Red works well for both cool and warm undertones due to its neutral base, but Ruby Woo is the clear winner for cool undertones.
What's the price difference between Ruby Woo and Red Carpet Red?
MAC Ruby Woo typically retails around £19-21, while Charlotte Tilbury Red Carpet Red is priced around £29-35. Ruby Woo offers excellent value for money, while Red Carpet Red is a luxury option with a premium price point.
Which shade is more comfortable to wear?
Charlotte Tilbury Red Carpet Red is generally more comfortable due to its soft matte formula that's moisturizing and less drying. Ruby Woo's Retro Matte finish can feel slightly more drying, though both are long-wearing. For comfort, Red Carpet Red has the edge.
Can I try both shades on before buying?
Yes! You can try both MAC Ruby Woo and Charlotte Tilbury Red Carpet Red on virtually using GlowLip's AI try-on feature. Simply upload a selfie and see how each shade looks on your lips instantly. No sign-up required.
Which shade is better for fair skin?
Both shades work well on fair skin, but Ruby Woo's cool, blue-toned red is particularly flattering on fair skin with cool undertones. Red Carpet Red's neutral undertone also works beautifully on fair skin, especially those with neutral or warm undertones. The choice depends on your undertone preference.
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