This is the first lipstick that I’ve ever purchased from MAC. It’s also my only true red lipstick. I find that pairing this up with a sheer gloss makes for a look to die for. I never thought I’d be able to pull off a red so bold, but this one just seems to look brilliant on me. The formula glides on easily, making for a flawless finish. It’s the perfect red lipstick that everyone should own. I seriously think this color suits all skin tones despite being so bold. Sometimes if I want to feel extra sexy, I pair this up with a deep purple liner and then gloss over it and… the result is just wow. 5 lippies!

Have used this for the past winter and although it's pretty nice, it's not the best colour for me. It's a little too dark-blue-ish for me. Besides that it's a very good long-staying lipstick that flatters a lot of skintones and makes your teeth look nice and white. Took off a lippie because, like all MAC matte lipsticks, it dries my lips out like mad.

I'm kind of a sucker for anything with a Russian-related name. I'm seriously so tempted to run out and buy the entire OPI Russian line, and then NARS' Russian Doll and Transsiberian lipsticks.

I love red lipstick, but this is the first matte red I've ever had and it was nice to have this one for the texture alone.

In hindsight, I think I should have bought Ruby Woo instead - maybe this is a slightly blue red, but I would have preferred something a little bit darker and bluer. Not a bad lipstick at all, but not the exact shade I had in mind.

Edit: I swatched Ruby Woo at the counter and did see what others had said - that it is a bit drier, and so I didn't buy it. I'd like Ruby Woo's color in the texture of Russian Red. There. :) continued >>

This was my first encounter with red lipstick. It was exactly what i was looking for! A retro matte red. I also purchased a lipliner too.I have never had so many compliments in my life and people kept calling me the black haired marilyn monore! I was nervous that it would wander out of the lines or fade funny--Let's just say that this lipstick lasted longer than I did and I had to remove it in the morning. The formula is somewhat drying but nothing that would have been a deal breaker. I can't wait to wear it again!

The best red EVER!!!! Blue toned one. Makes teeth look super white. Perfect pin up red. Stays on all day/night. Does not slide into little liner lines around your lips. It is a little bit dry, but all matts are. Just a hint of the conditioner, solves the problem.
If you need a opaque, red, vibrant lipstick Russian Red is a great choice.

Sexiest matte red ever!!!!!! looks amazing and stays put forever. extremely pigmented. VERY flattering undertones. PERFECT red for sure.

Gorgeous color! Sexy and classy all in one!

I love this lipstick! It is so classy. Very pretty. Plus, it stays on so long without having to reapply or touch up (great for when I am working). I would recommend this for anyone going for that old hollywood look- it is a really beautiful classic red.

This is a lovely, lovely red on me. Intense, rich, a near-true red that is really class and glamour in a tube. It's also my first MAC purchase (yah, I've been avoiding it)! I tried both Russian Red and Ruby Woo in the store, while both looked very similar in the tube, Ruby Woo was cooler, and the texture was more matte. It also looked more screaming bright on my lips, so I decided to get Russian Red instead. Everytime I put it on I want to speak in a Russian accent. Silly, I know. Love.

Yah, it is a little dry. But I find it lasts longer, slipping away to a nice stain.

Although I have a red that looks nice on me, I wanted to add a red MAC to my collection. I did my research and thought that this would be great for me since I am a cool tone and perhaps would give me that "Dita look." I really wasn't super impressed and can't really see myself getting a lot of use out of this one. I am not a fan of the matte finish to begin with because I find it to be dry and somewhat flaky. After I applied this and smushed my lips together, all the color migrated to the outsides of my lips and the inner part was my normal color again. The best application for this is to apply in many light layers and blot between, possibly using baby powder. That's just too much work for me, so I think I will stick to the 99 cents wet and wild red I have for now.