MAC • Russian Red • Lipstick

Where To Buy?

HelloDear on 7/23/2012 5:27:00 AM more reviews by HelloDear

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Oily, Olive   Hair: Black, Wavy   Eyes: Brown    

This is a great red lipstick. I seriously think that this will fit any skin tone. It's very pigmented and very long lasting (since it has a matte finish). I would definitely recommend you get this if you are looking for a red lipstick.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

pillager13 on 7/19/2012 6:27:00 PM more reviews by pillager13

Age: 36-43   Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Brown, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Green    

Have been looking for a red lipstick after using neutral/taupe/light pink for years and years. Purchased Kat von D's matte lipstick in Outlaw. I really love the color, but the formula is incredibly drying. MAC Russian Red is as high maintenance as Outlaw, but less drying. It's a really gorgeous color that I've been experimenting with as a daytime color (with a very neutral eye). Maybe all reds are high maintenance? I line it with Sephora's scarlet lipliner, but am kind of obsessive about checking how it looks every ten minutes or so because red looks so bad when it bleeds. Russian Red lasts through coffee and lunch with minor touch ups. In summary, a beautiful, matte red lipstick that would work well day or night. Definitely a keeper, although much more high maintenance than a more neutral color or a creamy lipstick.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

marley100 on 7/4/2012 1:45:00 AM more reviews by marley100

Age: 44-55   Skin: Sensitive, Fair-Medium, Cool   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

I've never adored a lipstick as much as I adore Russian Red. The first day I wore it, two people complimented me on my smile. The lipstick makes my teeth look gleaming white--and they're not. It's a semi-matte lipstick--not as matte or dry as say, Ruby Woo, another MAC red. And it has terrific staying power. For reference, I'm a MAC NC20 and do well with cool, blue-based lipsticks.


I loved Russian Red so much that I went back to Nordstrom and bought another tube the next day. I also decided to look for a pink semi-matte lipstick --I'm really over lipsticks that don't last--and settled for MAC's Pink Plaid, which ended up looking dreadful on my lips--too pale and too blue, like death warmed up. And it made my teeth look yellow.


Then I tried Pink Plaid over Russian Red and got the blue pink I'd been looking for.

Using MAC's lip primer is a must for keeping Russian Red where it belongs. A red lipstick like this isn't for sissies. Without the primer, I can end up looking like the Joker in Batman.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

vwbenzo on 7/3/2012 12:57:00 PM more reviews by vwbenzo

Age: 25-29   Skin: Dry, Medium, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Curly, Coarse   Eyes: Brown    

YES!!! Ladies, I've finally discovered the perfect red! One that I can wear that looks absolutely stunning with my NC30-35 complexion. I haven't tried Chanel Dragon so I can't compare, but I've had bad luck with some other reds by Shiseido and Illamasqua. But this little cheapie by MAC is the most perfect of all the HE world IMO. It is a Matte formula, and goes on really smooth over a primer (I use UD Lip Primer or Guerlain Liplift). Russian Red is opaque and pigmented but not runny and doesn't easily kiss off! It stays put a long time and wakes my face up with a bold punch of red. It's best with brightening eyeshadows and a touch of mascara and eyeliner. As with all bold lipsticks, your face MUST be flawless for best results. Any blemishes you have will stand out wearing this lip. So if it takes concealer, foundation AND powder, you gotta do what you gotta do. Sometimes the most understated looks take the most work. Enjoy!

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

asru on 7/2/2012 11:57:00 AM more reviews by asru

Age: 19-24   Skin: Dry, Tan   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

love at first swipe. really suits me. i love this red... got a lot of compliments :)

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

loveandlilac on 5/22/2012 1:09:00 AM more reviews by loveandlilac

Age: 19-24   Skin: Sensitive, Fair, Cool   Hair: Black, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Green    

Lovestruck.

Simply put. The best all purpose, every day and special occasion red. Smooth, creamy, doesn't move as long as a primer and liner are used. Pulls cool on me because my lips are naturally pigmented. Looks fabulous against NC15 SF foundation. The trick is to apply with a fine lipstick brush, or else all bets are off and there's going to be red all over your face. A must for a forties look...or really any look for that matter. Russian Red is perfect.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

ohcaitlin on 5/10/2012 4:49:00 PM more reviews by ohcaitlin

Age: 19-24   Skin: Normal, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Black, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Hazel    

holy SMOKES! This is my all day, every day and twice on Sunday lipstick!

I've always been open to trying out different brands and colours of red lipstick and still am.. but through and through Russian Red takes the CAKE!

As a gal with black hair, VERY fair skin and hazel eyes, this ripe red absolutely finishes off the face. I found that if I use a cheaper lipliner (such as GOSH, available at Shoppers DrugMart #canadiangalhere) all over the lip and use a lip brush for the lipstick, it is good as gold. Speaking of gold, a touch of effect powder (such as GOSH's "Gold" pigment) dabbed in the centre-most part of the pout can do wonders if you're looking to vamp it up a little..

Russian Red was the very first lipstick I ever bought/used (MAC's Politely Pink was also purchased that day) - no regrets!!

Blue-based, in between a satin and a matte, moist and does not feather on me whilst using a primer and liner.

I like to dab a bit of MAC's "Luna" creamy highlighter on the cupids bow to bring attention to the lippy, and also can help reduce the appearance of any shadowy bits on the upper lip.. not that any of us gals have that or anything.. ;)

Back when I had bought it, Russian Red was CAD$15.50, the price has since increased to $17.50 but it's well worth every penny. This will always be a part of my collection!

4 out of 5 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

itsjustjess on 5/10/2012 8:59:00 AM more reviews by itsjustjess

Age: 19-24   Skin: Oily, Olive, Warm   Hair: Black, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

I think this is a classic red lipstick.
This product made me love red lipstick! I'm half indian with olive skin and it looked gorgeous on.

I was a lipstick noob and MAC was having a random 30% off sale so I thought heck why not buy a proper red lipstick.

Being new to lipstick at the age of 21 (wtf?) I kind of tried to apply it as is, and then stuffed it up and then smeared it. If this goes anywhere off your lips its a disaster! the red doesnt budge from your skin!!! it looks silly. but this is WHY you must have a lipliner. A steady hand helps too.

With the matching lipliner this is pretty perfect. Perhaps it doesnt last totally as long as I'd like(but i haven't tried enough lipsticks for comparison} but after it comes off it provides a nice stain which is good enough for me. I guess any lipstick needs reapplication - its just the nature of the mouth!

it's kind of a staple. if i'm having a bad face day i just put this on (even without other make up!) and I feel gorgeous - and I think that's what make up is all about. Puts a spring in my step.. (and I am not a MAC hype person).....buy it!

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* franzvonstuck on 5/3/2012 1:59:00 PM more reviews by franzvonstuck

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Hazel    

I am not a red lipstick girl. But as I grow older, I am prone to try some of the beauty classics.
So, I went to the MAC counter and asked my favourite MA if I could try some of the famous MAC reds.
Russian red was of course among them.
The red is a classic red like Coco Chanel would wear it. Makes me think of glamorous women sipping champagne.
The MA put it on my lips and -voila- I was looking ten years older.
Not that it looked really bad or clownish on me, but downright making me look old and tired.
I guess that means, this is not my shade of red. I could easily see it as the MA put another red lipstick on my lips and this was waaay better. I looked fresh and my teeth looked very white.
So please, try especially red lipsticks out if you can, because even if the majority of women can wear russian red, for some women, it looks downright horrible on their lips. Check out twice, if it really is a flattering red for your type.
For reference: I´m MAC NC20, BB sand with brown hair, amber eyes and pale skin with a olive-neutral undertone.
Update 19/05/2012:
Having tried and tested many MAC reds, I can give you more details.
I am pale with a strange olive undertone and that makes it hard to find a good shade.
My favorite MA tried several shades on my lips and we were both agreeing Russian Red was not the red for me.
I´m constantly taken for at least 10 years younger than my age and this lipstick making me look old tells something about what the wrong colour can do to your face.
Mac describes it a s a blueish red and on my lips it looks yellow-undertoned and too dark for my face.
Whereas Mac Red and Ruby Woo, which are also blue-based, worked on my lips and looked like a clear, blue-based red. If I swatched them on my hand, I could not see as much difference between the colours as I could see on my lips.
If you try red lipstick, test
- if it makes your teeth look yellow
- if it makes you look older or tired
- if you can wear it without makeup (sounds strange, but this means it works with your skin tone and not just with your make up)
Don´t let yourself be fooled by swatches as they don´t show in which way the colour interacts with your skin and lip tone.
Contrary to other reviewers, I don´t see, how any red lipstick can work on every woman. For many women, this shade might work. For me, it didn´t.
I highly suggest trying, if it´s possible, before ending with the wrong kind if red shade on your lips.

22 out of 26 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

Lolopop93 on 5/1/2012 1:06:00 AM more reviews by Lolopop93

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Green    

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this lipstick! I've always been attracted to lighter lipsticks because I am so fair, but I'm so glad I went for this one. This is by far my favorite Mac lipstick that I've tried (I've tried four Mac lipsticks). The only thing I don't like about it is it's not much of a day colour for me, otherwise I would wear it all the time. I find it to be not that drying if I put a bit of balm underneath and it lasts for HOURS. I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a great red lipstick!

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

Emma93 on 4/28/2012 3:13:00 PM more reviews by Emma93

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Sensitive, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Hazel    

Pefect, classic red, exactly what I was looking for! And because of its blue-ish undertones, my teeth look like I had them bleached. :)
I don't know if it's a good everyday lipstick, though. Probably not considering that I am still going to school..

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

mararum on 4/3/2012 2:45:00 PM more reviews by mararum

Age: 25-29   Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Black, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

If I apply too much, the color does become clown-like. Otherwise, it's a flattering bright red on my lips. It's less dry than Ruby Woo. The color lasts about six hour to seven hours without eating/drinking. I wouldn't buy this again because I honestly don't see myself finishing the tube.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

caileybeth on 4/2/2012 9:09:00 AM more reviews by caileybeth

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

A perfect pin up red lipstick!

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

PhatMuffin on 3/25/2012 6:10:00 PM more reviews by PhatMuffin

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

I'm a big fan of MAC lipsticks but unfortunately I find this too drying. The color is absolutely beautiful but if I need to reapply during the day it feels really thick on my lips, almost like a mask. I wear it from time to time anyway because it's a perfect red.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

HaElJa93 on 3/25/2012 5:28:00 AM more reviews by HaElJa93

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair, Cool   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

I've tried many different kinds of red lipsticks and MAC's "Russian Red" is simply THE BEST. It's classic, glamourous and totally chic. I would reccomend pairing this lipstick with a subtle eyeshadow/eyeliner to keep your look from being over-done.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

polupuakenikeni on 3/23/2012 12:12:00 AM more reviews by polupuakenikeni

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Olive   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Other    

me: nc 42 skin color

such a bad-ass, in-your-face, and saturated bright bluish red, i LOVE it! with that said, it's NOT an everyday red for me. i guess this color fits in this modern trend of bright lips. but it also is such a classical and retro red.

it lasts long too. even if you wipe it off, a good tint of color is still on your lips. this goes for most red lipsticks, but (especially with this lip color) DO NOT make out with this lipstick on. you and your partner will look like a clown.

the texture is great. it felt pretty good on my lips. unlike many lipsticks, this was reasonably moisturizing. went clubbing with this lipstick on and it lasted throughout the night without touch ups.

i would purchase again if i ever run out. i doubt that will happen, though, since i don't wear this every day.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

Jesse30 on 3/18/2012 12:59:00 AM more reviews by Jesse30

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Combination, Dark, Neutral   Hair: Black, Kinky, Coarse   Eyes: Brown    

This is the best blue based red ever! It makes my teeth look super white and gives me a polished and sexy, "finished" look. Its bold without being clowny and obnoxious. Perfect for all seasons and reasonably priced i will re-buy if i ever run out!

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

owagner420 on 3/17/2012 10:32:00 PM more reviews by owagner420

Age: 19-24   Skin: Normal, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Blue    

My first red! It makes my teeth whiter and my eyes this electric blue! Simply stunning and a classic! I will buy this over and over and over again!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

Makeupismyaddiction on 3/12/2012 12:07:00 PM more reviews by Makeupismyaddiction

Age: 19-24   Skin: Normal, Medium, Cool   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Hazel    

I love the color payoff, it lasts forever. Im NW20 and its very flattering on me. I just have a hard time applying it evenly. I use a lipliner then put it on but maybe the formula is a little tricky? I just purchased about a week ago so ill keep working with it. but gorgeous red for fair skinned for sure

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* GucciDiva on 2/26/2012 9:59:00 PM more reviews by GucciDiva

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Combination, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

Hate this red....it looks horrifically clownish on my pale, neutral skin. This looks cheap & tacky in a Christina Aguilera-ish way. The formula is awful and dries out my lips. If you're pale and neutral toned, try NARS Jungle Red for a saturated red lip that isn't tacky.

3 out of 5 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No