By will-buy
There's a reason for this, that sales figures have proven over and over.
In what's been long dubbed 'the lipstick index', retailers typically spot the sales of lippie rise during recessions, as they're an inexpensive luxury which brings people joy.
Leonard Lauder of Estee Lauder noticed that after 9/11 that lipstick sales rose 11% in america, and other alike sales increases have been found in wartime and also the 1930s Great Depression.
Why lipstick? It brings consumers a fast psychological boost that's backed-up.
There's the 'lipstick effect' – research indicates wearing it can enhance confidence and esteem – and one report even found applying colour to your lips could boost mental competency.
Over time, some lipsticks have achieved iconic status. The first is MAC Cosmetics' Ruby Woo – a fire engine red that first launched in 1999.
It's been worn by the likes of Janet Jackson, Taylor Swift, Angelina Jolie, Dita Von Teese and Rita Ora, to mention just a few of those on its long fan list.
Terry Barber, the brand's director of makeup artistry, tells Metro.co.uk 'the universal appeal of Ruby Woo is that it's a pure, clear red' with balanced undertones, so it creates everyone.
'It's among those shades that individuals say immediately means they are feel “ready”, even when they've not put in much effort elsewhere,' he adds.
'It's not just the purity of colour but the velvet matte formula which has managed to get stand the exam of your time.
'It looks as good like a chic solo statement on an otherwise minimal makeup because it does included in a full face of glam.
'The fact that you can dress it up or dress it down, makes it an elegance staple that transcends passing trends.'
He believes 'when you wear Ruby Woo, that which you never feel is indifference' and there's something to become said for wearing a red in particular when it comes to the mood-boosting capabilities of lippie.
Kassia St Clair, colour theory expert and author, tells us: 'Red is a very powerful colour in human culture.
'When you look at cave art, many of the pigments used were red.
'It has an emotional impact, possibly because it's the colour of blood and this has psychological effect.'
The colour does something to the psyche that Kassia says can subtly trigger 'a fight or flight response', but there's also its significance in society.
'When it comes to red lipstick, it's so intrinsically linked with confidence and statement,' she adds, giving key references like Marylin Monroe.
Lipstick has taken a backseat during the last 2 yrs, because of the pandemic and mask wearing – but it is staging a comeback.
This spring lipstick sales in america jumped by 80% when compared to year previous once the world was plunged into lockdowns and restrictions – it's telling in our passion for lipstick.
'I think people have missed that statement of a lipstick, it's like losing some your personality,' Terry says.
'A lip colour is like a signal. It can tell others who you are as well as who you're not. It may be armour or it can be allure.
'Lipstick is the fact that crowning glory detail which, whenever you take it away, somehow makes you feel incomplete.'
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In what seems like an overdue ode to Ruby Woo, MAC includes a new collection dedicated to the colour tone.
In three new formats, along with the original, it is even truer to state there's a Ruby Woo for everybody.
MAC's Ruby's Crew special edition collection launches today. This is what our team think of the iconic shade in all its new formulations:
Ruby Woo, Retro Matte
The original bestselling bullet which four sell every minute around the world, and five every hour in the UK.
'I'm a big fan of red lipstick, but after an ex said he didn't like it on me many years ago I've become somewhat nervous to put on it. Ruby Woo is a perfect red for anyone who doesn't think they suit red, having a blue tint that makes your teeth look whiter.
'It's matte, so although it doesn't go on creamy, it stays put for ages (much more so if you go full retro and employ Lipcote over the top). Despite having that coveted matte finish, it's not going to flake or go crusty such as the matte liquid lipsticks which had us inside a chokehold in 2023.' – Jessica, Lifestyle Reporter
'I think Ruby Woo is really a wearable red. I avoided lipstick for much of my youth as I thought my lips were too big, and concerned about products that would dry or crack – so I love how this feels moisturising, and goes on so smoothly.
'I really like the a little more orange tone, as opposed to a deep or dark red, that makes it seem like something I possibly could wear within the day time without feeling self-conscious. For me personally, it is a really magic formula of giving a pop of speedy glamour to an everyday look.' – Natalie, Deputy Lifestyle Editor
Ruby New, Powder Kiss
'I was expecting a much deeper shade based on the hue of the tube, but it came out vibrant and dangerously close to pink on me. However, my flatmate said she sees a solid red, so that seems to be debatable.
'Either way, Personally i think cute wearing it. It seems the Powder Kiss version is really a lighter shade of red than the original.
'As for application, it goes on really easily, feels nice, soft and velvety on, and leave my lips feeling dry. Despite the fact that I put a couple of layers on, it isn't a solid opaque colour but it is still nice and bright, which I like.' – Aidan, Lifestyle Reporter
Ruby Boo, Powder Kiss Liquid
'The Powder Kiss Liquid isn't whatsoever what you'd imagine whenever you imagine a traditional liquid lipstick – it's creamy and will transfer, that we found just a little inconvenient with your a bold red.
'Like Aidan, I discovered the Powder Kiss range to be lighter in tone (because it's a far more feathery texture) compared to original Ruby Woo, however this still looks vibrant and fun, that is all I would like from the red lip.' – Tanyel, Lifestyle Reporter
Ruby Phew!, Retro Matte Liquid
'This shade of red definitely works best for me as it's bold and bright, that is how I like my makeup to become. I really like the design of the lipstick as it isn't cakey nor will it dry my lips out. It's not hard to apply and stays on the whole day, that is precisely what you would like from the bold red.' – Michele, Freelance Lifestyle Reporter
You can shop the range here.
