Which iconic red truly reigns supreme—MAC’s legendary, photo-proof Ruby Woo or NARS’s vivid, everyday-flattering Dragon Girl?
Ready for a lipstick duel? Two iconic matte reds — MAC Ruby Woo and NARS Dragon Girl — dominate beauty conversations for their lasting power, finish, and universal appeal. This comparison highlights shade, formula, wear, application, and value to help you choose best red matte.
A benchmark for an intense, long-lasting matte red that many consider the definitive blue-red. Best for users who prioritize color payoff and staying power and who are willing to use balm or primer to offset dryness.
A modern, airy matte that prioritizes comfort and a soft-focus finish without feeling heavy. Best for users who want a wearable red with buildable coverage and less dryness than traditional retro mattes.
MAC Ruby Woo
Color Payoff
9
Longevity
9
Comfort
6.5
Application
8.7
NARS Dragon Girl
Color Payoff
8.4
Longevity
7.6
Comfort
8.8
Application
7.6
MAC Ruby Woo
Pros
Iconic true blue-red that flatters many skin tones
Very long-wearing and transfer-resistant once set
High pigment intensity — one swipe coverage
Wide availability and strong shade recognition
NARS Dragon Girl
Pros
Lightweight, creamy matte formula that feels comfortable on lips
Buildable finish — can go from sheer to full coverage
Soft-focus, modern matte finish with a pleasant wear
MAC Ruby Woo
Cons
Matte formula can feel drying without lip prep
Requires precise application or liner to avoid feathering
NARS Dragon Girl
Cons
Not as long-lasting or transfer-proof as drier retro mattes
Shade can look slightly different depending on application method
Blue-Toned Red Lipsticks You Need to Try — Plus Fascinating Red Lipstick History
1
Shade & Color Accuracy: True Red, Blue-Red, or Cherry?
MAC Ruby Woo — the classic blue-red
Ruby Woo reads as a vivid, cool blue-toned red with a true, retro matte finish. It’s medium-deep in depth but reads very bright because of the blue undertone; one swipe typically gives full, opaque color. On fair skin it looks iconic and “Hollywood” red; on medium and olive tones it stays distinctly blue-red and gives a crisp contrast; on deep skin it reads punchy and slightly brighter than some deeper reds. Ruby Woo’s bullet swatch is very faithful to on-lip color once lips are prepped and evenly covered.
NARS Dragon Girl — a cooler scarlet with a modern edge
Dragon Girl leans slightly brighter and cooler than many classic reds — a scarlet/scarlet-crimson with a hint of pink that makes it look more vivid. The Air Matte formula is sheerer on first swipe than Ruby Woo, so it can appear more translucent or “stained” until built to full opacity. On fair skin it looks bright and slightly fuchsia-leaning; on medium and olive it reads a crisp scarlet; on deep skin it can come off as a vibrant pop that sometimes needs a second layer for opacity.
Opacity, skin tone notes, and swatch tips
Opacity: Ruby Woo = one-swipe opaque; Dragon Girl = buildable, often needs 2+ passes for full coverage.
Amazon images can shift hue/saturation; lighting and phone cameras exaggerate brightness.
Best swatch methods: arm swatch for pigment, natural daylight for true hue, then a thin lip swatch to see interaction with your lip pigment.
Expect variation: bullet vs tube/applicator swatch (Dragon Girl’s applicator can lay down sheerer) and on-lip appearance (lip pH and texture alter final shade).
2
Formula, Finish & Comfort: Matte That Feels Different
Texture & finish
MAC Retro Matte Ruby Woo: dense, ultra-matte and very low-sheen. The formula sits on the surface of the lip, giving an almost velour, chalky-matte look that seals color quickly. It’s noticeably firmer to the touch once set.
NARS Air Matte Dragon Girl: lightweight, whipped, airy matte with a soft-focus finish. It feels cushiony and almost blurred on the lip rather than flat—more of a modern “soft” matte than a dry retro matte.
Opacity, feathering & fine lines
Ruby Woo: one-swipe opaque; resists transfer but can emphasize fine lines and texture if lips aren’t smoothed. Feathering is uncommon but edges must be precise or it looks stark.
Dragon Girl: buildable from stain/sheered to full coverage in 2–3 passes; softer edge means it’s more forgiving over lip texture but can feather slightly if over-applied at the lip border.
Comfort & prepping
Ruby Woo can feel drying over hours—exfoliation and a thin, well-blotted balm underneath are essential for comfort and even application. Dragon Girl needs less prep: minimal balm before application prevents migration while keeping comfort high.
Layering, liners & primers
Use a slightly waxy lip liner with Ruby Woo to lock edges and prevent feathering; apply with a light hand to avoid adding shine.
For Dragon Girl, a primer or powder-base will increase longevity without negating the airy feel.
Practical tips to minimize dryness for MAC and maximize NARS staying power without losing comfort:
Exfoliate lips gently and apply a thin balm 10 minutes before Ruby Woo; blot off excess before applying.
Apply Ruby Woo by pressing the bullet or a brush (stipple then fill) for even laydown.
For Dragon Girl, prep with a lightweight, oil-free primer or a thin layer of translucent powder over a very light balm; build color in thin layers and finish by pressing lips together to set.
3
Longevity, Transfer & Real-World Wear Tests
Hours of wear (no touch-ups)
MAC Ruby Woo: reliably 6–8+ hours of visible color; surface may fade in the center after eating but a strong bluish-red stain remains.
NARS Dragon Girl: typically 3–5 hours of full coverage; can look fresh longer if built in thin layers.
Drinking and light meals
Ruby Woo: resists cups and light bites — topcoat stays put, edges thin slightly but color persists as a stain.
Dragon Girl: transfers more on glassware; small sandwiches or oily foods accelerate fading and migration.
Transfer vs stain
Ruby Woo: low transfer once fully set; leaves a noticeable stain that survives washing and light scrubbing.
Dragon Girl: medium transfer when fresh; after natural settling it tints lips but doesn’t leave as stubborn a stain.
End-of-day fading pattern
Ruby Woo: fades from the center outward, leaving defined stained edges and a darker ring.
Dragon Girl: fades more evenly to a soft, patchy tint; reapplication restores the airy finish quickly.
Removal, bleeding & feathering
Removal: Ruby Woo needs oil-based removers or balms to clear stain; Dragon Girl comes off easier with micellar or balm cleansing.
Bleeding/feathering: Ruby Woo can feather if not lined; Dragon Girl’s softer edge is more forgiving but can migrate if over-applied.
Recommended routine for long events
Use a waxy liner to lock Ruby Woo’s edges; exfoliate, thin balm, blot, apply, then press and blot again.
For Dragon Girl: prime or lightly powder lips, build in thin layers, blot between layers to reduce transfer.
Amazon buying notes
Expect variability between batches and some sellers listing older stock. Buy from authorized MAC/NARS sellers, confirm sealed packaging, and check recent reviews to avoid expired or swatched items.
Feature Comparison Chart
MAC Ruby Woo vs. NARS Dragon Girl
VS
Brand
MAC
VS
NARS
Model / Name
Retro Matte Lipstick — Ruby Woo
VS
Air Matte Lip Color — Dragon Girl
Finish
Retro Matte (flat, velvet)
VS
Air Matte (soft-focus matte)
Undertone
Blue-based red (cool)
VS
Cool cherry/rosy red
Format
Traditional bullet lipstick
VS
Liquid/creamy with applicator
Net Weight
Approximately 3 g (standard MAC bullet)
VS
0.24 oz (approx. 6.8 g)
Typical Price
$$
VS
$
Applicator Type
Bullet — twist-up solid
VS
Custom doe-foot / built-in applicator
Longevity (typical)
8+ hours (high)
VS
6–8 hours (moderate)
Transfer Resistance
High
VS
Moderate
Texture
Dense, highly pigmented, somewhat drying
VS
Lightweight, creamy, buildable
Shade Category
Classic red — blue undertone
VS
Bright/cherry red (cool-leaning)
Buildable Coverage
Medium to full (one-swipe full)
VS
Sheer to full (buildable)
Cruelty-free status
Not certified
VS
Not certified
4
Value, Packaging & Who Each Lipstick Is Best For
Price-per-ounce & net weight
MAC Ruby Woo: approx. $21 for a standard MAC bullet (about 0.10 oz / 3 g) → ≈ $210/oz.
NARS Dragon Girl (Air Matte): $17 for 0.24 oz → ≈ $70.80/oz.
Packaging style & durability
MAC Ruby Woo: classic black bullet — metal/plastic construction, solid feel, travel‑friendly and durable in a makeup bag.
NARS Dragon Girl: slim matte tube with a custom applicator/wand — lighter, modern, convenient for touchups but less rugged if tossed around.
Amazon availability & price notes
Both are regularly sold on Amazon, but prices fluctuate by seller and season. Expect occasional discounts, or higher third‑party markups.
Buy from “Ships from and sold by [brand]” or authorized sellers, confirm sealed packaging, check recent reviews and photos for batch freshness.
Perceived value: classic vs modern
Ruby Woo = iconic, highly pigmented, exceptionally long‑wearing bluish red that photographers and vintage looks rely on.
Dragon Girl = contemporary “airy” matte: more comfortable, buildable coverage and a softer edge — better for everyday comfort.
Who should choose which
Choose Ruby Woo if you want: bold blue‑red for photos, evening/events, all‑day wear and stain longevity.
Choose Dragon Girl if you want: comfortable daily wear, easy buildable matte, frequent reapplication and a softer finish.
Authenticity checks, dupes & final buying tips
Check batch codes, sealed boxes, packaging details and seller ratings. Smell, texture and pigment payoff can reveal fakes.
If price sensitivity matters, look at reputable dupes (drugstore/indie swatches first).
Tip: try shades in person or use virtual try‑ons; buy from Amazon sellers with easy returns and inspect immediately upon delivery.
Final Verdict: Which Red Matte Should You Pick?
Overall winner: MAC Ruby Woo. Pick Ruby Woo if you want an iconic, intensely pigmented, photo‑ready blue-red with heavyweight staying power and don’t mind prepping lips for dryness and touch-ups. Choose NARS Dragon Girl when you prefer a lighter, more comfortable matte that’s easier to wear daily while still delivering excellent color payoff.
Test shades in person when possible; if buying on Amazon, verify seller ratings and the return policy before ordering. Prioritize undertone match and daily comfort over hype—if you need a statement, Ruby Woo wins; for everyday wearability, Dragon Girl is the smarter pick. Check swatches on different skin tones, and consider a lip primer for Ruby Woo to tame dryness and boost adhesion. Also compare prices and recent reviews before checkout today.
Hey, I’m Ava Wilson—a skincare enthusiast and a certified esthetician. I’m dedicated to sharing my knowledge and empowering others to achieve healthy, glowing skin through simple, effective routines and natural remedies. Join me on this exciting skincare journey, and let’s unlock your skin’s potential for a confident, beautiful you.
Tip for people torn between the two: use a red lip liner that’s slightly warmer, fill in the lips, then top with Dragon Girl for comfort + longevity. You get the pop without the desert lips.
Also, blotting once after application helps avoid that weird uneven fade with both lipsticks.
I spilled coffee while wearing Ruby Woo and it left a perfect red smile on my mug — like a crime scene but make it glam. 😂
Dragon Girl: prettier, less commitment, easier to touch up.
Ruby Woo: commitment. Do not eat spaghetti with it unless you’re prepared to love the stain forever.
Pick Ruby Woo for occasions where you want to feel like an old Hollywood movie star. Pick Dragon Girl if you’re running errands and still want to look polished.
Okay real talk: Ruby Woo is my ride-or-die when I need a classic, bomb-proof red.
– It’s super matte and *stays* put (even through coffee) but can feel a little dry.
– Dragon Girl is brighter and creamier — way easier to reapply on the go.
If you have dry lips, exfoliate and use a thin balm under Ruby Woo. Otherwise, Dragon Girl wins for comfort. Love both though, depends on the vibe! 😊
Dragon Girl is great if you want a modern, slightly neon pop. MAC’s Ruby Woo feels vintage and dramatic — both solid picks depending on what you’re going for.
Not a fan of mattes that feel like sandpaper. Ruby Woo dries my lips out too much. Dragon Girl is better for daily wear.
Tip for people torn between the two: use a red lip liner that’s slightly warmer, fill in the lips, then top with Dragon Girl for comfort + longevity. You get the pop without the desert lips.
Also, blotting once after application helps avoid that weird uneven fade with both lipsticks.
Good call on blotting. I always blot and set with a tissue then a light powder around the lip line. No transfer!
Useful technique — I’ll add that to the application tips. Thanks!
I tried both and here’s the messy truth:
I spilled coffee while wearing Ruby Woo and it left a perfect red smile on my mug — like a crime scene but make it glam. 😂
Dragon Girl: prettier, less commitment, easier to touch up.
Ruby Woo: commitment. Do not eat spaghetti with it unless you’re prepared to love the stain forever.
Pick Ruby Woo for occasions where you want to feel like an old Hollywood movie star. Pick Dragon Girl if you’re running errands and still want to look polished.
Love the spaghetti warning — immersive reporting 😂. That’s the exact vibe many readers asked about.
Spill test is the new durability test, I’m filming mine next time.
I wore Ruby Woo to a wedding and it DID survive the cake. Not sure if that’s heroic or terrifying.
If anyone wants, I can add a quick ‘durability checklist’ section comparing transfer, staining, and reapplication in the article.
Hahaha the crime scene mug image is perfect. I’m team Dragon Girl for day-to-day too.
If you have warm undertones, Dragon Girl looks brighter on you; Ruby Woo is more of a blue-red so it pops on cooler undertones.
Short guide:
– Cool undertones: Ruby Woo for that crisp classic red
– Warm undertones: Dragon Girl for a livelier, flattering pop
Both are staples but test them in natural light if you can. I hate ordering reds online 😩
This is so helpful. I always get reds that wash me out. Thank you!
Great breakdown — I’ll add a little undertone guide in the article to help readers choose.
That would be awesome, Priya — real swatches from readers would add a lot of value.
You’re welcome! If you want, I can post a quick swatch pic later with my skin tone for reference.
Okay real talk: Ruby Woo is my ride-or-die when I need a classic, bomb-proof red.
– It’s super matte and *stays* put (even through coffee) but can feel a little dry.
– Dragon Girl is brighter and creamier — way easier to reapply on the go.
If you have dry lips, exfoliate and use a thin balm under Ruby Woo. Otherwise, Dragon Girl wins for comfort. Love both though, depends on the vibe! 😊
Does Ruby Woo transfer a lot for you? Mine leaves a red ring on cups sometimes 😅
Great point about prepping lips — I should’ve emphasized exfoliation more in the article. Thanks for the tip!
Totally agree about the dryness. I do a lip scrub + Vaseline trick before Ruby Woo and it helps a ton.
Dragon Girl is great if you want a modern, slightly neon pop. MAC’s Ruby Woo feels vintage and dramatic — both solid picks depending on what you’re going for.
Yep — that’s the gist. Dragon Girl has that youthful vibrancy while Ruby Woo is more iconic/classic.