Surprise! Not just an audio series. 😉 ♦️ Doctor Who: Red Twilight stickers will be available to pre-order from the 77 Years store from TOMORROW (1ST APRIL). Stickers designed by @katseternity
Haven’t caught up? The first five episodes of Doctor Who: Red Twilight are available to listen to on the 77 Years Youtube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Review: Ever Bilena Lipstick in Red Twilight (MAC Ruby Woo Dupe!)
I’ve always been a self-confessed beautyholic - forever on the look out for the best of the best products for makeup and skincare. Blogs and forums have been a very reliable source of info on what to get for the past few years! It’s much better and helpful for me to read the firsthand experience of girls on the internet in the convenience of my room, than risking a splurge on something that may not work for me.
One major quest that I had was the search for a perfect red lipstick. MAC’s Ruby Woo has earned its reputation as a classic retro matte choice (Matte > Glossy for me, all the way) so I got myself one before. Do you know that it is the brand’s best selling lipstick too? It definitely is pretty! However, it’s not all the time that I, and the rest of the femme population can splurge 1000 bucks on a single tube. Hello, bills, adult life. Reality check- let’s be more practical. Good thing I have discovered a very affordable version from a local brand that costs just a little over your favorite Starbucks frappe.
Please welcome- ta dah! Ever Bilena (EB) Advance Supreme lipstick: matte finish in Red Twilight.
It’s been a while since I had something in my makeup kit from Ever Bilena. I remember that the first dibs which I purchased from them was a lippie named Mauvey during my college days. After that, foreign brands took over my make-up taste as I didn’t find anything special from the locals before. However, when I saw a few months ago from their Instagram that they are launching the Advance Supreme line, I felt that this is something else. Matte, uber pigmented, and a good color selection? Sold. I knew I had to try it.
COMPARISON
1. Packaging:
MAC’s bullet is a classic black tube with silver label embedded on it. Very minimalistic.
Ever Bilena’s bullet is white, which is a refreshing take. It’s kind of easier to look for in a pouch because of that. Material is plastic, but not too flimsy.
2. Price:
I bought the MAC Ruby Woo at Php 1000.
Ever Bilena’s Advance Supreme lipstick retails at Php 195.
3. Smell:
MAC smells like vanilla. Yum!
Ever Bilena smells like blueberries! Yummers too. Hahaha.
4. Product Formulation:
Ruby Woo has a chalky consistency, which kind of drags on the lips once you apply the color. It packs in a rich color when you swipe it though. I’m honestly in a love-hate relationship with it.
Even if Ever Bilena describes Red Twilight as matte, it glides on your lips well, as if it’s creamy. The product has a waxy consistency.
Both have a long lasting staying power on the lips and leave a stain too.
4. Color When Swatched:
MAC is a true red with a cool, bluish undertone.
Ever Bilena is also a true red. I think I see a super slight hint of pink though?
Apart from this very close inspection which we usually don’t usually do naman, I think both look very similar at one glance!
As worn: Ever Bilena in Red Twilight
As worn: MAC in Ruby Woo
5. On the Lips:
MAC looks a bit darker in this photo due to the lighting. It’s actually brighter in person. Looks/feels very dry and matte.
Ever Bilena looks almost the same as MAC’s in person. Swear. As mentioned, I still see a bit of pinkish undertone though as compared to Ruby Woo. It is matte but feels waxy.
Can you guess what’s up with this photo? Red Twilight is on the upper lip while Ruby Woo is at the bottom.
Look Ma, it looks the same!!!
FINAL THOUGHTS:
If you are on a tight budget and is on the lookout for a great red lipstick without sacrificing the quality, I highly suggest on getting one from Ever Bilena’s Advance Supreme line. They also have other shades, but mostly on the pink and other red hues. There’s a cream line too for those gals who prefer a different formulation.
MAC Ruby Woo will always be a favorite of many- Taylor Swift, included! If you have the means to shell out extra cash and the constant yearning for this exact signature shade, then go for it too! To each, her own. :)
My search for THE “holy grail” and budget-friendly version for each makeup product is still ongoing. Rest assured, I will share it with you also next time one I find them.