Even those who’ve never stepped into a Sephora or Ulta have heard someone in their life–or Rihanna– utter the words “Ruby Woo.” Not only is it one of the most popular M.A.C shades to morph into a top-seller for the brand. It’s also an iconic beauty product, period, though there are other colors that have garnered just as much notoriety for their color payoff and long-wear capabilities.

Lipstick has long been regarded as a must-have for even the most novice makeup wearers and those who rarely wear it. We keep one in our purse, at our work desk, and in the car. There’s one or many tubes we rely on for date nights, holiday parties and family gatherings. Even if it’s a simple nude or blush tone, lipstick is that old-faithful that easily elevates a beauty moment when our skills or time are limited. And for many, M.A.C is the go-to. Its lipsticks are about as classic as Chanel No. 5 and Pond’s Cold Cream, meaning that even if lip color isn’t your thing, you’ve felt the pressure to try at least once.

So whether you’re a newbie or have simply never experienced the dose of confidence a M.A.C lippie brings, here are the shades that have earned cult status over the years and deserve your attention.

MAC Chili Lipstick

M.A.C Cosmetics.

Chili

One quick glance will have you convinced this is a classic red, but linger a bit longer and you’ll see beautiful orange undertones begin to emerge.

mac lipsticks 1 The Iconic Lipstick Shades a M.A.C Newbie Should Always Start With

M.A.C Cosmetics.

Ruby Woo

Everyone from Taylor Swift to Rihanna have name-dropped this matte red as one of their faves. Though it has blue undertones, countless reviews over the years have proven that it looks great on just about anyone.

mac lipsticks 2 The Iconic Lipstick Shades a M.A.C Newbie Should Always Start With

M.A.C Cosmetics.

Honeylove

Looking for another matte that you can wear on those low-key days when you still want to look put together? This light beige with a rose finish is just the ticket.

mac lipsticks 3 The Iconic Lipstick Shades a M.A.C Newbie Should Always Start With

M.A.C Cosmetics.

Heroine

Like Ruby Woo red, this ultra-bright purple somehow looks amazing on all skin tones, thanks to a purple that isn’t too dark or too light.

mac lipsticks 4 The Iconic Lipstick Shades a M.A.C Newbie Should Always Start With

M.A.C Cosmetics.

Brick-o-La

Not too berry and not to mauve, this mid-level rosy tone gives off a lustrous finish that won’t flake or crumble after a few hours.

mac lipsticks 5 The Iconic Lipstick Shades a M.A.C Newbie Should Always Start With

M.A.C Cosmetics.

Diva

Whether you want to feel like a boss or simply find a dependable Bordeaux shade for the winter season, this rich burgundy is a must-try.

mac lipsticks 6 The Iconic Lipstick Shades a M.A.C Newbie Should Always Start With

M.A.C Cosmetics.

Candy Yum-Yum

Not for the faint of heart, this neon pink delivers a matte finish, so keep your application as neat as possible with a matching lip liner.

mac lipsticks 7 The Iconic Lipstick Shades a M.A.C Newbie Should Always Start With

M.A.C Cosmetics.

Cyber

Whether you want a sheer wash of color with one swipe or full coverage with several, this blackish-purple satin lippie is guaranteed to bring out your inner badass.

mac lipsticks 8 The Iconic Lipstick Shades a M.A.C Newbie Should Always Start With

M.A.C Cosmetics.

Rebel

Another satin lipstick with sheer to full-coverage capabilities that’s a muted, plum version of the aforementioned Heroine.

mac lipsticks 10 The Iconic Lipstick Shades a M.A.C Newbie Should Always Start With

M.A.C Cosmetics.

Twig

This pink with browner undertones makes for a lovely nude or blush-toned color against darker skin tones.

mac lipsticks 11 The Iconic Lipstick Shades a M.A.C Newbie Should Always Start With

M.A.C Cosmetics.

Velvet Teddy

The name alone should indicate just how luxurious this deep beige with matte finish feels and looks on the lips.

mac lipsticks 12 The Iconic Lipstick Shades a M.A.C Newbie Should Always Start With

M.A.C Cosmetics.

Mocha

Though not as pink as Velvet Teddy or Pink Plaid, this satin-y yellow brown is also too pink to truly qualify as a brown lipstick.

mac lipsticks 13 The Iconic Lipstick Shades a M.A.C Newbie Should Always Start With

M.A.C Cosmetics.

Russian Red

Though not as popular as Ruby Woo, this bluish-red with matte finish is just as bold and versatile.

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

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