Viva Glam Nicki & Ricky

Hey guys! So instead of an update or the usual excuse for being the world's lousiest blogger, I figure I'll jump right into the subject at hand; I love the new Viva Glam products!

I've had my ups and downs with MAC as a brand, its no secret.  If you've heard a negative story about the brand, products, customer service or something behind the scenes, I've more than likely heard it.  At one point I completely distanced myself from the brand altogether.  Its very easy to take things you hear about cosmetic brands personally, especially when the brand in question was the first one you were ever introduced to.  But you know what?  At this point, I only care about the product.  With as many locations as MAC has, not every experience there can be golden so I've come to understand that its all just the average pros and cons of retail.  I love MAC, use it daily and I'll continue using it for my routine and kit.

Viva Glam is something that I can really appreciate.  In case you are unaware of what Viva Glam products are, they are generally a limited edition lip product (a new shade of lipstick, lip gloss, etc.) and 100% of the proceeds for the product goes straight to the MAC AIDS Fund, which provides direct service to men, women and children living with AIDS.  Since the start of the Viva Glam line, there has always been a celebrity spokesperson attached such as Sir Elton John, Ru Paul, Missy Elliot, Fergie, Lady Gaga, Cyndi Lauper, and the list goes on.  For this launch, Nicki Minaj and Ricky Martin were introduced as the faces of this year's Viva Glam campaign.

I love Nicki, and I also love Ricky.  Basically a win-win.  What I can really appreciate about this year's campaign is that MAC is obviously trying to market to men with Ricky's lip conditioner and as you all know, I am 110% for race and gender equality in the world of cosmetics.

Viva Glam Nicki

I remember back when this collection was announced, there was immediate speculation that Nicki's product was just going to be a rehash of Pink 4 Friday, which was a super-ultra-mega-limited-edition bright pink lipstick that was only available for four Friday's (online only) back in November-December 2010.  Come to find out though, Viva Glam Nicki's shade is quite different though the finishes for both are satin.

Viva Glam Nicki is a bright yellow-based pink.  I'm in love with how vivid it is because, to date, I do not own another lip product like this.  The closest I have to this shade while thinking off the top of my head is Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Femme lip tar but even that is considerably pale in comparison.  Viva Glam Nicki is priced at $14.50.

(Shameless plug of me wearing Viva Glam Nicki, Instagram-style)

Viva Glam Ricky

Its important to point out that the product itself, which is just a clear lip conditioner, is not new and is just a repromote.  Though, being a part of the Viva Glam line-up may make you consider purchasing this product more-so since all the proceeds go straight to charity.  So what is this? 

Ingredients: Almond Oil, Shea Butter, Avocado Extract, Wheat Germ Oil, vitamins A and E.

Basically its a cocktail of hydrating ingredients that helps to retain moisture in the lips.  I don't pretend to be an expert at cosmetic formulation but I recognize the ingredients from product association and just basic assumptions.  There's really nothing complicated about it; you're just looking at a rather effective lip balm that has a mild glossy appearance.  No glitter, no color, just a universal lip conditioner aimed at guys, gals and stuck-up, half-witted, scruffy-looking nerf-herders. Viva Glam Ricky is priced at $15.