MAC Lipstick In Viva Glam I

I'm not the kind of person who picks up a red shade when a display of lipsticks is laid out in front of me. I usually maneuver my way towards nudes, muted pinks, mauves, which is clearly manifested in my measly lipstick arsenal. I've even coined a term to effectively communicate to the SAs the type of look that I go for which is "the cancer patient look" (Oh dear Jesus, please don't. It was just a way to clearly explain, I promise!). I always pardon myself for not getting a red everytime I hit makeup counters because I find the color too adventurous and daring for my personality. I also feel like I age everytime I wear it. The fact that it stains my teeth and makes it appear more yellow stun me. If asked what my views are about a red lipstick, I would say outrightly that it's pretty daunting and it's clearly not for me.

Recently, I had a change of heart. Much thanks to the SA at the MAC store for walking me through it and thoroughly explaining the different shades, undertones, finishes of reds and how careful selection makes a huge impact, I just found the perfect red for me. It's a shade that I wouldn't be embarrassed to wear. I even intend to abuse it, if not for its steep price.

MAC Viva Glam 1 (Php1,000)

Say hello to my very first red lipstick (actually it's my 4th, but the first three were either donated to their rightful mommas or thrown away), it's the MAC Viva Glam 1. This is such a memorable purchase as according to the MAC website, "Every cent of the selling price of VIVA GLAM Lipstick and Lipglass is donated to the M·A·C AIDS Fund to support men, women, and children living with HIV and AIDS." 

I would really love to contribute to this initiative and I wouldn't mind purchasing a few more knowing that I could be of help to society. I just hope that everyone knows about this and I encourage everyone who reads this to do the same. I believe that Viva Glam lipsticks are permanents in every store so go get yours to partake in this movement.

As you can see, MAC Viva Glam 1 is a matte lipstick with a warm, deep cherry undertone thus making it a perfect red for any skin color. It's versatile in a sense that it can be worn from day to night as it's not necessarily bright nor dark. It boasts of the signature sweet, sugary and vanilla-y scent that's innate in all MAC lipsticks. It only takes two swipes across the lips to achieve its full opacity and application should be a breeze as the texture is creamy, albeit drying when it's been sitting for more than 3 hours. I suggest prepping the lips with a layer of balm beneath it. It also stays put for a while, it could last for 5 hours or longer, given a minimal wear activity. The first time that I had it on, I intentionally ate ramen just to road test it and I was quite surprised that it survived all that greasy goodness! Although the soup took a great deal of color, what's left was a red stain that still covered the natural color of my lips. I didn't touch up after that.

I really love this lipstick. A kind of love that is possessive, sans any intention of subjecting it to donation or worse, the trash bin, like the fate of my previous ones. The fact that I finally found a red that works for me, heck yes, I shall keep my hands clenched to this black and red bullet until the time that I have to scoop the remaining product from the tube. I always get a boost of confidence everytime I wear it. I get compliments from people about it and I feel proud sharing it with them. I've even convinced some of my friends who are also red-averse to pick up the same if given the chance. Before purchasing, I was actually battling whether to get this or Russian Red but i'm quite pleased with my choice. Aside from the fact that the color suits me and it doesn't pay honor to my already yellow teeth, making it whiter even, getting this for a good cause makes me feel that this lipstick is such a Godsend.

I'm interested to know, what's your go to red lippie?

*MAC Viva Glam 1 is available in all MAC outlets.

Stay Happy,

Khaye =)