Saturday, October 13, 2012

Pink Perk

From when it first came out, I've had my eye on MAC Viva Glam Nicki. Yes, it's bright, bold and possibly unwearable, but the pull remained strong. I was mostly interested in how it would apply to my lips. I'd heard that it leans coral or pink depending on the individual, and I was very much hoping it was the latter on me. Prior to my trip to New York, I'd never owned a single MAC product, so naturally I was motivated to change all that while I was there. Though I'd written quite a lengthy list of things I wanted to get, when I actually found myself at a MAC store or counter, I started to have second thoughts about whether I really needed the majority of what I'd written down. Maybe it was the sheer variety on display that gave me analysis paralysis. Maybe it was the fact there were so many other brands that had made themselves available to me at US prices, that MAC was looking slightly less desirable compared to what was at Sephora. Maybe I was thinking about the truckload of makeup I had at home that I'd never use up in my lifetime. Either way, I only ended up buying four things at MAC, three of which were lipsticks. Viva Glam Nicki was one of them.









Like most MAC products, I don't think the packaging is anything special and strikes me as utilitarian more than anything. That could be why MAC products don't really appeal to me when I see them, despite the merits of the contained product. In my eyes, the shape of the lipstick is very much akin to a fat tampon. The lipstick itself is a bright, yellow-based medium pink. On my naturally pigmented lips, I find it applies a little dark. Not like a soft Barbie pink but a bit more reddish. However, it definitely pulls more pink than coral (thankfully). I find the formula to be really drying and staining. As the lipstick is so pigmented, I probably wouldn't wear it straight from the tube, unless I wanted to invite comments about my ridiculously bright mouth. It's much more wearable and flattering when dabbed on sparingly and mixed with a bit of lip balm.



l-r: MAC Viva Glam Nicki, Revlon Lip Butter in Sweet Tart, Innoxa Pink Peony, Sportsgirl Rosie Posie

Before I acquired Viva Glam Nicki, I had a few lipsticks in my collection that I thought might be close to it. I was curious to swatch them alongside each other. In terms of colour, the Revlon Lip Butter in Sweet Tart appears to be the closest in my eyes, but it's sheerer and a smidgen darker and more raspberry-toned. Innoxa Lovely Lips in Pink Peony (swatch here) is considerably darker and more fuchsia, but equally bright. Sportsgirl Rosie Posie is less pink and more coral, but has similar pigmentation and consistency.

Overall, I'm fairly happy with Viva Glam Nicki. I don't have anything exactly like it, and for whatever reason, I always find myself drawn to slightly crazy, fun girly shades. Best of all, all proceeds of the lipstick go towards the MAC AIDS Fund. I can rationalise the purchase as making a donation to a worthwhile cause, while also getting a free lipstick.

51 comments:

  1. I think it looks great on you! I'm dying to see what else you got. I never was drawn to Viva Glam Nicki because I think it would look awful on me, but you pull it off. Also, you are so right about the MAC lipstick packaging. I quite like it, but it's definitely reminiscent of a tampon!
    S xx

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  2. The viva glam nicki is absolutely gorgeous !

    xx

    http://LiyanasAdvice.blogspot.com

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  3. I love it! It's actually on my wishlist... But it'll take a while before I get to it! But I definitely will, I have looooads of pink lipsticks but this one's colour is so unique, beautiful! Suits you well too! :) xx

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  4. Looks alot like Chatterbox from MAC,only a teeny bit brighter. You can totally pull it off :)

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  5. It looks great on you! I love your pink/peach lipstick collection!
    Thanks for the review!

    x

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  6. I like the way it looks on you but I don't think I could ever pull this off! And good thing too that you don't have any dupes in your collection. :P xx

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  7. Haha, I love your description so much!!! I had a smile on my face at 'analysis paralysis' and 'fat tampon' haha!
    Such a gorgeous colour :)

    xoox

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  8. I can definitely see its appeal now- something I couldn't comprehend before. While I like how it looks on you, I would never be bold enough to brave outside-the-bedroom with it on. I'm much more likely to continue with my Viva Glam V should-I-shouldn't-I dilemma. :S And I'm loving the more casual approaches with the more recent posts! The choice of words is really different to your past posts. :) x

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    1. I just Googled Viva Glam V, it reminds me a bit of Revlon ColorBurst lipstick in Soft Rose or Blush, or Pink Truffle Lip Butter. Could be completely off though :p Where are you thinking of buying it from (I'm assuming not the retail shop?).

      Lol, funny you should say that! My writing can fluctuate depending on my mood and enthusiasm for the subject and also general energy levels. Sometimes blogging can be a bit of a chore, and that's when I really struggle to come up with the content. I guess it's like any form of writing, sometimes it's easier and flows better, other times you're uninspired but still have to produce something anyway :p

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    2. I was eyeing Soft Rose but I stopped myself from buying it because I always went for darker rose shades and I realised my taste in colours was a bit old-fashioned and depressing, hence the renewed interest in the Revlon Lip Butters. I was actually thinking of getting it from MAC at Myer, reasoning that since the proceeds went to charity it was okay because I aim to donate every year anyway. When at Myer I'm usually at Kit Cosmetics buying Soap and Glory (or Origins, as of late!) and MAC's around the corner so I went in one day to swatch but I found it a bit overwhelming- the MUAs were unfriendly and I didn't like the displays- did you find it difficult to swatch the eyeshadows and lipsticks? I wanted to swatch Satin Taupe but I had to search for it because the shade names weren't on display.

      Hahaha your past posts sometimes came across as really professional and formal, but some were noticeably more casual- it's natural that your mood influences your writing- and I actually adore how you post every couple of days! Some days I check your blog expecting a new post because 'it's about time Lena posted' and you have and it makes my day that much better haha. But I didn't realise you felt pressured to churn the posts out. Is it a personal goal?

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    3. Not really, it's one of those things where if I don't make the post when it's still fresh on my mind and an active goal, I know I'll just lose interest and it'll never materialise. Usually after a few days if I haven't posted, I'll feel like I've neglected the blog and make a conscious effort to get something up :p

      It slipped my mind that Viva Glam V would go towards charity (funny, since that was what I mentioned in my post). It makes sense to just buy it direct from MAC then :) I think we all have our ingrained preferences when it comes to lipstick - you'll need to pull me away from peachy and pink shades - even if I continue to learn the hard way that most don't suit my skin tone.

      Oooh, you should write more on Soap and Glory and Origins! I really want to try the Vitazing moisturiser. And the Soap and Glory cleanser with the cloth, the one that's like the Liz Earle. You do have to turn over the eyeshadows to see what the name of the shade is. I remember swatching Satin Taupe and thinking it was a bit too cool-toned and similar to lots of existing eyeshadows I have, so not being overly inspired to buy it. The lipsticks are all together and I can never spot the colours that I want or even like. Everything feels really crowded and you have to pick up the individual lipstick and look at the label at the bottom to discover what shade it is. So pretty much unless you're after a particular shade, it's a lengthy process, lol.

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  9. this shade is so pretty! I've always seen people wear it as a statement lip, but I like how you've made it more wearable!

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  10. innoxa looks even prettier <3 I love this lipstick just for the bright color! :)

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  11. I think it looks great on you! Good color choice;)

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  12. so cute ... i am loving MAC color. it is looking so cute on your lips... but i am liking most sweet tart...

    www.makeupshakeups.com

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  13. Such a pretty colour! love MAC

    www.fashioncontainer.com

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  14. I think it looks lovely on you! It's perfectly bright, but the color itself isn't too too shocking. Looking forward to seeing what else you got! :D

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  15. i think nicki looks beautiful on you! i thought it would be a stark barbie pink or something, but not at all! it is just a beautiful pink. ;)

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  16. How pretty - it looks great on you. Love sweet tart too. :)

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  17. Such a lovely color!!! I have the Lady Gaga one... it's super pink!

    <3 Rubiiee

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  18. Great colour!

    gl0ssi.blogspot.ca

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  19. oh I have revlon lip butter sweet tart! But it's a bit too cooltoned for me..T.T
    but the viva glam you have on, looks more coral and wearable :-D

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  20. So beautiful, I love all pink lipstick colors!!!!

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  21. 'Analysis paralysis' LOL I've so been there, not with MAC or any other high end because they are just out of budget for me, but I get like that almost evey time I'm about to make a purchase. There's only so much makeup one can use during a lifetime and I'm pretty sure I'm set for all eternity! Having said that if I ever go to the US I'm so going broke on my return LOL
    Love the colour, I'm a lip balm/lip gloss girl but this one looks really lovely. I'd probably wear it sheered out but still, very pretty colour. xx

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  22. It looks like a great colour!
    LOL "fat tampon" xD

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  23. I like beige and warm pinks, Revlon Sweet Tart looks great!

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  24. Viva Glam Nikki looks very pretty on you! I actually like it better on you than some of the other people I had seen it on. I can see how you would need to dab it on tho, since it's so pigmented.

    xx

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  25. First off, can I just say I love looking at your photos. They're always so clear and creative! Second, I've been wanting to get my hands on Viva Glam Nicki and I think you've just convinced me! :)

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  26. I have wanted this for so long :) it looks beautiful on!
    x

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  27. lol. Your mouth doesn't look that bright. But you are right, it probably looks better with some balm, just to tone it down. Thanks for the review.
    Girlie Blog Seattle | Cheap Makeup Reviews

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  28. Wow so pretty! I love a red lip but a bright pink lip is a territory i'm scared to enter :P i'm not very daring on that front.

    http://a-la-foliee.blogspot.com

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  29. haha fat tampon! I've never noticed that before, but now I can't unsee it. although to be truthful I still quite like the shape!

    I honestly like all the shades you swatched on your hand. you have a great eye for fun cute lippie colours!

    metallicpaws.blogspot.com

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  30. I like bold lip colors too. I really like how viva glam looks~ maybe i'll have to save up and purchase this as well.. gosh all my money goes to mac! I love this brand hahaha

    Joyce @ carouselstreet.com

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  31. My good friend has that very same viva glam nicki lipstick and it's absolutely gorgeous!

    http://redberryaha.blogspot.com

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  32. When I went to a mac store I had to decide between buying this shade you got or one called 'snob' and I finally got the snob one since the packaging was the original mac one, haha but to be honest I liked yours more, it's just i didnt want to buy the nicki minaj one cause i dont like her! now that i remember that all the money goes for the mac aids fund I feel a little guilty :(
    wonderful pics :)

    http://holaflo.blogspot.com.ar

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  33. I could NEVER pull off the viva glam nicki colour, but it looks great on you! Love it !!

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  34. this is such a gorgeous pink! it's definitely one of my fave from MAC :) the shade looks great on you :)

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  35. I have been hmm-ing and ahh-ing over this lipstick for the longest time! It does look nice on you though! :D

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  36. Viva Glam Nicki is one of those colors that is super pretty but one that I could never in a million pull off. haha!

    xoxo,
    Melissa

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  37. i absolutely adore all four of those shades!

    from helen at www.thelovecatsinc.com // @thelovecatsinc

    ps. make sure you've entered my giveaway to win 30 beauty products inc. essie, EOS and more! it's worldwide too :)

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  38. It's a great color on you! hehe it does look like a fat tampon lol! :D

    ~ Yun

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  39. such a pretty color i love it! it looks so good on u!

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  40. I lol'd when you said it looks like a fat tampon haha. I still don't own any MAC products even though it's easily accessible. Some how it always seems a little intimidating for me to walk into a mac store...i don't know why - i guess i'm just weird LOL. I'm glad you did a review on it cause no one (that i came across) mentioned about the dryness but I guess the lovely colour makes up for it! So pretty!

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    1. I feel the same way, I have no idea why as well! I think I mainly just want to be left alone when I'm browsing, but I always feel pressure to buy something, or at least have an idea of what I want and be willing to pay for it. But when I'm actually looking at the stuff, I always start to have second thoughts about whether I really need it or even like it that much :p I did find the lipstick drying but to its credit, it's amazingly pigmented and has lots of lasting power, and usually I just dab it on with a bit of balm anyway :)

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  41. I love MAC lips very much and this color is great :)

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  42. I have this and just can't make it work for me. It's a lot lighter than my natural lip colour and is too yellowy-pink for my skin/teeth. ):

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