MAC released two new vibrant classic reds for their Viva Glam line with Rihanna. There is a Viva Glam Rihanna Lipstick ($16 for 3g / 0.1 US oz) and a Lipglass ($15 for 4.8 g / 0.17 US oz). The colors are bold with rich pigment. I rarely wear reds but could not resist these two. I’ve missed out on previous limited-edition Viva Glam shades, I did not want to miss out again.
The Viva Glam Rihanna Lipstick is a frost formula. It’s described as a blue-red but on me goes on much warmer without blue tones. It has a metallic warm red frost but on the lips it doesn’t appear too frosty like some MAC Frost formula lipsticks can. It’s a very pigmented bright red color – pigmented enough to cover the entire lip and show up true-to-tube on darker-toned lips. It’s a striking shade – something I’m not brave enough to wear everyday or to the office, although it’s a classic enough shade that I think one can.
The Viva Glam Rihanna Lipglass is a semi-sheer hot pink red infused with tiny red and fuschia micro sparkles. The base is a bit sheerish but layering with a brush will increase the pigment. When worn alone, it’s a bit transparent so you can see a bit of the lip underneath. When layered over lipsticks it adds sparkle and shine.
Both the lipstick and lipglass versions are fairly similar in color, they are almost an exact match. The lipglass flashes a bit more blueish due to the cool-toned sparkles. Swatches side by side:
I pulled a few other darker colors I have to compare. Most of my lipsticks are neutrals or peachy colors. As you can see the darker ones I have are still more on the neutral side. Below shown is MAC Viva Glam IV Lipstick, MAC Viva Glam VI Lipstick and Lipglass, MAC Astral Cremesheen Glass (discontinued), Chanel Pink Pulsion Glossimer (discontinued) and Burberry Mallow Pink Lip Gloss (swatched here).
Both are classic reds I think are truly universally flattering. I’m not sure that I think I could pull them off for everyday or for every occasion, but I do think I can wear them for more special occasions. The pigment of the lipstick is very impressive. I wish more MAC lipsticks had that kind of color payoff (although I am a huge fan of the sheers and lustres). Did you pick up the new Viva Glam Rihanna shades? What’s your favorite Viva Glam to date?
MAC Viva Glam Rihanna Lipstick and Lipglass are both available at all MAC stores and counters now. Online at Maccosmetics.com, Nordstrom, Bloomingdales and Macy’s.
