Hello again, fellow beautyholics!

Since 1994, MAC has been actively involved in the fight against HIV and AIDS with its Viva Glam campaigns whereby every single cent made from the sale of the products in the Viva Glam line would be donated to its own AIDS fund. To further raise awareness of the cause, every Viva Glam campaign is endorsed mostly by controversial famous personalities (many of whom are also AIDS activists themselves) from the music industry. This year, joining the ranks of past ambassadors like Lady Gaga, Rihanna and Miley Cyrus is none other than.. *drums roll* ..Ariana Grande!

The announcement of the new face for the latest Viva Glam campaign had undoubtedly caused a stir among MAC fans considering the amount of bad press Ariana Grande had gotten for her “donut lick” incident as well as her unpatriotic remarks that were caught on video. But putting those criticisms aside, the Dangerous Woman hitmaker has performed a series of philanthropic work from supporting homosexuality to promoting animal rights and veganism despite being only in her early twenties. That’s very commendable if you ask me, so I have never once felt that it was a terrible decision to bring her on board.

Encased in a black tube marked by her signature on the inner cherry-red surface, the packaging of the lipstick is no different from the Viva Glam lipsticks released previously (apart from Viva Glam Rihanna which had a red rubber-textured tube). A shimmery pink Viva Glam lipglass has also been launched alongside the lipstick for those who are not fond of dark, matte lipsticks.

Contrary to expectations, the finish isn’t matte at all although it does tug at the lips a little upon application. The product felt slippery and it leaves a sheen on the lips like a Satin lipstick. With streaks and patches of darker plum colour all over the lips, it is obvious that the lipstick is unable to provide an entirely opaque coverage even after multiple swipes. The colour tends to gather at the indentations on the lips but it was near-impossible to even our the texture. Due to the inconsistent payoff of the lipstick, the lips have to be lined before being filled with the colour or else they would appear messy and undefined.

The closest dupe I have to Viva Glam Ariana Grande is probably Living Legend which leans more towards maroon than plum. As compared to other Mattes like Eugenie and Smoked Purple, Viva Glam Ariana Grande clearly seems to have a creamier but patchy formula similar to those of the newer Matte shades these days. I kinda hope MAC would revert to the drier Matte formula because I’m not diggin’ the so-called improvements made to it.

But since all proceeds from the sale of this lipstick go to helping women, men and children living with and affected by HIV/AIDS, I’m going to encourage you to buy it nonetheless 😉 This is, as how Ariana Grande had put it, guilt-free shopping because you actually get to shop with a purpose!

What do you think of the lipstick? Share your thoughts with me in the comments below!

Thanks for reading! 🙂

MAC Viva Glam Ariana Grande lipstick is now available on MACCosmetics.com and at all local MAC outlets.