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.