Kelley Hecker Loves MAC Viva Glam Lipstick (and Lady Gaga)

By Venus Zine Staff
Published: March 9th, 2010 | 7:30pm

I recently bought the two new additions to MAC's Viva Glam line because the nerd in me has a hard time resisting anything involving Lady Gaga. The super deluxe limited edition The Fame Monster that came with a gorgeous book, goodies, and both albums? Hells yeah! A couple overpriced T-shirts and a pair of sweet sunglasses from the merch table? You know it! An awesome battery-powered glow stick and bracelet? All righty! (In all seriousness, those really were great, cheap souvenirs, and seeing hundreds of people dancing with them in hand somehow enhanced what was already a mind-blowing show.) A pack of condoms from her upcoming line? Okay, I'll probably pass on that, even though the fact that all proceeds go to Planned Parenthood makes me love Gagaloo even more.

Anyway, when I read MAC had selected Lady Gaga and Cyndi Lauper as the faces of this year's campaign, I was thrilled. They're both intelligent and strong, and while promoting the product, they excellently articulated the importance of safe sex. Hopefully this was an eye-opener for women of all ages. (If you're unfamiliar with Viva Glam, every cent made goes to the MAC AIDS Fund.)

I'm shy and prefer to blend in rather than stand out, so appropriately most of my lipsticks are subtle shades of shimmery peach and rose, easy to put on and quick to wear off. Both Viva Glams are matte with a nice punch. "Gaga" is an icy bluish pink, while "Cyndi" is a light reddish coral. I've been wearing "Cyndi" quite often. The color is bold enough to help me feel put together even if it's the only makeup I'm wearing, yet doesn't make me feel self-conscious. It also lasts all day and doesn't dry out my lips as many long-lasting products do. And, of course, it's great to know my money is going toward something worthwhile. I still like my Maybelline, but next time I'm looking for a new tube, MAC will be my first stop.

Kelley Hecker is a Venus Zine editorial intern