Back in college I volunteered as a peer health counselor, and one of my responsibilities was to visit the different dorms on campus and give presentations on HIV/AIDS awareness. Even though it took a lot of time, it was one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done (I felt like I was really helping people).
In a small way, MAC’s Viva Glam program allows me to still feel like I’m helping people, and maybe that’s one of the reasons why I like the limited edition MAC Viva Glam Cyndi and Viva Glam Gaga Lipglasses ($14.50 each) so much.
Well, it doesn’t hurt that they’re gorgeous, too. 🙂
If I had to pick between the two, I think I’d probably go with Cyndi’s shiny coral. Don’t get me wrong — I love Gaga’s creamy light bluish pink, but I tend to find warmer colors a little easier to wear.
That said, if you prefer cooler colors and/or pale pinks, you might have better luck with Gaga.
On top of everything else, both colors come with MAC’s classic sticky texture, long-wearing gloss formula (about four hours) and light vanilla scent (they are unflavored, though).
Swatches from left on NC35 skin: Viva Glam Cyndi, Viva Glam Gaga
MAC Viva Glam Cyndi Lipglass
MAC Viva Glam Gaga Lipglass
The donation resulting from the purchase of a single MAC Viva Glam lipstick or lipglass is enough to provide…
- One school stationery starter pack for a child orphaned by a parent with AIDS
- One month of public transportation for a woman to travel to and from a doctor’s office
- One monthly medication planner to help a person manage their treatment regimen
- One HIV-prevention workshop conducted by a peer health educator
- One pair of school shoes for a child orphaned by AIDS
- One counseling session for an HIV+ woman
- 15 copies of a “Tips to Eating Well with HIV/AIDS” booklet
- Two emergency boxes filled with non-perishable food
- 14 blood glucose monitoring strips
- One rapid oral HIV test
(source)
With the MAC AIDS Fund, the company hasn’t just thrown money at a problem for PR purposes. They’ve created the infrastructure to actually deliver help and services to people in an efficient way. Plus, hello! — the colors are totally hawt! 🙂 Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: A+
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
I’ve been waiting for these! Must have Cyndi Lipglass. Must have. 🙂
Yes you must!
ooh, i’m excited for the cyndi lipglass!
the gaga lipglass looks quite runny to me =/
Yeah, I hear ya. I have a hard time with pale pinks, though, so it might look better on you than it does on me. I bet it would look nice layered on top of the Gaga lipstick!
i have viva glam gaga lipstick so i’ll go with the cyndi lipglass.
Cyndi will look pretty on you. 🙂
That Cyndi lipglass looks gorgeous!
Doesn’t it though? I love it!
LOVE these. i might have to splurge for the GaGa one…should i? i never used MACs lipglass, can anyone tell me if they are too sticky? my splurge is juicy tubes.
Hi Melissa,
They feel very different from the Juicy Tubes. They’re thicker and stickier, for sure. You might want to try a little bit on first to make sure you like the texture.
I already have the Viva Glam Gaga… but I really want to buy BOTH of these 😀 They’re both so pretty and I love that they support a great cause!
I think you’ll like them a lot. You usually can’t go wrong with the MAC Lipglasses. 😀
I absolutely LOVE both of these! Cute colors inspired by great artists in support of an amazing cause….whats not to love 🙂
Awesome! I hope you love them!
The Cyndi lipglass is hawt! I’ll gladly support the cause by buying one of these. 😉
And it doesn’t hurt that they’re really pretty too, right?
YAY! I’ve been so excited to see these! I love the Gaga lipstick, but I think I’ll be going with the Cyndi gloss. Thanks, Karen!
You’re welcome Tuprnut! I hope you’ve been having a nice summer. 🙂
Both are very pretty!!
Yes they are.
I love both of them!
Yay!
I wasn’t planning to get these but after your pictures and swatches I’m tempted to get both of ’em. I have difficulty pulling off pale bubblegum pinks so I’m leaning toward Cyndi
For some reason I have a hard time with certain pale pinks too. On some women they look gorgeous… but on me I feel like they look like p0rn star lips, LOL!
I NEED both of these! I have both lipsticks, but I’m more of a lipgloss kind of gal. So excited that they came out with Lipglass versions.
I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. Both colors are really pretty!
i love and have the gaga lipstick but i think this time around, im going with cyndi!
Great choice!
Karen, how similar would you say the Cyndi lipglass is to Lychee Luxe? They look really close to me, but sometimes my laptop monitor likes to play color tricks on me!
Hi Alison,
I’d say Lychee Luxe has is more gold and orangey, while Cyndi is less gold and more red. I did a review of Lychee Luxe earlier this year (along with swatches); if you want to check it out to compare here it is!
https://www.makeupandbeautyblog.com/product-reviews/mac-unsung-heroes-lychee-luxe-lipglass/
Lemme know if you have any more questions!
I have the Cyndi lipstick and love it, I think I’ll also get it in the lipglass. I’ll probably be stocking up since it’s limited.
Good idea! Maybe two tubes?
The Cyndi lipglass is beautiful! The Gaga lipglass looks like a milk ad. 😉
Ha ha… Do you wear pale pinks well? It might look cuter on you.
The Cyndi lipglass looks hawt!
Totally smoking, right?
I always try to pick up Viva Glam stuff when they come out … and even if im loyal to Lychee Luxe ill def get these. Such pretty colors and so complimentary to the lippies!
If you like Lychee Luxe you’ll go nuts over the Cyndi gloss!
Why yes I do!
That might be the one I get. The Gaga is a bit too girlish for me!
Plus I totally love the Cyndi lippie!
MAC Viva Glam Cyndi Lipglass is gorgeous!!
Isn’t it though? I heart it!
I also work in a field relating to HIV/AIDS awareness and am amazed by the fact that they donate the whole amount rather than just an undisclosed amount (like a lot of other companies). I try and buy Viva Glam stuff whenever I can, especially the lip palettes at Christmas.
Great article Karen, I bet your readers are going to check out these products the next time they visit a MAC store and keep this information in mind. x
Hi Shiny,
I didn’t know you worked in this field! Thanks for doing what you do.
I got the Cyndi lipstick so I’m looking forward to the lipgloss for it!
I bet they’d look really pretty layered together. 🙂
Karen,
Thanks for what the money goes to- I always love the Viva Glam but wow! Consider yourself still an HIV/AIDS educator!
Thanks, Linda. 🙂 Isn’t it nice to know how your lipstick or gloss is helping someone? Yay for Viva Glam!
Oh yeah, Cyndi is so pretty! I love the lipstick, but the gloss is making my heart skip a beat!
Totally! I kinda had a feeling you’d be into Cyndi… CORAL 4-EVA!
Word to your Mother!
I just purchased the Cyndi lipstick (I have too many glosses already). I’ve been eyeing it forever and I finally just did it. I also bought Hipness Blush, which I’m excited about. I can’t wait to get them both! I just can’t get into the Lady Gaga color…maybe I’m too pale for it? I also am not into the nude lip thing, so maybe that’s my issue. Thanks for the swatches. They finally gave me the push to buy what I’ve been day dreaming about…
You’re welcome, Rachel. Enjoy your new MAC goodies (Hipness blush = <3, btw!).
Hi Rachel —
Kinda off topic, but I just tried to send you an email and it’s bouncing back. Will you please drop me an email to this address: karen at makeupandbeautyblog dot com?
I have both lipsticks, so I can’t wait to get both glosses! I’m pale and cool-toned, so Viva Glam Gaga is one of my favorite shades!
OMG! I’m excited! Can’t wait them to be launch here! I hope they will launch them here too? =( I have both lipsticks, but I guess I’ll just get Gaga one for this. I’m a huge fan of pale pink lips! <3
Great products for an awesome cause 🙂
when will they be available at MAC counters? they’re gorgeous!
This reminds me to dig out my Cyndi lipstick–the Cyndi lipglass really does loook gorgeous on you! I too prefer warmer lip shades–if only so I don’t look dead!
Karen — that’s so cool that you did that volunteering in college. I’ve always been interested in HIV/AIDS prevention, and in virology (science nerd over here, hehe). I haven’t gone to grad school yet, but I’m considering med school so that I can be an AIDS specialist. We need more people working to help those who are infected (and especially where I live — DC has the highest infection rate in the country).
On a happier note, though, the coral is really pretty on you, but I don’t know how it’d look on me. I suppose I could check it out at a counter anyway!
i need to save some money!!! i really want the cyndi one. i have the lady gaga lipstick and i realy regret it because its WAY too light for my skin tone!
I bought the Lady Gaga lipglass today and I’m amazed at how great it looks on me! I never thought I’d be able to pull a color lipgloss off and this makes me want to experiment! I completely adore it! How long has it been out so far?
I bought the Lady Gaga lipglass today and I’m amazed at how great it looks on me! I never thought I’d be able to pull a color lipgloss off and this makes me want to experiment! I completely adore it! How long has it been out so far? (Since it’s said to be limited addition for 6 months, I think?)
Cindy Lauper and Lady Gaga have done so much for the gay community. I wanted to personally thank them for being true to themselves and standing up for what they believe.
I have gaga in the lipglass and stick but I want cyndi’s gloss now its gorgeous. how does it compare to the lipstick? such a great cause to support
Hi Karen,
I have the Cyndi lipstick but im now considering the gloss aswell! Do you wear them together? Also could you suggest a look for the rest of the face to complement the Cyndi colour. I have medium auburn hair and fair-medium skin (NC20-25). Thanks so much! 🙂