What's New: MAC Nicki Minaj VIVA GLAM Nicki 2 Lipstick and Lipglass

Okay, so there’s a white elephant in the room, and I have to address it before I go any further. A few months ago, when details for this new MAC VIVA GLAM/Nicki Minaj series of lip colors were released—there were a TON of negative comments about it all around the web. To be fair, I read many positive comments too—but sadly, they were mostly negative. I’m more of a “glass half full” person, especially until I get a product in my hot little hands before making my judgements. I think it’s only fair!

VIVA GLAM Nicki 2 is now available in both a lipstick, and a Lipglass formula. Both shades lean pastel lavender-pink with entirely different finishes and pigment payoff between the two products. (And both are completely different from the original VIVA GLAM Nicki shade.) Let’s delve a little further, shall we?

In my opinion, there are three key customers for this lipstick/Lipglass shade:

There’s ME. I am an avid supporter of ALL things VIVA GLAM, whether I’ll ever wear the shade or not. Some may think that’s silly; but here’s what’s NOT silly about it. Since its inception in 1994, all VIVA GLAM sales have benefited the MAC AIDS Fund. 100% of the selling price of VIVA GLAM goes directly to men, women, and children affected by HIV/AIDS. Over $250 million, just from the sale of lipsticks, has changed the quality of life for people who really need it. It goes far beyond just being a lipstick for me. This is powerful stuff.

There are Nicki Minaj devotees that will buy anything associated with her. Nothing wrong with that! Because hey! 100% of this is going to the MAC AIDS Fund. (And I remember a time in my life where I bought anything associated with New Kids on the Block and Kirk Cameron. It happens.)

And finally—different strokes for different folks. Life without color is BORING! And if you like these lavender shades, ROCK them and pay no mind to anyone. If you like it, it’s all that matters. And that’s about all I’m going to say about that.

Were these new shades for me personally? Unfortunately not. I’m not hating! But let me tell you—I am still wearing the heck out the original VIVA GLAM Nicki Lipglass shade!

VIVA GLAM Nicki 2 Lipglass

VIVA GLAM Nicki 2 Lipstick

The Lipglass feels like a standard Lipglass to me, with the familiar vanilla-like Lipglass scent and slight stickiness. You may not be able to pick it up in the swatches, but the VIVA GLAM Nicki 2 Lipglass has a little bit of shimmer in it. It does slightly settle in my lip lines. If you’re lucky enough not to have as many lines as I do, you may be able to get away with it without worrying about that.

The VIVA GLAM Nicki 2 Lipstick is an Amplified satin cream with such a beautiful soft, cushiony finish. Too bad it didn’t translate well with my skin tone at all. I have a feeling we could have been better friends if that weren’t the case!