Swatch & Review: MAC Viva Glam Nicki Minaj

I was so excited to get this in the mail yesterday--shipping was so fast! The second Nicki Minaj-MAC collaboration following Pink Friday back in 2010, Viva Glam Nicki will be available to everyone February 15th 2012 through February 2013. I knew the moment I heard about this I'd be one of the first in line to snatch it up because I am a fan of Nicki Minaj and I love the beauty collaborations I've seen from her! As with all of the Viva Glam lipsticks, all proceeds go to the MAC Aids Fund. I didn't purchase Ricki Martin's lip conditioner because A. I've never been into him and B. I have a million lip conditioning products already.

I loved this the second I opened it--look at that pink!

Color Description
MAC describes this lipstick as a show-stopping yellow-pink with a satin finish, which translates to more of a watermelon-ish pink to me. Almost a coral! On my lips, which most of you know are barely pigmented naturally, this became a hot watermelon-pink.

Isn't this a crazy color on my lips? I love it!!! I was surprised by how bright it was, it's almost neon. Because it's so bright you really have to get coverage on your lips, otherwise it will look super patchy.

Texture/Application
I was a little surprised by the texture, which I found to be a bit drier than my other MAC satin lipsticks. The satin finishes tend to be slightly matte, but I don't find them to be dry on my lips. This one was even a tad dry while I applied it. I'm wondering if it's because it's so insanely pigmented. At the same time, I haven't seen anyone else point out how dry they thought it was so maybe it's just mine? I'm thinking I may buy a second and see if there's any difference. I'm also going to try using it over a thicker lip balm than the one I used today, which was very thin. Also, while I typically use a lip brush to apply everything to my lips, this is probably the only time I'll ever suggest using it straight from the tube because I found it applied more evenly because it went on thicker.

Viva Glam Nicki vs. Pink Friday
If you're like me, one of the first things that probably crossed your mind when you heard Nicki Minaj was teaming up with MAC a second time was--Is this lipstick going to be identical to Pink Friday? Well, here's your answer...

The answer is obvious--No! Viva Glam Nicki is nothing like Pink Friday. Viva Glam Nicki is a watermelon-coral, while Pink Friday is a bright, light fuchsia pink. Rest at ease, you can certainly own both! ;) Though obviously this only pertains to those that already own Pink Friday as it was limited edition and no longer available.

 


Price
These will sell for $14.50 retail and the proceeds will go towards a fabulous cause!

Where to Buy
You can purchase this at MAC stores as well as on MAC's website www.maccosmetics.com starting February 15th.    

Final Thoughts
Despite having a little bit of trouble getting an even coat, I absolutely love this color! It is a bold, bright, gorgeous pink that isn't identical in any way to Nicki Minaj's last MAC lipstick--Pink Friday. And best of all, whether you're a fan of Nicki Minaj or just a fan of fun lipsticks, you'll donate to a great cause with every purchase!

Is this on your list of must-haves?  

Update (2/4): I've reached out to MAC to see if there's a reason for the drier consistency (whether it's the extreme pigmentation like I suspect or if I just happened to get an abnormal tube of Viva Glam Nicki). I'll report back when I know more!

This item was purchased by me from MAC, all opinions are my own.