Going Gaga Since (we) Girls Just Want To Have Fun

Viva Glam gets a double-dose this year by launching two new LE lipsticks this spring featuring two of the music industry's most popular icons - Cyndi Lauper and Lady Gaga.

[photo from omgcelebrities.com]

Cyndi Lauper made waves during the 80s and became the first female singer to have four top-five singles released from one album. Her songs "Time After Time" and "Girls Just Want To Have Fun" have been popular favorites during that time. Last year, she also became one of the celebrities who designed a T-shirt for the second Fashion Against AIDS campaign, a collaboration between H&M and Designers Against AIDS to raise HIV/AIDS awareness. That and a lot more achievements plus her timeless spunk makes her an apt endorser for Viva Glam.

Fast-forward to this day and age, Lady Gaga has wowed youngsters with her talent and artistic capability. Her songs are forever blasting at the store plus who doesn't love the way she surprises us with her out-of-this world costumes and makeup? I think every mp3 player has a Lady Gaga song in it. She's famous among fans in various age groups.

The lipsticks have been so popular there were reservations made in every MAC store and these babies were sold out in less than a week the moment they arrived on counter. Fortunately, I was able to purchase a Cyndi Lauper lipstick and I set on reviewing both shades for those who are curious about it.

The difference between these two lipsticks between the traditional Viva Glam lipsticks is that instead of numbers, they are labeled according to the names of these artists and each lipstick has their signature. On the left is the Cyndi Lauper lipstick, and on the right is Lady Gaga.

Above are swatches. Cyndi Lauper is more of a warm red-orange shade while Lady Gaga takes on a cool pastel pink finish. Both are Lustre finishes, so they're sheer and less dry than traditional matte and satin lipsticks. Swatched twice, you see the lip texture through, so for a more opaque finish, we need a third coat or so.

Here are three coats of Cyndi lipstick on my lips. Instead of a berry or wine red, I get a very subtle red color that looks very rosy on the lips. On its own, I could use this on a bride who would want some color on her lip without looking too outlandish. In fact, I used this on my trial makeup for my bride and she loved it. Cyndi red is less intimidating than the traditional Russian Red, so this is one entry-level red for girls. It does give a bit of a rosy lift on the lips, without looking too over-the-top.

The pastel pink of Lady Gaga lipstick is more on the nude side than the bright pink. If you remember Saint Germain from the Euristocrats collection, it's quite similar. The only difference is that Saint Germain is more opaque, being in an Amplified finish. It looks great with smoky eyes, just like how Lady Gaga wears her eyes (I bet a little subtle in real life). Actually, I think instead of on its own, Lady Gaga would look better if topped over another pink lipstick in a satin or matte finish. Try topping this with another MAC favorite lipstick like Pink Noveau. It will tame down the bright pink and add a bit of gloss too, if you're not fond of the sticky gloss.

Among the two, the Cyndi happens to be my favorite. I like the Lady Gaga though, but I like how Cyndi brightens up the face. Plus, I could use Cyndi even with minimal makeup. On days when I feel the urge for smoky eyes though and a pale lip, Lady Gaga could be another option.

[MAC Viva Glam lipsticks are available at all MAC counters for a limited time only. Each lipstick retails for Php950. Every cent of your purchase of the Viva Glam lipstick goes directly to the MAC AIDS fund, which was developed to support people who are living with HIV/AIDS worldwide]