Never to shirk from a challenge, the Lipstick Bandits are back to tackle "universal color." Beauty bloggers (myself included) throw that word around quite often, but are there really beauty products that truly work across all manners of lips and skin tones? An experiment is born, and we've set out to prove that there is at least one lipstick out there that deserves such a moniker. After vetoing a bunch of colors (Clinique Black Honey was a perennial favorite), the ever-wise Tracy suggested MAC Viva Glam V. We collectively had an "aha!" moment, and now here we are.
As I was editing my pictures I realized I didn't take a swatch photo of Viva Glam V, but for once I'll let it slide because my bandit friends probably have that covered (it's a bad excuse for laziness, but for now I'll take whatever saves me time!).
MAC Viva Glam V is a neutral beige nude shade. It contains quite a bit of shimmer, but you'll have to be a few inches away from the mirror to see it. From a (more human) distance, the shimmer works instead to give dimension to the lips. It features the vanilla scent that accompanies all MAC lipsticks, but the smell fades away within minutes so it doesn't bother me.
Here's what I used for the complete look:
- Skin: Le Métier de Beauté Peau Vierge Shade 2 mixed with Dr. Jart+ Premium Beauty Balm, Cle de Peau Concealer in Ochre
- Eyes: Chanel Magic Night on lids, Le Metier de Beaute Rose Champagne in inner corners and under the brow, Guerlain Noir G Mascara
- Cheeks: Burberry Earthy Blush (contour), Burberry Cameo Blush, Guerlain Sun Shimmer Highlighter in 02 Sunny Pink, Bobbi Brown Rose Gold Shimmer Brick
MAC Viva Glam V retails for $14.50 and can be found at MAC counters worldwide and maccosmetics.com. The best thing about the purchasing any iteration of the Viva Glam lipstick is 100 percent of the proceeds go to the MAC Aids Fund. I love it when a brand "goes all out" with donations!
I don't actually know if this lipstick works on everyone, but I'm about to find out (and my intuition tells me it will). Join me in seeing how Viva Glam V works on the rest of my Bandit pals, and let us know if VGV works for you as well!
- Arianne, at Glitter Geek
- Dani, at Call It Beauty.
- Danielle, at Bloomin' Beauty Blog
- Jenny, at My Funny Valentine
- Jessica, at Getting Cheeky
- Larie, at Eye Heart It
- Mariella, at Musing On Beauty
- Monika, at Rocaille Writes
- Paris, at My Women Stuff
- Rae, at theNotice: a beauty blog
- Tracy, at Beauty Reflections
I've been doing the lipstick bandit rounds and you guys have picked a seriously all-flattering color! It's very pretty on you!
ReplyDeleteXiao, Xiao, Xiao. Why so pretty? ._.
ReplyDeleteSo pretty, wands! And I love how you've layered all your cheek products together. So subtle, but so pretty <3.
ReplyDelete<3 as per usual! I love it even more because if you had posted this and I didn't own it I would have to go buy it STAT.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful. I am convinced that you can pull off any colour, from lilacs to brown pinks. You so pretty Wands!
ReplyDeleteGAH you so pretty!! It looks more pink on you and I love it. You make EVERYTHING look so good girl!
ReplyDeleteSecond to Larie's comment. Just... WHY?
ReplyDeleteIt really does work for everyone, Xiao! It looks different, but it looks good! You're gorgeous! xx
ReplyDeleteDid you really use the Guerlain Sun Shimmer in 02 (spicy coral)? I thought it would way more orange...it looks beautiful! I have it in the pink; may have to check out the coral :)
ReplyDelete(Love the lip color too!)
I like it on you! I do feel it looks a bit different on different skin tones but great overall.
ReplyDeleteI love the creamy rose shade it takes on when you wear it! It's truly universal, but also a bit of a chameleon.
ReplyDelete♥ Jessica
I think how it looks on me looks closest to how it looks on you. Maybe its the skin tone thing and I love how your blush looks. I'm going to have to try that 4 layers of powder on skin look some day. Knowing me, I'll walk out looking like I'm going to play lead in the Peking Opera >.<
ReplyDeleteLove how it looks on you! And your brows, so very perfect. And your cheekbones, chiseled as usual :P
ReplyDeleteVery pretty Xiao! I've been trying to make the rounds to see how it works on everyone, and so far so good! I'm not convinced it'll work on me, but I'll trust you guys and give it a try next time I'm in store!
ReplyDelete