Make uP: MAC Viva Glam

Sexy AND for a good cause?!

Back in the day, when the pH was just a measly little email I’d send out to a few buddies and co-workers, my friend Michelle would continuously give me great ideas for upcoming “Miss P’s Fashion Tips.” Whether it was for makeup, hair products or the best boots for curvier calves, she was and continues to be a great inspiration when I can’t decide on what the heck I want to write about. Last week, Michelle informed me that she thought she had died and gone to heaven when she tried the new MAC Viva Glam Cyndi Lauper lipstick and has been getting non-stop compliments whenever she wears it. It was a timely email since I’d been thinking about featuring Viva Glam lipsticks for a while now.

In 1994, MAC created Viva Glam I, a stunning “retro red” lipstick, and donated 100% of the proceeds to the MAC AIDS Fund, a charity supporting men, women and children worldwide who are affected by the HIV/AIDS virus. In the 16 years that followed, MAC has developed six continuous Viva Glam lipsticks and two glosses, joined forces with many notable celebrities to design “special edition” Viva Glam products and, best of all, has raised over $100 million for this worthy cause.

Here’s a quick guide to the Viva Glam Series:

Viva Glam I– The very first in the series, Viva Glam I is the perfect neutral red (i.e. not clownish) that’s completely matte, long-wearing and devoid of all those scary old lady orange tones. Think Chicago not Grannytown.

Viva Glam II- This satin finish pink-beige reminds me of an Austin Powers fembot. I’d pair it with black liquid liner for a 1960s factory girl look.

Viva Glam III- This matte lipstick, described as a “foxy brown plum,” looks really great on African American and darker skin tones. It’s no wonder Mary J. went crazy for this shade.

Viva Glam IV– A rose-based frost lipstick with a gold pearl sheen, this is a lovely summer shade.

Viva Glam V- For those who like a clean face with the slightest bit of shimmer, this pure neutral pink is definitely for you. Layer the Viva Glam V lip glass on top for some added pop.

Viva Glam VI- This warm terracotta plum provides a perfect finish for the lavender and orchid shadows of the spring season. The Viva Glam VI lip glass brushed on top softens the color a bit for daytime.

Viva Glam Cyndi- Named after spokeswoman, Cyndi Lauper, this is a light reddish coral that complements many skin tones (I’m olive with dark hair and Michelle is fair with red hair and it works for us both. Way to go, MAC!).

Viva Glam Gaga– Lady Gaga inspired this light bluish-pink lipstick and drag queens everywhere are shaking in their sequins; definitely a statement on the old pucker.

Viva Glam is $14 a tube, which is certainly not the cheapest lipstick on the market, but the quality of the product and the fact that all proceeds go to such a great cause makes it worth every penny. Available at http://www.maccosmetics.com

For more about the MAC AIDS Fund, please visit: http://www.macaidsfund.org

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Change it uP: I Love Extreme Makeovers

There are two things a client can say that will make me absolutely swoon as a colorist: 1.) “Do whatever you want” and 2.) “I want to make a drastic change.”

I was born with dark brown hair and I’ve accepted the fact that unless I wear a wig, I will probably never change beyond the dark brown-black-aubergine family. I’m boring, but I know what does and does not work for me. And while I love doing beautiful, organic color and subtle highlights on others, it’s the color that turns a person into someone else that truly keeps me on my toes. Drastic changes, although thrilling, can be a little intimidating for a colorist, but when they work, they really work. I did both the before and after color on Sophy. 

Sophy: Highlighted Blonde to Firey Red

Sophy is an awesome girl: a tall, blonde dancer who is fully tattooed and completely fearless. One afternoon she sent me an email asking what I thought about her going red. At first I thought maybe a strawberry blonde or a light copper, but no, she wanted to go balls to the wall, cherry bomb red. Sophy booked an appointment for the next day and a few hours later, she walked out the door as a drop dead gorgeous redhead.

Sophy Version 1.0:

Sexy and Straight

Sweet and Curly

Sophy Version 2.0:

Sasstastic!

 For those out there who are considering a major change, I beg you: Do not attempt to do it at home! Please seek the assistance of a professional. Trust me, I’ve seen enough green hair, hot pink roots and chemical haircuts to KNOW that at home makeovers are not the way to go. A consultation costs nothing and can save a lot of heartache later.

And for anyone who would be willing to completely change it up for this blog, email me at: alysonph@gmail.com