Viva Glam!

Anchoring this year M.A.C Viva Glam campaign are two iconic singers - Lady Gaga and Cyndi Lauper.

By Stephanie Zheng

The annual affair, Viva Glam, has brought much attention with its trend-setting promotional visuals. This AIDS awareness campaign releases limited edition lipsticks to raise fund every year. The full proceed from the sales goes into supporting people who are affected by the disease. Established since 1994, this campaign has yielded more than US$160 million.

This year's theme, 'From Our Lip', educates on the increasing risk of AIDS to women. Being financially, socially and biologically more vulnerable, women are more likely to become infected with HIV. They compromised their abilities to negotiate safer sex or exchange sexual favours for money or other form of support. Due to the biological structure of women, they are two times as likely to acquire HIV from unprotected sex.

Outspoken and daring, Gaga and Cyndi represent the best of women. Not afraid of being different, these two ladies pledge to keeping their love life safe yet seductive and satisfying.

Cyndi Lauper

"I think it's absolutely insane that some people have fewer rights than others, and I'm grateful that M·A·C has decided to focus on women while I'm a VIVA GLAM Spokesperson. I have so much to say and so much to share, and I'm going to let my lips and lipstick do the talking!"

This woman was said to inspire Madonna, with her quirky style and music. Achieving fame in the mid 1980s with her first album, Cyndi went on to score singles, successes and popularity with her subsequent albums. Notably, she was and still is a strong supporter and advocate for the GLBT(gays, lesbians, bisexual and trans-sexual) community, doing shows/concerts in support of the gay community and for AIDS long before Viva Glam. Being no stranger to advocating messages, Cyndi is on right on top of her game!

Lady Gaga

"I've been familiar with the campaign and have been wearing M·A·C since I was ten years old. To be joining the likes of iconic former VIVA GLAM spokespeople is an honor. My new VIVA GLAM lipstick colour is amazing. It's very me - a bluish pink, great for everyday, a little bit '80s. I hope that women buy this lipstick, and honor themselves and honor the cause."

Thrilled and honoured to be working alongside her childhood idol Cyndi Lauper, the involvement of Lady Gaga in this campaign have given it an extra glamour. Lady Gaga, churning out pop hits after hits, had her share of wild and crazy moments on stage. Talented, hardworking and quirky, teenage girls looks up to her as the ultimate icon of cool-ness and style, giving her an edge over spreading positive influence to her fans.

If you want to support the cause, head down now to any M.A.C and purchase either Viva Glam Cyndi or Viva Glam Gaga.

Available at all M.A.C counters from April 2010.