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MAC Viva Glam Rihanna Lipstick & Lipglass Reviews, Photos, Swatches

MAC Viva Glam Rihanna Lipstick
MAC Viva Glam Rihanna Lipstick

MAC Viva Glam Rihanna Lipstick ($16.00 for 0.10 oz.) is described as a “blue-red [with a Frost finish].” It’s a brightened, medium, slightly muted, red with neutral to warm undertones. It doesn’t really read blue-based on me, but when I swatch it next to really blue-based reds and really orange-based reds, it doesn’t seem like it leans either direction. I think your undertones and natural lip color may influence whether it looks cooler or warmer on you more so than the average lipstick shade. It wore well for five hours and was lightly hydrating–the consistency just glided on well, and it was a really lovely lipstick all-around. The color coverage was opaque. However, mine had a waxy scent, no vanilla at all, so I don’t know if that’s a batch inconsistency or not–I purchased mine from MAC’s website directly. MAC Red Necessity (LE, $20.00) is brighter, cooler. Chanel Audacieuse (134) (LE, $34.00) is lighter. MAC Prepare for Pleasure (LE, $16.00) is a little darker. Edward Bess Eternal Passion (P, $32.00) is warmer. NARS Hyde Park (P, $25.00) is more muted. Guerlain L’Heure Bleue (P, $35.00) is darker. Dior Marilyn (LE, $36.00) is more matte. See comparison swatches.

MAC Viva Glam Rihanna Lipglass ($15.00 for 0.17 fl. oz.) “blue-red [with a Frost finish].” It’s a soft, muted red with subtle cool undertones and gold and pink shimmer. It had semi-opaque color coverage, applied evenly for the most part, and only minimally settled into lip lines. It lasted for four hours on its own. Revlon Strawberry (P, $7.49) is warmer. NYX Sunrise (P, $4.99) is brighter, warmer. Dior Ceremony Red (LE, $28.00) is darker. See comparison swatches.

MAC Viva Glam Rihanna Lipstick
MAC Viva Glam Rihanna Lipstick

MAC Viva Glam Rihanna Lipstick
MAC Viva Glam Rihanna Lipstick

MAC Viva Glam Rihanna Lipstick
MAC Viva Glam Rihanna Lipstick

MAC Viva Glam Rihanna Lipstick
MAC Viva Glam Rihanna Lipstick

MAC Viva Glam Rihanna Lipstick
MAC Viva Glam Rihanna Lipstick

MAC Viva Glam Rihanna Lipstick
MAC Viva Glam Rihanna Lipstick

MAC Viva Glam Rihanna Lipstick
MAC Viva Glam Rihanna Lipstick

MAC Viva Glam Rihanna Lipstick
MAC Viva Glam Rihanna Lipstick

MAC Viva Glam Rihanna Lipstick
MAC Viva Glam Rihanna Lipstick

MAC Viva Glam Rihanna Lipglass
MAC Viva Glam Rihanna Lipglass

MAC Viva Glam Rihanna Lipglass
MAC Viva Glam Rihanna Lipglass

MAC Viva Glam Rihanna Lipglass
MAC Viva Glam Rihanna Lipglass

MAC Viva Glam Rihanna Lipglass
MAC Viva Glam Rihanna Lipglass

MAC Viva Glam Rihanna Lipglass
MAC Viva Glam Rihanna Lipglass

MAC Viva Glam Rihanna Lipglass
MAC Viva Glam Rihanna Lipglass

MAC Viva Glam Rihanna Lipglass
MAC Viva Glam Rihanna Lipglass

MAC Viva Glam Rihanna Lipglass over Lipstick
MAC Viva Glam Rihanna Lipglass over Lipstick

MAC Viva Glam Rihanna Lipglass over Lipstick
MAC Viva Glam Rihanna Lipglass over Lipstick

MAC Viva Glam Rihanna Lipglass over Lipstick
MAC Viva Glam Rihanna Lipglass over Lipstick

Makeup Look
On eyes:
  • Tom Ford Escapade Cream Eyeshadow
  • Urban Decay Rockstar Eyeliner
On face:
  • Guerlain Parure de Lumiere Foundation
  • Kevyn Aucoin The Celestial Liquid Highlighter (mixed with foundation)
  • Hourglass Luminous Light Ambient Lighting Powder
On cheeks:
  • Hourglass Mood Exposure Ambient Lighting Blush / Revlon Naughty Nude Blush

193 Comments

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kayce Avatar

i adore how rih is taking cues from such classic lip colors in most of her MAC collab… first ruby woo and now revlon’s “cherries in the snow” (it seems to me, anyway). i love all the play on classic shades, as well as the idea of paying homage to some of the cult faves.

Ivana Avatar

Although I´m not a fan of frost finishes, this lipstick might change my mind. It looks so lovely on you, Christine! I think I need to try this on myself to see whether it will appear too frosty for my liking or not.

Cindy Avatar

I did get both of these. I haven’t worn them yet, but when I swatched the lipstick on my hand it looked more like a “foil” finish than the frosts of yesteryear. I used to wear a frosted pink lipstick from either Brucci or Wet N’ Wild in the 8th grade (we are talking 1985 here) and frosts didn’t look like this back then, LOL! The finish on the lipstick is very similar to the finish Kat Von D Foiled Love Lipstick. The color is very close to Beranice. I have both Beranice and Adora.

Rad Avatar

I wore the Kat Von D Adora and Rihanna viva glam side by side – close up they have their differences; KVD Adora is way more metallic and a slightly cooler red but from afar they look exactly the same to me. I think both are great lipsticks.

Alyssa M Avatar

Mine did have the regular vanilla scent – so yours must have been a fluke. I am very cool toned, and this looks ever so slightly warm on me as well. It appears to lean that way more — possibly because of the shimmer? I didn’t get the gloss – wish I had as it looks lovely. I might have to grab that when I get the MSF’s from the new collection (I’ve yet to get Stereo Rose!)

Bre Avatar

I’m going to purchase the lipstick, had a chance to swatch it @ Nordstrom & thankfully it doesn’t look frosty + the 100% donation to Hiv/Aids individuals/families, looking good & helping others while doing so $16+ well spent.

Caroline Avatar

Very pretty, especially with the gloss over it! The lipstick is very similar to Kat Von D’s foiled lipstick in Adora (Adora is a little brighter though) which I have, so I will be passing. I don’t remember noticing any scent or lack there of when I swatched it at Nordstrom’s yesterday, but interesting!

Sarah Avatar

I was kind of nervous about this when I bought it but it’s really, really stunning! Far more wearable in my opinion than some of the other recent Viva Glam campaigns. Plus, I love that it’s not really duped by anything in the Rihanna collections from last year. I think the lipstick might become a mainstay for me as it looks great–on me it pulls slightly warm. I’ve already bought an extra 🙂

Plus, I love the packaging. Very sleek and sexy.

Sarah Avatar

You are seriously the only thing that hold me back from having absolutely zero self restraint when it comes to buying new makeup. I always tell myself “take a breathe, wait a minute, Christine will post her review soon and you can make sure a) you don’t own it, and b) Christine says it’s worth it.”
Thank you SO much for being my go to daily pick me up, and my best friend when it comes to making great makeup choices!

Kathi Avatar

Oh my gosh, this colour looks beautiful! I hope that I’ll be able to get it as it is a part of the limited Viva Glam range and therefore it’s justified to spend a bit more mone (that’s what I think, lol). 🙂
Do you know when it’ll be available in Europe? (:
Greetings from Austria! 🙂
Kathi

JJ Avatar

It looks good on you, Christine! But, I knew I wouldn’t like this color. I was waiting for your swatch to confirm that I really just don’t like it. I don’t know if it’s the Frost finish that turns me off, her on another campaign with MAC or just the off beat red. Hmph, I’m sure a few other ladies might like this tho!

Santa Avatar

Yes! I’ve been waiting for this review to help sway me and I’m swayed! I think this is a beautiful lipstick and I will definitely be purchasing this. I know people have their opinions about Rihanna and may not purchase this, but I’m not motivated by the fact that Rihanna is the spokesperson. I will be purchasing this set because it’s for a great cause and it looks beautiful.

Christine Avatar

Here you go!

THE MAKEUP LOOK
On eyes: Tom Ford Escapade Cream Eyeshadow, Urban Decay Rockstar Eyeliner. On face: Guerlain Parure de Lumiere Foundation, Kevyn Aucoin The Celestial Liquid Highlighter (mixed with foundation), Hourglass Luminous Light Ambient Lighting Powder. On cheeks: Hourglass Mood Exposure Ambient Lighting Blush / Revlon Naughty Nude Blush.

Maggie Avatar

Love this color! The packaging is adorable too.
I think you typo-d lipstick in the 2nd portion, should read lipglass. Was slightly confused and thought there was two lipsticks 😀

Tina Avatar

Such a pretty red on the lipstick, and love the lipglass as well! Hope we’ll get these in Sweden, I’ll be in line to buy – love the whole Viva Glam concept, am happy to part with my money for a good cause!

shelley Avatar

Against my NC45 skintone this beautiful lippie was aging on me. Which is a shame because its beautiful color….it just doesn’t work for me. I gave both the lipstick and gloss to a co-worker and it looks fab on her.

CKG Avatar

Hi
The second part of the review is for the lipglass, right? They’re both tagged as lipstick but the price etc has to be for the gloss?
I was feeling all Mac/Riri-ed out but these look really nice (the gloss especially). Damn lol

fancie Avatar

I’m getting the lipstick for the packaging and cause but the color is just meh. I’m glad it doesn’t look frosty or feel drying because I’m not really a frost fan! It just KILLS me they had to make this red though. After having RiRi Woo shoved in my face literally all last year I’m SO over red lippies!

Manon Avatar

Thanks again Christine for having a complete review on a waited product ! I just can’t take a decision of buying makeup if I haven’t seen your review on it ! 🙂
I was disappointed to see that it was a red but it seems completely different from the Riri Woo which I have, and the Viva Glam cause is always more forgiving in case of splurge 😉
It’s going to be there for a year so I don’t need to hurry to get my hands on it that’s a good thing 🙂

Alla Avatar

You look great with both, but when they’re layered, they look really fantastic on you! I’m so glad Mac went with a colour most people can wear for this VG; much as I support the cause, I didn’t want to buy VG Gaga or Nicki because I found those colours quite difficult to pull off.

Kristy Avatar

I just got this and I really like it – it’s an interesting shade. I love a shimmery red (I think it’s the ruby slipper association), and this is a neutral red on me, especially when combined with the lipglass. I usually go for cooler and deeper reds, as warm colors make me look sallow and make my teeth look yellow, but this one didn’t do that. Definitely worth a try.

Melissa Avatar

I LOVE this lipstick and lipglass. I got RiRi Woo because I liked the way it looked on others and even though I love the intense color and the long wear, I’ve never been a huge fan of the matte finish on myself. I like a glossy/shiny look and much more comfort. But I LOVE Viva Glam Rihanna! I like the frosty finish, I love the bright bold color and I really love the way the lipglass looks layered on top of the lipstick. I also got a red pro longwear pencil from MAC that day (can’t remember the name of it) and this combination will last for hours, I feel.

Veronica Avatar

Ooh, this is a pleasant surprise. Quite a pretty color – though I can assure you from experience that this will definitely pull blue-red, possibly even pinky-red on us cool-toned folk. I’ve got enough reds to last me a lifetime, but I wouldn’t mind adding a frosty one to the collection if it means supporting Viva Glam. 🙂

Miss Louise Avatar

I just got the lip glass and I’m pretty happy with it! It’s a bit gritty, but it looks like ruby red slippers so I can avoid that flaw! haha
I’m thinking about picking up with lipstick because I think it would be a better duo than just having one or the other!

Kristi Avatar

I’m wearing the lipstick now! I really like this one. I was kind of skeptical about the frosted red at first too but I get all the MAC reds for the most part and I really like this one. I think it would be very wearable for almost any skin tone.

Gabrielle Avatar

Thanks for the reviews and swatches!
I tend to wait to see what you grade an item before purchasing it.
I was very glad when I saw this post and found out the lipstick rating.
I really like the shade of red and it was not too frosty. Plus, I love the packaging.
I am planning on purchasing this item to be part of my Valentine’s Day look.

PaoPao Avatar

These look gorgeous on you Christine!
SInce I already have the Riri Woo lipstick; I might pass on getting another red. However, I am getting the lipglass… I am intending to layer it over Riri Woo… let’s hope it’s a good experiment! haha

Amanda Koker Avatar

I love the lipstick. Of all the Rihanna lipsticks that came out this last year or so, this one is the best. IMO. Temptalia could you possibly swatch it next to Russian Red? I’d like to see the colour comparison.

maisha Avatar

Just want to start off by saying i luv luv the packing. I am NW45 in mac and i luv luv luv riri glam lippie and lipglass. I wore mac brick lipliner with the viva glam lippie with the viva glam gloss and it was awesome, i received so many compliments. With that being said i am not a fan of frost lippies, but i luv this one,and the money is going to a great cause.

Quinctia Avatar

Well, I don’t like MAC, and I normally don’t like reds. But I like these. And the money’s going to charity, so…I might get one or both. That gloss looks like sparkly strawberry syrup!

Aquinna Duyan Avatar

The lipstick and lip gloss looks amazing! Though I like the gloss better. ey compliment each other very well. It’s nice that the lipstick doesn’t look similar to Ririwoo. They compliment each other very well.

Lara Avatar

I’m thinking in buying it, I’ve seen many swatches, I like the colour in ones but not in others where the lipstick looks too frosty and shimmery. I think it’s not a common frost lipstick like others in the permanent range, it’s like an amplified finish lipstick but with a bit of shimmer, am I wrong? I don’t know what to do! Maybe I’ll have to try it on my lips and convince myself that I need it. Hum!

Kate Avatar

This whole look is stunning on you Christine. Loving the lippies, will have to invest in both I think, particularly love the lipstick, but together… fabulous!

faerieevenstar Avatar

I actually love the colours and finishes of these. I’m sick of Rhianna being plastered on everything, but I do like the look of the products, which ultimately is what matters! Uh oh. I think I just heard my wallet wincing and crying…

Andrea Avatar

Hi Christine! Do you know if this collection will be in MAC stores anytime soon? I bought the lipstick based on your recommendation but am waffling a bit on the lipgloss (looks lovely on you! Just not sure if it’s for me). Apologies if you already answered this question.

Krystel M Avatar

Wow, I picked mine up at a MAC counter and it looks so much darker/warmer on me. It may be the lighting that you’re using. Your review makes so much sense now because I bought mine the day it launched and everyone at the counter was wearing the lipstick/lipglass combo but I could’ve sworn they were playing a trick on the customers. The combo so looked different on each of the sales associates, granted a few of them blamed it on the liner they had chosen. Either way, it looks great on you!

Neha Avatar

The packaging of the lipstick is definitely very stunning, I got mine today and I couldn’t get over feeling the tube ,its such a beautiful deep velvet red color. The lipstick is also nice, there is fine shimmer all over and despite owning almost all reds from MAC P range, I couldn’t find any dupe to it. I have all the reasons to keep it plus its packaging is something I can’t let go away. 🙂

Corliss Avatar

I purchased the lipstick and have already worn it, it applies so smoothly and pigmented and I love the color red with a frost finish. I will be purchasing a backup to always carry in my purse for lipstick emergencies. I’m going to get the lip glass as well even though I’m not a lip gloss girl.

Binnie Avatar

This looks a much nice lipstick finish then riri woo does the lipstick bear any reassemble to the lipsticks realsed with the Marilyn Monroe collection that mac did ??

MimiJoy Avatar

Dear Christine, which lipliner would you use with VGRihanna? I do have MUFE Gloss Lab Shine in color S8 could that resemble a little bit the VG Lipglass, especially on top of VGRihanna lipstick?

april perez Avatar

Hi Christine! I wanted to ask if the Viva Glam Rihanna is a bit similar (in terms of its shade only) with Riri Woo? I understand it’s limited edition and I blame myself for now purchasing more than 1 🙁 I wanted to see if the Viva Glam Rihanna can replace my current go-to lipstick which is Riri Woo.

Thanks!!!

XO,
April

Nitika Avatar

I love all your swatch posts. Whenever I visit MAC to try new shades, I make sure that I check the swatches you post on my phone and I tried this lipstick in a store here in India yesterday.
The colour does look great, and it lasted on me well for 4-5 stores but I already have many Reds with me (including Ronnie Red, Riri Woo, Chili, Deeply Adored and 014 Dolce Vita from Dior) .

So can you please suggest if this one is like really different and unique from the rest that would tempt me enough to buy it? 🙂

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