MAC Viva Glam Nicki 2 Lipstick and Lipglass Review

Nicki, Nicki, Nicki...Where do I even begin? I'll start by admitting that I was never a fan of Nicki's first Viva Glam lipstick with MAC because the shade was unflattering and just not a wearable color for most complexions. But at the same time it's almost like can we really expect more from Nicki Minaj? The chick who prides herself in looking like a "Barb" with over the top personalities and attire? And to be honest when Viva Glam 2 came out I was just as disappointed if not more. In all honesty I wasn't even going to try Nicki's shades for myself because most of the swatches I have seen were enough to let me know that I did not want to spend money on something that would clearly be a waste. But when I was approached with the opportunity to review it I figured why not? Check out more of my thoughts and photos below.

Viva Glam Nicki 2 

Lipglass x Lipstick

Swatches

 Viva Glam Nicki 2 

Lipstick

A few photos of the lipstick and gloss paired together. 

Glow: Well the most positive thing about the Viva Glam collections is that all of the proceeds go towards helping those affected by HIV/Aids. So it is definitely a cause worth supporting. As far as Viva Glam Nicki 2, the color is described as a pastel lavender pink with a creamy finish. Since the lipstick and gloss are such cool shades I actually used a lip liner in Nightmoth by MAC to warm up the tone just a bit. I only used a light swipe of the liner so it's not really noticeable in the photos above but it definitely made the color a bit less washed out looking. Unfortunately I didn't do comparison swatches with and without the liner.

Glare: I guess with Nicki's brand (as odd as she can be) I can see why it makes sense in her mind to go with shades like these. But honestly as a woman of color I find it somewhat unsettling to not at least consider colors that are a bit more wearable and versatile. It just seems so single minded and all about Nicki, but again maybe that was the idea. 

Final Thoughts: Well, I don't hate it nor do I love it. And it's definitely something I would never purchase for myself because I just don't think it's flattering on me. True enough when used with darker lip liners the shade is workable and can be made deeper but to me that defeats the purpose of the original color. I like to keep it simple when it comes to makeup and I'm definitely not the one to be mixing colors. 

Where To Buy: Viva Glam Nicki 2 by MAC is currently available online and at MAC counters nationwide. To purchase or to learn more you can visit www.maccosmetics.com.

Product(s) in this post were provided for post consideration. Read our disclosure policy here. 

CONTINUE READING »

OPI Euro Centrale Collection Swatches + Review

I'm so behind with updates and I've been meaning to post these for quite some time now but life has been getting the best of me lately :-) Anywho, I'm glad spring is finally here although it's been a very rainy one so far. OPI's Euro Centrale Collection for Spring/Summer was originally released back in February and consists of 12 new shades with various textures. Check out swatches and my complete review below.

You’re Such a BudaPest 

If I let you borrow this periwinkle-purple, will you go away?

Can’t Find My Czechbook 

I hope you take credit, because I must have this aqua!

My Paprika is Hotter than Yours! 

Get the extinguisher...this fiery red is sizzling!

OPI…Eurso Euro 

This deep blue cream is very continental.

Suzi’s Hungary AGAIN! 

Thank goodness there are zero calories in this warm and yummy pink!

I Saw…U Saw…We Saw…Warsaw 

Be seen in this deep midnight blue.

Hands Off My Kielbasa! 

Get your own...this bronzy tan is all mine!

OY–Another Polish Joke! 

So this shimmery-gold walks into a bar...

A Woman’s Prague-ative 

I’m changing this shimmery copper for...never mind!

My Vampire is Buff 

Creamy, pale and nude...just how I like my vampires.

Polka.com 

Blue and violet are dancing partners in this glittery combo.

Glow: I must say that I do love the variety in color that OPI used for this collection. while I do adore brights for spring and summer I like that they threw in a few warmer shades as well. As always most of the formulas are pretty good and consistent. My favorties from the bunch are OPI…Eurso Euro (a deep ocean blue), OY–Another Polish Joke! (shimmery gold) and Polka.com (the glittery top coat). 

Glare: As I mentioned for the most part the formulas were good but what I've noticed about some of OPI's lighter creme's is that they are a bit more difficult to apply -which is what I experienced with My Vampire is Buff (the pale nude). 

Final Thoughts: I do like the collection as a whole but once again I kind of feel like I've seen half of these colors before with OPI. And in my honest opinion there are just no must-have shades that stand out to me. 

Where To Buy: Euro Centrale by OPI is currently available in various retailers nationwide. To purchase, find locations near you or to learn more please visit www.opi.com.

Product(s) in this post were provided for post consideration. Read our disclosure policy here. 

CONTINUE READING »