MAC Viva Glam V Lustre Lipstick: Review and Swatches

MAC Lustre Lipstick Viva Glam V Review and swatches

By Contributor: Anuya

Natural is definitely beautiful however adding a tiny bit of makeup makes it glam! Now who doesn’t like a play on words and a nude lipstick? Launched in 2004, this shade has fast become a star among other Viva Glam shades. Viva Glam V which I will review and swatch today, I feel, is a must have for anyone who loves a neutral lip without having to wear a lipglass. Aptly named, this lipstick makes you feel as though you tried quite hard to get that moist- nude- shimmery lip. This is my first lustre lipstick

from MAC and I’m completely satisfied with it.

MAC Claims: A pure neutral pink with a delicious lustre finish. (Very accurately described). Read more here

Although I have tried numerous budget brands for nude and MLBB lipsticks however, there’s something alluring about this shade. So much so that I’m in mortal fear that I’ll run out if I use this shade too often! Then again, I gleefully remind myself of the Back-To-MAC offer!

Viva Glam V is the sort of shade that you need two to three swipes of and you’re done. However, I’ve recently discovered my love for lip liners so I use a nude lip liner along with this lipstick. If you like using a liner to give a crisp look to your lips, you may use a liner. I wear both ways. This shade goes with all kinds of eye makeup and even with just mascara and blush. It does not wash my lips out due to the subtle sheen that stays even after a meal. However it does leave behind some gold microshimmer particles on the lips once it is removed.

Since I have dry lips, MAC matte shades are my enemies but on the other hand, the lustre finish is my friend indeed. For someone with pigmented lips this does a satisfactory job. It smells a little like vanilla cupcake but wears off a little while after application. It will not bother those with a sensitive nose.

Viva Glam V is a feel good lipstick. Why you ask? One, it feels like a balm on the lips. Two, the money from the sales of these lipsticks go toward a good cause.

Packaging: The packaging is the typical black sturdy bullet with details in red.

Swatches in natural light

Here is how it looks on my lips

My lip swatches with a nude lip liner underneath

Pros of MAC Viva Glam V Lustre Lipstick:

• Classy red and black packaging
• Staying power is good
• Feels balmy on dry lips, won’t dry them out
• Frequent application is not required
• Light on the lips – does not feel like one is wearing a lipstick
• Can be worn with or without a liner
• Subtly fragrant
• It has the feel of a lipstick and look of a gloss
• Part of permanent collection so easily available

Cons of MAC Viva Glam V Lustre Lipstick:

• For a more formal look, liner needs to be worn
• Needs two to three swipes per application

Price: Rs.990

VNA Rating: 4/5

Do I recommend? MAC Lustre Lipstick Viva Glam V is a slightly glossy neutral shade that would suit most Indian skin tones. Girls who love to wear heavy liner and kajal look, this lipstick is all you need. Heavily pigmented lips can give this a miss as it would look nothing more than a sheer gloss. As for me, I would definitely go back for this shade and more with lustre finish.

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 Have you tried any of the Viva Glam lipsticks? Share your views with us.