Beauty Buzz: MAC launches new Viva Glam lipsticks for AIDS awareness

Yesterday I attended the Viva Glam launch of two new lipsticks to raise awareness of MAC Cosmetics' Aids Fund. The new campaign entitled 'From our Lips' is fronted by Lady Gaga and Cyndi Lauper, the new spokespersons for the fund, and the event was hosted by Sharon Osbourne.

The star studded gathering had Britain's fashion and entertainment darlings in attendance including models Agyness Deyn, Tallulah Adeyemi, designer Henry Holland and diva extraordinaire Jodie Harsh.

It was an intimate 'audience with' and both Lady Gaga and Cyndi Lauper had much to say about the subject of HIV and AIDs. Fans of MAC and the divas alike from all over the world emailed questions for Sharon Osborne to invite the feisty duo to address.


The discussion shared the extent to which MAC are working with pharmaceutical companies to develop a female condom, and donating the full price of the new lipsticks (£12.50) to their charity.

It is understood that 2.5 million dollars will go to locations with the highest level of aids infection such as Africa, the Caribbean and Queens, New York. More money will be distributed to other affected countries and cities as needed.

Flamboyant and as iconic as ever, it is hoped that the discussion between Gaga and Lauper on the subject of HIV and AIDS will encourages people to think and act differently about the disease. One of the biggest preconceptions is that AIDS is primarily a gay disease, but the infection rate of heterosexuals is vast enough to challenge that myth.

At one point the discussion turned to solemn was when Cyndi Lauper talked openly and somewhat emotionally about loosing a best friend to the disease in the 1980s. It was this loss that made her pay more attention to protecting herself from the infection. She said to ignore the importance of safe sex would have been a disservice to her friend who lost his life.

When asked what their message to women around the world about sex is? Lady Gaga spoke bluntly in saying 'Wrap it up with a condom. Women are now the highest demographic of the infected'. In agreement Lauper stated 'Women need to feel strong enough to say 'I practice safe sex, or nothing at all' - protect yourself and don't be a knucklehead! Viva Life, Viva Glam'.

Web: www.macaidsfund.org