As we continue to spend billions within the beauty industry (whether on our favourite, loyal products or on the latest miracle cream) it is easy to forget that not everyone is lucky enough to have little luxuries in life. However, by purchasing products from the MAC Viva Glam range, we can contribute to the cause that is World Aids Day and in turn support charities that provide aid to those with HIV and AIDS while at the same time remind ourselves not to take our health and luck for granted.
Today, MAC artists from London and Edinburgh will pitch in to help at London’s Positive East and Edinburgh’s Waverley Care and give up some of their free time to decorate nominated service areas and meeting rooms which are frequently used by visitors to both charities. (The MAC Aids Fund has supported Positive East since 2006 and Edinburgh’s Waverley Care for over 10 years now, and has donated a combined total of over £230,000 to these charities for their various projects).
Below are my favourite lip colours from the Viva Glam range by current ambassadors Cyndi Lauper and Lady Gaga, two of the most influential and controversial stars in the music and fashion industries.
For each sale of MAC Viva Glam Lipstick and Lipglass, the full RRP (less VAT) goes toward helping women, men and kids everywhere affected by HIV and Aids. When choosing your favourite Viva Glam product, take time to consider exactly what your money will do to help:
One Viva Glam purchase can…….
- Provide 1 nutritious meal for a support group for 2 days;
- Provide support and education for 5 pregnant women diagnosed with HIV/AIDS giving them the tools to prevent transmission to their unborn child;
- Buy 1 pair of school shoes for a child orphaned by AIDS;
- Purchase 1 school starter pack of stationery for a child orphaned by AIDS;
- Buy 1 vegetable seed starter pack for a community garden;
- Purchase health education posters for a child care resource centre;
- Provide 1 Party Pack for a child to celebrate Christmas, Easter or a birthday.
Since the inception of the MAC Aids Fund, the organisation has raised in excess of $190,000,000 (Since 1998, through the sale of Viva Glam lipsticks and lipglasses, the UK and Eire alone have raised over £4.4m), which is a fantastic achievement towards the help and support of people who are living with HIV and AIDS. Let's not forget though, that it is the sales of these products that has raised the money to support those living with HIV and AIDS - and ladies, that means it is you that has raised these incredible amounts of money. Beauty isn't just skin deep, but a bit of Viva Glam lippy can do more than just make you feel good on the outside.
Above: Viva Glam lipsticks and lipglasses by Cyndi Lauper (red) and Lady Gaga (pink) available at MAC counters nationwide and on the MAC website. Lipsticks RRP £12.50 and lipglasses RRP £12.00.
With thanks to MAC Cosmetics for all images.
