I can’t honestly remember what my very first lipstick was because when I first started out with makeup, I didn’t really believe in lipstick. I was always on the hunt for something like lipstick, but more “practical”. (If I had to guess, Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter in Pink Truffle and Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Honey come to mind.)
The first lipstick that I really remember loving, though?
MAC – Viva Glam Lipstick – “Viva Glam V”.
Yup, this is the one that I could probably credit for unearthing my inner lipstick lady! She’s probably the oldest lipstick in my collection, and she is most certainly discontinued. (Unfortunately, due to the age of the bullet the lipstick has gone off and I can’t use it, I’ve just kept the bullet as a sentimental trinket, and perhaps the occasional arm swatch if I come across a potential dupe!)
Now, how did I not manage pan it, you might be thinking!? Well, I had a very long stint between purchasing this lipstick and now where I didn’t wear lipstick at all! Bullets have the potential to last a long time, but not that long. A reminder to use what you love!
What Made “Viva Glam V” So Special
Lipstick is all subjective, right?
First off, I’m pretty sure this was my first non-drugstore lipstick purchase. I suppose you’d classify MAC as mid-range? In any case, in my youth, purchasing a mid-range lipstick (or any item of makeup, really) was a special splurge that automatically elevated the bullet to be just a bit more precious. So I actually wore this one sparingly and carefully with the mindset to “save it” for special occasions. (The flaw in that thinking of course is that lipsticks have a shelf life!)
Second, because I was used to tints and balms, I found bullet lipsticks to be quite intimidating with their coverage and punchy colours, which kept me from wearing them (and of course, if you don’t wear them, you won’t get used to them).
Viva Glam V was a happy compromise – it was definitely a bullet (with that heavenly light vanilla scent), but the formula felt relatively moisturizing and went on semi-sheer. The shade, described as “neutral pink with pearl”, was very close to my lip colour at the time, a sort of rosy pink, so it essentially just evened out my natural lip colour and added a bit of a sheen, like a glistening MLBB. The pearl meant there was a shimmer in it, but from a conversational distance, I think it just registered as glossy. It was a perfect “starter shade”, the bullet equivalent to wearing lipstick around the house until you get used to it.
Lastly, Viva Glam V was my husband’s favourite lipstick on me, so it’ll always have a special place in my heart. But not on my lips – it’s just far too old!
My Favourite Lipstick is Discontinued. Now What?
Honestly, I’m okay with it! My preference these days is for matte formulas, anyway. Tastes change over time, a good thing to remember if you’re worried about your favourite lipstick being discontinued!
I thought to search for dupes, and I still might, but I don’t want to spend too much time or resources on searching for one. After all, I’m not a “one lipstick” kind of lady, so I’m always looking out for a new formula to try or a new shade that might work.
As for MAC, they currently have three Viva Glam lipsticks (I, II, and III) available on their website. The Lustre formula of Viva Glam V has now been replaced with the MAC Lustreglass Sheer-Shine Lipstick line, which I have yet to try.
How about you? I want to know: what lipstick got you into lipstick? And which of your favourites have been discontinued?
