MAC Cosmetics and the MAC AIDS Fund introduce their new Viva Glam spokeswomen: Lady Gaga and Cyndi Lauper. As part of the “From Our Lips” campaign, MAC will introduce Viva Glam Gaga and Viva Glam Cyndi lipsticks. Each lipstick will retail for at $14.00 with 100% of the selling cost donated to the MAC AIDS Fund.

The MAC AIDS Fund, the heart and soul of MAC Cosmetics, was established in 1994 to support men, women and children affected by HIV/AIDS globally. It is a pioneer in HIV/AIDS funding, providing financial support to organizations working with underserved regions and populations. To date, the MAC AIDS Fund has raised over $150 Million in 67 countries exclusively through the sale of MAC’s VIVA GLAM Lipstick and Lipglass, donating 100 percent of the sale price to fight HIV/AIDS.

From Left: MAC Viva Glam Gaga and Viva Glam Cyndi lipsticks

MAC Viva Glam Gaga and Viva Glam Cyndi lipsticks ($14) Available North America February 10, 2010 at all MAC locations 1.800.588.0070 and www.maccosmetics.com. International march 2010 at all MAC locations. MAC Viva Glam Cyndi Bag and MAC Viva Glam Gaga Bag ($25) available Nort h America ONLY February 25, 2010 at all MAC retail stores.

Q&A WITH LADY GAGA

You used to sing to Cyndi Lauper as a little girl and now she is a big fan of yours. How does it feel to be working with her on the new M·A·C VIVA GLAM campaign?
She has such a beautiful spirit, and the best thing about her is that she’s a really genuine person. She gave me some pointers at the VIVA GLAM shoot. We have so much in common, and we just really enjoy one another. It’s surreal.

M·A·C VIVA GLAM Lipsticks and Lipglasses have raised over 150 million dollars for the M·A·C AIDS Fund to help people living with HIV/AIDS around the world. How do you feel about this?
I’ve been familiar with this campaign since it began, and I’ve always respected M·A·C for what it stands for – ALL AGES, ALL RACES, ALL SEXES. This is more than just makeup. Anything I can do to help raise money for HIV/AIDS awareness – that’s what I’m here for, and I’m very honored to be a part of this.

You are very theatrical and creative in your performances and even create your own outfits. How important is makeup to your performance?
I’ve been wearing M·A·C since I was 10 years old. I see vanity as a form of identity and lifestyle. M·A·C always has shocking and outrageous VIVA GLAM spokespeople.

How does it feel to join the likes of Boy George, Ru Paul, and Lil Kim?
To be joining the likes of iconic former VIVA GLAM spokespeople is an honor. I can’t believe I’m here. I am truly grateful and excited to do whatever I can for AIDS awareness.

You got your start performing on the club scene, which has a largely gay audience, and a part of the population that is very susceptible to HIV/AIDS. How do you think you can send a message to them about HIV/AIDS prevention or education?
Considering how rooted I am in the gay community and the deep respect I have for them, research and charity work for this cause is very important to me. By being vocal and raising awareness about HIV/AIDS and being as outspoken as possible on this subject we can raise awareness and protect the health of those we love. But it isn’t just the gay community. It’s all communities, and this is an important message to relay to the younger generation.

Women account for almost half of the HIV/AIDS cases around the world. You and Cyndi are both strong, vocal women, and the two of you create one very powerful voice. What would you say to young women today about HIV/AIDS?
Use protection, and be selective and strong about those you love. Your body is sacred, and it’s ok to say no. Make your partners get tested, go together: it will only make your relationship stronger and healthier.

You and Cyndi have seen two very different stages of the AIDS epidemic and the changes in the public’s perception of the disease. In the ’80s people were dying daily and today people with HIV/AIDS are living full lives. As a young person, do you think that today’s youth feel they are not at risk for the disease?Certainly the public perception is very different now than it was in the ‘80s, because (and this is good news), we have more ways to control the virus today than we did before. However, this is precisely the reason VIVA GLAM is so important: were taking a commercial organization and using its values of strength and identity to raise CURRENT awareness in the EXISTING public sentiments about AIDS.

Q&A WITH CYNDI LAUPER

You are a music icon with fans from all over the world. You are a fan of Lady Gaga’s, and she is a big fan of yours. How does it feel to be doing a M·A·C VIVA GLAM campaign together?
I am really looking forward to it. Lady Gaga is the undisputed breakout star of the year, and I have been cheering for her. She’s a very cool and different artist. As far as working together on this campaign, we share a passion for fashion and music and performance. And yes, cosmetics. I think we are going to have a blast.

HIV/AIDS was ravaging the world in the early ’80s, a time when you were becoming one of the most important female singers in history. How did AIDS affect you during that time?
I lost a lot of dear friends to AIDS before we even knew what it was. People are still dying more than twenty years later, and we have to help find a cure. The M·A·C AIDS Fund has supported numerous GLBT organizations around the world.

You have also been a vocal advocate for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender equality and cofounded the True Colors Fund. What motivated you to do this?
I’m not a politician. I am just a mom who happens to have the benefit of being famous and can bring attention to something that is wrong and needs to be righted. I think standing up for one another is something that we all have to do. So that we all count. I want my son to live in a country free of bigotry and hatred. That won’t be possible until we all have the same rights – that one segment of our population isn’t given less so therefore can be treated as less, ya know?

What do you hope to bring to the VIVA GLAM campaign?
The VIVA GLAM campaign has always been amazing. I am thrilled to be part of it in 2010.

Tell us about your new VIVA GLAM Lipstick/Lipglass colour?
A really fabulous red…and it’s called Cyndi. How cool is that? M·A·C VIVA GLAM Lipsticks and Lipglasses have raised over 150 Million dollars for the M·A·C AIDS Fund to help people living with HIV/AIDS around the world. How do you feel about this? I am very proud to be involved with the M·A·C AIDS Fund, and I am very glad to lend my name and time to help raise money for people living with HIV and AIDS.

Women account for almost half of the HIV/AIDS cases around the world, and your new VIVA GLAM campaign will focus on helping women living with HIV/AIDS. You and Lady Gaga create one very powerful voice. What would you say to young women today about staying safe from HIV/AIDS?
Be smart, be careful, protect yourself, practice safe sex and look out for your sisters to make sure they are doing the same. But there are also huge populations of women in many places like South Africa and in the Congo who are becoming infected through rape. For them, I ask the world to stand up and get involved. They are all sisters, mothers and daughters, and they need our help.

Watch this very touching video about MAC AIDS Fund and how it does good to our world! Thank you MAC Cosmerics.

From Killer Lips to Chiseled Cheekbones Drag Queens Know a Thing or Two About Makeup! MAC Cosmetics is the Official Makeup Sponsor of Logo’s RuPaul’s Drag Race.

This season, MAC Cosmetics is proudly sponsoring RuPaul’s Drag Race, a new show from Logo that seeks to find America’s Next Drag Queen Superstar. Hosted by the legendary RuPaul, the first spokesperson ever for MAC Viva Glam, nine drag performers will compete in weekly challenges that will test their skills as a fashion designer, hair stylist, performer, spokesperson, and makeup artist.

Drag Queen Contestants Get Sexy, Passionate, and Fierce to Help Raise Awareness for HIV/AIDS
As They Compete to Become a MAC Viva Glam Spokesperson For a Day.

Contestant Nina Flowers.

In order to create their drag illusions, these performers spend years training in front of a mirror. It can sometimes take up to six hours for a drag queen to get ready! Each week the contestants undergo a transformation, using their skills with a brush, a lot of colour and concealer to make magic happen. One week, they will even do makeovers on real women, bringing some of the tricks they’ve learned through years of practice to everyday ladies.

Drag Queens thrive on glamour and transformation, so it is no surprise that MAC Cosmetics is the makeup of choice for 9 Drag Queen contestants who use makeup to bring out their inner diva. RuPaul, the world’s most famous drag queen, is challenging a new generation of drag performers to fill her high heels in a Logo’s new competitive series, “RuPaul’s Drag Race, “and MAC is the official makeup provider for the show. As MAC’s first VIVA GLAM spokesperson, RuPaul, traveled the world 15 years ago helping raise millions of dollars for HIV/AIDS. RuPaul’s original VIVA GLAM visual is evidence of the essential role that makeup plays in a Queen’s persona, and MAC’s founding philosophy – “All races, all ages, all sexes” – is truly illustrated in the contestants’ mind-blowing makeup techniques and tricks.

“There’s a real artistry to transforming the angular, masculine features of a man to softer, feminine features,” says Gordon Espinet. “While the overall look is sometimes over the top, there are real lessons to be learned from drag about contouring, shaping the face and makeup application. It’s true – Drag Queens know a thing or two about makeup.” Gordon Espinet, MAC Vice President Makeup Artistry.

Throughout tapings, several MAC products and application tricks emerged as favorites among the girls that can be used by any woman and applied to her daily routine. Queen Tammie Brown, advises: “For killer lips that will last all through a rockin’ night at the club, first line your lips with MAC Lip Pencil in Redd and then fill in with Russian Red Lipstick. For an extra bit of shine that will make heads turn, apply just a hint of Lustreglass in Venetian on top. It will put the disco balls to shame and add hot loving to your game.” Another contestant, Victoria Parker, reminds women not to forget their eyebrows! “Make sure they’re arched to perfection – a bushy brow does not a pretty woman make!”

Primer and powder aside, the show also allows viewers a glimpse into the challenges that some of the contestants and their loved ones face in their daily lives. The MAC AIDS Fund has always remained the heart and soul of MAC Cosmetics, and the often outrageous VIVA GLAM program has enabled customers to contribute to the fight against HIV/AIDS when they buy a VIVA GLAM lipstick and 100% of the proceeds goes towards the MAC AIDS Fund.

Contestant Bebe Zahara Benet.

On February 23rd at 10pm ET/PT, 6 Drag Queens will face off in the MAC Viva Glam Challenge, persuading the judges to name them “MAC Viva Glam Spokesperson for the Day.” The contestants will record their own public service announcement attempting to convince the judges, including Drag Legend RuPaul, that they deserve the coveted role. They will also completely transform themselves into glamorous Divas, showcasing their makeup and hair expertise, and style themselves in exotic outfits in the tradition of MAC’s provocative Viva Glam campaign. The contestant who exudes over-the-top glamour and sincerity about the issue of HIV/AIDS will be named “Viva Glam Spokesperson for the Day” and will win $5,000 in MAC Cosmetics products and will appear in a MAC store to present a grant donation to an HIV/AIDS Charity.

“I was the first Viva Glam MAC Girl and I was fabulous,” said RuPaul, “But being a Viva Glam spokesperson and an amazing Drag Performer isn’t just about being glamorous and gorgeous – although that’s vital – it’s about being honest as a person, touching your audience and leaving them better for having been in your presence.”

The MAC Viva Glam Challenge Episode will premiere on Monday, February 23rd at 10:00pm ET/PT on LOGO and online at www.rupaulsdragrace.com . “RuPaul’s Drag Race” premieres Monday, February 2 at 10:00 PM ET/PT.

MAC heats up the holidays with red hot colours, cases and compacts this season. Give jeweled compacts, stylish brush sets, beautiful lip and eye palettes, or gifts that give back. Here is a brief preview:

MAC “RED” SHE SAID

Passion, heat and danger come together to create this simply sparkling holiday collection. Lips are coloured in lusty shades with shimmering Dazzleglass to add resplendent moisture. Two shades of Mineralize Eye Shadows are zipped together by a strip of silver or gold, while shimmery blushes and silky nail lacquers accentuate a radiant holiday look.

MAC PASSIONS OF RED

Decadent and fiery colours for eyes and lips are housed in brilliant jeweled casings. Beautifully embossed, jeweled compacts create the ultimate gift of glamour. Choose from four Eye Shadow palettes, with shades ranging from warm, cool, classic and smokey. Polish off the look with three luxurious Lip Palettes, complete with two lipsticks, one lipglass and a mini lip brush. Each compact is a treasured gift.

MAC PASSIONATELY RED
Vivid colour with a passion for giving equals the perfect gift. Warm or cool, each lip palette contains two shades of Viva Glam Lipstick and one Viva Glam Lipglass for a chic lip look. Every cent of the selling price is donated to the MAC AIDS Fund to support men, women and children living with HIV and AIDS. Give glam, give hope.

MAC ADORING CARMINE
Holiday gifting is in the bag. Lip colours and brush sets in red satin stocking stuffers with patent trim. Adorn lips with Adoring Carmine Lip Bags, filled with 2 full size Lipsticks and 1 Lipglass in holiday shades. Adoring Carmine Brush Bags feature elegant red-handled MAC brushes in a perfectly-sized holiday makeup bag that can be used year-round.

MAC LITTLE DARLINGS

Glamourous goodies, perfectly presented. Dazzle and delight with mini-sets of Lipglass & Lustreglass, Pigments & Glitter, Softsparkle & Eye Pencils in our most cherished shades. Each set is encased in an elegant cylinder, wrapped in shiny, red patent paper.

MAC KIDS HELPING KIDS
Holiday cards that help bring joy. Greeting cards, gift tags and pillow packs designed by children living with, or affected by HIV/AIDS. Attractive and heartwarming, an easy way to give back to kids during the holidays. Proceeds go to the MAC AIDS Fund to help support pediatric AIDS organizations around the world.

MAC Holiday Collections are available OCTOBER 16th – DECEMBER 2008 at all MAC locations, www.maccosmetics.com and 1.800.588.0070.