Nicki Minaj And Ricky Martin Named The Newest Faces Of Viva Glam

By Vanessa Beatriz Soto

Today, recording artists Nicki Minaj and Ricky Martin were named the faces of the 2012 MAC Cosmetics "Viva Glam" campaign. In fact, Nicki and Ricki are at their very first shoot as brand ambassadors for the socially-conscious collection right now, where iconic photographer David LaChappelle is hard at work capturing (glam) images of the duo. Check out this photo, from the set:

MAC, in collaboration with artists such as Minaj and Martin as well as 2011 spokespersons Lady Gaga and Cyndi Lauper, and past 'faces' Mary J. Blige, Elton John, Ru Paul, Eve, Linda Evangelista, Pamela Anderson, Boy George, Chloe Sevigny, and Shirley Manson, has supported this initiative. It is centered around an iconic line of lipsticks and lip glosses, with new shades added to the collection in '97, '00, '02 and '10, despite a change in ownership from the founders, Frank Angelo and Frank Toskan, who were bought out by the Esteé Lauder cosmetics conglomerate after Angelo's death.

Launched in 1994 to support people affected by the H.I.V. epidemic, 100% of the profits from the Viva Glam products are dedicated either to direct intervention on behalf of infected individuals, or as donations to related charities. To date, the initiative has donated over $224mm to the cause, so we were especially super pleased to hear that Ricky Martin is involved. Just a few years ago he was living his life in the 'closet' of secrecy, and now he's out and proud, a community advocate, and even a father to two adopted boys. Way to go, Ricky! Live your life to the fullest!

So what do you think? Are you a fan of the Viva Glam line? Do fund-raising efforts like this really help? Give us your take on the campaign in the comments!

Tags blogger: Vanessa Beatriz Soto, Boy George, Chloe Sevigny, Cyndi Lauper, Elton John, Estee Lauder, Eve, Lady Gaga, Linda Evangelista, MAC cosmetics, mary j blige, Nicki Minaj, Pamela Anderson, Ricky Martin, Ru Paul, Shirley Manson, Viva Glam