December 14, 2001 – Yesterday, MAC Cosmetics announced the latest spokespersons for VIVA GLAM IV lipstick: Music legend and outspoken AIDS activist Elton John, Grammy Award winner Mary J. Blige and rock icon Shirley Manson of the band Garbage.

Since its creation in 1994, VIVA GLAM lipsticks have been the primary fund-raising tool for the MAC AIDS Fund. To date, the MAC AIDS Fund has raised more than $23 million to provide daily services for men, women and children affected by HIV/AIDS around the world. One hundred percent of the $14.00 suggested retail price of the lipsticks go directly to the fund.

Mary J. Blige reprises her role as the face of MAC's VIVA GLAM IV after tirelessly promoting last year's VIVA GLAM III campaign in the United States and around the world, which broke all past fundraising records by raising more than $7 million dollars for the MAC AIDS Fund. For the first time ever, MAC will join forces with Elton John's AIDS Foundation which has raised more than $30 million to date, strengthening the outreach of both organizations to help more than 40 million people affected by this global epidemic.

Legendary recording artist and rock icon Elton John has recently released his 40th album Songs From the West Coast. Sir Elton John has been a tremendous supporter in the fight against HIV/AIDS. He founded the Elton John AIDS Foundation in 1992, one of the largest international non-profit AIDS organizations in the AIDS arena which funds prevention education programs and direct patient-care services worldwide.

Grammy winner Mary J. Blige became an instant sensation with her 1992 debut album What's the 411. Her current album, No More Drama, has rocked the charts in 2001.

Other bands have provocative female singers but none have the attitude, the vocal chops, the look and the creativity commanded by Garbage frontwoman Shirley Manson. Outrageous, uninhibited, gifted -- Shirley Manson has a riveting presence both on and off stage.

John Demsey, president of MAC, said, "After a very long search, we've chosen Mary, Shirley and Elton for a number of reasons. Most importantly, for their deep dedication to supporting the MAC AIDS Fund. Each of these incredible artists has a history of breaking rules, and they have become alternative fashion icons. Elton John, Mary J. and Shirley are perfect spokespeople for MAC because their creative expression appeals to all races, all sexes, all ages."

"I feel blessed to once again be a part of MAC's VIVA GLAM IV campaign," said Mary J. Blige. "My involvement with The MAC AIDS Fund over the past two years has been incredibly fulfilling and I am proud that I can continue to help raise funds and awareness for people affected by HIV/AIDS around the world."

Elton John said, "I felt strongly that the Elton John AIDS Foundation should partner with a dedicated company such as MAC in order strengthen both of our organizations' ability to help the people affected by this epidemic worldwide. The MAC AIDS Fund shares my belief that people affected by HIV/AIDS deserve to have the daily services they need in order to live a long life with dignity and happiness."

Shirley Manson of Garbage is equally excited to be involved with The MAC AIDS Fund. "When MAC approached me about participating in the VIVA GLAM campaign, I jumped at the chance. Not only because I admire MAC and the efforts they have made around the world to support men, women and children who are affected by HIV/AIDS, but also because I see it as a perfect opportunity to put my own public profile to good use for a cause I feel strongly about."

MAC has never shied away from affiliations with controversial artists: Mary J. Blige, Elton John and Shirley Manson will join previous MAC spokespeople, drag diva RuPaul, the face of VIVA GLAM, recording artist k.d. lang, the face of VIVA GLAM II, and hip-hop diva Lil' Kim who, along with Mary J. Blige, were the spokespeople for VIVA GLAM III.

The VIVA GLAM IV fundraising drive will launch in February 2002 with the unveiling of an advertising campaign by irreverent celebrity photographer David LaChapelle. By early March 2002, the $14.00 frosted rose and gold shimmer lipstick will hit stores, with 100 percent of the sales directly benefiting the MAC AIDS Fund to provide much needed services and support for men, women and children affected by HIV/AIDS.

The MAC AIDS Fund was created in 1994. To raise money to support the fund, a special lipstick was created: VIVA GLAM. The lipstick, a deep, neutral red, was an instant hit. VIVA GLAM II was launched in 1997 to maintain the fund-raising momentum. This muted mauve-pink shade was another hit, and these VIVA GLAM shades continue to be two of MAC 's best-selling shades. VIVA GLAM III, a plum-brown shade, raised a record-breaking U.S. $7,000,000 in less than two years. The full amount of the retail sales of VIVA GLAM lipsticks goes directly to The MAC AIDS Fund. MAC's retail partners generously waive all administrative costs so that the sales benefit only those in need.

MAC (Make-up Art Cosmetics), the leading brand of professional cosmetics, was created in Toronto, Canada in 1985 and is now part of the Estee Lauder Companies, Inc. The company's popularity has grown through a tradition of word-of-mouth endorsement from makeup artists, models, photographers and journalists around the world. MAC is now sold in over 38 countries worldwide. www.maccosmetics.com