Launched in 1994, Viva Glam lipsticks are the main fundraisers for the MAC AIDS Fund. In the last seven years, the racy lips colors have raised more than $23 million. Every penny of the $14 retail price goes straight to the fund.

Mary J. Blige is no stranger to the MAC AIDS fund and, along with Lil' Kim, promoted last year's Viva Glam III, which broke records in raising more than $7 million.

Elton John is perhaps one of the world's best-known AIDS activists and set up his own Elton John AIDS Foundation in 1992. Now MAC is for the first time joining forces with his organization and John couldn't be more pleased about the alliance. "I felt strongly that the Elton John AIDS Foundation should partner with a dedicated company such as MAC in order to strengthen both of our organizations' ability to help the people affected by this epidemic worldwide," he said.

Garbage frontwoman Shirley Manson says she "jumped at the chance" to team up with MAC in the Viva Glam campaign. "I see it as a perfect opportunity to put my own public profile to good use for a cause I feel strongly about."

MAC President John Demsey sees the three as an ideal match for the company. "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." Past Viva Glam faces have included RuPaul and k.d. lang.

The new fundraising drive will launch in February 2002 with the unveiling of an advertising campaign shot by David LaChapelle.