Today MAC launches the Selena Collection as a tribute to Mexican-American singer Selena Quintanilla. The collection has been curated by her sister and items are available online at MAC Cosmetics starting October 1st and will be available in stores starting October 6th. If you are a MAC Select Member you may have already been able to shop the items early. I received a few pieces as press samples for review which I have thoughts and swatches to share today.
Swatches:
Up first are the eye products. I received two in Fotos Y Recuerdos a soft warm satin pink and Selena a stunning violet ($17 each). Both are shades I wouldn’t normally wear but I have been experimenting with purples by layering it with other neutrals. Both are sheer to medium in coverage with a soft sheen.
In addition there is a repromoted Liquid Liner ($21) in Black Boot. I’m not a liquid liner expert. I would actually call myself liquid liner challenged. I’ve pretty much stuck with the same brands for a few years (roundup + comparisons from a couple years ago here). I would say for me the easiest ones for me to use are the Tom Ford Eye Defining Liquid Liner Pen and the Club Clio Waterproof Pen Liner (also shown here). Back to the MAC liner – the tip is short and stiff and after trying it a few times I found it challenging to get an even line without having it bleed. It’s possible I’m applying too much or need to change the application method (I tried feathering and also dabbing). If you know how to use this let me know, I would greatly appreciate tips.
Two of the three lipsticks are shown below in Dreaming of You (Matte) and Como La Flor (Amplified) $18 each. Dreaming of You is a deep matte red. Como La Flor is a striking creamy red with a slight sheen. Both are smooth and full coverage.
Last but not least is the Powder Blush in Techno Cumbia ($29). I’m one of the biggest suckers for MAC cheek products and I think I’ve collected almost all the Mineralize Skinfinishes (shimmer ones) to date. This one has no shimmer and has a brown portion on the top and soft pink brown on the bottom. I have mixed feelings about this one because of the color. Texture is smooth and applies well with a blush or duo fiber brush. Pigment is pretty rich. On the arm it applied patchy but for the face it goes on smooth without issues for me. The color is fairly dark on my skin making it almost too deep and almost muddy looking as a regular blush. For me it works better as a very soft contour almost bronzer color. I suspect if you have tan to deeper skintone this will match your skintone more to actually look more like a natural blush. I’m a NC35 or NC37 in the MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation and a 3.0 in Matchmaster and this is too dark to wear as a blush.
Overall a fun collection and I am happy to have tried a few pieces. I would have liked to try the neutrals as that’s what I wear everyday – there are a few neutral eyeshadows, a neutral lipstick and a sparkly lipglass. I’m going to try and track them down. Collection is available online at MAC Cosmetics starting October 1st and will be available in stores starting October 6th.
Do you have your eye on anything from the MAC Selena collection?
MAC Selena items featured sent as press samples for review.
