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The MAC Selena Matte Eyeshadows and Lipsticks Take Center Stage

September 15th, 2016 by Karen 20 Comments

mac selena collection
The MAC Selena collection (coming October 1 to the MAC website, and to stores October 6 through November 17, 2016)

¡Finalmente! The MAC Selena collection!

Fans of beloved Mexican-American singer Selena Quintanilla-Perez, whose life was tragically cut short in 1995 at 23 years old, made this collection happen, and MAC heeded the call.

While I was testing and reviewing, I learned a lot of things I didn’t know about Selena, like how her favorite colors were purple and black and her favorite flower was a white rose.

I’m sorry to say that I didn’t know much about her before this release, but I did know that she rocked bold red lips and sang a couple of songs that were very popular when I was in college.

Her artistic legacy and spirit inspired the 13-piece MAC Selena collection, which Selena’s sister Suzette helped create. It includes three new shades of lipstick ($18 each), including a dupe for a red taken from the makeup case Selena took with her when she went on the road; five new eyeshadows ($17 each); a new blush duo ($29); a new gloss ($17); and three re-promoted items from the MAC permanent line ($18 Opulash Mascara, $21 Boot Black Liquid Eye Liner and the $35 129SH Powder/Blush Brush).

MAC Select Obsessed & Devoted Members (MAC’s version of Sephora VIB) get early access to the collection in an exclusive pre-sale September 28. For everyone else, it arrives October 1 on the MAC website and in stores October 6 through November 17, 2016.

mac selena eyeshadows
The MAC Selena collection Eye Shadows ($17 each)
mac selena collection techno cumbia
MAC Selena Techno Cumbia ($29)

mac selena lipsticks
MAC Selena Collection Lipsticks ($18 each)

Everything about this collection feels intimate and personal to me, from the names of the products, several of which are named after Selena songs, to the purple and black packaging.

mac selena lipglass
MAC Selena Collection Lipglass ($17, an online exclusive)

Mad about the mattes

Please forgive me for my accent when I say, “Aye, Dios Mio!” (I have THE WORST Spanish accent ever) over the matte eyeshadows.

They’re absolutely fantastic! I was freakin’ going nuts when I swatched them for the first time because it was like dipping a finger into soft whipped cream…

mac selena boot black mascara
MAC Selena Collection Liquid Liner ($21) and Opulash Mascara ($18)

They’re feathery and lush like the Urban Decay matte eyeshadows (but with considerably less fallout), and when I blend them, I can’t really tell where one shade ends and the next shade begins.

mac selena packaging
Another look at the packaging

All of the three mattes are also neutrals — a warm brown, a light beige with pink undertones and a deep blackened navy — which is totally on point for the ’90s revival happening now.

mac selena amor prohibido
MAC Selena collection Amor Prohibido Lipstick

The two shimmer shadows — a warm pink and a pearly violet — blend just as well, and I think they’re fine for adding some color, but really, I think the stars of the show are the mattes.

mac selena bidi bid bom bom
MAC Selena collection Bidi Bidi Bom Bom Lipglass (an online exclusive)

Selena’s signature bold lips

Selena rocked bold lip colors, and two of the three lipsticks in the collection reflect that. I don’t think you can go wrong with either of the bolder colors.

mac selena como la flor lipstick
MAC Selena collection Como La Flor Lipstick

I thought I was going to need a liner to pull off deep wine Dreaming of You (MAC’s Matte finish) and muted cherry Como La Flor (Amplified finish), but I’m able to use both colors straight from the tubes. Plus, one layer is enough.

Both shades feel reasonably thick, which helps to keep them in place, and that’s key.

Trust me — it’s so NOT fun when a slippery red or wine lippie ends up beyond your lip line. I’ve done it before (running around town unintentionally looking like the Joker), and it ain’t cute.

mac selena dreaming of you lipstick
MAC Selena collection Dreaming Of You Lipstick

And, of course, being the totally predictable nude lipstick fiend that I am, I totally and completely love the nude shade, Amor Prohibido. It’s a pinkish mid-toned brown with MAC’s Glaze finish.

I know it looks sheer in the swatch, but oh, baby! — when you get it on…

mac selena collection swatches eye shadow
MAC Selena collection Eye Shadows in Is It The Beat, No Me Queda Mas, Missing My Baby, Fotos y Recuerdos, and Selena

Closing thoughts…

The silver glitter flecks in bubblegum pink Bidi Bidi Bom Bom Lipglass are on the bigger side, so it’s VERY sparkly.

But it’s also slightly gritty, and I’m not too crazy about that…

I also have mixed feelings about the matte blushes in the Techno Cumbio Blush Duo…

Yes, the brown side is super soft (just as soft as the eyeshadows), but the pink side isn’t. It’s harder and super sheer.

The colors are also a little difficult for me to wear (I’m an NC42), so I dunno… The brown almost looks like a taupe-ish pink on my skin, so it might be better for contouring, which I’m not really into at the moment.

mac selena swatches lipsticks
MAC Selena collection Lipsticks in Dreaming of You, Como La Flor, Amor Prohibido
mac selena collection swatches techno
MAC Selena collection Techno Cumbia
mac selena collection swatches lipglass
MAC Selena collection Lipglass in Bidi Bidi Bom Bom
mac selena collection swatches boot black
MAC Selena collection re-promotes: Boot Black and Opulash Mascara

For sure, I think the matte eyeshadows and all three of the lipsticks are totes worth your time. Consider the pink and purple shimmer eyeshadows, too, if you’re a fiend for colorful eye looks.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

The MAC Selena Matte Eyeshadows and Lipsticks Take Center Stage / Originally published September 15th, 2016

There are 20 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Collections, MAC Makeup, Makeup, Product Reviews

The products in this entry were provided by the manufacturer for consideration. For information about my posting policy, please see my Disclaimer.

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Comments

  1. Kalli says

    September 15th, 2016 at 1:18 pm

    I’ve been so excited about this collection. Being a white girl, I didn’t really know who she was until she passed but living in San Antonio it was a REALLY BIG DEAL when that happened. There’s even a restaurant in downtown SA that has a Selena shrine in it! https://goo.gl/images/4OTJZn
    I also remember when they were filming the movie with Jennifer Lopez around town, since Selena spent a lot of time in SA. I also met Suzette once a few years back and was within a few feet of Mr. Quintanilla another time (he’s so intimidating in person).
    I can’t wait to snag a few pieces of this, I heard that the colors are based on actual makeup from her personal things.
    Kalli recently posted … Influenster Review: Maybelline Color Sensational Vivid Matte Liquid Lipsticks

    Reply
    • Dina says

      September 17th, 2016 at 3:55 pm

      Not sure how being a white girl matters if you knew about her or not.

      Reply
  2. Debra says

    September 15th, 2016 at 1:36 pm

    I will pass on this collection. It is nice, but doesn’t have anything I can’t live without, or that I don’t already have. Love you though, Karen!

    Reply
  3. Steph says

    September 15th, 2016 at 1:36 pm

    I’m really excited for this release! Haven’t been able to say that for awhile…

    Reply
  4. Candice Petersen says

    September 15th, 2016 at 2:44 pm

    Oh wow this is such a beautiful collection

    Beauty Candy Loves
     

    Reply
  5. Efrain says

    September 15th, 2016 at 2:59 pm

    *fangirl screams* Girl when Buzzfeed showed the collection earlier I knew my affair with Amor prohibido won’t be prohibited (this was a word game I hope you understood), but also that lipglass look pretty but they didn’t mention it felt gritty so I’m on the fence but just because of the name I’d buy it. It was one of the most famous songs she had, if you can look for “El Chico del apartamento 512” it’s my favorite song.

    When I saw Temptalia swatches of the blush duo I was in doubt but now that you say it will work better for contour, I’ll pass; by the way do you think Fotos y recuerdos will work as a blush?

    Reply
  6. Indya says

    September 15th, 2016 at 3:32 pm

    Those shadows look wonderful on you! I love Bidi bidi bom bom on you too, but I don’t like sparkly lip gloss for myself. Also really loving the two red lipsticks a lot more than I thought I would. Selena was really big growing up; she was the first mainstream latin artist of my time. I mean everybody knew her songs, although I couldn’t understand anything. I’m sure these will sell out too. Will be keeping my eyes open and hopefully I get my damn Taraji Glow before these come out!
    Indya recently posted … Taraji Glow or Highlight Your Life? MAC X Taraji: Mineralize Skinfinish Natural Mislabeling

    Reply
  7. Deborah says

    September 15th, 2016 at 4:54 pm

    I love your reviews!! I am very excited about this collection. I love Selena!!! Definitely getting the 3 lipsticks and brush. Not sure about the blush(NC 45).

    Reply
  8. Lupe says

    September 15th, 2016 at 5:08 pm

    Such a beautiful collection! Thanks for the review! I’ll probably get a eyeshadow and a lipstick.
    Lupe recently posted … Stila Backstage Best Set (Sephora 500 Point Perk)

    Reply
  9. Aradhana Gupta says

    September 15th, 2016 at 5:54 pm

    wow beautiful!
    i kinda want the eyeshadows and bidibidiboom gloss!

    Reply
  10. sarahc says

    September 15th, 2016 at 11:00 pm

    I didn’t know anything about Selena but this is the best Mac collection to me in years. I want six things!

    Reply
  11. Kiss & Make-up says

    September 15th, 2016 at 11:38 pm

    That look with the Amor Prohibido!!! Sooooooo pretty, Karen!
    Kiss & Make-up recently posted … I am not perfect: The (ugly?) naked truth

    Reply
  12. Agata says

    September 16th, 2016 at 1:51 am

    For some reason I totally thought it was Selena Gomez collection! Silly me!

    The eyeshadows look beautiful in this collection. Would you be able to tell me how you applied the eyeshadows?
    Agata recently posted … Become Your Own Perfume Designer with Fragrance By Me

    Reply
  13. Fancie says

    September 16th, 2016 at 4:40 am

    The collection looks beautiful! I really like the packaging and the fact that MAC kept everything true to her style and personality. The lipsticks and shadows look very pretty but I’m probably going to pass. I may end up ordering the lip gloss if it doesn’t sell out too quickly. Or the compact. I hate that the blush is so sheer but the bronzer looks pretty nice
    Fancie recently posted … More Melted Mattes!

    Reply
  14. Chris25 says

    September 16th, 2016 at 4:48 am

    I definitely want Dreaming of You. I don’t think I need another brown eyeshadow, but I want to get at least one thing from this collection. Thinking about Selena makes me sad. 🙁
    Chris25 recently posted … Review: Tarte Tarteist Lip Paints in Lovespell, TBT and Hangry

    Reply
  15. Kim says

    September 16th, 2016 at 12:27 pm

    Um, I think YOU are the star of the show. Dreaming of You looks fantastic on you. 🙂 I really like that look because it combines 2 of my fave things – Fall and 90s makeup. HAHA! Have a fab weekend, filled with successful outings. 🙂

    Reply
    • Karen says

      September 16th, 2016 at 3:32 pm

      Now that the ’90s are back (OMG, did I just write that sentence?), I think we should all bust out our old velvet chokers…

      You have a wonderful weekend too! Connor will be going to her first party tomorrow so wish us luck!

      Reply
  16. hanna says

    September 17th, 2016 at 3:49 pm

    I love love love all the eyeshadows.
    hanna recently posted … Review: Bamboo by Franck Olivier Perfume + Giveaway

    Reply
  17. zVintageFashionizta says

    September 27th, 2016 at 7:58 pm

    I’m anxiously awaiting to buy most of this collection, thanks for the great review.
    Thank you for going the extra step and including Selena videos on this page!

    Reply
  18. makeupbykifana says

    October 3rd, 2016 at 8:09 pm

    Apparently the brown color in the compact is Blunt (blush) that a lot of people do indeed use for contouring. I got all lip products and Selena shadow.
    makeupbykifana recently posted … Style: Betsey Johnson x DreamWorks Trolls @ Macy’s

    Reply

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Welcome to Makeup and Beauty Blog
Hi there! I’m Karen, your friendly neighborhood beauty addict, and I’m a Bay Area girl who hoards brown eyeshadow and covets coral lipstick. Every morning, I wake up and say, “I’m going to do something other than a smoky eye today.” Then…I end up doing a smoky eye anyway (most days). When I’m not putting on makeup, taking pictures of makeup or writing about makeup, which I’ve been doing daily since 2007 (!), you’ll find me hanging out with my hubby (“El Hub”), my four-year-old daughter (Connor Claire) and my torbie girl cat (Pretty Girl Rosie, a.k.a. PGR).

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