Mac Selena Collection: Do the Makeup Products Live Up to the Legend?

Beauty Beauty Bom Bom

By Diana Marti Oct 01, 2016 12:00 PMTags
ESC: MAC Selena Makeup CollectionChristina Mack/E! News

If you were as excited as I was to find out Mac was releasing a Selena Quintanilla makeup set, then you'll understand the absolute joy—and simultaneous skepticism—I felt when these products appeared on my desk to review (thanks, Mac!).

When I was four years old, my dance teacher introduced me to Selena's music. I was instantly obsessed, as I still am today, and begged my parents to buy me every album she had ever put out. I was in awe of her talent, style and beauty.

I wanted to be Selena.

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That said, I had a lot of expectations for this line (as do many die-hard fans); I wanted it to be something that Selena herself would've created. My skepticism levels decreased once I found out that Selena's sister, Suzette Quintanilla, was a critical part of the creation and design of every product. Not that we didn't trust the cosmetics brand, but this is Selena we're talking about here. 

Do these products live up to the legend? A lifelong fan honestly and thoroughly weighs in below. 

AP Photo/Houston Chronicle, Dave Einsel

Packaging: Selena's signature on all of the products make it that much more legit. I love the matte purple casing, and how easy it is to find in my makeup bag. It's just the right shade, too—a visual homage to a few of Selena's staple stage pieces. My favorite part? The products are named after the singer's classic hits. Amor Prohibido and Dreaming of You lipsticks and Techno Cumbia powder blush? Yes, please. I instantly smile when I reach into my beauty bag. It's like a daily Selena reminder. 

The Products: They're true Mac products, so the lipsticks have that amazing smell—it isn't too invasive; it's just right. However, be precise with application, as the lipsticks can smear, and with such bold colors, it can get messy. Notably, the eyeliner brush was the perfect size to create a wingtip—take this from someone that doesn't have the greatest eyelids to apply liquid liner.  

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The Color: Here is where I sat and analyzed. At first, the grouping of shades and hues didn't seem to make sense for a makeup collection, which usually includes similar or complementary colors. So, I took a look back at all of the singer's signature looks and realized that they picked a bit from every iconic Selena look.

When I put on the Dreaming of You lipstick, I feel like it instantly gives me that iconic pout that Selena had. Bidi Bidi Bom Bom delivers on being a gloss that is just as fun as its name. With its pinkish hue and sparkle, you can add it as the final layer to any look. When it comes to the eyes, Missing My Baby, a pinkish beige, was the base for all of my looks and then I would finish it off with Fotos y Recuerdos, a dusty rose shade, and blend in a bit of No Me Queda Mas (a matte brown and my favorite Selena song). If I wanted to add something that would pop a bit more for nighttime, I would grab the Selena eye shadow, a warm purple that really brings the line full circle.

Christina Mack/E! News

Wearability: The lipsticks lasted around two to three hours and truly hydrated my lips. The powder blush stayed on for most of the day and gave me a sweet contour. I love a good eyeliner, just like Selena, and Boot Black really gave me the perfect wingtip. The shadows stayed on all day, but I will disclose that I used a primer before, and it helped bring out the colors even more. The gloss lasted a lot longer than I expected, mostly because of its very thick consistency.

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Final Grade: A
For me, this line stayed honest to who Selena was. I love that at first sight, the colors might not make that much sense to many, but once you go back into Selena's looks, they're all there down to the liner, eye shadows and lips. I'm a Mac fan, so I was not one bit disappointed with the product or its consistency. I wish the eyeliner bottle were a bit bigger, but a little bit goes a long way with this product. Finally, the packaging is my favorite, bringing a Selena spirit to my makeup bag.

I have given my friends the green light to purchase, and I'm sure that other fans who try this line will agree. 

The Mac Selena collection is available for purchase online today and in stores October 6. 

Watch: How to Apply Liner Like a Pro
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