#MACSelena Collection

EDIT: This collection is re-launching on December 28th, 2016!

Launching online October 1st and in-store October 6th, the MAC Selena Collection celebrates the vivacity of the Mexican-American singer, Selena Quintanilla. This collection has been much anticipated and also requested throughout the years. It is super cool to see that MAC was listening and delivered! This collection was curated with Selena's sister which makes it feel so special and personal. 
The entire collection is a gorgeous bright/royal purple which I think is super unique and inline with the colours that were in during Selena's life without looking dated. 
If you'd like to see the collection in action I use it in this video. 

MAC Selena Techo Cumbia Blush 

The first item I have from this collection is the MAC Selena Techo Cumbia Matte Blush ($29 US/$34 CAD). It looks more like a blush/bronzer duo to me! That being said, as you will see in the swatches below the "bronzer" portion swatches much more red on the skin, but then in application it looks semi-cool toned on the skin. I honestly found this a little confusing and still can't determine exactly how I prefer to use it. It looks so cool toned in the pan! 

MAC Selena Techo Cumbia Swatches

As you'll see, the blush has better pigmentation than expected but the "bronzer is quite stiff in the pan. If you purchase this I think it is going to be up to you and your skintone/undertone as to how you prefer to use it. It does look kind of bruise like in the swatch but it does not come off that way on the face. This makes the product super versatile and don't forget, it can be used as eyeshadow too. 

MAC Selena Techo Cumbia Matte Blush

#MACSelena Blush 

MAC Selena Como La Flor Lipstick

Although I am a 90s baby, I do somewhat remember Selena. More so I remember Jennifer Lopez always being compared to her. What I do remember of her I know she wore a lot red lipstick, and the MAC Selena Como La Flor ($18 US/22 CAD) seems to be a great representation of what she wore. 

MAC Selena Red Lipstick

Como La Flor is an Amplified finish which has tons of pigment, and a nice creamy formula. I recommend a lip liner if you are afraid of it moving around, or you can blot after application. 

MAC Selena Dupes

As you can see above, MAC R.E.D is a pretty close dupe for MAC Como La Flor although it is slightly cooler toned. MAC Ruby Woo is a Retro Matte Formula but the color is quite close and Lady Danger has a ton more orange in it. 

MAC Selena 129 Short Handle Brush

This is the short handle version of the MAC 129 Powder/Blush Brush ($35 US/ $42 CAD). I think that this brush is incredibly versitle and can be used for powder and blush as MAC recommends but it could also do bronzer and highlight. It has a great amount of density, but not so much that it is going to pack on too much product, it can place product and then blend it out like a dream. 

Wearing MAC Selena Collection! 

*These products were sent to me for review. All opinions are my own of course! 

Shoppers Drug Mart Top Picks #SDMTopPicks

As a Canadian and beauty lover, Shoppers Drug Mart has always been a place I visit on a regular basis. It could be anything from picking up my staple products, running in to get some emergency makeup wipes or checking out all of the latest and greatest in the Beauty Boutique. When Shoppers Drug Mart released their Top Picks, a list of must try products from head to toe, I knew I could trust it and had to try. I am so excited to partner with Shoppers Drug Mart to show you their Top Picks including some hidden gems, best sellers and new finds!

Not only are their Top Picks products that every girl should have on hand, it is a great time to collect some Bonus Shoppers Optimum Points! If you visit Shoppers Drug Mart prior to October 7^th you can earn Bonus Optimum Points on everything on the #SDMTopPicks list.

I was super excited to head to the Yorkdale Mall here in Toronto to check out the Vanity Memory Game.  There was a chance to win a dream vanity valued at $5,000 and a prize pack valued at $425 that included the Shoppers Drug Mart Top Picks to fill that gorgeous vanity. The team was dressed in adorable Shoppers Drug Mart robes and the vanities were stocked with all the Top Picks. I wish I could have transported it all back to my apartment, so chic!

If you were unable to attend one of the interactive mall events all is not lost, you can still stock your vanity with Shoppers Drug Mart’s Top Picks and collect Bonus Optimum Points. Also, if you haven’t downloaded the Shoppers Drug Mart app I highly recommend. As someone who constantly forgets my card and loses out on points, this has been a lifesaver. Not only does it act as my card, but it has offers I can easily load to gain bonus points.

My vanity is so well stocked and my personal hygiene routine has been revamped with Shoppers Drug Mart Top Picks. If you are curious to see what others have picked up, search “#SDMTopPicks” on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook. It’s so easy to get into a rut with your products, but that first shower after grabbing a new shampoo or body wash is so delightful!  

Here’s what’s new at my vanity from #SDMTopPicks:

Hidden Gem: Schwarzkopf essence Ultîme Omega Repair 11 in 1 Leave In.

- Get 2,000 Shoppers Optimum bonus points when you purchase any 2 participating Schwarzkopf essence Ultîme Omega Repair products.
I totally agree that this is a hidden gem, I had never tried this before but I am really enjoying it. I have incredibly dry, curly and overworked hair. I’m always looking for products to include into my routine that will add moisture and life into my hair. This claims to have 11 benefits like frizz control, blow dry protection and bounce. It contains omega oil, hydrolyzed pearl and sea salt. I generally stay away from products with sea salt but it is the last ingredient so I don’t find it drying.

New Finds: Sensodyne Cool Mint Mouthwash

- Get 500 Shoppers Optimum Bonus Points when you purchase a Sensodyne Cool Mint or Fresh Mint Mouthwash.
As someone who has always had incredibly sensitive teeth, I am very familiar with Sensodyne but I hadn’t tried their new mouthwash. I’ve always enjoyed Sensodyne products, and truly see a difference in my teeth’s sensitivity when using them. The Cool Mint Mouthwash has just enough kick to leave you feeling fresh but at the same time it’s not too harsh. It claims to be formulated to relieve sensitive teeth when used twice daily, along with strengthening teeth and fighting cavities with fluoride.

Top Sellers: 

Dove Deep Moisture Nourishing Body Wash

- Get 1,000 Shoppers Optimum Bonus Points when you purchase 2 Dove Deep Moisture Nourishing Body Washes.
I think I am a top contender to be one of the people who made Dove Body Wash a Top Seller. I have been using this for years! I love that it comes in such a wide variety of scents; I like to mix it up from month to month. It is moisturizing, but not greasy and has a great lather. These are also quite gentle so I think they would also work great for sensitive skin.

Pantene Pro-V Daily Moisture Renewal

- Get 1,500 Shoppers Optimum Bonus Points when you purchase any 2 participating Pantene Pro-V Daily Moisture Renewal hair care products.
I picked this up for my boyfriend, but I ended up using this for myself too. It is super convenient to use. As mentioned, my hair is dry so I will generally follow up with a conditioner. It claims to repair damage, and make hair more soft and manageable. The scent of Pantene totally brings me back to high school, so much nostalgia!  

You have plenty of time to visit Shoppers Drug Mart by October 7^th, 2016 and earn Bonus Optimum Points on their Top Picks including hidden gems, top sellers and new finds. See the total list of top picks here.
Let me know what you end up purchasing below!

This blog post was sponsored by Shoppers Drug Mart Top Picks but the opinions are all my own.

L'Oréal Paris Color Riche Le Vernis à L'Huile Swatches + Review

 L'Oréal Paris Color Riche Le Vernis à L'Huile Swatches

L'Oreal has released their first oil infused nail polish line. There will be a total of 25 shades in the line, the remainder will be released November 2016. The oils are meant to offer "rich powerful color and incomparable mirror shine". See them in action in my Live Swatch YouTube Video. 

I was invited to a PR event with L'Oreal Canada and was lucky enough to meet Tom Bachik their lead celebrity "man-icurist". We learned all about the line and got some great tips on applying nail polish. I would also like to mention there is now only one degree of separation between myself and J.Lo... I've made it.

I left the event with this gorgeous set of nail polishes in hand. I like to describe the bottles as "nail polish grenades', they are stunning!

 

*These polishes were provided for my review, all opinions are my own. Links are affiliate.