MAC Cosmetics Toledo Collection- a review of Oxblood and Barbeque

Hellllo world!

I was so looking forward to enjoying this quiet weekend home with my husband, but alas, I woke up with a cold yesterday, ruining my ideal break. To top it off, I even had food poisoning last night! I just can't win! But anyways, onwards and upwards, right? This post is a review on just two products from the absolutely stunning Isabel and Ruben Toledo collaboration with MAC Cosmetics. The collection includes various beautiful eyeshadow palettes, stunning lipstick and lipglass shades, nailpolish, vibrant mascara and eyeliner colors, ombre blushes, as well as a powder blush and makeup bag. I am so in love with the package design and wish I could have added more to my collection, but I'm saving up for IMATS NY 2015 (my first time!).

(This image of Isabel and Ruben Toledo for their collaboration with MAC really reflects their playful nature)

So who are Isabel and Ruben Toledo? Some of you may look at the packaging and say to yourself, 'That work looks vaguely familiar'... Well, if you've ever been in a Nordstrom, Barney's NY, or Louis Vuitton, then you've likely seen the incredible art of Ruben Toledo. His work is just so unique, flowing, and a reflection of his own eccentric love of life. Isabel Toledo is a gorgeous fashion designer whom creates her own fashion line, and even was the creative director for Anne Klein in 2006. She and Ruben work very closely together on projects and often collaborate.

(Ruben Toledo for Nordstrom. Don't you wish this painting was in your house??)

(Isabel Toledo for Lane Bryant. How stunning and classy is this ensemble??)

(The elegant and lovely Cuban-American couple working together.)

Now that you all know a bit more about the amazing Toledos, let's jump right into the reviews!

MAC Cosmetics Toledo Collection- Oxblood and Barbeque

 Summary:

- Limited Edition collection with gorgeous packaging featuring the art of Ruben Toledo
- Six beautiful shades that come in a matte finish
- If you haven't already, you really should pick up one of the lipsticks at MAC's website here for $17.50 (includes free shipping!)

(The two colors I had to pick up! Who knows if I will go back for more...)

(Absolutely stunning work by Ruben Toledo)

  I have been SO excited about this collection ever since I heard it was coming out, and it not only delivered, but blew my expectations away! The Toledos and their chemistry really come out in this collection. According to the video of the Toledos made by MAC, they were given free artistic reign to pick and design the colors and the packaging, which I could not be happier with. When you open your package and see the lipstick box, you are instantly wowed by the beautiful line work and faces by Ruben Toledo. When you open the box, you can even see that the inside of the box is filled with Ruben's signature flowing line work. Now you get to the actual makeup bullet, and holy macaroni. The packaging of the bullet has a sort of matte velvety finish to it that just feels so luxurious. Once again, another detail reflecting the style of the Toledos.

(MAC Cosmetics Toledo Collection- Oxblood)

(MAC Cosmetics Toledo Collection- Barbeque)

(Swatches in natural daylight. Can you tell why Oxblood is sold out everywhere??)

The finish of the lipsticks is a matte finish, but it applies so smoothly, whereas some matte lipsticks can be tough to spread across the lips. It goes without saying that the lipstick shades are GORGEOUS, but Oxblood, in particular, had been a huge fan favorite. My first order I placed, I just got Barbeque, but was instantly regretting not getting Oxblood, so I hopped back on to get one, but it was sold out! Luckily, Macy's and Nordstrom were getting the Toledo collection as well, so at 5:30 AM, I quickly ran to my phone and ordered two! Thank goodness I did, because Oxblood is now sold out everywhere! You might get lucky and find it in a MAC store, but I wouldn't bet my bottom dollar on that, either.

As for the two colors I chose: Oxblood and Barbeque, I am just in LOVE with these colors. When I first heard the name Oxblood, I expected it to be a deep burgundy red, but was pleasantly surprised to see a sort of mauvy-peachy nude. It really is a gorgeous color, and I have seen some Instagrammers liken it to MAC's Kinda Sexy, but slightly more brown toned. Barbeque is described as a "vivid orange red" on MAC's website, and I do agree with that description, and for some reason, I really do think of barbeque sauce in a way. Strange? Anyways, if you haven't picked up SOMETHING from this collection, you will regret it. And who wants to pay double or triple on eBay anyways, right? Well, until next time... enjoy this interview with the Toledos!

Peace and Love,

Farrah <3