Selena X MAC Collection: Dreaming of You Dupes

If you’re a Selena fan like myself, then you probably went as cray cray as I did when MAC released its limited-edition Selena X MAC collection back in October of 2016.   Selena Quintanilla, the ahMAZingly talented and beautiful Tejano singer, was tragically killed back in 1995 but is still wildly popular to this day.

Selena was not only a successful singer, but a huge beauty and fashion icon.  She was often referred to as the Mexican Madonna because of her creative style.  She was known for her sparkly bustiers (which she made herself), and signature red lip (her rumored go-to was the now discontinued Chanel Brick). 

The collection was a collaboration between MAC and Selena’s sister Suzette, which resulted in a pretty well rounded line. It had everything including mascara, eye liner, applicator brushes, a blush/bronze duo, five eye shadows, three lipsticks, and a lip gloss, each one affectionately named after one of Selena’s hit songs. 

The line sold out FAST and was insanely difficult to get a hold of if you weren't camped out in front of the nearest MAC.  I didn't pre-order because I’m someone who needs to swatch it before I buy it.  

 

 

 I schlepped myself to three different MAC stores and each was completely sold out.  Fortunately, one of them still had the display samples and kindly brought them out so I could at least swatch them.

I mentioned my dilemma to a friend in LA who shockingly, was able to snag not one, but several products and ship them to me ( ukwur- Thank you!)   I got the lip gloss, pink eye shadow, and- the reason I'm writing this post- "Dreaming of You" lipstick.
 

 

"Dreaming of You" is a deep, red wine matte that goes on smoothly and has a light vanilla scent.  This has become my all time favorite lipstick, hands down.  I have never gotten as many compliments as I do when I wear this color. 

That being said, I realized I was going to need a replacement for when it runs out.  Since it's now extinct (much like Selena's Brick) I started watching for brands with similar shades and found four.  I decided to share them in case any of you have run into the same issue, or weren't able to buy it the first time around.  

 

 $17.50

Clinque Different Lipstick in A Different Grape 

This a slightly lighter, less intense version.  It's a bit sheer and has a subtle sheen, but the color is very close.

    

 $20.00

Jane Iredale Play On Lip Crayon in Naughty

This has warmer undertones, but its payoff is more bold then it is vibrant.  Definitely a worthy alternate.

 $20.00

Chella Lipstick Pencil in Wondrous Wine 

Chella pencils are amazing because the formula is lightweight and super pigmented.  This color is almost identical in a lighter formula that's easier to apply.  

$23.00

Vincent Longo Velvet Rich Lipstick in Rain Dance

 This one is the closest on every level.  It has the same smooth consistency, the color is on point, and the intensity is just as rich.  

 

 

 Do you own any of the Selena X MAC Collection?  What product is your favorite? 

Free Beauty Events February Giveaway

FreeBeautyEvents.com is back this month with another amazing giveaway.  For anyone not familiar with FBE, the site is a great tool for all beauty addicts.  It helps you stay up to date on the latest beauty happenings in your area and serves as an awesome way to snag killer free samples. Best of all, each month the site gives away a bundle chalk full of the industry's best must haves.  Let's check them out!
 

 

This month's basket includes industry favorites from Conair, Simple, Aquaphor, Ban, Sally Hansen, Revlon, Milani, NYX and more! The contest runs from now through 2/28/18, winners will be chosen on 3/10/18 and notified by 3/15/18.  Entering is simple!  Visit FreeBeautyEvents on Facebook (don't forget to like them!) or enter directly on their website.

Besides the monthly giveaways, the site also offers great beauty advice and product reviews on their blog.  Like any of the products you read about?  Keep your eyes open for your chance to stock up!  Easy as 1-2-3, just enter your zip code into the site's search bar to find out which locations in your area might be handing out samples.  It's a helpful way to keep up to date with the beauty events happening in your town.    

Get more FBE info here

Have you attended a past event listed on the site? 

2018 Global Wellness Research Event

 

 

Last week, I attended the exclusive 2018 Global Wellness Research Event at Steelcase in New York City.  The day included presentations from some of the wellness industry's top leaders and researchers including; Ophelia Yeung & Katherine Johnston, Dr. Anjan Chatterjee, and a video appearance by David Bosshart.  

Also discussed was the Global Wellness Summit's highly anticipated report detailing the "Eight Wellness Trends for 2018" , presented by Beth McGroarty and Susie Ellis.  The Global Wellness Summit is an international gathering of wellness leaders and visionaries.  Each year, its participants gather to share ideas and work together to positively shape the future of the $3.7 trillion global wellness economy. 

 The report reflected the perspectives of wellness experts from eight wellness sectors and gave a uniquely insightful view of trends that push the health and wellness envelope innovative ways.  Trends ranged from wellness kitchens to the incorporation of "magic" and medicinal mushrooms into daily life.  You can check them out here. 

 After the lectures, press was treated to a delicious lunch, followed by the opportunity to chat with an array of popular wellness brands.    

 

 

 

 

Immunocologie

BUDHAGIRL

OM4Men

Biologique Recherche

Comfort Zone

LightStim

Zeel

the bodyholiday- Saint Lucia

Serenbe

Bon Vital'

Overall it was an extremely informative and exciting afternoon.  Before leaving, guests were gifted an incredible swag bag jam packed with samples from the brands.Stay tuned for my thoughts and reviews on the above!

Friends of the Budapest Festival Orchestra Celebrate at 2018 Pre-Gala Party

Sana Sabbagh, Susan Gutfreund, Daisy Soros

Susan Gutfreund opened her magnificent Fifth Avenue duplex for the Friends of the Budapest Festival Orchestra on Wednesday, January 10^th. Stephen E. Benko, their Chairman, flew in from Hungary to attend. In a heartfelt toast, he thanked Mrs. Gutfreund for her kindness and generosity. 

Stephen E. Benko

 Mr. Benko also brought important news for classical music lovers: “In October of this year, the Orchestra Maestro Fischer will be unveiling the inaugural Vicenza Opera Festival at the magnificent Teatro Olimpico, in Italy, the birth place of modern opera.” Maestro Fischer hopes this new festival will bolster the international opera scene and highlight Italy’s hidden treasures.

“This Saturday," Benko continued, "the Orchestra is holding its first sensory-friendly Cocoa concert outside of Hungary at Lincoln Center. Maestro Fischer designed these concerts for young people on the autism spectrum and with other developmental disabilities and their families. I'm thrilled to tell you that the event sold out within hours of its announcement in December and the waiting list is still growing!”

On hand to celebrate were Daisy Soros, who founded the Friends organization and is currently chairman emeritus, as well as this year’s gala co-chairs Kathryn Livingston Forgan and Christine Schott Ledes.  Other guests included Steven Aronson, Tony Bechara, Stephen and Radka Benko, Cornelia Bregman, Janna Bullock, Cece Cord, Steve and Rebecca Greenwald, Sylvia Hemingway, Geoffrey and Caron Johnson, Richard Johnson, Michèle Gerber Klein, Andrew and Heidi-Lee Komaromi, Liz Peek, Monika McLennan, Christopher Mason, Sana Sabbagh, Dame Jillian Sackler, Laine Siklos, Stephanie Stokes, Kathy Roder, Elizabeth Segerstrom, Jean Shafiroff, Barbara Tober, and David and Julie Tobey. 

Photos courtesy of Patrick McMullan Company 

Free Beauty Events January Giveaway

FreeBeautyEvents.com is back this month with another amazing giveaway.  For anyone not familiar with FBE, the site is a great tool for all beauty addicts.  It helps you stay up to date on the latest beauty happenings in your area and serves as an awesome way to snag killer free samples. Best of all, each month the site gives away a bundle chalk full of the industry's best must haves.  Let's check them out!

This month's basket includes products from some of my favorite brands including Eva NYC Haircare, Revlon, Milani Cosmetics, NYX, L'Oreal Cosmetics, SheaMoisture and more! The contest runs from now through 1/31/1, winners will be chosen on 2/10/18 and notified by 2/15/17.  Entering is simple!  Visit FreeBeautyEvents on Facebook (don't forget to like them!) or enter directly on their website.

Besides the monthly giveaways, the site also offers great beauty advice and product reviews on their blog.  Like any of the products you read about?  Keep your eyes open for your chance to stock up!  Easy as 1-2-3, just enter your zip code into the site's search bar to find out which locations in your area might be handing out samples.  It's a helpful way to keep up to date with the beauty events happening in your town.    

Get more FBE info here

Have you attended a past event listed on the site?