MAC Toledo Collection
MAC Toledo Collection

I missed out on the MAC Cinderella Collection, by the time the email came through saying it was online it had sold out. This happens far too often and is the main reason I haven't been purchasing from the site as of late. Hopefully the Cinderella Collection will go onto Selfridges etc soon but until then let me share my thoughts on my latest purchases from the MAC Toledo Collection. Just look at the packaging - isn't it one of MAC's better offerings aesthetically as of late?

MAC Toledo Collection
MAC Toledo Collection
MAC Toledo Collection
MAC Toledo Collection
MAC Toledo Collection

MAC Toledo Ripe Peach Blush £25 (blush has sold out online everywhere)
I was so excited to see MAC Ripe Peach re-launched, I did own the original back when it launched a good few years ago and used it until it all but crumbled. The bright, coral peachy overall tone of this blush is so flattering and easy to wear on the majority of skin tones which is part of the reason why it is so coveted. As you can see MAC Ripe Peach is an ombre blush with gradient tones of yellow, peach and bright pink which you can somewhat use individually or swirl together to form a bright, punchy coral blush. I've had a quick glance on Google images and through my own archives and it seems that MAC Ripe Peach Blush is exactly the same tones as it was the first time around but the formula is terrible. Obviously other than an old review I don't have much to compare this to but the texture is so dry, weakly pigmented and a nightmare to apply. I have a fairly light complexion and find I have to apply this blush in layers to achieve the coral flush I so desire. That is the least of my worries, the drier texture clings to my skin, creating dry areas that don't really exist and looks ashen, there is also the shimmer particles (which I don't recall from before) that settle into my pores. I am so disappointed. Perhaps I have a dud but at £25 I am less than pleased.

MAC Toledo Collection
MAC Toledo Collection
MAC Toledo Collection
MAC Toledo Collection

MAC Toledo Lipsticks in Oxblood and Barbecue £17 each via Debenhams - link
Unlike the above blush the MAC Toledo blushes are worth the splurge, the formulation is as close to perfect for matte lipstick as I have experienced and the two shades I have are beyond wearable. Yes they are matte but they slick onto the lips with such ease, feel comfortable and are not as drying as you'd expect. Don't get me wrong with continued use they do leave the lips feeling a little parched but they don't create flaky, chapped lips - essentially nothing a quick lip balm won't remedy. As the MAC Toledo Lipsticks are matte they wear exceptionally well around 4 hours per application and that includes eating and drinking. I will be the first to say £17 is not cheap for a lipstick but regular wearers of matte lipstick are going to want to add at least one of the six shades to their collection. I have Oxblood which is a a deep, brown toned nude with a yellow undertone - perfect for creating the illusion of larger lips or taping into the 90's brown lipstick vibe. I also went out on a whim and purchased Barbecue which is a little out of my comfort zone - a bright, neutral toned orange come red that will be perfect for the upcoming Summer. I will hopefully team this with a tan but then again that is wishful thinking.

Forget MAC Cinderella this is the best collection MAC have launched this side of 2015!