I was so busy trying to crank out the Halloween looks last month, that I didn’t post my review on one of the most anticipated collections that MAC Cosmetics has ever released! The very exclusive Marilyn Monroe collection officially launched in MAC stores on October 4, 2012.

The anticipation was intense as fans waited in lines for the doors to open on the launch date. My counter sold out in less than half an hour! The collection was filled with red lip colors and polishes, lustrous lip glosses, gleaming eyeshadows and flirty lashes to capture the essence of the blonde bombshell herself.

In addition, the packaging also captures the beauty of Marilyn with unreleased photos of her. The MAC website describes this product as a “pale soft coral,” I prefer to describe it as my favorite blush so far. This blush has a satin finish which is very soft and wearable for a glowing cheek look. It reminds me of MAC’s Dainty but with a peachy hue instead. The blush has a slight shimmery look, but its very subtle. As far as color payoff, its very sheer, but build-able. It usually takes me a few swipes to get the glow I’m looking for. It’s also great shade layer over a matte blush to give it an extra oomph.

Marylin is best known for her red pout, and this collection offers red lippies like none other in MAC’s history. The collection features five lip shades, only one which was not red (Pure Zen). I chose to review my favorite shades from the collection. Deeply Adored- This is a deep matte red lipstick.

It applies velvety smooth and feels creamy. The color is rich and pigmented and offers excellent color payoff.

Not to mention, constant compliments from on lookers. The only down fall, the color doesn’t stay on for very long. Within about two hours I find myself re-applying. Charmed I’m Sure- This is another dark red, but it stays closer to a true red. Again, this rouge shade has a matte finish and great color payoff. But just like its sister shade (Deeply Adored), the color doesn’t last as long as I would like.

It’s definitely worth reapplying every few hours. Dazzleglass- Another first for me, I have never owned a dazzleglass in the past.

To begin, this was my favorite product as far as packaging goes for this collection. I love the image of Marilyn that they used on the tube.

Marilyn Monroe Clothing Collection Macy's

As far as the product, another great product in the collection. The gloss is packed with sparkles that are supposed to resemble the glimmer of diamonds and quartz. It has a medium consistency but it’s not sticky. I think the sheer gloss does a great job of adding brillance to to a nude lip or over a lipstick. Personally, I prefer to wear it over the lip color.

The picture above doesn’t capture the beauty of this gloss as well as it should. Definitely a must see! MAC- Preferred Blonde Eyeshadow ($21) A few swipes with no primer in outdoor lighting This shadow comes in an extra large shadow pan (0.10 oz) and is a light champagne shade with a veluxe pearl finish. I really like the color, but I’m not crazy about the product. The color is super shimmery, but has a chalky consistency that creates a lot of fall out. I wish the shimmer would have been finer and smoother.

It’s also not as pigmented as I would have liked. I also don’t like the fact that it doesn’t last very long. Within a few hours the color fades even when I use a primer. Since I already have it I’m going to try to make the best of it as use it as a highlight for my brow bone and the corners of my inner eyes.

Overall, I think I am more impressed with the packaging than with the product. I’m 50/50 about the products I bought. Some I really love and some I wish I would have passed on. I think the investment was worth it more for a collectors purpose rather than for actual use. I do have to say, this is my favorite packaging in my MAC history! P.S.- Earlier this week I started to announce goodies that will be included in my holiday giveaway via Facebook.

The first product I announced was Essie’s “Butter Please” nail polish. The second product is going to be a PHIFF! DAZZLEGLASS from the MAC Marilyn Monroe collection. This is a very exclusive and sold out item. For more details!

. Zoya Kimberly polish. YSL rouge volupte shine #7. YSL Sheer Candy Tasty Raspberry. Korres Golden eyeshadow. Mac Shale eyeshadow.

Mac Lovejoy mineralize blush. Burt's Bees Pink Grapefruit lipbalm. Mac All That Glitters eyeshadow. Labello Peach lipbalm. Alverde Apricot blush. Mac Maleficent Natural Beauty Powder. Korres Wild Rose lip butter.

Mac Viva Glam V lipstick. Mac Peaches Blush. Nars Outlaw Blush.

VS sheer drama Entice lipstick. Mac Honesty shadow. mac patisserie lipstick. Essence I.