Shu Uemura Instinct Collection has my heart for the upcoming Fall season. The palettes in particular are so versatile and unique you can’t help but fall in love and lust with them!
I’ve been testing out some of the Shu Uemura Instinct Collection this week and I’m excited to finally tell you all about. I did a look a day for the past week using the shadow duos and I can probably get a week more of different looks from them. The palettes are interesting little pieces that you can get a nice array of eye looks from. You’d think two colors wouldn’t offer much in the way of variety but in fact they do indeed offer a good deal of selection.
Each palette consists of a heavily pigmented powder shade and a cream base which doubles up as a liner. The powders are extra silky and have a similar consistency to many popular Japanese eye shadows I’ve come across which is a cross between a cream and a shadow. The texture is wicked smooth and blends extremely well. Pigmentation is amazing, simply amazing even better than a MAC shadow. The finish is cross between a stunning shimmer and a beautiful metallic.
The cream base is smooth and creamy. The cream base can work as a prep for your shadow or as a liner. I was very impressed with how easy it was to blend these onto my lid. I normally hate using MAC paint pots or any cream shadows in general as you may have read in my prior posts however this particular base has just the right consistency to create a sheer layer that you can build up without fearing the shadow will dry before you can put your second coat on. The base adheres wonderfully to the eye and allows a perfect prep for the shadow. It allows the shadow to glide effortlessly onto the eye while preventing major fall out plus it deepens the powder shadow and morphs the color lending an air of mystery to the color. I noticed the base intensifies the shadow in a particularly beautiful way.
I’m partial to these new duos because as I mentioned above I love how versatile they are. I can easily get several looks from two shadows.
Some looks you might attempt with your own palette:
Eye Look 1: Cream Shadow on Lid Creates an air of mystery and a uniquely goth look that’s both elegant and fun.
Eye Look 2: Powder Shadow on Lid Beautifully rich and pigmented color on the lid creates a beautiful daytime and evening look for Fall!
Eye Look 3: Powder Shadow on Lid plus Line bottom and lower lash line with Cream Shadow A great evening look for eyes!
Eye Look 4: Prep lid with Cream Shadow and Blend Powder Shadow onto lid! This morphs the color of the shadow and deepens it allowing the look to go from simple to stunning!
Eye Look 5: Powder Shadow on Lid and Cream Shadow Used as a Liner on lower lash liner! This opens the eye up and gives a simple yet unique look to your eyes!
Looks I created using the Shu Uemura Instinct Fall Collection:
Eyes: Shu Uemura Duo Eye Shadow Palette in Mystifier (Cream Base with Powder Shadow Layered on Top) Cheeks: Shu Uemura Glow On Blush in Pulse Lips: Shu Uemura Rogue Unlimited Crystal Shine in Brown Dazzle
Eyes: Shu Uemura Duo Eye Shadow Palette in Mesmerizer (Powder Shadow on lid and cream shadow used as a liner on upper lash line) Cheeks: Shu Uemura Glow On Blush in Pulse Lips: Shu Uemura Rogue Unlimited Crystal Shine in Brown Dazzle
Eyes: Shu Uemura Duo Eye Shadow Palette in Mystifier (Powder Shadow on lid and Cream Base used as a liner on lower lash line) Cheeks: Shu Uemura Glow On Blush in Lust Lips: Shu Uemura Rogue Unlimited Crystal Shine in Brown Dazzle
Eyes: Shu Uemura Duo Eye Shadow Palette in Mesmerizer (Cream Base with Powder Shadow Layered on Top) Cheeks: Shu Uemura Glow On Blush in Lust Lips: Shu Uemura Rogue Unlimited Crystal Shine in Crimson Dazzle
These are just some of the ways I’ve used my palette this week and I must say I’m duly impressed with the many looks I’ve created with it so far.
The two palettes I tried out were Mystifier and Mesmerizer. Out of the two Mesmerizer was my favorite which is a beautiful blend of purples. Mystifier contains a hunter green cream base and a beautiful brassy bronze shadow.
As for the blushes in this collection I really love Shu’s Glow On Blushes and I’m particularly pleased with the two shades released with the Instinct Collection. The colors are both very pretty peach shades which offer cheeks a warmth for the Fall season. Each shade goes extremely well with the eye palette duos and offer the perfect contrast of color to cheeks against the back drop of such an intense eye look. I got both Lust and Pulse. I was slightly worried about Lust as it appears quite sheer and chalky but I quickly realized it would soon become my favorite of the two colors. Lust is actually quite a natural peach that gave my cheeks just a hint of color without overpowering the rest of my look. Pulse is a deeper shade of peach and offers a bit more pop when compared to Lust but still remains quite natural. Both are truly gorgeous shades. Each blush is embellished with a shimmering gold floral design which quickly disappears with one swipe of the brush! Le sigh! Oh well all good things must one day come to an end I guess!
Now another favorite piece for me in Shu Uemura Instinct Collection were undoubtfully the Rouge Unlimited Crystal Shine. I’ve tried these previously and was quite excited about them but I must say that the colors I tried were nothing like the two shades released with Shu’s Instinct Collection!
The shades are Crimson Dazzle and Brown Dazzle. Now the formula is outstanding! It simply glides on leaving pigmented, moisturizing lip color behind. It’s like having a gloss and lipstick all in one tube! You can wear gloss on top for a bit of extra pop but the finish has enough of a shiny, glossy look to it that you may just want to skip on the gloss. Beautiful! Crimson Dazzle is particularly beautiful with touches of both red and a little tinge of orange and faint traces of golden shimmer. Brown Dazzle is just as nice with similar traces of tiny gold shimmer and deep, off chocolate coloring. Each shade is truly flattering for the Fall.
I had so much fun creating different looks with the entire collection. I can’t help but label the Shu Uemura Instinct Fall Mode Makeup Collection another favorite of mine for the upcoming Fall season!
With touches of brown, peach, and popping shades of shadow it’s a unique selection and combination of colors that no other collection has yet duplicated this season.
Instinct is made up of several other pieces that I do not have available to review for you sadly but I see myself buying more of the collection soon so keep your eyes peeled for another review shortly! Click on over to Shu’s site for a visit and a peek at the Shu Uemura Instinct Collection as there are several other awesome items that are part of this Muse Approved collection!
I love this one and I see myself making proper use of it all season long!
Tried any of the Shu Uemura Instinct Collection?
Want to?
Love the palettes?
What’s your favorite pieces from the collection?
What items do you want to try?
Tell the Muse!
Check out some other great Fall Collections reviewed by the Muse!
Now is a good time to head on over to Sephora and grab some of these primers because the Muse is about to blow you out of the water with all my raving.
Make Up For Ever HD Microperfecting Primer is a product you have to try in store. At first glance I wanted to order two or three colors but I quickly realized I’d have to test this in store.
I only got one because I was trying so hard to be good but I really wanted three of the selections available. Damn. But after all tomorrow is another day!
The colors I wanted to try were Pink 7, Mauve 2, and Yellow 6 and as I said I only walked out of the store with one shade which was Yellow 6.
Before I begin my review here are the details what each color is used for:
0 Neutral-Adds natural luminosity to the complexion 1 Green-Minimizes redness 2 Mauve-Counteracts sallow undertones 4 Caramel-(Make Up For Ever needs to learn to count, what happened to three?)-Combats ashiness in medium to dark skin tones 5 Blue-Adds radiance to fair skin and reduces minor imperfections 6 Yellow-Lightens dark complexions 8 Pink-Brightens the complexion and counteracts sallow undertones
My review is reserved to Yellow but since I am going back shortly for the other colors I will most definately be giving those a review of their very own!
For obvious reasons I picked up Yellow because as you may already know I’m terribly obsessed with whitening my skin as much as humanly possible without looking like Michael Jackson of course.
Shudders in fear.
I’m happy to report that Make Up For Ever HD Microperfecting Primer does exactly what it promises to do. It lightens up my complextion very naturally while prepping my skin for my foundation. Funny thing is that the primer works so well I actually feel like I don’t need foundation after application of the primer! Fantastic!
The formula is not a silicon base as per the normal range of primers. It happens to be a lovely creamy, moisturizing blend that feels like a tinted moisturizer and offers coverage like a light set foundation. Although some may be slightly scared of the idea of lightening up your skin tone this effectively leaves behind a semi-matte very natural finish that doesn’t necessarily lighten but more along the lines of evens out and brightens your skin. I’m absolutely thrilled with the finished result.
I’m unsure what the results would be if you’re looking to fill in deep lines or pores this felt more along the lines of a treatment for evening out my dull skin while prepping the skin for foundation or as I mentioned you can easily get away using it on it’s own! I tried it out in several ways one of which happened to be by itself with a bit of blush on top and it looked great. It lends my skin a dewy, creamy look that eases shadowing I have on my skin while brightening up dullness.
The formula isn’t greasy nor is it oily it’s actually beautifully moisturizing and absorbs quickly into the skin while keeping the promise of lightening my skin tone. As I mentioned this isn’t going to bring your skin down an entire shade but it will cast a certain light off your skin giving the illusion of a lighter look.
The product comes in a pump style bottle which I’m sure those anal of germs will simply love (like me!). One squirt should do the job but I personally went ahead and used three on the day I was using it as my sole foundation. I like how it creates a nice flawless finish for my other makeup and I absolutely love how it works as a simple prep for just blush or a cheek stain!
I didn’t notice any difference when worn with my foundation as far as wear goes. It seemed my foundation lasted the normal four to five hours before melting away and crying for a touch up however I can honestly say that when used without foundation my face did remain fresh, bright, and dewy for at least 7-8 hours sans touch ups in between.
Overall, I’ll most definately be indulging in other colors from the line and I’m very pleased with the results this produces. It delivers on it’s promises which is sometimes rare in the cosmetic world. I’m Muse Approving this one for purchase and highly recommending you go out and try it for yourself. I’m particularly curious for those that suffer from redness as Green is recommended for banishing redness on the skin. This could very likely offer a great option for covering that particular woe right up!
I like these. Alot. Expect to hear more raves about other colors soon!
These are available now from Sephora for $35 USD each! Grab ‘em! The Muse thinks you’ll love ‘em!
My excitement about Giorgio Armani Lip Wax in my previous blog entry is warranted as after testing out one for my very self I must say it’s quite a gorgeous little product.
Giorgio Armani Lip Wax is comparable to a MAC Mattene but if you’ve used any of the Mattene’s before you’re probably very familiar with how difficult they are to apply and blend. Giorgio Armani Lip Wax blends flawlessly onto the lips leaving behind seriously pigmented color and gorgeous lips.
The formula is matte however it’s so silky and smooth it feels like you’re applying a powder to your lips. They call the finish a patina satin effect, I call it perfection. The texture is virtually weightless on your lips and it feels as if you’re lips are bare of any color at all but when you look in the mirror there is no doubt that you’re wearing a gorgeous shade of Lip Wax. The formula is very long wearing with little need for touch ups in between.
I tried the shade selection 6 which is a beautifully popping red witha touch of maroon to it. I normally don’t fair to well with reds but lately I’ve indulged my need for red with some rather great shades and I’m very excited to have this color added to my selection of sexy reds.
One of the things I absolutely loved about this product is the fact that color is buildable and versatile. You can go very sheer, very deep, extremely dark, or add a bit of gloss to really get an outstanding look. If you’re scared of bolder shades you can easily tone it down by using a lighter hand but if you crave a wicked, sexy look you can easily take the color up a few notches by building color up.
Each Lip Wax is housed a slick black lacquered compact with mirror. I’ve never indulged in Giorgio Armani Beauty do to the lack of kawaii packaging but I must admit that the design of the compact is quite elegant and posh. Loves it!
The only minor rant I have is that the colors are limited to six shades but honestly that’s actually plenty since the colors will work with pretty much any eye or makeup look you’ll be doing. The selections are both work friendly and of course they’ll spice up any evening look!
Simplicity won out for the look I created below because I wanted my lips to be the star of the show. I did two separate finishes with the Lip Wax, one I’m wearing gloss and the other I am not.
Without Gloss:
With Gloss:
Honestly, if you’re looking to indulge your need for a super pigmented lip product that’s both sexy and elegant this is something to seriously consider adding to your beauty arsenal.
The Muse likey…alot! Muse Approval for purchase!
Simply adoring Giorgio Armani Beauty Lip Wax and heading to my local counter to see more of the color selections available today! Expect some new face of the day photos as soon as I spoil myself with some more colors.
See more of the color selections available by clicking here.
Purchase some at Giorgio Armani Beauty (You can get Free Shipping with your purchase of $75! Don’t forget to check out the stunning Fall eye palette while you’re visiting the site! The Muse likey!)
Did you ever think you could get an awesome makeup base that would cost you £6.50? You can.
Remember how I was raving about Beauty Credit a week or so ago? I got some seriously awesome products from Beauty Credit this week that I’ll be reviewing for you over the course of the next week or so. One of the main things that impressed me with Beauty Credit was the inexpensive price tag, gorgeous selection of cosmetics, and pretty packaging!
Today I’ll be reviewing the Beauty Credit’s Lovely Q10 Makeup Fitting Gel. This I love. I really like primers that sport a beautiful watery texture. I’m not a lover of silicon based primers simply because I feel like I have a mask on and they also happen to break me out a fair bit plus they pill terribly! It looks like my skin is peeling when I wear one yuk!
However, Beauty Credit’s Lovely Q10 Makeup Fitting Gel combines all the elements I love about a primer plus the added benefits of an inexpensive price tag and pretty little packaging! The formula is a light gel base that quickly absorbs into the skin perfectly prepping the skin for your foundation. The gel is beautifully cooling and carries a light, refreshing scent. I’m particularly loving how cooling and gentle this is on the skin. Perfect for humid weather the Muse says! The formula is not greasy or oily which is surprising as some gels tend to leave a tacky film behind. The product simply blends perfectly across the skin and quickly absorbs leaving your skin refreshed and ready for makeup.
As I said the packaging is adorable as well and vanity worthy. It comes in a plastic pump style bottle that appears to be glass. The top and base of the bottle is a beige pink shade. The rocking horse emblem is etched beautifully into the top of the bottle. I love this emblem, it gives the product a certain kawaii factor that the Muse is all over.
As mentioned above the product blends beautifully well into the skin and does a fine job prepping the skin however I did simply LOVE the fact that this not only made my foundation last a full hour longer without touch up but it also helped keep my foundation fresh. My foundation does occasionally go gray or ashy on my skin do to a number of reasons…humidity, heat, stale air, etc..however, Lovely Q10 Makeup Fitting Gel kept my foundation very fresh and I experienced no problems with my foundation the entire day. My foundation normally lasts about five hours without touch up possibly less depending on how much I’m outside however this based allowed it to last an extra hour or two. I actually didn’t bother touching up at all the entire day to see what exactly would happen. When I came home some of my foundation had worn away but my face was still looking fresh.
I love this one and I’ll definately be purchasing it again once my bottle has dwindled down!
I’m sticking a Muse Approval on it for purchase! The Muse loves it and thinks it’s a super steal and a deal!
As per my earlier discussion about Beauty Credit I had mentioned that the items were sold within the UK, Asia, and a few select locations in the US. Turns out Beauty Credit is more local then I realized! It’s right in my backyard and can be found at the following location if you happen to be in New York:
158 Hester Street New York, NY 10013 Contact Number 212.334.6400
A lovely reader mentioned this so thanks to them for the info!
I haven’t yet headed over there yet but I’m very eager to get there and see what selection they have available!
I’ll be bringing you further Beauty Credit reviews shortly so stay tuned! While you’re waiting do drop by the Beauty Credit Website to see more of the great selection available! UK Residents can order online too!
As discussed in my earlier article Benefit has introduced a brand new product called Powderflage and guess what? It happens to be brilliant.
Ok, although Benefit Powderflage gets a big hooray from me there is one minor rant that I should get to first.
The fan brush.
I was quite excited about the fan brush that came with the kit. It was very cool that Benefit was including a brush for application with Powderflage and I was both thankful and happy to have something to use with this. Although, I was worried that a fan brush wouldn’t be so great for application, I still felt like it was rather a nice item to include. I’ve always used my 190SE to apply this type of powder. The 190 fits snug under my eye and picks up just the right amount of powder for this delicate area. But hey, I was willing to try out a fan brush to apply the powder! Why not! The Muse is all about adventurous new makeup techniques!
Umm…
The fan brush…..
Can you say mini? Can you say very, very, very small….wow…..
I was a bit disappointed at the minuscule size of the brush. What in the world was I supposed to do with this?!
The brush is ridiculously tiny.
Well….
Aside from my minor rant about the brush I will proceed to turn that frown upside in a second when I tell you about how the brush actually works even though it’s size is ridiculously tiny!
Now Benefit went ahead and brought back the wonderful packaging from days of old. This excites the Muse and makes her very happy. The Muse remembers when Benefit used to sport this style of packaging for most of it’s cosmetics. I remember when Benetint and Glamazon came in a cardboard tube like this. I also happen to remember when Mr. Frosty and other eye pencils by Benefit came in cardboard tubes as well! Am I dating myself or do you guys remember that too? I love that Benefit is returning to it’s roots and I hope in the future they’ll continue to re-introduce this great packaging.
Anyway enough gushing about the packaging eh? You want the review dontcha?
So Powderflage what’s it for? Who can use it? What’s it do? Etc…etc…
Powderflage makes some big promises. It promises to banish dark circles and brighten up your eye area it also promises to erase fine lines. Does it? Yes, but with a trick.
This super fine powder is weightless and near transparent. Although it sports a slight shimmer and a shade of pink have no fear as the formula is pretty much colorless. Now I’ve tried a similar product from Laura Mercier which I reviewed in the past, I wasn’t too thrilled with the Laura Mercier version for a few reasons one of which was the fact that it settled into fine lines. To add insult to injury the product was also very white and not so transparent as it claimed so each time I applied my under eyes were left looking quite ghastly and ghostly.
Now Benefit Powderflage gets it all right. The powder’s formula is a good deal lighter in comparison to Laura Mercier so it doesn’t settle into my fine lines plus the fact that it’s so light it breezes across my under eyes brightening them up without leaving behind a layer of product that not only ages me but also makes me look quite white and pale around the eye area. Yes, it does indeed erase fine lines and gives an airbrushed, flawless finish to my eyes. Loves it! And yes it does indeed brighten the eye area up making it appear not only flawless but awake and refreshed.
Does it work at covering dark circles?
No. I personally don’t believe you can use this on it’s own to cover heavy dark circles however if you’re younger or need lighter coverage than yes absolutely you can get away with using this as your concealer.
Personally I need extra coverage so I conceal my eyes using my normal concealer and I proceed to follow up with Benefit Powderflage for a bit of extra coverage, extra brightening, and it also happens to work a treat at setting and holding my concealer in place all day long.
Now as I said I was quite devastated by the tiny little fan brush but turns out it makes the absolute perfect item for “flagging” on Powderflage!
The powder is so very fine that you’ll need something tiny to pick it up and in comes Benefit’s small little fan brush that helps apply Powderflage like a dream. The fan brush picks up just enough product to smooth under your eyes while fitting the contour of the eye beautifully well. It’s size is ideal for getting just the amount of powder where you need it without ever leaving behind a heavy layer that will settle into fine lines. A few strokes and your eyes will look beautifully awake and ready for the world. In the end I’m happy that Benefit thought to include such a great little brush for application so you see it’s not bad at all but quite helpful!
Do I love Benefit Powderflage? YES! I adore it. It’s fabulous! We have another winner from Benefit here.
Wakes up my tired eyes, sets my concealer beautifully well, erases fine little lines in an instant, and of course makes me look flawless and gorgeous!
This one you have to try out! Well worth your time in the Muse’s opinion!
A few weeks ago a friend of mine and business associate mentioned the Lipstick Index while we were out for dinner. In all my economic courses I’ve never heard a reference to the Lipstick Index prior to this but turns out if you Google you’ll find a ton of extremely interesting articles on this. It’s referred to in many terms one of which is the Lipstick Index but it’s also been called Lipstick Economy, Leading Lipstick Indicator, etc…
What the hell are you on about anyway Muse?
Well….
I’m referring to the fact that their is some theory and fact that lipstick and cosmetic sales actually rise during tough economy times because women tend to turn in smaller indulgences when money is tighter.
The term Leading Lipstick Indicator was actually coined by Leonard Lauder (chairman of Estee Lauder). The theory turns into fact as Estee Lauder reported sales go up during tougher times and during the September 11th terrorist attacks, lipstick sales were twice as much.
Interesting eh?
Target seems to have done it’s homework and realized now would be a great time to introduce three brand new line ups to their cosmetic selection. I’m betting Target has done some research and realized right now would be a great time to extend it’s line to include some higher end products that might sell very well.
It still remains a gamble for me however.
A few things about Target if you’re not within the US. It’s a large scale department store that sells cheaper lines of everything from clothes, to accessories, to home goods. Generally the cosmetic department consists of low end lines such as Covergirl, Almay, Etc…
Now I admire Target for being way ahead of the game by importing such brands as Boots (both skincare and cosmetics) and Soap and Glory. I feel further interest and admiration to Target for paving the way for a rather interesting import of posh cosmetics. Selling high end cosmetics in drugstores or larger scale department stores such as Target is rather unheard of. If you seek Dior, Smashbox, Urban Decay, Etc…you’ll have to head to a counter, Sephora, Ulta, or find some place online to buy however walking into common drugstores will not greet you with high end cosmetics but cheaper brands a plenty.
Bringing together Pixi, Jemma Kidd, and Napoleon Perdis seems like a very interesting venture by Target however as I mentioned I see it as a gamble. Since the lines are on the kawaii side it may not be as appealing to the masses as one would hope for. I’m always all over cute packaging and shimmery shades however I do believe those of us who enjoy these styles of cosmetic may just be in the majority and women my own age and older may not see the appeal of the “cuteness” of these brands.
I wandered into Target last night to see for myself what the hype was all about and I was wow’ed by the selection of cosmetics and I indulged in far too much of it for my own good but tempted I was.
First off I found it rather fantastic they had actual testers available which is unheard of in drugstores and department stores. I swatched to my little heart’s delight without any MA’s to interrupt me and try to sell me something I didn’t want, a girl could get used to this!
I find myself curious what audience Target hopes to well..target….with these brands. Are they hoping the failing economy will shoot sales of these brands through the roof? Are they gearing it towards teens who are seeking funky, fun cosmetics for back to school? Do they hope to get a glance from the 20 something year old who loves cute packaging?
I know I’m 30 and absolutely love the lines! Sadly, my Target did not yet have the Jemma Kid line up however I have seen it online and it’s simply stunning.
Interestingly enough Pixi is basically the same line up that Sephora used to carry and that Pixi itself now carries within the UK. I was quite surprised and delighted when I noticed Pixi now sells online where as before it was an exclusive UK site. Click to visit the Pixi site.
I was pretty shocked at the prices a teeny tiny bit as I’m not used to venturing into places like Target and being faced with price tags that read $18, $22, $38, etc….that’s MAJOR wow for cosmetics when it comes to such a department store as this. People are generally not used to these prices for makeup and it tickles my curiosity to see how people will react to it. Funny story…as I was browsing, swatching, and happily smiling to myself at the array of goodies, two girls walked up to the displays and began browsing. They were about to try a shadow or something when they noticed it read $18, one turned to the other and said, “$18? Hell no!” and both proceeded to walk away. I found this interesting and wonder if this will set the scene for how most women will feel about the prices.
I was hopeful the prices would be a little bit cheaper and I can’t help but feel slightly shocked when I did noticed that the cheapest item was around $15 USD. Pixi’s price range was around the following:
Napoleon Perdis did a few things different with his line which surprised me. As I mentioned Pixi is the standard line and nothing is new so if you’re familiar with Pixi Beauty this isn’t anything new to you however Napoleon Perdis took a new route. Napoleon Perdis’s line is entitled NP Set and introduces both old and new items. The NP Set line happens to be much cheaper compared to Pixi as well which I was quite happy to see. Prices vary as follows:
Although still priced high the items are considerably lower costing then Pixi.
I wasn’t able to see the Jemma Kidd items for myself however they look amazing online. The price range are the following:
Eye Shadows $18 USD Lip Items $18 USD Palettes $36 USD Foundation/TM’s $28 USD and up
As you can see Jemma Kidd follows along the lines of Pixi Beauty with the price selection available.
Out of the two collections I did see and purchase from I’m happy to report the items are wonderful. Pigmented, good quality, beautiful packaging, all the things you’d expect from items you’d purchase at a counter or your local Sephora.
Although I was a bit disappointed dishing out $144 USD for my little stash of goodies as I really didn’t expect to pay as much in Target of all places. Aside from this minor rant I’m happy I did indulge and yes I’ll definately be going back for more.
I hope that the introduction of brands such as these will start a chain reaction and we’ll begin seeing other brands offered in drugstores and low end department stores soon! Who knows this could be like the mineral/organic range that’s swept the drugstore beauty world!
I’ll be reviewing items from both the NP Set and Pixi Beauty collections very soon so stay tuned! Tomorrow I’ll bring you pictures of the items I purchased.
Above are only some of the selections available. I was very impressed with the amount of product covered face, eyes, lips, etc…I was also quite loving the vast color selection for items available. It was quite like walking into Sephora to have a nosy at the latest collections!
If you’d like to see more from NP Set, Pixi Beauty, and Jemma Kidd see the links below! Happy Surfing!
White….pale….milky skin..yes very Muse-like I’d say!
Strangely enough Summer brought about some dull skin for me this year. Normally I get dullness in the Winter, I imagine we all do. Stuffy, stale air, cold weather, plus a combination of both is definately hell on the skin. However, this year Summer somehow took it’s toll on my skin. Although perfectly clear and blemish free my skin was feeling kinda blue. I’ve had some dull spots, some darker spots (which I HATE), some dry spots, some oily spots, and generally some nasty shadowing that just made my skin go from bright and dewy to dull and uneven. Foundation saves the day but what about the days I just want to moisturize and go?
First of all I think Shu Uemura Cleaning Oils in general are pretty awesome to have in your beauty arsenal. What’s not to love about one step cleaning? These remove pretty much your entire face plus everything in between! That goes for waterproof mascara too my dears! I’m quite partial to the “green” version as it’s known to it’s lovers. It’s pretty strange how everyone has taken to calling Shu oils by little nick names…the pink one, the green one, and so on and so fourth. I guess we can start calling Shu Uemura White Recovery Ex, the whitening one or the lavender one. Whatta ya think?
So you might wonder why I’m so hyped about cleansing oils. Fact of the matter is Shu Uemura is one of the very few select companies that does a cleansing oil within the US. Cleansing Oil in Asia is fair game and can be found in pretty much all drugstores and if you desire a higher end oil you can hop over to a counter to nab one. However, here in the US we do not have as many options in the drugstore category and maybe two high end companies, one of which is Shu, sells cleansing oils. Sad little country aren’t we?
I’ve tried hundreds of cleansing oils from all over Asia. Japanese ones, Korean ones, Etc…but honestly the hassle of getting them, shipping them over, etc..is a pain in the neck. So we have Shu Uemura to provide us with great cleansing oils until the rest of the cosmetic world catches up! Plus it’s local! Yay Shu! Thanks for bringing us all the good things about Asian makeup removal and sticking it into a cool bottle with a pump!
About that Shu Uemura White Recovery Ex Cleansing…I got sidetracked didn’t I?
Does it work?
Yes. It does.
It’s a weird little formula that does whiten up your complextion and takes dull skin back to dewy and fresh. I didn’t feel it was fair reviewing this as soon as I got it so I’ve been using it over the course of a few weeks actually it’s been nearly a month now I think. I wanted to see for myself if I was imaging the change or if it was really there.
The change is there. My skin is not so light you’d take notice but it’s more the fact that the oil gave back a freshness to my skin and removed the dull areas and unevenness of my skin tone do to the heat, hours in the sun, etc…
It could be me but the formula appears to have a certain illuminating factor to it that you can almost clearly see results right away upon your first washing. It’s rather interesting how good a job it does bringing your skin back to some normal level. Over time you may experience some signs of lightening however I don’t believe it’ll bring your skin down a shade or two. I feel like it’s more of a treatment for erasing damage and removing any dull areas, brightening them up and creating more of a fresher appearance.
Although price wise Shu Uemura White Recovery Ex Cleansing Oil and any of the other oils are an indulgence however when you add it up the fact is that using two pumps a day of the oil, twice a day and you’ll notice that a large bottle will last you a year. In my humblest definately worth it.
I like this one. It gave me back my skin again.
I’m slapping a Muse Approval on it. If you’re a Shu cleansing oil user already this will be a nice item to replenish your dwindling bottle that you already use and if you’re new to Shu cleansing oils you’ll be happy to try out a remover that makes makeup removal simple again. One step cleaning is always in fashion plus the benefits of taking your skin from to !
Ahh leave it to our beloved Shu to create an outstanding Fall collection shrouded in mysterious and sensual colors.
Shu Uemura Instinct consists of several interesting pieces. Of course the shadow palettes are what caught my eye first. Each palette is a duo that consists of a powder shadow and a cream base that can also double up as a liner. The palette is housed in the standard slick, clear Shu compact and sports a gorgeous design on front. The combination of doubling up a shadow and a base is an interesting concept and is sure to be loved and hailed by those who fancy using MAC Paint Pots as base prior to shadow.
Turns out, for once, we get the better end of the collection as the Japanese release actually sells the base and the shadow as single pieces ranging in prices from 2,940 yen and 2,415 yen where as we get the entire palette for $36 USD. I find this particularly interesting because I think the design of our palette is actually quite gorgeous in comparison to buying a single shadow and a potted base. I’m unsure how many other countries will have the palettes available to them but I do know for a fact that Singapore and the UK has the palettes for purchase and not the singles. Although purchasing the singles turns out to be a bit cheaper I rather like the idea of having both in one palette.
The collection also consists of an array of flattering, Fall shades of blush, highlighter, and lipsticks which all compliment the shadow palettes beautifully.
I think they did an outstanding job with this one and it’s definately on my favorite list this season! I’ll be reviewing some of the Shu Uemura Instinct Fall Mode Makeup collection later this week for you. Excited?
Smashbox has certainly redeemed itself in the Muse’s eyes after her disappointment with the Spring collection entitled Green House. I just wasn’t feeling Green House but I’m definately feeling the love for the new Smashbox Wicked Lovely.
This collection looks outstanding and I’m very eager to try it! The collection consists of a selection of makeup that can be used to create a wicked or a lovely look hence the name eh?
I like the idea of a collection that can be played up against your darker side (an evening look maybe?) and your lighter side (a daytime, playful look perhaps?). The contrasts of shades definately has something for everyone whether you prefer a softer nude look or a bolder, vampy look.
I’m partial to the new design of the palettes as well in their slick, black compacts sporting a bit of goth. Although the packaging has a dark edge it gets a bit of it’s innocent and “lovely” look from the lighter shades in the collection.
I’m liking the looks of Smashbox Wicked Lovely for sure so much so that I’ll be reviewing some for you later next week!
I think Mister Owl should be taken out and shot! How the very dare he eat the entire lollipop! I bet that kid went home and bawled afterward!
The Muse is smarter then that and she refuses to share her new Demeter Tootsie Roll Pick-Me-Up Cologne Spray with Mister Owl!
Mmmm all the goodness of Tootsie Rolls and none of the calories. Although Tootsie Rolls are supposedly low in fat…hmm why don’t I believe that?
Demeter Tootsie Roll Pick-Me-Up Cologne Spray recaptures my childhood for sure with this new edition to it’s fragrance line up. Too cute right? You may mind walking around smelling like a Tootsie Roll but I don’t. It adds to the Muse’s awesome quirky personality!
If you love really fun scents where people stop and ask “What in the world are you wearing?” this would be for you.
Yes, the scent does indeed smell identical to a Tootsie Roll. Sweet, chocolaty yum! The Muse likey! The fun factor alone on this totally makes me grin!
Love this?
Love Tootsie Roll?
Tell the Muse!
Check out more of the Tootsie Roll Collection from Demeter by clicking here!
Is it me or do you feel like Fresh Cosmetics get terribly overlooked since everyone is always concentrating on Fresh’s skincare, bath and body, and perfume selection.
I simply adore a majority of the perfumes Fresh puts out plus the skincare is truly out of this world but really, sometimes, I like to take a second and remind myself what a great little line up of cosmetics Fresh has available.
Since I’m on my concealer kick still I thought I’d review one of my favorite concealers that happens to be from Fresh.
Fresh Absolute concealer is definately an answer to any and all under eye woes. It’s a heavily pigmented, moisturizing concealer that does a superb job of erasing both fine lines and dark circles.
At $22 USD for a rather tiny pump jar of concealer this could sway you to pass it up but I urge you to try it once and I pretty much guarantee you’ll love it. The formula is nicely moisturizing although slightly on the runny side however I really don’t mind in the least as I use a very tiny amount anyway so the product has no time to make too much of a mess as I blend. A little goes a long way as this is heavily pigmented in a major way. It’s probably one of the most pigmented concealer I have stashed in my beauty arsenal. This blends super well and I’m very impressed with the way it simply glides across my under eye area. This is something to say considering how dry my eye area is concealers don’t glide, believe you me, so to have one that glides as I blend makes me want to fall to my knees in thanks. The concealer pretty much lasts all day long with no touch ups in between. You put it on and it stays…and it stays it and stays….until you take it off. The concealer doesn’t crease nor does it cake it virtually erases very fine lines and creates smooth flawless coverage. Please…remember…a little goes a very long way.
One minor rant is that the pump distributes way too much product and until you’re used to the trick of using it you’ll end up pumping out a rather large amount of product which you’ll waste because you won’t need that much. Don’t make the mistake of pressing it down quickly or pressing it down far the way I did. Very gently push down with a slight wiggle to your finger tip and hope for the best. The packaging definately can use improvement in this department. Even when I’m being gentle too much product comes flowing out which completely ticks me off.
All in all I really like this one but it can use an improvement on the packaging. Aside from that coverage is really good, it blends beautifully, and the price isn’t bad at $22 USD since a little goes a long way.
to 
!
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