Musings of a Muse

Holy Christmas Batman!

I said it before, I’ll say it again, it’s way too bloody early for me to be talking about Holiday and Winter Collections!

Sad sigh!

I want to just enjoy the Fall season a little while longer! Ow well if you’re feeling a bit Christmas-like this beautiful Fall afternoon you might want to head over to QVC and type in item number A86813 and lay your eyes on this:

Tis Philosophy’s Snowman 3 in 1 Shower Gel! We had the Milk Man, we had the Ice Cream Man, we had the Gingerbread Man…lord knows Philosophy is running out of men to give us! Now they are gifting us with The Snowman!

This is the super-size, 32oz, available exclusively from QVC for $22.49 USD. I personally haven’t seen this little guy anywhere else and it’s possible we may not see him anywhere else for a while!

So if you want him, you’ll have to head over to QVC to nab him!

I’m not sure I’ll purchase him as the reviews I’ve read seem to say he may spell like Philosophy The Gingerbread Man even though his description reads that he’s fresh and frosty!

Hmmm remains to be seen I guess!

We shall see if the Muse gives in to her urges and nabs some Philosophy The Snowman for her very self!

For now you can visit QVC and read the reviews for yourself and come back to tell me what you think!

Want him for yourself?

Tell the Muse!

Philosophy Holiday Collection 2008

Philosophy Green Apple Shower Gel Review

Philosophy The Haunted House Review

Philosophy Fall Collection 2008

Philosophy Never Let Them See You Shine Primer Review

Philosophy Purity Foaming Cleanser Review

I’m always so terrible with my fragrance reviews but I couldn’t help but want to test out and review Ralph Lauren Notorious for you this week!

It’s been a while in between my Ralph Lauren purchases and normally I indulge in his “fun” scents like Ralph, Ralph Rocks, Etc….however I took a step way up the ladder of sophication when I tried out Ralph Lauren Notorious for the first time last week! It’s seen been a staple fragrance in my wardrobe for the over a week since using it.

It is an Eau de Parfum which makes the staying power fantastically long wearing while lingering throughout the day and into the night! Two squirts pretty much gets me well into the evening which is especially good considering how my body chemistry sucks up fragrance extremely quick leading me to have to re-touch up throughout the day.

The scent is a very provocative, oriental blend that has traces of fresher notes like Italian Bergamot and Vanilla. It’s sophisticated enough for evening wear but manages to keep a lighter side that’s perfectly lovely for a work day as well. I was slightly frightened of the drydown notes of patchouli however it remains timelessly elegant.

The price is affordable at $45 USD for a 1 oz bottle of Eau de Parfum and the scent is works very well as a day or evening fragrance! All in all Ralph Lauren Notorious definately gets my seal of approval for purchase! Even thought it’s outside my normal, I really liked this one alot and Muse Approve it for purchase!

You can learn more about Notorious by visiting the Ralph Lauren site.

Tried it?

Love it?

What are your favorite Ralph Lauren fragrances?

Tell the Muse!

Clean Summer Review

Harajuku Lovers Fragrance Review

Demeter Tootsie Roll Cologne Spray Review

Benefit B-Spot Review

Beauty on a Budget: Twice as Clean Gift Set Review

Remember when I reviewed the very popular Paul & Joe Disney X Collection back in the Spring?

Refresh your memory…CLICK!

GREAT news if you were loving the collection but didn’t have the means or the way to get it when it was released in Japan!

It’s coming to the US and making it’s debut this November!

Isn’t that fantastic?

You’ll be able to purchase the entire line up in November at your local Paul & Joe location!

Keep checking the Paul & Joe US portal for more information and locations where the collection will be available for purchase!

UPDATE:

Further information about the collection guys!

It is available as of November at Bergdorf, you may want to call ahead and see if they have a list as I predict it’ll sale out very, very, very quickly. Here’s the number: 1-800-558-1855

The pricing on the items is about the same as when it was available in Japan just a shade cheaper by $3-$4 which is great news as the pieces are priced to own in my humblest opinion!

Pricing is as follows:

Face Color-$36 USD Each
Milky Lip Treatment-$18 USD
Protective Hand Cream-$24 USD

Since I already own the collection, I’ll go ahead and Muse Approve it for purchase! You must grab this one when it becomes available, you won’t be sorry!

Want it?

Happy it’s finally available in the US?

Tell the Muse!

Spring Collection 2008: Paul & Joe Disney X

Paul & Joe Disney X Review and First Impressions

A kind reader, Elena, pointed out last week NP Set, Jemma Kid, and Pixi had disappeared from the shelves and was clearance’d out at her local Target!

GASP!

Could this be true? Was the Muse’s prediction of the demise of these lines at Target right?

I skipped my way to Target immediately to find out as I was very curious to see what was going on!

Super sleuth, the Muse, is on the case!

I’m unsure where Elena is located but it looks like the lines are all up and available at Target and regularly priced here in New York. I visited two Targets just to be sure but all remains perfectly safe and sound….so far.

The only thing I noticed that was slightly suspicious is the lit title header on the Pixi display was gone (at both Targets!)…..mmmm could be me jumping to conclusions but is this a hint that they are taking the display down soon?

Hmmm missing display!

Who knows but I’m definately keeping my eyes peeled for new develops as I’m dead curious if the lines will make it or break as predicted by yours truly!

Have you seen Pixi, NP Set, or Jemma Kid on sale at your local Target?

No? Think the lines will last much longer before hitting the sale bin?

Tell the Muse!

Target Steps it Up and Introduces NP Set, Jemma Kid, and Pixi to it’s cosmetic line up!

Pixi Eye Beauty Kit Review

NP Set Lipgloss Compact Review

Heidi is back at Victoria’s Secret with her second line up of limited edition cosmetics inspired and named after her. Last year’s collection was ho-hum but this year some interesting pieces have cropped up however I think I’ll wait till the semi-annual to indulge!

Last year’s mosaic eye palette is replaced with a brand new eyeshadow quad in shimmering shades of black and green. Green appears to be the dominant shade in the collection as it’s also available in a shimmering glitter liquid liner! The price on the shadow palette has risen from $18 USD to $20 USD however the rest of the line remains the same cost.

Heidi Klum Collection Eyeshadow Quad $20 USD

Heidi Klum Collection Glitter Liquid Liner $10

The lip items in the collection haven’t changed to much from last year as they are both nude shades. I actually like the prior releases as they were a bit more peachy and flattering compared to the completely nude look they are going for this year.

Heidi Klum Collection Lipgloss $10 USD

Heidi Klum Collection Lipstick $10 USD

And finally the piece I really have my eye on is the blush which is made up of three shimmering shades for a highlighted, sun kissed look! I really like the looks of this and think it’s the best item released in the collection! Last year they didn’t release a blush color so it’s nice to see they added one in plus kudos for creating such a beautiful blush!

Heidi Klum Collection Blush $22 USD

All in all the collection is nice enough but I’ll probably wait on it to see what the cost looks like after it’s on sale! The only item that really catches my fancy is the blush and possibly the palette!

Indulging yourself?

Tried last year’s collection?

Love this?

Tell the Muse!

Victoria’s Secret Heidi Klum Collection 2007

Victoria’s Secret Heavenly Face Palettes Fall 2007

Victoria’s Secret Diamond Collection Review

Victoria’s Secret Very Sexy Brilliant Lipshine Lipgloss Review

Victoria’s Secret Sexy Little Things Round Up Review

Ahhh the Bobbi Brown Pink Satin Collection, truly the crown jewel in my cosmetic collection (at least for now it is! Tomorrow I’m sure I’ll be on to the next fabulous makeup find!).

Many months ago I spotted this amazing collection first at Neiman Marcus and later on Bobbi Brown’s site. I knew I absolutely needed it but I couldn’t quite justify the $140 USD price tag. Honestly, it was worth the cost considering it included two palettes, brushes, and a case however I was feeling a bit reserved and stingy so I kept holding out on buying it. Finally, when I did decide to make the plunge this collection was gone from site and I couldn’t locate it again for the very life of me.

Much to my UTTER delight I located the Bobbi Brown Pink Satin Collection last week at my local CCO for $98 USD and I quickly snatched it up as I couldn’t, for the second time, let it escape my greedy little hands!

The collection is truly gorgeous and I’m so happy to finally have it and a bit sickened by the fact that I didn’t get it the first time around considering how beautiful it is.

The set includes a mini blush brush, a mini shadow brush, a mini lip brush, a leather case, a trio of limited edition Bobbi Brown Metallic eyeshadows, and a trio of Bobbi Brown glosses. All the items really caught my fancy however I was skeptical of the lip palette and the lip brush. I’m not a fan of lip palettes as I find them very messy to work with and lip brushes are equally annoying as they do NOT apply lipgloss or lipstick very well in my humblest opinion! However, much to my utter delight both the lip brush and the lip palette ended up stealing the show for me!

The lip palette contains three shades which are Spring Blossom, Posey, and Pastel Ink. The glosses are delightfully moist and they simply glide onto my lips leaving behind a perfectly shiny pout with just a tiny hint of color! They are lovely alone or mix them up to create a more intense look! I like starting out my look by using Spring Blossom, which is a shimmery reddish pink, all over my lips and layering Pastel Ink, which is a true pink shade, on top! Posey is a shimmering nude pink which pairs up well with either of the shades in the palette but looks the best when layered with Spring Blossom! Alone or together all the shades are stunning, especially the amazingly soft, moisturizing formula! They glide on super well which makes this palette a quick favorite for me as most lips palettes I’ve tried always have a rather hard texture but these just have an intense glossy formula that really turned my head around and made me take notice! The palette is my favorite in the entire kit and I’m particularly thrilled with the lip brush which made applying a snap. Like the glosses the lip brush is super soft! I’ve had my fair share of crummy experiences with really hard, stiff lip brushes and I’m none to fond of them however using this brush has completely changed my opinion and I have a new found love of of them now! The brush is super soft and just the right size for smoothing gloss or lipstick on lips! I think the brush actually made the palette even better than it actually was since it made my application so smooth and effortless! Truly these two pieces were my favorite in the kit and have really changed my mind about lip palettes and brushes in general!

The second trio palette in the kit included three Bobbi Brown Metallic eyeshadows in limited edition shades Hot Stone, Pink Ice, and Navajo (I believe Navajo is currently offered as a single shadow but don’t quote me on that!). Although the palette is fantastic, the lip palette remains my favorite of the two. In order to create your look it’s best to use Navajo as a highlight for your highbrow area paired up with Hot Stone on the crease and Pink Ice on the lid. I used this method to create my “Pink Satin” look. Out of the three shadows Pink Ice is my favorite, it’s a shimmery pink shade. Navajo is also a quick favorite being a creamy, shimmery gold shade. Hot Stone didn’t catch my fancy overmuch but it does work wonderfully well as a contrasting crease shade when paired up with Pink Ice!

The kit also included three mini brushes and as you already know I am loving the lip brush. Although I run across a few rants here and there about how mini brushes just aren’t the same as full size, I personally don’t find that to be true! I actually love mini brushes and I think they are identical quality to larger size brushes. Bobbi Brown brushes are particularly good in mini size and the three included with the kit are fabulous. Easy to store, work well at applying my makeup, and fantastic and ideal for travel! What more could a girl want? You already know about the lip brush but the other two brushes included are a shadow brush and a blush brush!

And finally the kit includes a mini leather makeup clutch which is quite nice. The case has slots for the three brushes, a mini pouch for storing smaller makeup items, and a roomy main compartment for toting a good deal of makeup around plus a wrist strap.

The set also included a tutorial card for creating your “Pink Satin” look. I was a tad bit peeved that the card suggests using other shadows that didn’t come with the kit. It’d be awesome if they just gave tips for using the kit without offering suggestions for using other items but I guess that’s a minor rant on my part!

All in all the kit is an amazing deal at the price I paid and it was truly a great deal at it’s original $140 USD price tag! I love just about everything in it! I’m super happy to have had the chance to add this to my collection and I know I’ll be reaching for the glosses and shadows daily for creating a subtle, natural pink look!

The look I created this morning was a tad bit rushed and didn’t come out as nicely as I wanted plus I’ve been sick so I’m looking overly tired, apologies it happens to the Muse on occasion! However, the show must go, sick and tired or not, and I really wanted to have at least one look to show you when I reviewed the kit!

So here it is:

As you can see it’s very soft and natural but allows for a bit of sparkle on the eyes and a nice pop of color on the lips! I think with a bit more time I’d have created a nicer look then this but even rushed it does have a nice look to it!

Overall, I highly recommend trying to locate your own Bobbi Brown Pink Satin Collection if you have access to a CCO in your area! It’s definately Muse Approved for purchase if you can locate it!

The Muse likey, ALOT!

How about you?

Did you luck out the first time this was released?

Did you buy it?

Do you love it?

Are you lemming it now that the Muse has whet your appetite?

Tell me all about it!

Don’t forget to stay tuned next week as the Muse may or may not have a little bit of Bobbi Brown Holiday 2008 to share with you! We’ll have to see!

Bobbi Brown Metallics Collection Review

Bobbi Brown Limited Edition Shimmer Brick in Pink Quartz Review

Fall 2007: Bobbi Brown Metallics Trio Palettes Review

Contrary to popular belief around the beauty blogging world, it is STILL Fall people! I’m positive you’ve been overdosing and stuffing yourself full of Holiday goodies but let’s take a breather for a second and enjoy the falling leaves, the brisk cool weather, and of course, my very favorite Holiday, HALLOWEEN!

In honor of Halloween Lush introduced some limited edition bath and body goodies to scare of some screams in your shower and tube during it’s Halloween Chat Party.

You might have read last year how much I loved (and stocked up on) Lush Ghost Shower Gel, well, good news, it’s back for a very limited time so if you missed out last year you can grab it now!

Lush Ghost Shower Gel 8.4 oz $16.95 USD

Witches Ball $5.95 USD

If you like an earthy, herbal bathing experience you can fill your tub with a Witches Ball and soak your cares away in rosemary, sage, peppermint, frankincense, myrrh, ad benzion!

The Great Pumpkin Soap $4.95 USD

Halloween wouldn’t be Halloween without a bit of a spicy pumpkin soap to envelope us in the scent of spicy, warm pumpkin!

Lush Spellbound Gift Set $27.95 USD

Lush Spellbound includes three luscious items for your bath! Give it away as a spooky gift or spoil yourself!

I heart Lush so much for creating a fun little selection of treats for Halloween! Embracing the Fall Season and the Halloween Holiday by incorporating fun little items into it’s catalog really makes the Muse an even bigger fan of Lush than she already is!

Love Halloween?

Love these new items from Lush?

Tell the Muse!

Lush Holiday 2008

Lush Easter 2008

Lush Ghost Shower Gel Review

I remember, not so long ago, selling off a kidney to get my hands on MAC Mineralize SkinFinish in Petticoat. Lucky you won’t have to sell off any organs to get your hands on one of your very favorite MSF’s from MAC as it’s now available again with the new Sheer Minerals Collection!

A little makeup porn for your eyes:

Is that beautiful or what?

Along with Petticoat MAC is releasing a slew of mineral foundations, Mineralize Skin Finishes, and more with it’s latest Sheer Minerals Color Story!

It’s up and available now at MAC and of course at your local counter!

So tell me….

What are you hauling?

I know I’m grabbing a back up of Petticoat and the other two MSF!

Tell the Muse what you’re getting, if anything!

MAC Little Darlings Swatches

MAC Manish Arora Swatches and Review

MAC Suite Array and MAC Cremesheen Review

The Mysteries of MAC Fafi Beauty Powder

Alexander McQueen for MAC Review

MAC Stylistics

MAC Pro Blushes Review

The stunning elegance of the Estee Lauder Holiday Collection 2008 Vintage Jewels definately appeals to the Muse’s inner glam girl!

All that shimmer, twinkle, and sparkle has me rolling around in fits of excitement. Although the collection has some very interesting pieces I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that the one item that really caught my eye is the Estee Lauder Shimmering Jewel Powder! Oh my! It’s truly a stunning piece of cosmetic glory!

I seen the compact when I recently picked up my Guerlain Midnight Butterfly haul and I must say it’s truly a beautiful piece of cosmetic. The compact is super sized and contains glorious, silky shimmering gold powder that can be used on the face or the body!

The Muse says who doesn’t want shimmering gold powder for the Holiday Season! As the Muse’s friend Betsy recently said, “One can never have too many beautiful, shimmery powders”! Truer words if the Muse ever heard them!

The powder is available now from Estee Lauder’s site and also available at your local counter for $32 USD. For it’s size the price is quite a nice deal in my opinion and this is on the Muse’s Holiday Hit List!

Estee Lauder Vintage Jewels is inspired by it’s limited edition eyeshadow duos available in Sapphire, Amethyst, and Emerald. The limited editions shades of the Estee Lauder Signature Eyeshadow Duos have coordinating eyes pencils to complete your looks!

In the promo image the model is wearing the Estee Lauder Signature Eyeshadow Duo in Sapphire. I thought the use of blue was interesting and unusual for a Holiday look as many companies fall into doing sparkling golds, silvers, or smokey eye looks for the Season!

All in all Estee Lauder Holiday 2008 is turning out very nicely and the Muse may indulge her desire for sparkling gold powder and blue eyes this Winter!

Vintage Jewels is on sale now on the Estee Lauder Website and at your local Estee Lauder counter. See more of the collection by clicking here.

How about you?

Anything appeal to you from this collection?

Simply adore the Estee Lauder Shimmering Jewel Powder?

Love the shadow duos?

Tell the Muse!

Haul your Tarte Holiday goodies now and get 30% Off at Tarte by using code luckybreaks7

Sadly, they do not have the brand new Tarte Vanity Palette however they do have the new Holiday Cheek Stains and Gloss Sets!

Click here to start shopping now!

Happy Hauling!

Stop back and tell the Muse whatcha get! I already have the gloss set in my cart and debating on the cheek stains!

Tarte Holiday Collection 2008

Tarte Berry Couture Gift Set Review

Tarte We Wish You Wealth Palette Review

What’s this I see?

Bobbi Brown Glitter Lip Balm! Ok, you convinced me, I wants it!

These little guys are pure perfection however one minor problem, they are only available in three shades.

Sigh.

That stinks!

But oh well I have my eye on one color so far! Three shades are available which are Copper Diamond, Crystal Diamond, and Pink Crystal.

I’m liking the look of Copper Diamond! Guess I better head over to Nordies to have a peek!

On a side note, stay tuned as later today I am bringing you an exclusive review of the Bobbi Brown Pink Satin Collection! Finally! Yay!

Seen these little pots of balm?

Love ‘em?

Want ‘em?

Tell the Muse!

Bobbi Brown Copper Diamond Shimmer Brick

Bobbi Brown Corrector Concealer Review

Bobbi Brown Pink Raspberry Collection Review

Bobbi Brown Pink Satin Collection (Review Coming Later Today….)

Big applause Sephora! It’s nice to see you extending your very popular Lash Stash to include a slew of new mascaras, the Muse Approves!

Early July, Sephora released it’s first version of The Lash Stash Set for $28 USD which included seven samples of mini mascaras. After the math each mascara worked out to $4 USD each which was a rather awesome price and ideal for trying out several different mascaras before committing yourself to a single full size at prices ranging from $17-$28 USD.

The price went up slightly with the brand new version released recently however the actual cost per mascara went down. The current deal features ten mascaras at the price of $35 USD which works out to $3.50 USD per a mascara.

The kit includes mini versions of the following mascaras:
Smashbox Bionic Mascara
Sephora Atomic Volume Mascara
Vincent Longo The Curl mascara
Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara
Too Faced Lash Injection Pin Point Mascara
Make Up For Ever Smoky Lash Mascara
Urban Decay Big Fatty Mascara
DuWop Lash Venom Mascara
Korres Deep Colour Mascara
Cargo Texas Lash Mascara

If the list above is anything to go by they covered quite a few brands of mascara in the kit!

If you’re the type of person who can’t make up their mind and wants it all then this kit would be for you or if you’re wanting to try out a few mascara before making the commitment to one then, again, this would be an ideal item to purchase!

All in all a rather great little kit!

The Muse likey!

Want this?

Brought the previous Sephora Lash Stash?

Tell the Muse!

Previous version of Sephora Lash Stash

Fairy Drops Mascara Review

Estee Lauder TurboLash Mascara Review

Lorac Visual Effects Mascara Review

Meet my new holy grail mascara, Dior Iconic Mascara!

The Muse loves it and tells it as such when she whispers sweet nothings in it’s ear about how fabulous it truly is! I’m quite pleased with Dior Iconic Mascara after using it for the past month or more. I got this when it was originally released but so many reviews popped up around that time I felt like it would be such a snore to read review after review after review about the same product!

So…your Muse waited a little while and here she is to spread the good word about Dior Iconic Mascara.

I love all these new plastic applicators that are popping up across the mascara board and Iconic takes on a great new applicator that creates beautiful curl while defining lashes and lengthening! Mascaras like Dior Iconic should be hauled like it’s the end of the world as they have that uncanny ability to create amazingly long lashes while keeping a natural appearance! That’s one of the main things I loved about Iconic!

Although this creates amazingly long lashes while giving the illusion of wearing falsies it still manages to look very natural on as if you’re not wearing mascara at all. The effect is a feathering look that’s beautiful, soft, fresh, and most important, long! The applicator is reminiscent of a curling hair brush and is the key to creating curling lashes. Simply twirl the brush as you apply the mascara and it pulls lashes upwards and out while creating volume, lenght, and definition. I do recommend it for Asian lashes as well or those who have short, stubbier lashes as the brush gently pulls outwards while curling upwards and the formula doesn’t create a clumpy mess!

The formula is not thick but very light which could account for the clump free application. Although light that doesn’t take away from the ability for the mascara to last all day and well into the evening without smudging, flaking or causing general raccoon eye drama! If anything it’s actually really difficult to remove without a proper eye makeup remover! Fantastically long wearing to say the least!

I think Dior Iconic covers pretty much all the things we seek in a fabulous mascara and has us well covered for long, beautiful lashes! I highly recommend nabbing one of these for yourself as it truly delivers on all it’s promises!

The Muse loves it and approves it for purchase!

Tried it already?

Love it?

Tell the Muse!

Dior Concealer Palette Review

Dior Skinflash Radiance Booster Pen Review

Dior Summer Collection 2008: Dior Addict Gloss Review

Dior Spring Collection 2008 Review

Dior Addict High Shine Lipstick Review

“I Love Dior” Deluxe Holiday Palette 2007

Santa, baby, can you please fill my Christmas stocking with Lambie goodies from Bath and Body Works?

The Muse was really good this year…kinda….sorta..somewhat good…I was being ok…..alright I was naughty as hell but deal with it Santa!

The Muse sends kisses!

k, bye.

You don’t have to lie the census is already in, you guys freaking love Bath and Body Works Lambie line!

Go on admit it!

I got a gazillion e-mails about the Bath and Body Works Lambie line after I did my Bath and Body Works Holiday 2008 post last week and seriously who could blame you for being so interested in these sweet, warm, cuddly goodies!

I thought I’d bring a few more high resolution images your way to whet your appetite!

Behold:

Bath and Body Works Lambie Blanket $35 USD WANT IT!

Bath and Body Works Lambie Socks $10 USD NEED IT!

Assorted Bath and Body Works Lambie Plushes $8 USD-$19.50 USD

Bath and Body Works Lambie Blanket and Sleep Mask GASP! HAVE TO HAVE IT!

Bath and Body Works Lambie Large Plush $19.50 USD

Bath and Body Works Lambie Shower Sponge $6 USD OMG! Lambie in my shower!

Bath and Body Works Lambie Sleep Mask $10 USD

Bath and Body Works Lambie Slippers $16 USD

Bath and Body Works Lambie Key Chain $4 USD Ooo she’d get dirty fast on my keys! Would have to find another place to put her!

The Muse has all the cutesy Lambie goodies on her wish list and she also happens to have a 20% Off coupon burning a mighty hole in her pocket…I think it’s time for a haul!

How about you?

Want any Bath and Body Works Lambie goodies?

Haul any last year?

Tell the Muse!

Bath and Body Works Holiday Collection 2008

Bath and Body Works Fall and Holiday Collection 2008

Bath and Body Works Lambie 2007

Bath and Body Works Goldie Disney Collection

Bath and Body Works Twisted Peppermint Body Spray Review