Posts From November 2008
By the Muse on November 24, 2008
The Muse admits that it’s been a while since she purchased a ChapStick, since like…say…grade school! Eep!
Recently I was watching Fringe….did you notice that Fringe is the awesome when it comes to commercials? I mean I barely have to fast forward through them as they are all of 60-90 seconds each…umm hello awesome!
Anyway…I guess I wasn’t paying attention enough and I got blinded by Walter’s wit and before you know it up pops a commercial for ChapStick True Shimmer! And suddenly it wasn’t Doctor Bishop’s wit that had me enthralled but the shimmery goodness of Chapstick True Shimmer! What’s this? A ChapStick with shimmer? The Muse must haves it now!
Sadly, after watching the ChapStick tubes get jiggy with it on the commercial in sparkling pinks and golds, I was unable to locate either. Turns out the pink is a berry flavor and the gold is a tropical flavor and of course neither was in Walgreens while I wandered around for the better part of half an hour marveling over the fact I was actually in a drugstore that was on US soil! Bless be! However, the good news is I did find ChapStick True Shimmer in Peppermint Rush which is pretty much better than not having a sparkling ChapStick at all right?
ChapStick vamped up and getting jiggy with it! Na na na na! Na na na na!
ChapStick True Shimmer is simply the same old, same old ChapStick from days of old with a touch of shimmer, scent, and the flavor of peppermint. Is it good? Yes, the Muse thinks so. For under $2 USD (ranging from $1.50-$2.50 USD depending where you buy it) you can nab yourself a rather cute little tube of shimmering ChapStick to stash away in your purse for quick touch ups on the go. I love the novelty but I also think it’s completely conventional considering it protect lips from the harsh weather plus it has awesome shimmer. Seriously what more could a girl want? I was particularly thrilled with the silver shimmer of my Peppermint Rush ChapStick so I’ll keep trying to search out the berry and tropical flavors as they look more up to my speed!
I can’t deny I like the idea of having a shimmering balm that’s inexpensive, protects my lips, and has a nice moisturizing finish with touches of sparkle so I’m Muse Approving it for purchase!
Inexpensive, shimmery, with a bit of a cute novelty too it? Yeah, the Muse likes it and she thinks you might too!
Aquafina Advanced Hydrating Facial Spray Review
Got 2B Cosmic Shimmering Serum Review
Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes Review
Softlips Review
E.L.F. Tinted Moisturizer Review
Physicians Formula Multi-Colored Pressed Powder Review
Avon Retro Charm Collection Review
By the Muse on November 24, 2008
The Bourjois Paris Japanese portal has been updated with the Holiday Collection which will be debuting on November 27th.
I think the collection is being released within Europe and Asia obviously but not within the US sadly.
It includes three shades of Bourjois Paris Liner Glitter Fizz, four shades of Bourjois Paris Eye shadows which appear to have a a healthy dose of shimmer in the formula, and a gorgeous pendant with lip gloss.
OooOoooo pretty shimmers!
The liners are 1,575 yen each, the shadows are 1,990 yen each, and the gloss pendant is 2,625 yen. The prices are considerably higher and I’m guessing you’ll find these in your local Boots (if you live across the pond that is) for a tiny bit less.
The entire line up looks lovely and I think I’d like to try out a liner, some of the shadows, and of course I want the pendant! Hopefully I’ll have a review of the new items shortly! I’ll also be bringing you a review of the new Bourjois Paris Liner Effect Mascara and the Bourjois Paris New Brush Foundation shortly!
What do you think of the new Bourjois Paris Holiday Collection 2008?
Wish it was making an appearance with the US?
Tell the Muse!
Bourjois Paris Anticerne pour Petits Matins/Bourjois Paris Light Diffusing Concealer Review
Bourjous Paris Ombre Stretch
Bourjois Paris 10 Hour Sleep Effect Foundation Review
Bourjois Paris Pastel Tient Essential Pressed Powder Review
By the Muse on November 24, 2008
Anyone up for a bit of Shu? Use SHUFRIENDS and get 20% off your total order at www.shuuemura-usa.com plus Free Shipping!
You’re can also take advantage of this at Shu Uemura Boutiques in Boston, San Francisco, and South Coast Plaza between November 22nd and December 1st!
Now is a great time to stock up on the Holiday Collection or staples at 20% Off!
Happy Shopping!
Be sure to stop back and tell me what you haul! The Muse is thinking of a few items she needs! Tell ya later about ‘em!
Shu Uemura Mini Eyelash Curler Review
Shu Uemura Fall Collection 2008 Review
Shu Uemura Fluer de Source Eyeshadow Palette Review
By the Muse on November 21, 2008
The Muse is all about Chanel today! She was saving this post for a rainy day but she’s feeling rather generous so today she’ll bring you a review of Chanel Poudre Precieuse aka Chanel Gold Highlighting Powder aka holy cow this is expensive and so worth it!
Yes indeed the Muse skipped down to Nordie’s a few weeks ago and purchased Chanel Gold Highlighting Powder for $75 USD…….I can hear the cries of agony, the sighs of pain, the shouts of “but what about tightening your belt Muse! The economy is at war with itself!”.
Yes, yes I know the price is pretty high but I dare you…I double dog dare you to head into Nordie’s…look at the powder…and deny yourself. Go on do it. I’ll wait here until you get back…..bet you’ll be carrying a shopping bag with your Chanel Gold Highlighting Powder tucked up inside when you do get back!
To justify the cost we should all remind ourselves that this is a huge old pot of delicious, sparkling, shimmering, ridiculously luscious gold powder. Am I tempting you yet? This is a large jar so it’s not as if you’re paying $75 USD for a dinky little jar of gold powder…..there’s enough gold powder inside to last you a few decades if not more…..see? I’m justifying why you should be dishing out your $75 bucks for this!
On top of being some of these most gorgeous gold powder I’ve ever laid eyes on, it also happens to multitask as a face, eye, and body powder! For my FOTD I used Chanel Poudre Precieuse Gold Highlighting Powder on my eyes, my cheeks, and I sprinkled a tiny bit on my lashes when they were still wet with mascara for a bit of a golden gleam!
The powder is silky smooth and beautifully pigmented. You can build color up for an intense sparkling effect or a very subtle golden glow, the choice of how much to use is entirely up to you. This comes with a large silky brush that fits the contours of my cheeks perfect and allows for evenly distributing the powder across my face and if I’m using it on my body the extra large brush allows me to sweep it on evenly for a perfect golden glow!
Do you need it? Yes. I’m passionate about gold powders and eye shadows and honestly this is some of the best I’ve come across in all my year’s of collection cosmetics! The gold sparkle is simply divine and allows for a sophisticated sparkle or a really vibrant burst of gold! Who doesn’t want a bit of golden sparkle during the Holiday season? Is it worth the price? Yes, for sure considering how large a jar you’ll be getting and how much product is inside plus it’s ability to multitask as a body, cheek, hair, eye, etc…product makes the $75 USD price tag very worth it.
All in all Chanel Poudre Precieuse Gold Highlighting Powder is on my Holiday Collection Favorite’s List and I’m happily Muse Approving it for purchase! If you’ve been denying yourself all season long now is a great time indulge in a gorgeous powder to make yourself beautiful and more importantly, sparkly for the Holidays!
As I mentioned above for my look below I used the powder as an eyeshadow, some on my cheeks, and a bit sprinkled on my lashes!
Chanel Smoky Eye Palette Review
Estee Lauder Shimmering Jewel Powder Review
Bobbi Brown Copper Diamond Shimmer Brick Review
Dior Night Diamond Review
By the Muse on November 21, 2008
It took the Muse a bit to realize the potential of the Chanel Smoky Eye Quadra Palette! How horrifying that I almost missed out on owning this gorgeous palette.
I originally declined to purchase the Chanel Smoky Eye Quadra Palette for two main reasons one of which was the fact that the palette just looked a bit too matte for the Muse’s liking and secondly all the shades seem to be a round up of colors I already owned from the Bare Escentuals Rocker Eye Kit.
However, after discussions with many of you urging and egging me on to purchase this I decided to take the dive and get one! And you’re all right! It is superb! If you haven’t already added this to your collection, I highly suggest getting one!
I originally seen this when I picked up my Chanel Eyeliner Duo and it truly didn’t appeal. I didn’t swatch at the time and honestly the colors all seemed quite matte however upon getting my palette I quickly realized how wrong I was. Granted, the palette doesn’t contain the amount of shimmer of the shades in the BE Rocker Eye Kit but it does still contain a fair amount of flattering shimmer that doesn’t overdo a look! All the shades are NOT matte as I originally suspected. If you don’t own any blacks or smoky eye palettes this is an ideal palette to pick up as it contains virtually everything you’ll need to create an extremely chic, sophisticated smoky eye look!
The four shades in the palette are a soft white shimmering highlight, a softer shimmering gray, a deeper shimmering gray, and a matte true black. You can use the shades in any number of ways to create your smoked eye look. I choose to use the white as a highbrow highlighter and a prep for my entire eye area, following up by using the darker gray all over my create and lid, brushing a bit of the softer gray on my lid and blending with the darker gray, and finally using the matte black in the V and blending it in and up into the crease.
Without Flash
With Flash
The formula of the shadows is outstanding as the blend like butter and are extremely pigmented for excellent color pay off! Elegant packaging, gorgeous colors, beautiful smoked out look, amazing pigmentation, what more could a girl want from?
All in all I think that the Chanel Smoky Eye Quadra Palette is a fantastic piece to add to your cosmetic wardrobe and I’m sticking a Muse Approved on it for purchase! I loved it and think it’s well worth indulging in and nabbing for yourself!
I did two looks using my Chanel Smoky Eye Quadra Palette one of which was all about Twilight! It’s today, it’s today! Who’s going to see Twilight tonight or maybe you already seen it!? For my Twilight look I was all about a smoky eye look with vampy red lips!
I also finished my hoodie last night while watching this week’s episode of Chuck on the good old Tivo! Go Team Edward!
For my second look I kept my lips much tamer and created a rather nice, chic smoky eye that really made my eyes pop!
How about you?
Got this palette?
Love it?
Want it?
Tell the Muse!
Musings of Edward Cullen
More Musings of Edward Cullen
Twilight Movie Trailer
Chanel Eyeliner Duo Review
Bare Escentuals Rocker Eye Kit Review
KATE Dual Carat Eye Shadow Palette Review
By the Muse on November 21, 2008
Guys, guys, guys! Look!
Tis the Harajuku Lovers Thanksgiving Day Float that will be making a special appearance at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade! The Muse is quite excited about this! She can’t help herself she loves the idea of a Harajuku Lovers Float…
Sadly, I’ll won’t be in the city for Thanksgiving Day this year so the Muse will miss the awesome float but no worries I’ll be glued to the tube watching the parade with my family and friends on the big day!
If you’re in New York or will be visiting New York for the parade you can head over to Columbus Circle (west side of the street; Broadway between 38th and 58th Street and 34th Street, the south side of the street b ween Broadway and 7th Avenue) to catch your glimpse of the Harajuku Lovers Thanksgiving Day Float! This will be between 9am and 12pm on Thanksgiving Day!
The float is inspired by the downtown Harajuku area in Tokyo and will feature multi-levels with glass platforms that show the lights of Tokyo in full effect! On board will be the balloonhead alter agos of Love, Lil Angel, Music, Baby, and G and also taking the trip through Manhattan will be the real Love, Angel, Music and Baby!
In addition to seeing the float, there will also be team members handing out samples of the fragrances and cards for a special gift with purchase! If you’re going to be there you better take pictures for the Muse! She wants to see it up close and personal!
Check out more images of the float by checking out the official Harajuku Lovers Flickr feed! For further info about the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade you can click here!
Harajuku Lovers G Review
Harajuku Lovers Baby Review
Harajuku Lovers Love Review
Harajuku Lovers Music Review
Harajuku Lovers Round Up Review Featuring a Review of Lil’ Angel
By the Muse on November 21, 2008
Excitement is afoot today in the blogging world as news of MAC Hello Kitty hits the blogsphere! WWD has posted the first images and information on this coveted collect for MAC fans far and wide and although it looks promising the Muse can’t help but feel a tiny tinge of disappointment.
I love Hello Kitty. My house is filled with ridiculous items that feature Hello Kitty like a TV, a microwave, a computer keyboard and mouse, many a handbag, and various other bits of girlish insanity! When I think Hello Kitty I think pink and girlish so imagine my surprise and shock when I seen the first images of the collection included…black compacts?
Um….
Ok…well black isn’t too bad…black is elegant and chic….but…but….the image on the compacts looks kinda blah!? When did Hello Kitty get so cheap looking? And how about that shadow trio pictured….that’s rather Heatherette like isn’t it!??! The shades look quite similar to what was released in the Heatherette shadow trios……
The good news is the collection is double star studded so you’ll be getting two releases one standard price and one high end. Hello Kitty Colour Collection contains the normal array of releases such as the shadow trios you see pictured, lipsticks, etc…where as Hello Kitty Kouture will include the crystal studded compacts we’ve all read about on forums, other blogs, etc…..
Pictured is the MAC Hello Kitty Colour Collection and I can’t help but feel a gloomy depression over it however considering I haven’t yet seen images pop up for MAC Hello Kitty Kouture I am keeping hope alive that this will redeem the looks of the lower end releases!
Of course I’m basing my opinions and thoughts on solely on the photos that have cropped up so far and really who knows, once I walk into MAC and see the collection for myself I may just fall over in ecstasy but at the moment I am a tad bit saddened by what I have seen so far.
How about you?
Do share your thoughts of this collection with the Muse!
What did you want to see released with this collection?
Shimmer, Sparkle, and Pink?
Black, Chic, and Elegant?
Tell the Muse!
Manish Arora for MAC Review & Swatches
FAFI for MAC Review
MAC Heatherette Review
By the Muse on November 20, 2008
Majolica Majorca has updated it’s website with it’s new Holiday story, I Am Gorgeous. CLICK! The only site updated is the main Japanese portal as the official street date for the collection is the 21st and taking into consideration at the moment it’s the 21st already in Japan, it’s pretty logical the site has been updated accordingly! When other Asian countries will get the release is beyond this Muse but I’m sure it’ll shortly be available within Singapore, Taiwan, Etc…and followed up a few months down the line in other locations (aside from the US where we get NONE of the good stuff SIGH! RANT!).
I’m very excited about this collection although that’s not saying much as I’m always excited when Majolica Majorca updates it’s site. The Holiday Collection does look interesting to say the least and I’ll be partaking of everything released with it!
I think the star of the show are the new Majolumina Powder in Puffs. I’m normally not a fan of powders that are in the puff already but I am very curious about these and will be purchasing both as the price of 1,300 yen or so is truly a bargain!
Although I’m not the biggest fan of Majolica Majorca Gorgeous Wing Mascara I will be purchasing the new version released with the I Am Gorgeous Collection. The color is a orangy-bronze-gold brown which looks very nice!
And finally two new Majolook palettes! Yay! I’m looking forward to these! Again, not a big fan of the base cream shade but the trio of powder shades looks simply amazing so, I for one, am very happy about the return of Majolook and glad they didn’t do more Trick On Palettes for this reason! Honestly, BR788 looks very similar to a palette I already have but I’m all for getting this anyway!
All in all it looks like a very promising selection of items. They extended the line a tiny bit compared with Holiday 2007 as this year we are getting two powders, two palettes, and a mascara where as last year it was one powder, two palettes, and a mascara. Of course, the Muse is on board and will review this all for you shortly!
The site is very, very lagged at the moment so I recommend checking back later tonight or tomorrow morning to see the updates! The Muse is looking forward to the Singaporean update so I can read the story in English! Once you “find” all the items you’ll have a chance to download the special screen saver! Do grab it as it’s rather cute!
How about you?
Want it?
Loving the new palettes?
Indulging in any Majolica Majorca Holiday 2008?
Tell the Muse!
Majolica Majorca Gorgeous Wing Mascara Review
Majolica Majorca Summer Collection 2008 Review
Majolica Majorca Fall Collection 2008 Featuring Trick On Palettes
By the Muse on November 20, 2008
There happens to be a thin line between love and hate. The Muse happens to love and hate Benefit Cosmetics! Some products she simply cannot live without while others make her so mad she sees red. And so the relationship goes when you’re loving and hating someone or something in this case.
Benefit has been on a great winning streak with the Muse lately, take into consideration they are releasing Benefit Coralista shortly…whoa…has to be a win this Muse thinks…also remember how wonderful Benefit Posietint was! Another score! Obviously it’s been a rather great release of products lately but sometimes Benefit has a dud or two here and there!
However, today I’m not on the topic of hate but more along the lines of passionate, undying love for Benefit Lemon Aid. My tale starts with a request from a reader asking me to review a few of my very favorite Benefit items and in this case Lemon Aid happens to fall into the favorite pile!
My story is actually quite short as Benefit Lemon Aid doesn’t have a whole lot of hoopla attached to it. It simply is and does what it says without anything in between! The simplicity of Benefit Lemon Aid is the reason the product remains a favorite of mine for at least 10 years now (could be more!).
Benefit Lemon Aid is a yellow based cream base for eyelids. So who honestly needs a cream base for eyes? Generally speaking when we choose to conceal our woes we are most worried about what lays under our eyes but not above! Lemon Aid happens to turn the situation around and offers concealer and coverage for our lids instead of under our eyes!
Do we really need to conceal our eyelids? The Muse likes to think so. After concealing under my eyes I notice that my lids are sometimes a tiny bit red, dull, or just not very awake due to dull skin around the lids. I could probably easily just use concealer on top of my lids as well but honestly I’ve tried and it simply doesn’t work.
So here in lays my solution!
Whip out my pot of Benefit Lemon Aid and go to work concealing my lids. A little dab here, a little dab there and my eyes begin to transform and I’m looking fresher, more awake, and ready for my day!
Lemon Aid is yellow based and flattering on all skin types, it’s formula is creamy yet dense enough to create a nice base for the next step in your makeup routine (think MAC paint pot texture!), and most important Lemon Aid manages to transform woe skin to wow skin with a pat here and there!
Do you need it?
Hells yes. It’s Muse Approved so that along means you need it!
Honestly, I simply can’t live without this stuff. It’s been said you can easily use it to conceal dark circles as well but the Muse highly suggests going by the book in this case and sticking to applying on the lid. This isn’t for concealing under the eye but over it!
Wakes up tired eyes? Check!
Creamy, Moisturizing Formula? Check!
Works as a great base for shadow? Check!
I think Benefit Lemon Aid pretty much has it all covered! It’s part of my daily routine for years now and I highly recommend checking it out!
Fair warning: I’ve heard many people rant about Benefit Lemon Aid and I’m quite shocked as I think it’s the awesome! Personally I think it’s a product that you need to test for yourself to see if you’re standing on the love line or the hate one!
Love it?
Not really?
Tell the Muse!
Benefit Coralista
Benefit Posietint Review
Benefit “That Gal” Review
By the Muse on November 20, 2008
Guys! It’s like freaking 30 degrees outside!
Um hello holy coldness Batman!
I was bred, born, and raised in New York and I have to say the last few years have been thee most excellent roller coaster weather wise! I swear you never know what you’ll get next! Weather is like a box of chocolates here in our little city!
Al Gore told me it’s Global Warming but I don’t believe him because he also said he created the Internet!
Honestly, I remember when Fall was Fall and we had nice brisk weather that you needed a sweater for or a hoodie! Now a days it’s somewhat like getting ready to go deep sea diving as you need a snow suit and a pile of warm clothes to face the freezing cold outside!
The weather may be frightful outside but I can re-live the warmth of Summer by indulging in Demeter Swimming Pool Pick-Me-Up Cologne Spray! This soft, aquatic scent carries a fresh ozone base that’s reminiscent of a fresh laundered towel! Demeter Swimming Pool allows me to savor the warm weather anywhere, anytime (even in 30 degree weather) while I reminisce about the memory of a swim in a cool pool on a hot, humid day!
I hosed myself down with Demeter Swimming Pool this morning, stepped outside, closed my eyes, and pictured the warm weather.
Guess what happened?
I still froze my bloody arse off! But at least I smelled aquatic, fresh, and lovely! Thanks Demeter!
The Muse suggests checking some out! Maybe it’ll keep you warm this Winter!
Demeter Tootsie Roll Review
Demeter Tropical Dots Review
By the Muse on November 20, 2008
I’m still on my special Target kick so today I’ll be reviewing Pixi Lip Blush! More Lip Stain! W00t! Excited? I am!
Overpriced? Check.
Awesome? Check.
Long Wearing? Check.
Find it cheap elsewhere? Definitely!
Pixi Lip Blush is sadly not the innovative product of the year as it’s been done over and over and over again by many a fine company! And actually, thinking back, it actually failed with every company that every put out a product like it.
What is it?
It’s a magic marker….you know like the ones you used in grade school to color on walls, kitchen counters, and other places your mum would give birth to a cow over! Remember those days!? Fun!
Basically it’s a marker that you can use to add a beautiful pop of color to lips! The formula is extra pigmented and super long wearing which makes it not for everyone simply because it does lend a certain kool-aid smile to the lips! This could be considered sexy by some and just plain weird by others! The Muse prefers her lippie products bold and vibrant so she actually likes the loudness of the color! A little Pixi Lip Blush, a bit of clear gloss and you’ll be good for hours on end…even after your gloss long wears off you’ll be sporting a killer lip look!
The product lasts literally for ever…on your lips and the actual product…as in it’ll keep going and going and going..for years if you so please! It doesn’t dry up and it doesn’t wear down like your favorite lipstick…it has a tendency to last for quite a while! How do I know? I’ve tried similar products from mark, Urban Decay, Bourjois and Sephora and they have all lasted me well over a year!
So problem….
It’s $18 USD and as we already know and established I’m not loving an $18 USD price tag at Target…mmmmmmm…dunno why…not sure the mentality behind it…but dishing out $18 bucks at Target makes me cry for my mommy!
Second problem….
Urban Decay started this craze a few years ago and it didn’t last and soon after mark and Sephora did their version and again it didn’t last so honestly I don’t see this lasting either. Reason? I don’t think many people actually like the idea of such a bold, unnatural shade on the lips! If your makeup lends itself to the gothic lolita (FRUiTS may appreciate it as well) side you can definitely dig this but honestly if you’re not up for “doll-like” cosmetics I’m doubtful you’ll want to give this a try! Which is why I personally think every company has failed with these.
Now…if Pixi and the other companies I mentioned did softer shades with less pigmentation they’d have a total winner on their hands but taking into consideration that the shades are highly pigmented and loud…def a loser!
All in all I loved Pixi Lip Blush! It applies awesome, has amazingly long wear on the lips, and it suits me wonderfully well…no likey the price though! I tried the shade Love with is a rather loud off orange shade! Suits me wonderfully well with a bit of peach blush, I’m rocking it! I’ve heard some people complain sometimes about how lip markers dry their lips out but I’ve never experienced this problem.
I’d prob buy it again if I seen it on sale but wouldn’t bother if it kept the $18 USD price tag! Yup, loves stains like this but it’s about the principal of walking into Target and paying less while getting more not vice versa!
So cheers on an awesome product but boo on a big price tag!
If you’re wanting some at a cheaper price you can scour the bowels of evil-bay (where all dead makeup goes to rest in peace!) and get yourself some of the mark, Sephora, and Urban Decay markers at really great prices.
How about you?
Have you tried the Pixi line at Target?
Love it?
Love Lip Markers?
Tell the Muse!
More Pixi @ Target Deets
Pixi Sheer Cheek Gel Review, Swatches, & FOTD
Pixi Eye Beaty Kit Review
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