Musings of a Muse

Oh my freaking god Scott Barnes Ice Eye is on sale again at Victoria’s Secret!

Why have I never picked these up!?

I seen these last year during the Semi Annual sale and skipped them and now again I’m presented with them and I can’t help but feel that old special lemming come on for these. I’m so intrigued to try them out. Knocked down from the original price tag of $25 USD and now priced at $11.99 USD I probably can afford one or two to try out right?

I think mainly, as unconventional as it is, the packaging appeals to me in a big way. Isn’t it really pretty? But on a sad note I worry it’ll be really difficult to get the product out plus the general mess of it which is why I’m glad I can steal it at this price because hey if I hate it at least I didn’t dish nearly $30 bucks on it!

Anyone try these?

Love ‘em?

Want to try ‘em?

Tell the Muse!

The Muse has been known to sin on occasion although her mum doesn’t know so don’t mention it to her if you see her ok?

Lipstick Queen makes it pretty darn easy to sin my way through luscious, pigmented, pin up style girl lips!

I don’t feel so guilty about sinning anymore!

Check out why after the jump…….

Prior to reviewing Lipstick Queen Sinner the Muse would like to say she hates matte lipstick just as much as she hates matte eye shadow however I absolutely loved the Lipstick Queen formula even if it was matte.

I’ve tried ALOT of lipsticks in my day and I’ve never come across one with such pigmented color payoff. The focus and selling point of the Sinner line is the promise of as much as 90% pigmentation within one lipstick and yes it lives up to that standard. The product contains no shimmer, no frost, just a pure, color rich finish.

As I’ve mentioned I have tried plenty of lipsticks from high street to low and this is by far thee most amazing product I’ve come across in regards to color payoff. The lipstick applies beautifully well and looks simply gorgeous with gloss on top. I was a tad worried that the product being so rich in color would leave me looking a bit like a clown as color tends to bleed out and apply messy but no problems at all. It applies very well and glides onto the lips like a magnet is guiding it. I felt quite like a 50′s pin up girl with such a vibrant, stunning pop of color on my lips! The shade I tried was Rouge Sinner which is an orange, coral, peachy shade which looks wonderfully warm on my lips.

As I said I really don’t like matte lipsticks as I don’t enjoy the finish and I feel like my looks lack something without any gloss on. I think the color is amp’ed up a bit with the addition of gloss and the finish looks much nicer. I’m not sure if it’s because the product has such amazing color payoff but I noticed that my lips look fuller when using the lipstick so I suggest trying this out if you have thinner lips and are looking for something to plump them up a bit. You may be worried about matte lipstick drying your lips out, for myself I didn’t experience any drying when using the product but I do suggest topping with gloss to avoid any dry syndrome.

Sportin’ Lipstick Queen Sinner Lipstick in Rouge Sinner

Who should try this:

• Anyone who loves lipstick
• Those who absolutely adore a pigmented, full on lip color
• Anyone who seeks a fuller lip look
• The not so shy girls who like a bit of pop, sizzle, and crackle to their lipsticks
• Girls who want to sin!

All in all I was very pleased with Lipstick Queen Sinner Lipstick and I’ll be purchasing further colors for myself from the line. It’s truly an outstanding product. Muse Approved for purchase all the way!

Go sin at lipstickqueen.com

It’s probably terrible of me to reveal that I was relieved that the Laneige Spring Collection Art Play holds little appeal for me. My Spring Collection list is getting huge and I knew that Laneige would introduce some awesome collection that I’d want to add to my list but upon seeing the promo images I experienced utter relief that I could cross one thing off my list at the least.

Jump ahead to read more about Laneige Art Play….

Might I say the art work they choose for the above promo image is so strangely festive, I’m tuned in to the right channel here right? This is Spring Collections 2009 correct? Not Holiday ’08? Laneige is legendary for including it’s signature snowflake theme on everything but I just get a Christmas vibe with that image.

Secondly, I must have not been awake this morning because when I seen the model on the left hand side of the promo image I thought it was Lee Da Hae…is it me or does it look like her a tiny bit? Can’t see the resemblance? The Muse highly recommends trying it through sleep deprived eyes and you’ll see it! Maybe it’s because I used to have a great love affair with Le Da Hae prior to seeing Sweet 18. Anyway……….

The line up includes four total palettes coined in the usual “Secret of the Snow Crystal” Collection name. Do you heart Laneige in a major way for that name? “The Secret of the Snow Crystal…” cue the dramatic music….

Two of the palettes are a quad of eye shadows and the other two are lip palettes which include six shades.

The palettes look very nice but just not for me. For one I’m not interested at all in the strange design displayed on the emblem. I’d imagine I’d be all over these if the packaging was nice but sadly I’m just not into it at all and secondly the color combos aren’t appealing in the least as they look very washed up.

Although I do not have prices on anything as of yet I can guest-timate that they will probably range in the $20-$25 range as most Laneige color palettes are around that price. From what I’ve seen and heard Singapore has Laneige for even cheaper in some cases than Korea.

All in all I’m actually quite relieved that I can finally cut something off my Spring list as it was getting rather long and outrageous!

What do you think of Laneige Art Play?

Want it?

Skip it?

Tell the Muse!

Source

We have another winner from Benefit folks! Benefit Coralista is an absolute gem of a powder and I’m absolutely thrilled to bits with it. I’m quite chuffed with the steady outcome of great products from Benefit lately and truly the newest powder added to their collection is simply brilliant!

It deserves to be said that I simply adore every single powder that Benefit has put out thus far however they have really stepped it up several notches with Benefit Coralista. I’m not even sure this can qualify to be part of the same category as previous releases since Benefit powders all have one trait in common which is how sheer each is where as Coralista is full of popping, pigmented color! Simply amazing!

I’m duly impressed with the pigmentation of Benefit Coralista and I’m sure many people will be quite pleased at the intensity of the product and gorgeous finish it leaves on your cheeks. The powder is silky, has a very slight frost to it, and applies like an absolute dream. It can be built up for a soft flush of color or stroked full on for sizzzzzzzzzzling color pay off!

Now I’ve heard, read, and seen a million people in a million different places such as MUA and makeup forums comparing Benefit Coralista to NARS Orgasm and NARS Super Orgasm. I’d like to clarify that Benefit Coralista, for this Muse, is a completely different product when compared to those two blushes. Although I absolutely love the Orgasm series from NARS I must admit that Benefit Coralista actually topped the color by creating a really popping shade that’s a cocktail of coral, peach, and orange. I think that both Orgasms apply softer where as Coralista applies with more of a pop of color. Gorgeous.

With Flash
Without Flash

I can’t begin to express my excitement over how good the product is and what an amazing job they did with it’s creation. The cocktail of colors added such gorgeous color to my cheeks and I couldn’t help but think how great it would look on it’s own or with a completely made up face and how wonderful it’ll work for Spring, Summer, and Fall. The color adds such warmth to my face and makes me glow. The powder is pigmented enough to work on any and all skin tones. It’ll be flattering if you’re pale, beautiful if you’re medium, and simply stunning if your darker!

I’ve collected many peach, coral, and orange blushes over the course of several years and I have to say that this is probably one of thee most unique and compares to nothing else in my stash.

One of the novel things about Benefit Coralista lays in the fact that it actually carries the sweet,tropical scent of peaches with a tiny hint of floral. Too cute right? I was surprised after opening it to have the scent linger up to my nose to greet me!

I have one minor rant about the product which is the fact that the “Coralista” emblem is a sticker. Eep! You know how much the Muse ranted and raved about the stickers on the Fafi for MAC packaging! The sticker is already peeling off a bit on the sides and it’s driving me a tiny tad bit crazy since I’m so obssessive compulsive about makeup this bugs me silly.

Aside from this minor problem everything about Benefit Coralista is absolute perfection. I love, love how pigmented the powder is and in all honesty it qualifies as a blush at this point. I’m hoping that Benefit will embrace all this pigmentation and take this into consideration when introducing more of it’s popular powders!

Who needs Benefit Coralista?

• Those who LOVE a popping shade of gorgeous peach!
• Anyone who wants a warm look that’s suitable for Spring, Summer, Fall, and of course tropical weather!
• Girls who want to minimize there makeup look by applying a blush that’s so gorgeous no one will realize it’s the only item you’re wearing aside from some gloss and mascara!

If you’re only going to buy one item this season or you’re saving your cash at the moment and not wanting to splurge the Muse highly recommends, at the very least, indulge in this. All in all she’s VERY pleased with Benefit Coralista and absolutely adores it! Total Muse Approval for this one! Great job Benefit! I likey!

The Muse has grown quite attached and fond of her Bobbi Brown Concealer Palette since hauling it many, many, many months ago. At first I wasn’t sure I loved it but now I have unquestionable admiration for it. I have many, many, many concealers and the one I reach for daily is the Bobbi Brown Concealer Palette. The combination of concealer and finishing powder makes my woes into smiles! It conceals dark circles, fine lines, and all my other problems with a quick swipe of my brush! Loves it!

Recently I came across the Mally Beauty Cancellation Concealer System on QVC for $35 USD and it’s quickly become holy grail material.

Make the jump read on about the greatness of this three piece kit!

Mally Beauty Cancellation Concealer System excels and appeals in just about every way imagination. Fab packaging, amazing price, and awesome quality. What more could a girl want?

First of all let’s dig on the price.

For $35 USD you’ll get one cream concealer, one setting powder, one dual ended brush (full size), and a pink pouch to store it all in. I spent over $60 USD on the Bobbi Brown Concealer Compact and I’ll repurchase once it’s gone however if you really can’t afford $60 bucks at the moment or don’t even want to consider shelling that much over for concealer I do so highly suggest nabbing one of these kits! You get much more product plus a full size brush and a cute carrying case…hello cheap anyone?

The packaging is absolutely adorable and appeals to my girlish good nature. The pink pooch has a velvet like feel and a snap closure. Snap it open to reveal a loop for holding your brush and two pouches to store each compact. Sweet! The compacts are metal and come in silver and pink colors, one of each. The brush matches with the cream concealer as these are both pink in color where as the powder has a silver compact. I thought it was rather strange and felt like the silver compact somehow didn’t match with the rest of the theme but I got over it.

The entire trio works virtually the same way Bobbi Brown’s Concealer Palette does aside from the fact that Bobbi’s version has three separate concealers for mixing and matching. Brush a bit of the cream concealer on and pat your powder on to set! Simple, done, and just as you would with your BB version. I love having three color options to cocktail with my Bobbi Brown version but I honestly don’t mind in the least this has one color option. That’s perfectly fine as it does the job well enough with any other colors available.

The cream concealer is lovely. It’s creamy, moisturizing, and conceals well without being heavy, creasing, fading, or causing a major mess. It does not have the same consistency as Bobbi’s version however. I noticed it was lighter and actually blended a bit better because it didn’t have that ooeey gooey formula that Bobbi’s sports. I got the lightest option available however there are four shade choices in total so I do believe you’re bound to find a suitable match for your skin type. I actually felt like the light version was too light but I don’t mind as I like my concealer to be a shade down from my skin tone to brighten my eyes up. I don’t have severe dark circles but I do have puffy eyes and a bit of a tired look and I felt this was plenty of coverage for those problems. In regards to darker circles you may or may not need something more….I think it’ll do just fine with darker circles as it is quite pigmented but results vary from person to person.

The powder this comes with isn’t quite as silky as the one that Bobbi Brown’s compact comes with but that doesn’t make it any less of a good product. It goes on well, brightens the eye area up beautifully, and doesn’t crease or age my eyes. I find applying powder under my eyes makes me look decades older this does not do that. I like that it not only sets my concealer for all day coverage but also offers a brightening around my eye area.

Finally the brush included is ideal for application. It’s a dual ended brush which has a blending style brush on one end for the powder application and a concealer brush on the other. Both work great at performing the duty of applying the powder and concealer. Bobbi has the same style brush although this concealer brush is a bit bigger and more dome shaped. I like the blending brush for applying powder…this was a trick I learned with the BB palette and have really embraced. I find a bushy, full blending brush is ideal for picking up powder and applying a thin layer to eyes without making a mess or applying too much.

The concealer lasts pretty much all day without creasing, fading, or creeping into fine lines. It offers fantastic coverage, gives me a flawless look, and creates the illusion of plenty of sleep. I did a little test and wet my arm and proceeded to rub it with a washcloth, you can see the results below and the concealer actually held up very well!

All in all I think the Mally Beauty Cancellation Concealer System is a fabulous find and I’m Muse Approving it for purchase. I highly suggest grabbing one for yourself! It has a 4 out 5 rating on QVC and just general does what it promises with a really nice price tag to match!

Count the Muse impressed! I love it and think it could be holy grail material, have to use it a bit more before I decide but it’s well on it’s way there!

Have you tried Mally Beauty Cancellation Concealer System?

Love it?

Want to try it for yourself?

What Mally products do you like?

Tell the Muse!

The Muse hearts Bath and Body Works Lambie in a major way! Last year she hauled Bath and Body Works Lambie Slippers but was a tad disappointed that they wore out so quickly! This year she decided to wait for the Bath and Body Semi Annual sale before indulging and she’s glad she did because she got three pairs of Lambie Slippers for $12 USD each yay!

Make the jump to see my haul!

I was quite happy that this year they made the Lambie Slippers a bit more stronger plus this year’s version encases the entire foot so you’re tootsies will remain nice and warm! This new style also prevents the slipper from wearing down the way the old version did. Likey!

At $12 USD the Muse thinks it’s worth hauling it.

Snag yours at Bath and Body Works!

The Spring Collection for Estee Lauder entitled Fuchsia Now has the Muse in fits of excitement as it looks quite gorgeous!

Read on after the jump to find out why the Muse is hyper this morning!

Estee Lauder Fuchsia Now takes bolder shades and mixes them with neutrals to create a flirty, feminine, fun look. If you’re a tiny bit scared of bolder shades here’s a great excuse to try some while taking the edge off with safer, natural, neutral shades of color. You know how much your Muse loves bolder shades but she admits to being intrigued to the trend of cocktailing bold colors with neutrals.

Now the excitement….

You obviously know why I’m so hyper at this point don’t you? If you haven’t guessed already I’m quite excited about the release of the limited edition Estee Lauder Fleur de Lys Shimmer Powder. Considering what a great relationship the Muse has with her Estee Lauder Shimmering Jewel Powder from the Holiday Collection she does so believe that she’s sure to love Fleur de Lys Shimmer Powder by default! Fleur de Lys is a silky, shimmering powder with a hint of color to add a fresh glow to cheeks and face. The powder is flattering for all skin tones since it can be used as a highlighter for a glowing finish. The design on the powder is simply stunning! At $32 USD for a generous size compact the Muse is already approving it for purchase as she knows it’ll be gorgeous!

Further info about the Estee Lauder Spring Collection 2009 release (all prices in USD):

Base Look for Face:
Estee Lauder Fleur de Lys Shimmer Powder $32
Estee Lauder Signature Satin Creme Blush in Berry Light and Nude Light $26
Estee Lauder Double Wear Zero-Smudge Lengthening Mascara in Black $19.50

For a Cool Pink Look:
Estee Lauder Signature Silky Eyeshadow Duo in Indigo $25
Estee Lauder Automatic Eye Pencil Duo in Jet Black $23.50
Estee Lauder Signature Hydra Lustre Lipstick in Mayfair Mauve $19.50
Estee Lauder Signature Hydra Lustre Lipstick in Rich Berry $19.50
Estee Lauder Pure Color Gloss in Fresh Berry $18
Estee Lauder Pure Color Nail Lacquer in Fuchsia $18

For a Warm Nude Look:
Estee Lauder Signature Silky Eyeshadow Duo in Aubergine $25
Estee Lauder Automatic Eye Pencil Duo in Walnut Brown $23.50
Estee Lauder Signature Hydra Lustre Lipstick in Perfect Nude $19.50
Estee Lauder Signature Hydra Lustre Lipstick in Earthen Nude $19.50
Estee Lauder Pure Color Gloss in Honey Flower $18
Estee Lauder Pure Color Nail Lacquer in Honey Flower $18

All in all the collection has the Muse excited especially the gorgeous shimmering powder which I hope to bring you a review of soon!

Estee Lauder Spring Collection 2009 Fuchsia Now is available this January from www.esteelauder.com

What do you think of Fuchsia Now?

Loving the powder?

Like the idea of combining bold and neutrals?

Tell the Muse!

This actually isn’t as hard a question as I thought it would be when I was originally writing it out…Jump ahead to read why!

When I first asked myself What was the most important thing in my makeup bag? I started to panic! How could I just pick one thing? But than I realized, wait a sec, I don’t carry a slew of cosmetics with me in my bag anyway so what am I so worried about?

If I had to pick thing it would be cheek stain. It’s completely multitasking so I can give a hint of color to my cheeks and lips and at the very least I look healthy and fresh so it’s probably the most important item in my bag. Although my makeup doesn’t last all day, my skin is very clear so I don’t need to keep touching up with powder or foundation. I chew my gloss off almost an hour after it’s on so it’s important to keep one stashed away but I find that once it’s off I get too busy to actually reapply so unless I am going out after work I don’t retouch it. I carry a compact mirror but that’s honestly available anywhere…in my car, in a bathroom, etc..where can’t you find a mirror nowadays right?

So stain it is Works on my cheeks and lips and makes me go from dull to lovely!

How about you? What’s the most important thing in your makeup bag?

Tell the Muse!

This Muse is still in Holiday mode! How about you? Doesn’t it kinda sorta feel like it’s still the holiday?

Feels like it to me…which is why I am still diving into my Holiday stash to bring you some more Holiday Collection reviews. You don’t mind if I get my Christmasy grove on tonight with a partial review of the Majolica Majorica I Am Gorgeous Holiday Collection do you?

*wink* I knew you wouldn’t mind!

Allow me, if I may, to introduce you to the Majolica Majorca Majolumina Powder in a Puff.

Sweet right?

Well….good news and bad news….

Good news first!

The good news is these are definitely cute. No denying that. The packaging is simply adorable, the design is fantastic, and just the general idea of the product is rather brilliant and sweet. The cannisters are quite a nice size and are decorated with a slightly vintage flair featuring cute little fairies and elegant script. Inside you’ll find a puff that’s full of shimmer and sparkle for face, body, cheeks, or wherever you want to add a bit of glittery goodness. The general idea of the product is super and I hate to break into the bad news and the poor part of my review but that I must do sadly.

You’ve heard all the good…here’s the bad…..

First problem is the packaging. I was very disappointed that the canisters are made out of flimsy thin paper…sheesh couldn’t MJ splurge for some heavy duty cardboard? I have to be super careful where I store these or what I store on top of them for that matter as they are extremely delicate and will crush easily and I’m sure, given time, they will begin to show signs of wear and tear. How sad.

Now the idea of a puff that has powder in it isn’t my fav type of product in the world. Remember Benefit Kitten Goes to Paris Powder Puff? I just generally hate products like this because they are used up so easily without the product ever touching the skin. What I mean is the shimmer falls off the puff, ends up in the bottom of the packaging, etc…it’s sorta wasted…Now the puff is darling but it’s actually quite small. Although the canister is a generous side the actual puff is about half the size or less when compared to it’s housing. I dunno why but this disappoints me. I wanted the puff to be a half way decent size and this just seems sorta puny. I will say that the puff is nice, thick and quite soft and it’s attached ribbon is very cute but it’s size leaves a bit to be desired.

More ranting ahead….

After applying the powder to the back of my arm I was pretty disappointed that it gave only a tad bit of sparkle. I guess this could be considered good for the shimmer haters but I love shimmer and I expected a bit of a better finish. The puff comes in a silver and gold version and I will say that the gold had alot more going for it than the silver. The overall finish of the gold was nice and shimmery and not as dull as the silver version.

After all is said and done I do think that these are worth picking up if you’re a collector of Majolica Majorca. I love all the releases and I admit to a rant here and there but I don’t regret adding them to my collection. Unfortunately I do question whether or not the 1,365 yen per pot was really worth it. Honestly, the cost is way high due to the flimsy packaging and disappointing quality overall of the product.

Stay tuned….I’ll be bringing you a review of the rest of the Majolica Majorca I Am Gorgeous Collection soon!

My lovely girl Tammy over at Urban Decay sent over a belated v-card yesterday from Urban Decay!

Click here to view.

Tammy’s the one in the grey printed hoodie getting jiggy with it! I was laughing my butt off at the guy with the two pandas! He looked so scared!

Gransenbon Gran Blush is my go to product for soft, gently flushed cheeks! Which could account for why I’ve stocked up on a majority of the colors offered!

I think many of us stateside aren’t afraid of color. We aren’t shy in using a deeper, pigmented blush to make cheeks pop! However, many colors you’ll find in Asian brands are softer and lighter for a more natural, unmade up look. Gransenbon Gran Blush caters towards a more natural finish that, when I’m in the mood for it, is truly flattering.

The shades have a tiny hint of shimmer that’s barely noticeable and all the shades are soft and delicate even those that are darker only give the barest kiss of color. For the most part I do admit that the packaging with it’s soft pink outer case and cute dual compartment is what captured my attention at first but soon after I was thrilled over the color selection which is how I ended up hauling away most of the catalog of colors offered!

Here’s a little peek at my stash of Gran Blushes!

Do you love Gransebon Gran Blush?

Which brand of blushes do you stash the most?

Tell the Muse!

If you’re anything at all like your Muse your skin may be seeking a bit of extra moisture at the moment especially if you live in a cold and windy city. Although you know I’m a true Lushie I admit that sometimes I get tempted to try out new skincare which is the case with Lierac Paris Soin Eclat Express Masque. Considering I really enjoyed Lierac Paris Hydra-Chrono Extremel Balm I didn’t mine in the least giving this mask a try out.

Remember The Body Shop Vitamin E Sink-In Moisture Mask? Lierac Paris Soin Eclat Express Masque kinda sorta reminds me of it.

The mask can be used in one of two ways. You can apply the mask and leave it on for 10-15 minutes and tissue off or you can apply and leave it on over night. Lierac scents it’s products quite nicely and this has a nice fresh, floral smell. The mask isn’t overly thick but has an almost gel like consistency.

All in all for use once or twice a week this is a nice skin softening treatment especially if you have dry, flaky skin however I’m unsure if I need this extra step in my skincare regime.

Check out more Lierac Paris skincare at Lierac Paris and Drugstore.com

The Muse loves herself some Clean perfume so she’s pretty excited that the latest fragrance from Clean, Clean Simply Soap, will be debuting on HSN January 6th-8th. Set those Tivos ladies so you can snag this new scent!

Clean Simply Soap is a soft floral fragrance with a blend of Calabrian orange bergamot, Polynesian fragipani, Japanese lotus blossom, Damask rose oil, sweet voilet, and soft musk. Ok, so I admit I haven’t a clue what a fragipani is but it sure does sound good.

The scent, like all Clean scents, is an inviting comforting aroma that evokes the spirit of a soft bath robe, Egyptian cotton sheets, and a warm sudsy bubble bath!

Considering that Clean has been very adventurous lately it sounds like Simply Soap will be more of what the brand has been known to produce in the past, a good, “clean” scent.

I’ll have a review up soon but for now you can grab it at HSN using Item: 390-371 to indulge in just the scent or Item: 390-364 to get the fragrance and body lotion.

Which are your favorite Clean scents?

Eager to try Simply Soap?

Tell the Muse!