Ok people. Come on! Help your economy out here! Buy more makeup!
Jump ahead to find out what my next cosmetic purchase will be!
If I can find the bloody thing my next purchase will be Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Concealer!
But hello impossible to find! I’ve seen it in CVS but sadly ever single color was sold out! Grrrr! And I’m so not asking one of the brain dead employees if they have any more in stock because it might turn into an Easter Egg Hunt. Turns out you don’t actually need a brain to work at CVS…go figure (no offense to the people with brains who work at CVS. No CVS employees were harmed in the making of this post).
Anyway, I seriously NEED this concealer! I know I’ll be disappointed but I still wants it!
The Muse is wondering should she call the poison control center? She just finished scrubbing her lips with The Lip Scrub by Sara Happ but she’s pretty sure as she scrubbed she consumed more than half of the product.
Oops.
I couldn’t help myself it tastes like sugar and peppermint…..It happens right?
Winter stinks! It makes my cheeks patchy and dry! It makes my legs, elbows, and knees itchy and flaky! And it makes my lips dry which leads to cracking and peeling.
Have no fear I have The Lip Scrub by Sara Happ to save the day….I figure if I don’t use it to scrub away dead skin cells on my lips at the very least I can eat it for a snack. Julie Andrews told me one of her favorite things is brown paper packages tied up with strings or in this case brown paper boxes tied up with ribbons. The Lip Scrub comes in a tiny brown box tied up pretty with a white ribbon. Open the box up and you’ll find a pot of exfoliating lip scrub for your dry lips!
The formula is a white scrub with plenty of sugar crystals and an amazingly sweet peppermint taste (if you prefer it comes in any number of other flavors like Cinnamon Sugar and Vanilla Bean!). To use, simply scoop a small amount out (or a large amount whatever your pleasure) and scrub onto lips! After scrubbing for a few minutes remove with a tissue and presto your lips are beautiful again! The scrub removes flaky dry skin and preps them for lipstick or a kiss from your sweetie.
I absolutely love this product and it’s a life saver for me as my lips get terribly dry and cracked in the Winter. I follow up my scrub with some of my Lip Slip and my lips are gorgeous again!
The Lip Scrub by Sara Happy is fully Muse Approved for purchase. An absolutely essential item for dry, cracked lips.
If you’re anything like the Muse you might like a matching pair of this and a matching pair of that. How about a matching lipstick and lip gloss combo housed in a slick little compact with a fold out mirror?
In steps Milani Pretty Pair which features all three for a couture of color!
Select from 8 different shades of perfectly matching lipstick and lip gloss with the new Milani Pretty Pair Lipstick and Lip Gloss Duos out for Spring 2009.
These duos contain one lipstick and one lip gloss for creating a perfectly matching glossy, pigmented pout. Slap them both in a rather cute compact with a flip out mirror and it’s a pretty fine beauty budget find. Mix ‘em up for three different looks that you can achieve by wearing them alone or together.
Milani Pretty Pair Lipstick and Lip Gloss come housed in a stand up gold compact which has a slide out mirror on the back for easy application on the go. Simply twist and pull to release each product! Apply the lipstick first and pair it up with the gloss for added impact of color and shine.
Both products are heavily pigmented and quite a nice buy for the price of $6.99 USD. You’re probably not going to be able to purchase a gloss and a lipstick at $7 bucks so this is a nice little budget option as it gets you both.
Although the products are meant for wearing alone or together, I personally prefer using them together as they work best that way as the lipstick on it’s own is a little bit drying. Paired with the gloss you won’t notice the drying texture of the lipstick so it’s best to wear them together in my humble opinion. The formula is paraben-free as well which is always a plus.
I tried the shades Two Sweet and Two Good to Be True. Two Sweet wasn’t working out too well on me as it’s really a very true red. If you love bold, vibrant red shades you’ll absolutely adore this. On me it looks a tiny bit clown-like. Two Good to Be True is stunning and quite flattering! It’s a mix of beige with gold and silver sparkles that give it a bit of a bronze brown look. This shade was quite lovely for Spring and will work well into Summer.
If you’re looking for a rather cute compact of gloss and lipstick paired together for a low price, Milani Pretty Pair is something you’ll absolutely love. The Muse thinks they are well worth checking out for yourself for that perfect Spring pout!
Loves ‘em?
Tried ‘em already?
Tell the Muse!
Visit with Milani for further info and check your local CVS to purchase!
The Muse is terribly obsessed with the Crabree & Evenlyn Distillations Collection. I recently reviewed the Crabtree & Evelyn Aromatherapy Distillations Revitalize Conditioning Body Lotion which was love at first application. Today I’ll be bringing you a review of the Crabtree & Evelyn Aromatherapy Distillations Soothing Body Lotion and Gentle Cream Body Wash.
Jump ahead for the deets!
The new Crabtree & Evelyn Aromatherapy Distillations line up combines the benefits of 100% essential oils and natural ingredients to create a relaxing blend for both your skin and your senses. Each blend contains no parabens, no mineral oil, and absolutely no additives.
Although I’ve already tried out the Crabtree & Evelyn Aromatherapy Distillations Soothing Body Lotion that version was a revitalizing blend which contained tart lemons to wake this tired Muse up! The blend I’m currently loving is filled with relaxing lavender and rosewood essential oils which makes it the perfect sleepy time body lotion. The lotion absorbs on contact and melts into skin beautifully leaving behind a lovely herbal scent that’s soothing and healing to my dry skin. The scent is relaxing and quite comforting which makes it an ideal lotion to use just before bed. I’ll save my other lotion for early morning wake up calls!
This is my first time trying Crabtree & Evelyn Distillations Gentle Cream Body Wash. This too is scented with lavender and rosewood essential oils which makes it a perfect companion to layer with my body lotion. The formula is a creamy, dreamy moisturizing body wash that cleanses as it moisturizes my dull, dry skin. The lavender does a wonderful job of soothing my skin and locking in moisture and of course, it’s simply relaxing to breath in the scent while I shower!
I’m really enjoying this new collection and think it’s well worth checking out for yourself!
Visit www.crabtree-evelyn.com to check out the Crabtree & Evelyn Distillations line up for yourself.
Whether you call it a late Spring Collection or a privy to Summer, the Estee Lauder Orchid Garden Collection is about the pretty!
With a launch date set at March 2nd this brand new collection is filled with plenty of soft, light, friendly pastels for the Spring. Honestly, this collection actually looks even more appealing for the Spring than the release of the Estee Lauder Fuchsia Now Collection.
Featuring a brand new illuminating powder (to add to the Muse’s growing pile of Estee Lauder illuminating powders) with swirls of gold, pink, and creamy white, this powder looks simply stunning to say the least!
Also releasing is the brand new Estee Lauder Orchid Garden Signature Eyeshadow Quad which features soft pastel shades with a soft matte to high pearl finish that brightens and illuminates eyes with the colors of Spring.
The collection looks quite soft and feminine however the pastels are probably not for everyone. The collection is available for a limited time and can be purchased right now at Nordstrom.
Scrub away rough elbows and knees with a great beauty budget fine! liiv botanicals Revitalizing Body Scrub from Avon is a brand new scrub that’ll help get your rough bits back into silky soft form in a snap!
Before I jump full into this review I have to say I’m a little itty bitty disappointed that liiv botanicals Revitalizing Body Scrub doesn’t have the awesome smell that liiv Botanicals Moisture Body Boosting Butter did! Darn it! I’m so addicted to the smell of that body butter that I was kinda hopeful the entire line would sport the same scent!
But!
Aside from that minor rant I actually liked this body scrub plus it’s only $8.50 USD, hello scrubbie for less the Muse is your new best friend!
liiv botanicals Revitalizing Body Scrub is a thick foaming scrub that has plenty of scrubbing action to get rough body parts buffed and polished to a silky, smooth finish. The scrub smells fresh with hints of cucumber and botanicals. It cleanses while it scrubs leaving behind super soft, smooth moisturized skin.
I personally liked it alot as my skin is terribly dry right now but I don’t know if I recommend it for anyone with sensitive skin as it has a whole lot of scrubbing action going on so it could be a bit too much for some.
All in all if you’re keeping a tight budget at the moment this is a great wallet-friendly purchase for getting your dry Winter skin ready for the upcoming warmer weather!
Did you read the news today? Obviously you have considering I think we all watch it as it’s such a train wreck we can’t keep our eyes from it now can we?
Today’s newscast is the demise of Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, and Saks….hello insanity!
One of my favorite collections from Holiday 2008 was the Cosme Decorte Magie Deco Coffret. I didn’t indulge in the Holiday 2007 version as it wasn’t nearly as gorgeous and glamorous as this year’s.
Do jump ahead for a peek!
Cosme Decorte Magie Deco Coffret was truly a glamorous collection and I instantly fell in love with it when I seen it on the site. The coffret contains three pieces for eyes, lips and face. I paid retail for the coffret which was around 6,300 yen, a true deal if I ever seen one.
The collection settled on gorgeous shimmering gold eyes, beautiful pouty ruby red lips, and a hint of shimmery face powder for it’s Holiday look. All these items are totally what the Muse looks for during the Holiday Season and she couldn’t be more pleased to have them bundled together in one set.
The Magie Deco Fairy Powder was the highlight of the collection. This was a striped higlighter that contains 5 separate colors ranging from soft muted beiges, to creams, and pinks. All the shades combined beautifully to create just a soft subtle shimmer on the face. The palette contains a heavy spray of golden shimmer on top but once wiped away it just leaves behind a very soft focused highlighter that can be used to brighten up the face and cheeks. The colors are way to light to use this as a blush so using blush prior to application is recommended.
The Magie Deco Fairy Eyes I’ve had the pleasure of using before and I must say I was quite happy to add the gold edition to my collection. This is a soft cream shadow that’s easy to blend and leaves behind a hint of true gold on lids. This is not a yellow gold but more of a true golden shade. It was rather a perfect color for the Holiday season in the Muse’s opinion.
Contrasting beautifully with golden eyes was the Magie Deco Fairy Gloss in R0660 which was a beautiful ruby red shade with hints of golden sparkle! The formula was nicely pigmented and left behind a beautiful finish however it wasn’t terribly glossy but more of a lip cream with a nice shimmery finish.
And finally the collection included a retractable brush for applying the highlighter!
I wish I had a chance to review this for you during the Holidays but I got a bit sidetracked and quite busy so I hope you’ll enjoy the photos and brief review of the coffret now.
Overall, this was the best coffret released from Cosme Decorte to date. I really like the simplicity of shimmering golden eyes followed up with a gentle subtly highlighted face and a nice pop of ruby on the lips.
I really quick look using the set!
I look forward to seeing what Cosme Decorte releases next year!
The Muse simply adores Asian face peelings masks. It may come as a shock but “face peeling” does not always mean a mask that you’re peeling off. Anonsa makes a full range of peeling face masks for all sorts of skin woes. These masks are simply used by taking a small dollop, applying to slightly damp skin, and slowly rubbing….you’ll notice the masks peels as soon as you begin rubbing. Supposedly this “peeling” action takes dirt, oil, blackheads, and other woes along with it as it “peels”. It’s rather a cool little product.
Today I’ll be reviewing the Anosa Ananas Sativus Face Peeling Mask for you!
Jump ahead to get the review!
Anosa Ananas Sativus Face Peeling Mask is a rather cheap, possibly gimmicky face mask. At around $223TWD you shouldn’t expect too MUCH from this mask.
This is actually my fav of the collection as it smells rather great! It’s a tropical pineapple blend that’s really quite nice. I adore anything that’s scented so I’m all over the idea of a scented mask that smells like pineapples.
Of course, the mask comes with a huge humdrum of the amazing skincare miracles and benefits that are housed inside the tiny little black tube. Supposedly this mask is made from a strong, effective pineapple dissolution enzyme…who the hell knows what that even means…god I love Asian brands! The special pineapple enzyme has the superior skill of dissolving blackheads and cleaning pores and even allows you to experience the effects of an “ultra human spirit”. I’m not making this up…this is what it claims to do.
What it really does?
Absolutely nothing! Hehe! But I still like it anyway. The formula is a heavy jelly consistency (kinda looks like snot…what? Beauty can’t always be glam!) that feels incredibly cooling on the skin which will make a Muse happy in the Summer. Once applied all it really does is make my skin feel extra clean but aside from that I can’t say I experience anything in regards to my humanly spirit nor did it do much for the blackheads on my nose. I don’t really have clogged pores so I can’t speak for those but if you happen to have clogged pores, the Muse thinks it’s safe to say that this probably won’t rid you of those.
The mask is just a simple, budget friendly treat that I continue to use because I like the smell and it didn’t cost me a ton of money. Honestly, if you’re paying above retail (seen it on E-bay for $14.99 USD ummmm NO!) I don’t suggest buying it. However, if you can nab it at retail I suggest grabbing one as it smells pretty and it does successfully make your skin feel squeaky clean!
Here’s a basic idea of how the masks works. Take a dollop, apply to your face, and rub on. As you can see the mask begins to “pill” and peels off in layers. This peeling action supposedly whisks away dirt and the likes along with it!
Anosa Ananas Sativus Face Peeling Mask doesn’t have alot going for it but the Muse thinks it smells pretty, at the very least.
I recently came across Shills Wildberry Lip Balm and decided to give it a whirl as the price was right and a Muse can never have too many balms!
Shills, as far as the Muse knows, is a brand that’s sold exclusively via a website called Pay Easy. The site is a Taiwanese site that sells a few other brands aside from Shills. Shills is kinda a cop off of Benefit as their packaging is pretty much the same, the concept of the products, etc……very, very cute stuff but very much a dupe of what Benefit offers. I’ll be doing a few reviews of Shill products over the next few weeks so stay tuned.
At $149TWD Shills Lipbalm in Wildberry isn’t going to break the bank but after using the product it’s pretty much money I lost as the quality isn’t so great.
The balm doesn’t promise any bells and whistles and no worries you won’t be getting any either. Aside from it’s sweet packaging the balm itself is a total let down. The balm comes housed in small white plastic tube with a cute decal that features all sorts of berries on it. Inside is a pink balm that can be applied to lips. The balm itself is quite a nice texture as it’s firm and has just the right moisturizing benefits. Although it feels quite moist it applies very waxy and settles onto lips without every fully absorbing. I suppose I can’t rant too much about it absorbing considering it is a balm and balms have a tendency to lay on the lips but the waxy feeling is unforgivable for me as it just feels terribly gross on my lips. I was quite disappointed in the taste and even the smell for that matter…wildberry? What happened to all the wildberries? It has a very, very, very faint scent that’s kinda sorta berryish but aside from that nothing. It doesn’t taste like berries either but more like a waxy plastic taste.
I suppose I can make proper use of this when I have severe chapped lips but honestly for everyday use I’ll probably skip. The box supposedly says it contains a high unit of shea butter but for me it just felt like rubbing candle wax on my lips.
Big thumbs down.
No likey!
If you’re interested you can find it on E-bay for around $9.99 USD but honestly I would SO not pay that insane price. If you have friends in Taiwan you can ask them to pick it up for you for retail but I’d avoid it, not worth the trouble at all!
The Muse has successfully collected all the Benefit Powders aside from 10. I’ve no idea why I never purchased 10 but it’s def on my to buy before I die list. Aside from 10 I have virtually all the powders even ones that aren’t always so suitable for my skin (Hoola…eep!).
I dunno if it’s the packaging or the awesome quality but I sure do love them!
Jump ahead to view my stash!
For a really long time Benefit Dandelion was my absolute fav of the powders and than along came Benefit Thrrrob which quickly replaced it in my heart and on my favorite list. But without a doubt as of now and possibly always (unless Benefit tops this release) Benefit Coralista is thee most awesome of the Benefit Powder releases.
With the release of Benefit Coralista I think they opened a brand new door for the powder collection and I sincerely hope and pray they embrace the idea of Coralista and use it to make more great powders. If you haven’t tried Coralista yet the Muse highly suggest grabbing some.
All in all the Muse sure is mighty proud of her little stockpile of Benefit Powders!
When I recently mused about Bare Minerals Glimmer many of you were quick to chime in about a favorite shade of mine that was pictured in one of my photos.
Azure.
Ahhh Azure truly a great Glimmer if ever the Muse seen one!
Although many Bare Escentual Glimmers are gorgeous I have a special place in my heart for Azure. Truly a versatile color that works fantastically well with greens to create a perfect popping eye look. A wash of Azure over your lids is sure to create plenty of conversation on “whatever is that color?”
Is it blue? Is it blue-green? Is it teal? Is it aqua?
Somewhere deep in the realms of my makeup pile, Sephora Harmony Trio Bronzers in Rose and Bronze lay in peace.
Lord knows the Muse recalls purchasing ‘em but for the life of her she can’t remember using them! After a while she just got tired of them even thought she used them once at the very most.
However….
Have you freaking seen the new Sephora Bronze Harmony Trio in Apricot? Hello Spring!
Sephora Brand Harmony Trio Bronzer in Apricot is looking mighty fine me thinks!
Dare I say the bright rose, orange, and gold shimmering shades aren’t fitting in with the name “harmony bronzer”…oh no…these are something special, something more…!
The shades are so Spring-friendly and remind this Muse of candy! I likey, might I have one now please? Count me curious…this may very well make it onto my wish list soon!
The Muse was dancing like this when she noticed that Neiman Marcus has updated it’s website with the new Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick!
Jump ahead to hear (but not see her dance) about the Muse’s excitement!
It’s ok to get excited about things like this:
One part pretty, two parts pink, a touch of shimmer, and a whole lot of beautiful…mix it all together and come out with the new Bobbi Brown Limited Edition Platinum Pink Shimmer Brick!
Is this love or what?
The perfect cool pink shimmer for Spring sure to brighten your face up and make it glow and glisten. Highlights with touches of pink and platinum gives your face a modern edge…or a robotic one which ever tickles your fancy!
The Muse needs it that much she knows but she’s left wondering…is this new collection exclusive to Neiman Marcus or will it be launching everywhere?
Whatever the case may be she feels her wallet screaming in protest…and delight…
Benefit has succeeded yet again and has a big winner on it’s hands with it’s brand new Hello Flawless! Powder.
Fantastically good stuff. Count this Muse impressed!
Jump ahead to hear me rave!
I’ve used quite alot of powders in my day but I don’t think I’ve come across a richly pigmented powder as Benefit Hello Flawless! If you use a powder foundation you’re seriously going to want to give this a try as it truly covers literally EVERYTHING and possibly the kitchen sink too.
The powder is heavily pigmented but manages to remain light and natural on the face which is quite impressive for the Muse. Anything as pigmented as this powder would make me think twice as I’d worry it would appear cakey on my skin but nope, not the case. Flawless is the order of business indeed. The formula is gentle, light, and quite airy. I was a bit worried that my dry skin would look absolutely ridiculous with this on but no problems at all in that area. The powder applies and blends like a dream and creates flawless coverage without any caking, creasing, or flaking due to dry skin. It managed to control my oily forehead and stayed fresh for about four or five hours before I needed to head in for a touch up. Normally I don’t wear powder as a foundation but I did so today and I must say I was looking heavenly as you’ll notice from my photos below. Even my mate Martin mentioned that I was “glowing”!
Benefit Hello Flawless! has alot going for it in particular the fact that it contains SPF 15. Combining sun protection with a mattifying powder plus one pigmented enough to work as a foundation creates a star of a product. The compact is too cute with a “lit” makeup mirror on the cover and the words “Hello Flawless”. Flip it open to reveal a dual compact which has the powder on top and houses the brush and the sponge, yes indeed two applicators, underneath.
The powder gives the Burger King motto a whirl for it’s money! It’s “Have it your way” foundation powder! w00t! The basic concept of the powder is it works one of two ways by 1. using the brush to sweep on a thin layer of powder to combat oil, set makeup, or freshen your face up or 2. use the sponge applicator for full on flawless coverage and to cover spots, blemishes, or dull skin. The Muse tried it both ways and although brushing on the powder is fab for a quickie touch up I actually prefer application with the sponge as I felt like taking full advantage of such a pigmented powder (in this particular case more was less). There aren’t many ways to describe the results…flawlessness is the best way to put it, hence the name right? It seriously covers really well and creates a perfect canvas for makeup. Heck, I even used a tiny bit under my eyes and it covers up dark circles in a snap! I checked the ingredients and I don’t see any Talc which could account for why it wore so well on my face.
The beauty mark test! Now you see it, now you don’t!
Have it your way coverage!
The following photo is a makeup free Muse. As you can see my face is a bit dull, circles under my eyes, tired looking eyes, a few spots on my face, and my skin just isn’t looking amazing.
After a dusting of Benefit Hello Flawless! you can begin to see a bit of better looking skin but a bit more is needed.
After a full application of the powder my skin is absolutely perfect! Spots are gone, dark circles and tired eyes are brighter, the dullness of my skin is left glowing and beautiful!
Overall, I’m truly in love with Benefit Hello Flawless! and quite happy to Muse Approve it for purchase. You seriously need to give this one a try as it’s a winner. I’m looking forward to using this as my primary foundation come the Summer and I’m particularly delighted that even though it’s Winter and my skin is quite dry that I’m still able to take full advantage and look beautiful and gorgeous without any flaky grossness. Any certain dullness was quickly erased and I was left looking flawless.
Who might love this:
Anyone who wants perfect, healthy flawless looking skin!
Those who use a powder foundation right now but feel like they need something more pigmented.
Anyone in a hot climate who needs a powder foundation to combat oily skin with the added benefits of SPF.
Those who want a multitasking powder that they can easily apply in sheer or heavier layers!
Anyone who wants to walk down the street and hear a greeting from a friend saying “Well, Hello Flawless!”
Loves this one. Alot.
The Muse thinks you need it.
Benefit Hello Flawless! isn’t available in store until April but you can get it now at www.benefitcosmetics.com
Give it a day or two and the Muse bets Benefit gives you Free Shipping on it too! Remember kids, Benefit ships Internationally too and is offering Free Shipping for orders over $115 USD so get your friends together and form a spree to grab yourself some Benefit goodies! The Muse knows that many Cozy Cotters do sprees so you might want to check over there. Coupon Code WORLD115 for Free Worldwide Shipping!
Update! Update! Update! Get Free Shipping using code FLAWLESS
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