Musings of a Muse

According to Smashbox the future has arrived with it’s brand new DNA Mascara.

Smashbox Lash DNA Mascara has a complex blend of porteins and amino acids that binds to lashes which in turn creating mega-length all while conditioning lashes and rebuilding former damage to ensure lashes stay stronger.

Who cares about all that, check out the uber cool brush! That brush looks hawt! Likey! Might be adding this one to the wish list as it looks interesting!

What do you think?

Tell it to me!

I know, I know this may shock your socks near off your feet but I recently tried out the new HIP Metallic Duo Eyeshadow…and…I loved it! Eep! Unreal right? But I promise they are awesome.

HIP has three finishes now on it’s shadow duos, the newest is the metallic finish which the Muse is quite fond of at the moment. The new HIP Metallic Duo Eyeshadows come only in five shades, sniff can’t we have more? And are all under $8 bucks each! Oh, hello friendly budget deal!

I tried out the HIP Metallic Duo Eyeshadow in Platinum recently and was feeling the love. I do think they are way easier to blend than previous versions of HIP shadows I’ve tried plus they are loaded with pigment and have an intense shimmery, metallic finish.

If you haven’t tried ‘em already here’s the deets:

Each duo contains a matte shadow and a shimmery metallic shadow. Use the metallic shadow to shade your eye and follow up with the matte shadow to either contrast or line eyes with. Personally I used the matte shade very lightly to contrast the metallic shadow but lining works just as well. The compact of the shadow is simply awesome, props for cool packaging. It’s a dual sided compact which houses the shadows on top and a sponge applicator and mirror on the bottom.

As I mentioned above both shades of shadow blend wonderfully well with a great color pay off. I was shocked as I’ve tried HIP shadows before and felt they blended crummy but I chalk up the formula this time around which makes them way easier to blend although you’ll definitely experience major fall out so prep well prior to applying to avoid the drama of shimmer falling everywhere on your face.

The color I tried out was Platinum which contains an intensely shimmering shade of silver with a matte shade of black. The two shades make a rather dramatic smoky eye look. The completed look is quite similar to what you could achieve using the Bare Minerals Rocker Kit at a fraction of the cost!

These are worth checking out if you like a highly shimmery, metallic finish to your shadows. Getting two shades in one compact for under $8 USD (or less if a sale is going on) is truly a nice little deal. The only rant I have about the product is the lack of colors. I’m hopeful they’ll extend the HIP Metallic Duo Eye Shadow collection with as many colors as the normal range of HIP shadows as these are a rather nice little gem in a sea of drugstore cosmetics.

Sportin’ HIP Metallic Duo Eyeshadow in Platinum

Overall, HIP Metallic Duo Eyeshadow are worth a look at. Definitely a nice little beauty on the budget find!

Tried ‘em?

Love ‘em?

Tell the Muse!

Learn more at www.lorealparisusa.com

If you’re looking for a moisturizer for mature skin allow a Muse to recommend Garnier Skin Naturals Vital Restore.

Although I’m not of an age to really appreciate the full benefits of Garnier Skin Naturals Vital Restore I still gave it a go because it smells so ridiculously gorgeous. Yes, indeed, scent does sale a product to the Muse.

Garnier Skin Naturals Vital Restore is part of Garnier’s newest skincare line up within the UK (no worries I’m sure we’ll see it in the US sooner or later). The collection is directed towards mature skin in need of a moisture as well as pampering. The product is a complete revitalizing skin cream the hydrates and reinforces skin structure whole protecting against age spots.

If you’re around 50 years of age, Garnier Vital Restore is something to consider for rebuilding and replenishing skin texture. The moisturizer has an SPF 15 and UVA/UVB filters to help protect skin against premature aging by the sun’s harmful rays. Two active ingredients in the formula are Orchid extract which stumulate cell vitality and Soy bioproteins which stimulate production of collagen and elastin.

I can’t speak for how well it works as my skin isn’t matured enough to appreciate the full benefits of the cream but I must say it smells lovely and moisturizers quite well. My dry skin seems to love it! It’s a nice thick cream that absorbs easily into my face. The overall results of the products won’t take full effect because as I mentioned my skin isn’t old enough but as for texture and scent the product definitely snag my attention!

For further details about the Garnier Skin Naturals Collection visit www.garnier.co.uk

Are you a fan of the Garnier skincare line?

Loves it?

Tell the Muse!

Even more Steals and Deals coming at you pretties! Nab 30% during Prescriptives Friends and Family Event by using promo code FRIEND9

Jump ahead for my picks from Prescriptives!

I heart the Prescriptives Spring Collection! The new blush and shadow duos are simply awesome! Great time to nab ‘em during the sale!

Prescriptives Spring Collection 2009: Prescriptives In Bloom Eye Color Duo and In Bloom Cheek Color Duo Review, Swatches, Photos, and FOTD

Prescriptives Flawless Skin Total Protection Concealer review is a great one for covering it all up!

Prescriptives Flawless Skin Total Protection Concealer Review

I fell in love with Prescriptives Calyx recently! Another great one to haul during the Friends and Family Event!

Prescriptives Calyx Review

Flawless skin? Long wear foundation? No problem Prescriptives Flawless Face Primer is thee awesome for both!

Prescriptives Flawless Face Primer Review

I’m thinking of trying those new custom palettes….hey it’s 30% Off…can’t beat it right?

Happy Shopping!

Steals and Deals are on the rise this Monday morning! Hautelook has over 80 items on sale from Stila Cosmetics. This sale is on for only 38 Hours so you’ll have to haul fast to get in on the deals.

They have palettes, lipglazes, single eyeshadows, foundation, the works! A little something for every Stila lover!

Jump ahead for the deets!

Hautelook is by invite only to join so just e-mail if you’d like to be referred. You’ll also get $10 USD spending cash if you join from my referral!

Here are some of the deals on Stila but there are LOADS more…it’s a big sale…I couldn’t help but wish they had the Stila Duo shadows on sale as I am feeling the love for those lately for some odd reason or another! They literally have a slew of products, probably more than what you’d find at the Stila Warehouse Stila.

Check it:

Just e-mail me or twitter me and I’ll send you an invite to HauteLook!

Happy Hauling!

Oh Bobbi! You know exactly what we need!

Snag 25% Off Bobbi Brown Cosmetics starting tomorrow, March 17th, and ending March 19.

Spend $60 USD or more and get free shipping too!

Likey!

Start plotting that wish list! Click!

Tell the Muse!

My Musings of the Day was brought on suddenly after watching a video from FloridaSweety on youTube.

Please tell me you subscribe to her videos? No? Check it below and you’ll totally understand my obsession.

Is she hysterical or what? I absolutely adore how she starts out on one topic and starts flying off the handle from topic to topic. Absolutely adored when she stops mid sentence because her cell phone starts to ring and she goes off on a tangent about how she won’t pick it up.

Lord…youTube is the best.

Anyway.

The moral of the story is FloridaSweety was saying how overrated MAC is and I was wondering what brand or brands do you think are terribly overrated?

Click below for my answer!

Ok, I probably have a few answers for this. Let’s see. I think NYX is big time overrated. They have alot of great stuff but the raves about how comparable they are to MAC…ummm overrated! One such example would be everyone comparing NYX shadows to MAC ummm again no I don’t think. Very nice shadows but not as good as MAC in my humblest.

It’s Monday so my brain is slow today and I’m only coming up with the one brand…so throw some my way!

Which brand or brands are completely overrated?

Tell the Muse!

Oh Stila you had me at Cherry Crush and you made me fall in love with you all over again with Pomegranate Crush. Now, well now you want me to lust after you and crush on you for your new addition to the your lip and cheek stain family with Stila Mango Crush Lip and Cheek Stain!

Stila Mango Lip and Cheek Stain is the third installment in Stila’s click pen lip and cheek stain collection. Add a coral, peachy glow to lips and cheeks for Summer with a quick swipe of this highly addicting, tasty treat!

Like it’s past releases, Stila Mango Lip and Cheek Stain is a long lasting formula with high anti-oxidants and Vitamins A, C, and E making this stain healthy and good for your skin!

Stila Mango Lip and Cheek Stain will be available from Stila Cosmetics and Sephora in May 2009.

Summer is all about hues of shimmering gold, bronze, and coppers. Infusing all these gorgeous shades the Stila Summer Collection Indian Summer takes a dip into the exotic beauties of India.

Stila Indian Summer is simply thrilling for me as I’m enjoying the various shades of shimmering golds and bronze paired up with ruby lips and gently flushed cheeks, this collection is pure perfection for the warm weather ahead.

Stila Charmed Palette is a grouping of rich metallic jewel tones with an infusion of genuine 24 Karat to paint eye lids with the colors of Summer. This gold paper-wrapped palette houses four shimmering shades and will be $28 USD.

Infusing it’s new lip gloss with 24 Karat gold leaf surely is a gift from the gods. Stila 24 Karat Lip Gloss is available in four glimmering shades to paint lips with a touch of golden color. Available for $22 USD each.

Stila Golden Noir Smudge Pot is the perfect black liner but with a hint of golden sparkle to light eyes up! Available for $20 USD

Stila Marigold Convertible Color Duo is the newest addition to the Convertible Color family. A shade of shimmering marigold and a darker bronze shade await you! Swipe on the bronze to create a perfectly tan canvas and top with the shimmering marigold to create a highlight of Summer sun on cheeks and face! Available for $25 USD

Well, wow. This collection is simply gorgeous isn’t it? I’m quite excited to see this in person. The colors all have me rather hyper for the release. If all the Summer Collections turn out as good this one we are in for a good season ahead!

The Muse loves it!

What do you think?

Excited?

Loving all that gold?

Tell the Muse!

I simply love a lipstick that performs double duty and not only adds color to my lips but a nice glossy finish too. A lipstick and a gloss all in one formula is always a complete joy of a product for this Muse. Sad fact is so little brands embrace the idea enough!

But have no fear with the Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Collection four shades of beautiful Estee Lauder Pure Color Gloss Sticks were released so you can get your lipstick and your gloss fix all in one product!

Likes it? Nope, Loves it!

This Summer, oh hell, let’s make it Spring…This Spring drench your lips in popping shades of color with a lipstick that has a beautiful shine, a glossy finish, and the power to plump your pout!

Estee Lauder Pure Color Gloss Stick is available in four shades. These beautiful lipsticks act as both a lipstick and a gloss.

The Muse has a thing for lipsticks that are moisturizing and leave a beautiful glossy finish to lips. This could stem from my gloss addiction or just the need for a quick application of lipstick minus gloss or maybe it’s me being generally lazy and just wanting to whip out my lipstick and not have to apply gloss on top. Anything that helps me get done fast is always the business!

Estee Lauder Pure Color Gloss Stick offers moisturizing pigmented color to lips and also creates fuller, plumper lips within four weeks of use, I’m not entirely sure if it’s working but at the very least it does make my lips fuller when it’s on. The color has a good long wear time and the shades released are all very flattering for Spring and especially Summer.

I tried out all four of the shades which were Nude Almond, Orange Poppy, Wild Plum, and Pop Pink. Pop Pink is a bright pink that could be dubbed fuchsia but it’s not like any wild shade of pink I tried before. In the tube it’s frightful but on the lips it’s quite inviting and pretty! Orange Poppy is a true orange shade which is flattering with bronzed or peach cheeks. Wild Plum is a plum shade with hints of lilac and a little hint of pink. And finally Nude Almond is a very natural shade of beige brown with a hint of golden shimmer. All four shades are very wearable and pretty for both Spring and Summer. The shades compliment the Bronze Goddess Collection, particularly when paired up with a bronze look!

All in all the new Estee Lauder Pure Color Sticks are well worth checking out and have a nice price tag of $18.50 USD each. The Muse enjoyed these and thinks they are worth swatching at your local counter.

Check out more info for the Estee Lauder Bronze Collection by visiting www.esteelauder.com

The Muse is feeling all pretty in pink today as she’s wearing Dianne Brill Eye Lingerie Eyeshadow in Peekaboo Lace! Oh speaking of pink doesn’t that so remind you of Duckie from Pretty in Pink with Molly Ringwald? I had such a crush on Duckie….what the hell was Molly thinking when she dumped him for Andrew? And speaking of which how freaking disappointing was it that her dress turned out so bad? I thought she was going to whip up some Cinderella affair and she comes walking out of her bedroom in a scary pink straight jacket looking prom dress.

Sadness, but hey at least her dad was played by Roman Grant right? That has to count for props that your dad is the future Prophet of Juniper Creek!

Oh hai did I get off track there for a second? You want to hear more about Dianne Brill Eye Lingerie dontcha? Ok, ok no more babblings about Pretty in Pink!

Jump ahead for the pretty in Dianne Brill Eye Lingerie Review!

There’s something terribly sexy about an eye shadow entitled Eye Lingerie. Sounds naughty doesn’t it? But it’s very fitting with Dianne Brill’s favorite line of “slipping it on”.

If you’re wanting a silky smooth pigmented shadow with a pretty pearl finish I highly suggest checking out Dianne Brill Eye Lingerie Eye Shadow. The shadows come packaged in a faux matchbox, slip it open to reveal the sweet lacy silver compact. Decked out with a lacy fishnet stocking and a ribbon this eye shadow is probably like no other in your collection. Flip open the compact to reveal a nice size mirror and an even nicer sized shadow! These shadows are nice and large so you’ll be looking pretty for a long time with daily use. The shade I tried was Peek-a-Boo Lace which happens to be a great dupe for the Dianne Brill Blush I recently tried. The color is a pretty pink with a solid base of gold, blended onto the lid you’ll get a morphed shadow of pinks and golds that’s unique and quite beautiful. It’s quite like the shade of blush I recently reviewed entitled Rose Gold Pearl so pairing the two up will make you very pretty in pink!

The formula of the shadow is very silky, blends easily, and is quite pigmented. If you’re wanting to multitask a bit you can probably get away with dipping a blush brush in the shadow and sweeping across cheeks for a pink, gold highlight on face and cheeks! Pretties!

All in all I continue to be impressed with the quality and uniqueness of Dianne Brill Cosmetics. If you’re looking for something a little bit different from the normal cosmetic lines do check out Dianne Brill!

Dianne Brill Eye Lingerie Eye Shadow is Muse Approved for purchase! Absolutely loves this one.

Check out further information about Dianne Brill by www.diannebrill.com and purchase Dianne Brill Cosmetics at www.beautyhabit.com

Image Credit

I dunno what it is that’s so very appealing about the Smashbox Mother Earth Palette but the Muse feels her blood boiling when she laid eyes on it!

After many an email asking after it I’ve decided I really need to go and get one for my very self.

What is it? An eco-friendly color palette containing four eyeshadows and a blush. It’s a certified-organic compact with a sleeve made from sustainable materials. Whoa I’m all green friendly now! Although I’m all about bolder, vibrant shades for Spring, I’m loving all over the peach colored blush in this palette.

With each purchase of the Smashbox Mother Earth Palette, a tree will be planted by the Trees for the Future, a non-profit organization dedicated to creating sustainable enviroments through forestation.

Feel good about your purchase in knowing you’re helping your planet out and making yourself beautiful at the same time.

Whatcha think?

Loving this palette?

Wanting it?

Tell the Muse!

And don’t forget about the Smashbox Muse Collection! The Muse is still wanting to pick up the palette from this collection and the pencils. Anyone haul any of it? I’m sticking by my right to say this collection was created exclusively with me in mind…”Muse”..come on you know Smashbox is so reading my blog and getting a full on creative energy burst from all my amazing babblings thus the Muse Collection was born.

You know you love me.

Shop Smashbox Muse

Shop Smashbox Mother Earth Palette

Spicy hot is the order of business for the new Victoria’s Secret Beauty of Brazil Collection. Rich hues of bronzer, shimmering shades of shadow, and slippery sexy lips should break you from Spring to Summer in a flash!

Jump ahead for the full details!

I’m always delighted by any and every Victoria’s Secret Very Sexy Makeup Collection that pops up. I’ve always been terribly pleased with all the releases and the quality of the Limited Edition items so but of course the new Victoria’s Secret Beauty of Brazil Collection completely appeals to this Muse. Although I’m not much of a bronze fan I can’t help but feel a sense of excitement upon viewing all these new goodies. The collection is inspired by the rich hues and scents of Brazil, think tropical heat, warm sandy beaches, and plenty of shimmering shades. Releasing with the collection are some beautiful point makeup items such as a bronzer, eye palettes, glosses, and even a fragrance!

The Victoria’s Secret Beauty of Brazil Silky Bronzer Powder is available in two shades for Light to Medium skin tones and Medium to Dark. The bronzer is housed in a zebra printed compact with a large brush for buffing color on. The compact is $24 USD which is a reasonable price and quite in keeping with the normal price tag on Victoria’s Secret LE items.

Also releasing are two Victoria’s Secret Beauty of Brazil Radiant Shimmer Eye Palettes for $24 USD each. The two shade selections available are entitled Amazon RainForest and Rio De Janerio. I’m partial to the lighter shimmering golds, beiges, and browns in the rain forest palette. The Rio De Janerio palette contains more popping shades of blue, purple, and brown. Each palette has four strips of shimmering eye shadow that can be worn wet or dry for a more dramatic, tropical look!

Victoria’s Secret Beauty of Brazil Lip Gloss is available in three shade selections for $15 USD. In an interesting twist this new gloss comes in a squeeze tube where as Victoria’s Secret normally prefers housing it’s LE glosses in a square tube with a brush or sponge applicator so this is an interesting packaging choice for them. The shades all look like semi-sheer shades that range from peach to berry, the formula also has an SPF of 15.

And finally to complete your steamy, tropical look you can spray yourself with the new Victoria’s Secret Very Sexy Now Eau de Parfum. This new version of Very Sexy is a colorful blend of exotic fruits like papaya and creamy coconut with a blend or orchid to spice things up!

I’m really loving this collection and I’m adding it to my Summer wish list! I’ll be picking it up as soon as I see it in store so I can review for you. At least one of the eye palettes, possibly a bronzer, and all the glosses are getting added on this Muse’s list!

How about you?

Loving this new collection?

Feeling all that heat?

Tell the Muse!

Can’t wait? Grab it at Victoria’s Secret website now and score a free beauty tote filled with 13 samples by using promo code FRBEAUTY

Why yes, the economy has taken a nose dive! It’s especially blunt when you’re seeing the Clarisonic Skin Care Brush on sale for $80 USD. Mmm indeed you can nab yourself a ridiculously low price on the once $199 USD brush!

Jump ahead for the deets!

Victoria’s Secret has the Clarisonic Skin Care Brush on sale for $99.99 USD but if that isn’t tickling you try entering VSSAVE20 for $20 USD off plus Free Shipping!

Indeed, you can have the brush in your house for as little as $80 USD and a bit of tax!

Whoa, simply whoa. I was worried before but now I’m really worried. Please can it be rebuild the economy time now?

Want it?

Go grab it!

Or stay here with me and chat the Muse up about whether you’re a lover or hater of the brush!

I’m a listening!

Thanks to a tweet from watercoloursky for this one!

The Muse is terribly partial to body care that comes housed in sweet little Victoria bottles and jars. She’s a big fan of expensive British soaps, lotions, and potions such as Lady Primrose that caters not only to quality but also beautiful packaging. Victorian packaging is perhaps long dead for some but I’m a big lover of anything that’s sports a feminine, pretty package. Most of these items are costly but not the case with Lollia which not only gives a beautiful presentation to it’s product but also offers a quality product with a tiny price tag. And most important it’s made in the USA so you don’t have to trip across Europe so snag yourself some!

Pretty, cheap, and quality? What more could a girl possibly want!

Allow me, if I may, to introduce you to Lollia’s Newest Collection Guest Haus. These tiny petite treats were created by designer Margot Elena Wells. the Guest Haus Collection acknowledges the special guest that comes to visit for an evening or a long weekend or perhaps just for a simple cuppa tea. The Muse’s tea party guests always go home with a goody bag so the Lollia Guest Haus Collection would be the perfect little take home treat.

At $12.50 USD you won’t break the bank making your vanity pretty (or making your guest room vanity pretty if you’re feeling the need to share! No pressure you don’t have too as these are too cute to just give away!) with these sweet petite glass jars of Lollia Body Milk. Each glass jar houses a lush, moisturizing lotion that you can use on hands or on your body.

Lollia Body Milk contains a healthy about of shea butter for making hands and body super smooth with it’s quick absorbing formula but most important it’ll make you smell really pretty. Available in Mint Julep and Geraldine and Tonic you might as well get both for the price as the scents are lovely!

Lollia Body Milk in Mint Julep smells like a sweet vanilla buttermint candy, you know like the ones you slip into your mouth after dinner. The scent lingers on and on so you won’t be able to stop smelling your hands after use! Yum! Lollia Grenadine & Tonic Body Milk smells has a fresh floral scent with a nice twang of tonic that lightens up the scent and morphs it into something unique!

Forsaking luxury because of price doesn’t have to be an option with Lollia’s inexpensive Bath and Body Collection! Lollia Guest Haus Body Milk Petite Treats are gorgeous little treasures that will fit right into the palm of your hand and oh yes most important your beauty budget without breaking the bank.

Snag a few to give away at your tea parties, stash some in your guest bedrooms and bathrooms, give some to a special friend as a little treat, and most important spoil yourself with one or two!

Lollia Body Milk and the entire Lollia Collection is Muse Approved for purchase! Girlish, feminine, pretty, and inexpensive make a Muse happy.

You can find Lollia at www.lollialife.com or visit your local Antropologie!

Have you tried Lollia?

Love it?

Tell the Muse!

Stay Tuned for more Lollia reviews coming shortly!