Musings of a Muse

We should all be worried about sun protection as the Summer approaches and the sun becomes stronger. Honestly, you should be worried about it 365 days of the year and obsess over it as much as the Muse does. Not only because you want to keep your skin looking beautiful but also because the harmful rays of the sun has the potential to cause some major havoc.

A kindly reader asked about inexpensive SPF and where she could get something that wouldn’t break her beauty budget bank. If you’re looking for an inexpensive, effective SPF for your face do check out Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sun Block SPF 85+.

Jump it for the review!

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sun Block SPF 85+ manages to bundle together everything I want in an SPF into a cheap, inexpensive package. I’m reviewing this SPF as a facial SPF only, I’ll be doing a follow up post on SPF’s I use on my body sometime soon but today I am focusing on my face. My reader did state she was seeking something light with a high SPF for her face and I couldn’t think of a better SPF than this Neutrogena one as I’ve been using it a while now and really like it.

It deserves to be mentioned that I really love Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Cream SPF 55 but it’s $34 USD for 2 oz. Since I use SPF so often and I run out fairly quickly I was searching for something that could offer me the benefits of good sun protection with a cheap price check.

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sun Block has a high level of sun protection and offers protection from UVA and UVB rays. The formula is not greasy in the least thus it’s name “dry-touch”. It doesn’t sink in or absorb as quickly as I would like but I can’t deny that the formula is extremely good since it’s not greasy or oily on my skin and feels quite matte and nice. I can forsake a quick absorbing formula if it means the SPF won’t be oily and gross on my face as many SPF’s are. As you know by now my skin is dry but thankfully it doesn’t mind the dry feeling of this lotion. It has a nice floral scent (nothing overwhelming, don’t worry!) which adds to it’s appeal in my opinion.

Considering how widely available Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sun Block SPF 85+ plus it’s inexpensive price tag I think it makes an ideal facial SPF for use everyday. This retails for $9.99 USD or less in drugstores.

If you’re looking for something cheap and effective I highly suggest snagging one! Muse Approval for purchase.

The Muse was babbling to you yesterday about the Victoria’s Secret Pool Party Collection. Quite an exciting little collection of goodies to get hyped over to say the least.

Today I’ll be bringing you a review of the brand new Victoria’s Secret Pool Party Body Chiller Mists! Gotta love ‘em for a burst of refreshing Summer scent!

Check ‘em out after the jump!

Victoria’s Secret Pool Party Body Chiller Mists are available in three brand new, limited edition scents for $12 USD each or 3 for $25. The scents are Lemonita, Coolada, and Frostea. The bottles are shaped just like the Victoria’s Secret Double Mist Body Sprays which lead me to believe these were double mists but they are actually body mists.

As I mentioned in my original post about these I was quite happy to see they were body mists. I find body mists are easier to apply and the scent lingers a tad longer than the double mists. The double mists are quite nice but they apply a tad oily plus the scent just gets sucked into my skin and fails to last all day. I was hopeful these might last a while longer. As predicted they do last a fair bit longer than the double mists formula but within a very few hours time you’ll need a refresher but none the less they do last out considerably well when compared to double mists.

Out of the three Lemonita is my favorite. It’s a cool, tart, refreshing lemon scent. It’s rare to come across lemon scents that are true in body and this just hits the right notes. If your a fan of lemons you’re sure to love this. Frostea is a delightfully sweet, fresh brewed ice tea scent and Coolada is a Pina Colada blend that’s heavy on the coconut!

All three are unique, fun blends for Summer. Even though they fail to linger long I still love them and think they are worth picking up. The scents have Summer fun written all over them and the burst of scent they do provide really gets me in the mood for warm weather!

Likey!

Muse Approving these for purchase. I think they are worthy of a pick up!

Anyone try yet?

Loves it?

Leaves it?

Tell the Muse!

A HUGE thanks to a reader who caught me mentioning how much I adore the scent of Soap & Glory and telling me, “Muse, you do know they make a body mist right?” What? A body mist? Where? How? Who? Why wasn’t I sent the memo about this?

I somehow missed the boat on this! Whoa. See, allow me to explain. The reason I missed this was because I always noticed the spray on lotion and actually this is what I thought was being recommended to me. But I ran to Target as fast as my little legs could carry me to take a lookiee just to be sure I didn’t miss anything. Low and behold, indeed there was a body mist! Oh. my. god. I nearly passed out in the aisle.

Jump ahead for my take on it!

Soap & Glory Mist You Madly is indeed a body mist that smells like that signature Soap & Glory scent. The blend is a combination of Bergamot, Blackcurrant, Magnolia, Freesia, Vanilla, and Musk. The Soap & Glory scent is such an incredibly complex blend to describe but for the most part it sorta reminds me of a unisex scent that leans towards a more muscular fragrance but pretty none the less.

I was excited to try out Mist You Madly and was hopeful I’d be smelling Soap & Glory-like! The mist comes in quite a nice size of 8.4oz for $11.99 USD. Not bad. Good price, good size.

After trying it out I was a teeny tiny disappointed for two reasons. One, it didn’t smell quite like the Soap & Glory scent. Something is different but I’m not sure what. Could be a bit too much musk or too much vanilla but it doesn’t quite have that twang that the other items in the Soap & Glory line has. Secondly, I hosed myself down with this literally and it didn’t last at all. Almost as soon as it made contact with my skin I got a nice whiff and it quickly disappeared. Le sigh. Darn it!

I really wanted to love this!

The good news is at the very least it is a body mist that smells like Soap & Glory which is better than nothing at all however a bit of a linger and a nice throw would have made it all the more better plus keeping to the original scent would have been nice too.

Ah well the Muse is ever, always a nit picker.

Anyone try?

Do share!

The Muse had to second guess the idea of shelling out $95 USD for a foundation powder when she seen the new La Mer The Treatment Powder Foundation.

But now that I see how flawless my skin is looking I’m a believer.

Jump ahead for the review.

What it promises:

Lightweight coverage in a powder foundation that can go on sheer, medium, or heavy. Contains gemstones that capture light energy to create a translucent color palette, optically erasing imperfections to reveal a flawless completion. Ferment works to add visible clarity and brightness to skin, revealing a more luminous appearance.

What that means for you:

Simply put La Mer The Treatment Powder Foundation works much like a transparent white powder to blur fine lines and minor imperfections to create flawless coverage.

I tested out a good size sample of the powder and I must say I am quite impressed. The powder isn’t quite like anything I’ve tried before. The formula is an interesting texture that’s cooling, light, and slightly creamy (I know a powder that’s creamy, sounds weird). I realize the idea of a creamy powder could be a contradiction but the powder does have a slightly strange formula that’s super smooth and blends beautifully, feeling much like a cream would. I was worried about trying it out on my dry skin but it leaves behind beautiful coverage no flakes, no settling on my face like a mask, simply gorgeous coverage. The powder also contains SPF 15 for extra coverage in the sun.

$95 may seem alot to shell out for one powder however the quality of the item more than makes up for the price. It’s ability to offer sheer to full coverage makes it a perfect foundation item for Summer when the idea of liquid foundation makes us cringe.

the Muse sportin’ La Mer The Treatment Powder Foundation in Natural

Simply put the powder is truly a luxurious item that manages to conceal and create the illusion of perfect skin. Who doesn’t want just that?

I know I’ll be indulging in the full size shortly.

What do you think?

Anyone try La Mer The Treatment Powder Foundation?

Love it?

Share.

Check it out at www.cremedelamer.com

A few people had asked for fashion and accessory posts and honestly it’s way outside my playing field but I thought I’d give it a shot. If you like it, shout it in the comment box and I’ll continue to bring you more posts like this one!

This particular post is about a discovery I recently found at Charlotte Russe for $6.99 USD!

Check it out after this jump!

I really love how inexpensive some of the accessories are at Charlotte Russe and I was particularly delighted to run across this gorgeous flower burst necklace! I normally head in for the shoes but I’ve been known to rummage around the chic accessories.

It’s one of those classic jewelry pieces that can be used dressed up or down. It comes on a long chain and the flower design is made from glass-like crystals. Quite pretty! You can snag it for $7 bucks at Charlotte Russe. Def recommend nabbing one, really a cool accessory in the Muse’s opinion!

Loves it?

Leaves it?

What great discoveries have you dug up at Charlotte Russe?

Tell the Muse!

I admit I’m easy to amuse. Which is why when I tested out Foot Petals Sweaty Pedi Foot Fragrance I got a sincerely bad case of the giggles. What? I can’t help myself. The name alone makes me laugh myself silly. Sweaty pedi? Come on that’s kinda funny in a teenage boy fart joke kinda way isn’t it?

Told ya I was easily amused.

Jump for the review!

Even though the name is amusing the actual product works quite well. Foot Petals Sweaty Pedi Foot Spray has a little description on the bottle that says sexy-solutionz collection which again had me giggling. But I gotta say the scent is kinda sexy like. I know, I know foot spray that’s sexy…well it could happen. Anyone with a foot fetish should love this! The scent is kinda a soft vanilla scent although it does say it’s a sweet lavender and vanilla blend I get mostly a powdery sweet vanilla from it, quite pretty for my tired toes and feet!

Spray directly onto your feet to keep them fresh and smooth all Summer long as this absorbs perspiration and protects your skin against blisters, so if you’re sporting strappy sandals this Summer you can avoid those pesky blisters.

If you’re looking for a good way to keep your feet dry and cool this Summer do check out Foot Petals Sweaty Pedi Foot Fragrance (LOL sweaty pedi!).

Check out more from Foot Petals by visiting http://www.footpetals.com

The Muse never really mastered the art of packing light! Sadness, I know. The brand new Sephora Brand Metro Train Case in my signature color of teal does so please but I’d probably need to invest in 20 of these to take everything I want with me on my upcoming holiday.

Darn!

Dear Sephora,

I’ll take the economy size please in the same shade!

k, thanks.

Love ya!

If you think you can fit it all inside this case go grab it at www.sephora.com although the Muse suggests requesting the super size option for the makeup junkies.

Loves it?

Leaves it?

Tell the Muse!

A new season, a new Bare Minerals Gossamer!

Check it out after the jump!

If it was up to the Muse she’s be hoarding away Bare Minerals Gossamer like it was the end of their existence but she’s since learned that she can never ever use that large pot. I love, love gossamer but it’s just to big and it’s more of a body product than it is a face so ado I must skip out on the brand new Bare Minerals Rose Gold Gossamer even if it is calling my name!

Bare Minerals continues to impress with each release of their super size body gossamers. This one is a golden rose shade that’s sunny with touches of rose. It looks incredibly lovely and I’m sorely tempted to add it to my collection.

If you’re as tempted as I am you can snag it from QVC by punching in item number A90488. It’s $39 bucks and comes with it’s own kabuki brush!

Want it?

Need it?

Tell the Muse!

The Muse enjoys a yummie bath treat or two which is why she’s ever so delighted to see that Jelly Pong Pong is joining the ranks of fancy, foody bath treats!

Jump ahead for the good word!

Jelly Pong Pong Cupcake Bath Fizzies will be launching on May 25th for $16 USD which gets you two cupcake treats for your bath!

Pop these scrumptious treats in your bath and watch ‘em fizzle happily away while they soften your water and moisturize your skin.

Sounds delightful to me! But please Jelly Pong Pong what exactly do they smell like? No description as of yet but count the Muse betting they smell like cupcakes? One can hope!

Check ‘em out May 25th from jellypongpong.com

Score 10% Off your total Sephora purchase for one week only by using promo code YG85P

Ok, so this says for first time purchases but I did a mock order on my account (where I’ve ordered PLENTY of times) and it worked, so def gave it a whirl.

Happy haulin’!

Enjoy a whopping 40% off your entire Stila purchase by entering promo code Stila Pro! w00t!

If you don’t have the funds to indulge now, never fear, it’s ongoing until June 17th!

Thanks Stila!

Shop til’ you drop!

And come back here to rest and tell me whatcha got!

The Muse is fond of a nice hot cuppa in the morning and she’s not averse to a digestive or two with that cuppa. She’s thinking maybe she needs to replace her current morning cuppa and biccie with F-Cup Tea and F-Cup Cookies to enhance her…bust?

Today’s edition of Beauty Most Unusual is a cookie, a tea, and a cake that supposedly enhances your bust….

What will they think of next?

Jump ahead to read what it’s all about!

F-Cake is “supposedly” a great tasting cake that you can microwave and contains 11 essential vitamins to enhance your breasts. Guess that’s with the F and Cup stand for…ha! Whoa if I can achieve an F cup with 11 essential vitamins I’d consider that a miracle in itself! Cake sounded so much more appealing than tea dontcha think?

If you’re not wanting to cake you can indulge in F-Cookies and F-Tea which work the same way containing essential vitamins, herbs, and minerals to bring your bust up a size or three. Prices range from $19.95 to $26.95 USD per a box.

What do you think?

Would you buy a cookie, cake, or tea that promises it’ll enhance your bust?

As for the Muse she’d be scared she’d keel over after sipping this tea!

I’m scared, someone hold me.

The Muse remembers quite well the first time she fell in love with Lush Washday Greens Shampoo. It was quite a few years back and the shampoo had already been long since discontinued however during a UK forum party they had a few bottles up for grabs and grab the Muse did.

After hauling two bottles I patiently awaited the post to bring me my new shampoo. Soon after I was sporting minty green fresh hair and loving it all away!

Click it to hear the rave!

Thank the Lush gods that Washday Greens is making it’s reintroduction to the Lush Shampoo category (how long it’ll stick around is anyone’s guess) thanks to Retro Lush. Retro Lush is where Lush brings back popular items back from the Lush graveyard for a limited time.

Lush Washday Greens is possibly one of the most unique shampoos I’ve tried from Lush simply because of it’s interesting scent. Think of a combination of fresh cut grass, crisp, green plus add in some cool spearmint and you’ll have Washday Greens!

Washday Greens is specifically meant to tame fine, flyaway hair or greasy hair. I’m honestly none of those things but I still make proper use of it since my hair does occasionally get weighted down with hair gel and the likes. It gets hair really squeaky clean plus it makes it smell incredible.

Highly suggest nabbing one and total Muse Approval for purchase. Lush Washday Greens Shampoo is one of those items that make you want to haul bottles and bottles for fear it might be gone forever one day!

Anyone a lover?

Tell the Muse!

Let me tell you something, it’s cold outside! The weather doesn’t know what it wants to do. Is it Summer? Is it Spring? Is it Winter? On lawd please decide already! Well even if it’s not feeling Spring or Summer-like outside I’m still feeling the love for the Victoria’s Secret Pool Party Collection!

Jump for it!

Before I tell you all about the Victoria’s Secret Pool Party Collection allow me to mention the fact that Victoria’s Secret Beauty Rush Eye Shadow are now in press form! ‘ello Awesome! They aren’t on the website yet but I got three of them yesterday in some nice looking shades. It looks like there are a total of five shades available and they seem really nice (haven’t yet used them on my eyes). I got this incredible aqua shade that reminds me of a pool! Pretties!

Anyway! On to the rest of the good stuff!

Victoria’s Secret Limited Editon Pool Party Body Chiller Mist is available in three scents. Lemonita (Sweet, Tart Lemon), Coolada (Tropical Coconut Blend), and Frostea (Cool, Crisp, Fresh Brewed Ice Tea). These were quite the surprise for me as I thought they were the typical Beauty Rush Double Mists but oh no they aren’t! They happen to be regular body sprays! I’m quite excited about this as I do find that the double mists are a tad oily and the scent doesn’t linger as long as I’d like. I’m excited to try these out. I snagged all three of ‘em for 3 for $25 USD! Review coming shortly!

The scents also come in a Body Chiller Glimmer Cream (shimmering body cream) and Body Drink Lotion.

I’m always terribly excited about new makeup collections from Victoria’s Secret so when I seen the brand new bits they released with the Pool Party Collection I got quite hyped!

Check it:

Victoria’s Secret Limited Edition Pool Party Cheek and Lip Pop (3 for $15 or 6 or $20) available in three shades, Splash, Pop, and Cooler.

Also available are Victoria’s Secret Limited Edition Pool Party Lip Butter with SPF 15 (3 for $15 or 6 for $20) available in three flavors to match up with the release of the body mists.

And finally for your tips and toes four shades of Victoria’s Secret Limited Edition Pool Party Nail Paint (3 for $15 or 6 for $20) in four shades! All bright neon shades that are sure to please those who like a bit of loud with their Summer nail look.

I picked up quite a few of the items above so I’ll be reviewing them all for you shortly. I’m really enjoying this release from Victoria’s Secret and I’m quite happy they didn’t let the economy get them down as the release is quite large! Bravo Victoria’s Secret, the Muse is always a fan!

What do you think?

Anyone see the collection yet?

Sniff it?

Haul anything from it?

Share it!

We all want sweatproof, poolproof, waterproof, and Summerproof makeup! As the heat sets in the idea of our makeup melting down our faces is not appealing in the least.

Which is why it’s always a delight when we can score a good waterproof kit to keep our makeup in place all through the hot days of Summer!

Jump ahead to hear about the Tarte EyeQuatic Waterproof Summer Essentials Set!

Tarte EyeQuatic Waterproof Summer Essentials Set includes a mod-chic headscarf for keeping our hair up and out of eyes and face this Summer and three mermaid inspired Tarte Lock & Roll creaseless cream & shadow duos plus a Tarte Lights, Camera, and Splashes Mascara.

The shades include Turquoise, Citrine, and Tanzanite (all paraben free btw! and good for you!).

The set is available now from Tarte and Sephora. Count me interested in all those mermaid “inspired” shades, likey!