Musings of a Muse

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Urban Decay is a on a man hunt and looking for two hotties to be featured on new shades of Urban Decay Pocket Rocket Lip Gloss!

Oh.my.god. Can I tell you I so have the perfect dude for the top of my gloss?

Skip ahead.

Urban Decay so needs to take on a geek for their latest gloss and one of my really great friends Martin would so fit the bill! I’m thinking he’d make a rather nice shade of pink.

Urban Decay is currently seeking out that perfect boyfriend, husband, friend, mailman, or whoever fits the bill for topping their sexy gloss with. If you know someone that fits this description visit www.urbandecayguys.com to submit your favorite guy. From June 15 to July 17, 2009 visitors to the site can vote on their favorite guy! On July 17, Urban Decay will evaluate the 10 nominees with the most votes and chose two winners!

Winners will be flown into California and photographed (the person who submitted them will also get to fly out to Cali!) for the new glosses. Winners will also win some fabulous prizes as well as the three runners up.

Official Winners will be announced July 24, 2009. So get snapping and takes some pics of your favorite guy for the newest Urban Decay gloss.

Now I just need to call Martin to see if he wants to be on the next Urban Decay gloss….hmmmm….I suspect it’s a no but it can’t hurt submitting him anyway can it?

Who would you submit?

The Muse recently shared the joys of Jelly Pong Pong Deluxe Gift Bags with you. Inside of one of the gift bags she purchased was the brand new Jelly Pong Pong Brush Set. Wahoo travel friendly brush sets are my down fall. I tend to over collect brushes when in fact I only need 3 or 4 to get the job done. But that never stops me from purchasing ridiculous amounts of brushes or sets, etc….it’s a disease.

I know many of you were curious if this particular set was worthy of a pick up.

Click it to see if it is.

I’m in high debate if the Jelly Pong Pong Brush Set is worthy of it’s $12 USD price tag. Considering I got mine in a Deluxe Gift Bag I’m feeling like it was a deal however splurging out $12 on it doesn’t appeal simply because it includes an eyebrow brush which I know will end up tossed in the bottom of a draw somewhere plus one of the brushes isn’t technically a brush it’s a sponge smudger. Taking away from all this the price still works out to less than $3 bucks a brush which isn’t bad at all.

Aside from the brow brush I’ll definitely get use out of the remaining four tools. The brushes are all extra soft and silky however not as dense as many brushes I’ve used for application in the pass. This could be a deal breaker if you like brushes a bit denser and stiffer. Personally I didn’t mind the extra softness and thought they had a certain quality to them for the price.

These make a rather fine travel friendly set and were included along with the Jelly Pong Pong Muffin and Meringue Gloss Set so I feel like I got a rather nice deal getting both item together. The set includes a blush brush, a smudger, a brow brush, and shadow shaders.

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They aren’t MAC brushes but they aren’t half bad either. If you’re purchasing some Jelly Pong Pong items or a deluxe bag sliding these into your cart as well for a little test isn’t a hardship. It’s worth it if you don’t have a ton of brushes or you want some brushes to knock around with when traveling rather than bringing your more expensive tools along for the trip!

Check ‘em out at www.jellypongpong.com

Is the economy so bad that 50 Cent isn’t doing so well in the record industry? Shrug. Who knows could be but whatever the case is 50 Cent decided that he has a calling, a calling that includes cosmetics for men.

Jump it for the news!

The Cut reports that 50 Cent is launching his own line of cosmetics for men. His line will include moisturizers as well as health supplements which supposedly he feels will “butch” the line up. Umm ok….I dunno if supplements make it any less girly but we still love you 50 (and maybe said supplements will make a man more regular)! And hey if Diddy can do perfume who says you can’t go around creating manly man eye cream!

Go on with your bad self 50!

Source

The romance of a fine kiss. I imagine nothing says I love you like puckering up and feeling the press of your lover’s lips on your own. Nothing says gross like dry, flaky, chapped lips eww!

Obviously on the days we need a little something extra to get our puckers in shape for that romantic kiss we can reach for a pot of Philosophy Kiss Me Tonight Intense Lip Therapy to make our lips kiss ready!

Read ahead to find out why I wants it!

Imagine an intense lip treatment to keep not only softens and moisturizes but also one that helps reduce fine lines while adding shape and definition and finally restoring a healthy, rosy glow to lips!

Philosophy Kiss Me Tonight promises that and more. Relieving dryness, while soothing and heal dry lips, and keeping them younger looking with this interesting little balm!

Indeed, the Muse could use more moisture in her life especially during the winter when her lips tend to dry and crack terribly.

Wants It! Philosophy Kiss Me Tonight is available now from Nordstrom for $20 USD. Expect some sort of rave or rant from the Muse soon as she’s indulging!

Want it?

Need it?

Tell the Muse!

Avon continues it’s growth as of late with it’s Fall launch of In Boom by Reese Witherspoon. Partnering with many celebs as of late Avon continues it’s growth spurt in a hard economy with many friendly budget options for the woman on a shoestring budget or even now appealing to those of us who prefer higher end brands.

Jump ahead to hear more about Avon In Bloom by Reese Witherspoon

Reese Witherspoon has partnered with Avon for her very first fragrance launch. The fragrance is a sensual, mysterious blend with top notes of peach, tea leaves, and crisp greens. The heart of the fragrance is a more floral blend featuring notes of gardenia, magnolias, and night-blooming jasmine.

Reese explains while developing In Bloom she was drawn to scents that reminded her of her childhood growing up in Tennessee, “We had a great big Magnolia tree in the back yard, and it’s that beautiful white blossom that inspired the perfume. In Bloom is indicative of where I am in my life today. I’m feeling very strong and independent, and so happy, so full of life. The fragrance truly captures that feeling—it’s very sensual, very romantic and alluring.”

The fragrance will be an Eau de Parfum and available in two sizes of 1.7oz ($34 USD) and a 1oz limited edition version ($59 USD). A body mist, lotion, and shower gel will also accompany the release for $15 USD each.

Reese was fully involved with the creation of In Bloom from the development of the fragrance to it’s name. She wanted the fragrance to be a true reflection of her own personal style.

Sounds interesting enough to me! I’m not too into floral but breaking the notes up with peach could make this appealing to me. I’ll be getting one to review for sure as count me curious plus I find Reese rather cute.

What do you think?

Do you like celeb inspired fragrances?

Not so much?

Which have you loved?

Hated?

Tell the Muse!

I think that the allure of Make Up For Ever HD Elixir is pretty understandable for anyone with dry, flaky skin. Promises of a serum that instantly moisturizes and offers a smooth palette for foundation and other make up tempts to say the least. But the question is do we need a serum to do this? Isn’t this what primer is for?

Jump ahead to hear what I think of Make Up For Ever HD Elixir!

Dry, flaky skin makes makeup application a challenge. Foundation doesn’t smooth on perfectly, powders leave behind a flaky mess, and skin generally looks harsher when applying makeup on dry skin. I should know as my skin is dry as hell, particularly in the Winter.

Taking all this into consideration Make Up For Ever created HD Elixir to offer instant moisturizing benefits to skin while prepping skin for a smoother, softer texture. This miracle serum supposedly boosts moisture 520% within 15 minutes, holds it for up to 490% after 30 minutes and 430% after an hour…does this mean it might be able to with stand an entire day of keeping my face moist, dewy, and flake-free? The serum also restores skin radiance, erases signs of fatigue, and firms while giving skin a smoother, softer surface.

Lots of promises here as you can see but the question is does it work.

Speaking from a dry skin point, yes it works. Upon contact I see a noticeable difference in the appearance and surface of my skin. Flaky, dry skin between my brows and patches near my cheeks are instantly moisturized and smoother. It’s questionable if this works better than a simple primer or my facial moisturizer. I mean do I seriously need this extra step in my skin care regime? I think so. If I use my normal moisturizer and I follow up with my primer my skin still isn’t getting nearly enough moisture plus as the day progresses I can actually see flakes popping up here and there. Using the Elixir allows my skin to retain moisture so my makeup manages to remain fresher longer and I’m not sporting flaky, dry patches all over my face towards the end of the day. You may wonder if you own a serum if it’s already doing all this for you. I can’t really say as I only use a serum during my nightly skincare regime. This is specifically meant to keep skin moisturized all day and I don’t think any serums I’ve used have made this particularly promise which makes Make Up For Ever HD Elixir unique for me.

The formula is a light, gel like consistency. It can be applied to your entire face or you can mix it with your foundation. I haven’t tried mixing it with my foundation as of yet but I do look forward to what that does for my foundation application. It comes with a dropper which easily distributes just the right amount for application. The serum is oily free and feels a tiny bit sticky during first application but quickly smooths on and gives my face a fresh feel. This weekend I used the serum along with a bit of mineral makeup. I think with standing mineral makeup is the ultimate test for me as mineral makeup always makes me look made up, terribly dry, and unflattering. I recently purchased Aromaleigh Glissade Mineral Foundation and wearing it along with the Elixir underneath was the ultimate test for my dry skin. I’m happy to report that it made the mineral foundation look fresher, kept it from flaking up and made my dry skin look very fresh and radiant.

Since I’m speaking from a dry skin point it’s difficult for me to say how well it’ll work on oily, acne prone skin or even sensitive skin. If nothing else it’s ideal as as a very light Summer moisturizer.

If your skin is dry, if you tend to flake up and you’re looking for something to make your skin look radiant while keeping your skin moist all day and your makeup fresh, Make Up For Ever HD Elixir is the way to go. Definitely loving this at the moment and Muse Approving it for purchase. Well worth checking out if you struggle with dry skin!

Anyone try yet?

Wanting to?

Do you use a facial serum already?

Tell the Muse!

Make Up For Ever HD Elixir is available now from Sephora.

Summa, Summa time! Indeed it’s getting there now kids. Summer has almost but not quite arrived, damn global warming may be keeping it from us.

Good news is Summer is going to be filled with a slew of hefty giveaways from yours truly. It’ll be Christmas all through June, July, and August here at Musings so keep it tuned here for some exciting giveaways!

Let’s start today off with a Clarins giveaway!

Check it after the jump!

Remember those Clarins Joli Rouge Brilliant Lipsticks I was loving all over this Spring? Can’t forget that, whole lot of loving going on in that post.

Well….I want to share my great love for these fab lipsticks and give one away to readers who follow me on Twitter! Come visit me on Twitter, say hello, tell me your fav make up tricks, or whisper in my ear about how gorgeous I am (this sort of thing will get you brownie points). By following me on Twitter you’ll be entered for your chance to win one Clarins Joli Rouge Brilliant Lipstick in Pink Sugar. If you follow me already no need to do anything, you’ll already be entered to win! If you aren’t following me clickie here and hit that follow button. The winner will be alerted via Direct Message on Twitter next Friday.

Good Luck!

P.S. No worries if you don’t win this round! I have LOTS more goodies to giveaway all through Summer so keep it tuned here! And yes this is open to US, Europe, Asian, Canadian, and Planet Mars residents.

Does anyone remember a long time ago in a land far, far away when Revlon (I think it was Revlon) had these uber cool powder lipsticks? I remember I had two shades and one was called Saddle….it came in a small compact kinda like eye shadow with a sponge applicator. You’d smooth it on using the sponge applicator and it would give lips a pigmented, matte powder finish. It was interesting to say the least and unique. I must have been 13 or so when I had it? Maybe a bit more? Bueller, Bueller Anyone?

Well ok if you’re too young to recall these let me share with you the Laura Geller Baked Bites Lush Lip Color and Olive Oil Infushed Gloss Palette. Same concept here but a little different!

Check it out after the jump!

I’m sorta kinda on the fence about this one so bear with me here.

Here’s the deets. Laura Geller Baked Bites Palette has two powder lipsticks or lip creams or lip powders or whatever is you want to call ‘em. Basically they are a baked lip powder that are smoothed on using a sponge applicator and in their wake they leave behind a pigmented burst of color. Also included in the palette is an Olive Oil Infused Lip Gloss for placing on top of the powder after application so you have a shiny, glossy pigmented pout. The palette contains two shades which are a metallic bronzy peach and a deeper bronze berry. The gloss included has a reddish tint but is transparent after application.

Here’s the deal. It would have been so much better if they simply stopped with two baked powders. Including the gloss killed it for me. The powders look incredible on my lips separate or mixed together. They really give an outrageous pop to my lips that I love. Very sexy looking and spicy. I have no idea if either sexy and spicy should be used in the same sentence when referring to me but just deal with it for a second while I tell you my tale. Now I loved the idea of having this glam pout but I admit a bit of gloss on top really sounded fab. Um not so good an idea. Adding the gloss on top does nothing. The gloss is infused with Olive Oil right? But it’s barely emollient and far from glossy. It just feels cheap and hard. What happened to gorgeous shine and gloss? Damn you don’t promise me things I can’t have! I decided that even though I couldn’t get glossy and fabulous from Miss Olive Oil Infused I’d go ahead and use some of my Too Faced Mirror Mirror Gloss on top of the baked lip powder. Bad idea. Very messy. Eep. I guess the powders are simply not meant to combine with a super moisturizing gloss.

So that’s the story….

I’m really loving the powder lip colors, hating the gloss, and just feeling like I’m missing something when I just use the powder by themselves. Hmmm see? On the fence here.

Not sure if I adore this or not. At this point I’m wondering if I should just ditch and return it rather than have it end up in the cosmetic graveyard, unused and lonely for attention. Hmmm could be this one is leaving on a jet plane and won’t be back again! Buh-bye!

Laura Geller Baked Bites Lush Lip Color Palette is available now from QVC for $29.50 USD, Item Number A87624. It’s sorta kinda worth checking out as it’s one of those things you might end up falling for!

For my look below I used the bronze peach shade with a bit of Too Faced Mirror Mirror Gloss on top. It took a fair bit of work to get it to look nice as during first application it was smeared and gunked up all over the place. Oh by the way that’s my Summer Warrior look hehe. I’m using MAC Eye Shadow in Soft Force and Tempting on my eyes, loves ‘em!

Anyone try?

What do you think of powder lip color?

Tell the Muse!

So rumor has it that Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson are a couple now. Ok, so I hope this is some publicity stunt because honestly Robert and Kirsten? Me no likey or approve. Seriously. Robert seems like such a fun loving Brit why would he want to hang ten and do the dirty with Kristen? She makes a fine Bella Swan but let’s discuss her real time ‘tude. First off the girl seems moody as all hell. She’s constantly tapping her foot, rolling her eyes, blowing out a puff of irritated breath, etc..during interviews. Dude, if you didn’t want this attention don’t go into the biz of stardom. My other theory about Kristen is maybe she’s not technically moody, maybe she’s just baked 24/7, shrug…could be right? Looks high to me and not on life that’s for sure. I seen a pic of her and that crazy Dakota kid aka Jane (can’t wait to see how that’s going to work. My mind’s eye has a picture of Jane in it and Dakota Fanning doesn’t come to mind!) yesterday and they were both giggling. I nearly passed out. Kristen…smiling…whoa! Write down that date.

Anyway.

The moral of the story is I’ve sobbed my little heart out since hearing that Rob and Kristen might be a couple. It’s not right. Doesn’t Rob realize the Muse is right here waiting for him!? I cried so much that I now have rings, bags, and a whole lot of ugly to conceal under my eyes. I think I need some industrial concealer for this job.

Hmmmm so I’ll try out the new FaceFront Cosmetics Stunt Double Concealer and see if that erases all signs of my distress over Robert.

Click it to see if Stunt Double Concealer does the job!

Yea well FaceFront Cosmetics Stunt Double Concealer is def good at hiding it all, no question about that. Available for $15.50 USD in three shade selections, Stunt Double mimics the idea of Benefit Boi-ing with a cheaper price tag and a larger size. This is super pigmented so it’s going to hide just about everything whether you’re busy sobbing over Robert or just didn’t get any sleep last night you’ll be reaching for this bad boy to conceal it all. It’s heavily pigmented, the Muse assures you it’ll cover problems, any and all problems.

I absolutely adored what great coverage this offered however that doesn’t mean it’s perfect. Far from it for me sadly. The formula happens to be a harder formula than I’m used to which means alot of rubbing and alot of tugging to get it on and in place. I prefer creamy, moisturizing concealers since my eyes are beginning to show signs of aging and I like to be as delicate as I can be with them. A few years ago I picture Stunt Double as being my ideal concealer but the here and now spells it differently. It is creamy but it fails to blend well without a fair bit of tugging on my part which makes it a deal breaker for me. I know at least 25 people that would totally love this as it’s that type of formula that smears on, conceals, and wears well all day but…..the tugging involved to get it properly in place could turn many off to purchasing.

Overall, love the pigmentation, think it’s an incredible concealer and does exactly that, CONCEALS (in a major way) without creasing, fading, or caking. Fabulous, long wearing formula too! However, a creamy formula would make this one a winner. Needs a bit of work FaceFront. Like it but not loving it. Plenty of perks with it’s small price tag and large size but it needs a bit of work in the Muse’s opinion.

Well..since I don’t have concealer I might as well give up on Robert and maybe take on Shia Labeouf? He’d be ideal for trips to Walgreens!

What do you think?

Anyone try FaceFront Stunt Double Concealer?

Is it love?

Tell the Muse!

Before the Muse headed on holiday she took a little road trip up to Woodbury Commons to score a few steals and deals. Here’s a great Steal and Deal alert if you happen to be in the New York area and within driving distance of Woodbury.

Know that Bobbi Brown Concealer Palette that’s become a holy grail for me over the course of a year now? I originally shelled out close to $70 or so for it when I got it on QVC but Cosmetics Company Outlet has ‘em for $24.50 USD. GASP! YAY! SCORE!

Total steal in my humblest. Def drive up if you have the time. They had a slew of goodies plus it’s worth it just to stock up on the palette if you’re a lover.

Oh baby I’m a love you when you’re on sale for over 50% Off! Yup, yup!

Dudes!

What’s up? Long time no speakie about the makeups! I swear I went through blogger withdrawal while on vacation. Some days I’m like “damn I have to get some posts out there for my little corner of the web but I’m sooo tired”…hey blogging is hard but after being away from it for so long I’m feeling more along the lines of “damn I can’t wait to start chittering about makeup!”

Speaking of great makeup I thought I’d kick off my welcome home with a little bronzing 101. Bronzers for Dummies aka the Muse’s most friendliest bronzing discovery. As you know I’m all about bronzers this Summer. I’ve been known to rant about bronzers and spawn spat about how horrible they are but I do so humbly admit that I’m on a rampage of bronzer love you moments. For example I recently had lunch with Lorac Baked Matte Satin Bronzer which has an SPF of 15! Hello, the Muse’s best friends with it now. Nothing matte about it. But….ado…today is not about Lorac (that review is on the horizon so stay tuned). Today is about the Muse’s favorite girlfriend, Bobbi.

Bobbi have I told you how much I love you recently?

Prob a million times but I do so bet you never get tired of it do ya? My recent love affair with bronzers was taken to the next level when encountering the user friendly application of Bobbi Brown Illuminating Bronzer Powder in Antiqua! Loves it!

Click ahead to find out why I adore it…!

Leave it to Bobbi to create a slew of flattering bronzer shades for the masses. Sporting six shades of these popular bronzer powders are a yearly event with a new shade releasing each season. For the Muse it’s all a new experience because last year she’d have turned her nose up at the idea of bronzer. This year though she’s discovering the joys of Bobbi Brown Illuminating Bronzing Powder! Possibly the coolest thing about this particular bronzer are the interesting shade selections, particularly the pinks. The newest shade that I tried out is Antigua which is a killer bronzing pink shade with touches of bronze and brown to even out all that pink. Who doesn’t love the idea of a pink shade of bronzer? It’s sheer perfection in my opinion.

The formula is ultra soft and beautifully smooth for an even, flawless application. It’s difficult to go wrong with this. I’m no expert when it comes to bronzers which makes this the ideal bronzer for a dummy like myself. I simply swirl a kabuki in the powder and dust onto the apples of my cheeks, forehead, and places where I want a touch of sun. The overall effect is a bronzing pink look that’s quite flattering for anyone who’s unsure of bronzers on a whole. I do so wish I had a bronzer like this last year when I was adamant about my dislike of them.

If you’re in the market for a bronzer at the moment and never tried one I suggest checking out Bobbi Brown’s selection of Illuminating Bronzing Powders. With six shades to choose from you’re sure to find that perfect shade that’s easy to apply and gives your face just the right touch of the sun.

I’m loving Antigua and now I have my eye on Maui! Yum, yum! Each bronzer is $33 USD and available now at your fav Bobbi Brown counter or by visiting www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com

For my look below I paired up Antigua with a little Urban Decay Deluxe Shadow in Scratch. I was trying to locate my Bobbi Brown Eye Shadow in Bronzed Pink, remember that awesome shade from last year? Needless to say I was unsuccessful finding it as I was rushing about today so I settled for Scratch which kinda reminds me of it!

I know, I know. Doesn’t look to bronzy! Sadly the flash from the camera takes away from the color a tad bit so do head to the counter for a play and a swatch as it’s considerably warmer than it shows in my picture.

Anyone try Bobbi Brown Illuminating Bronzing Powder?

Which color have you tried?

Did you do any hauling during the 25% Off Sale?

Share it!

Hello gang!

Miss me? I missed you terribly. A world without beauty blogging makes the day seem oddly serene and quiet. Nearly two weeks without beauty blogging makes it all seem scary hehe! I so need my to get my beauty fix on. Even with plenty of duty free beauty surrounding me in my travels I still was needing a dose of the interweb so I could share my finds and passions with each of you.

The Muse is back now though so hello again! I hope you’re excited for brand new posts, reviews, and general insane babblings from your friendly Muse over the course of the next few days (yes, that means the weekend will probably have an up crop of new posts too! Gotta get back on my game you see!).

I have 660 unread emails in my inbox and 300 plus comments to get through so do give me a sec and I promise I’ll try to reach out to each of you as fast as my little fingers can type! For now I’m off to grab some good eats with my bestest mate Martin. After a long day at my office with plenty of stuff to catch up on after being so long away I had no time to grab a nibble! Phew!

Anyway….

Do share with me what you’ve been up to! What’s new? Any beauty discovers or breaking news the Muse should know about? How’s your Summer coming along so far…or is it even Summer with all the rain in New York I felt like I was returning to Winter after enjoying many a sunny day while on holiday the past several days!

I missed ya.
I love ya.
I’ll talk with you all soon!

Big Hugs!
your Muse