Musings of a Muse

Remember Soul Glo?

I dunno why but Jurlique translated as Jheri Curl for me thus Soul Glow came to mind….weirdness.

Anyway.

Even though my mind is morphing the name Jurlique I will say that I’m pretty impressed with the Jurlique Hydrating Mist I recently tried out and no worries it’s not meant for the hair so if you’re needing to tame your jheri curls best get some Soul Glo!

Click ahead for the rave!

Jurlique Hydrating Mist is available in four formulas which pretty much covers all face types. We got Chamomile for the sensitivity types, Citrus for oily girls, Lavender for flaky, dry folks like myself, and Rosewater to balance skin and maintain it.

I tried Jurlique Lavender Hydrating Mist as it’s the best fit for my dry skin. I’m absolutely in love with this mist and would change one minor thing about it. Let me get to the review than I’ll tell you about the change I’d like.

The mist is probably one of the best ones I’ve tried in my travels. It’s cooling, very moisturizing, and my skin absolutely loves it. It does have a heavy lavender herbal scent that I find lovely but if you’re sensitive to scent this may be a slight turn off. The mist is housed in an elegant frosted glass jar and the atomizer delivers a very nice burst of mist to the face. The atomizer on the bottle saturates the face big time, I haven’t run across such a nice sprayer like this on a toner before.

After use my skin is very nicely moisturized and I can skip using my normal facial lotion as well. Since it’s Summer it’s easy enough to skip moisturizer and just use this to get the moisture I need. Needless to say I probably can’t get away with this in the Winter but right now it’s ideal for misting on my face, giving a suitable time for dry down, and proceeding to follow up with my makeup application.

As much as I adore the product I’m not thrilled with the fact it’s only 1oz and $21. Eep! I wish they’d consider a larger bottle for the price considering the mist gets used up very quickly at this size.

Overall, Jurlique Hydrating Mist is a winner for me. I’d definitely purchase again but I hate having to be cautious how and when I use it due to it’s tiny size. As I can’t shell out $21 every two weeks for a 1oz size because I’ve run out so quickly. With this in mind I’ll be using the mist maybe once or twice a week.

If you’re looking for a little extra moisture or just want a mist that will hydrate and moisturize your face taking the place of your normal lotions and potions during the hot Summer this is an ideal product. As Winter approaches your skin will also be quite happy for the added moisture the mist provides.

Loving the product but not the size and price. Please Jurlique can we have a bigger size?

Anyone try?

Loves it?

Tell the Muse!

I’m about to get all Medieval on you! Ha, I crack myself up. I so wanted to review Lipstick Queen Medieval Lipstick just so I can use that catch phrase. What? I’m easily amused, sue me.

Why was I under the impression Lipstick Queen Medieval Lipstick was a deeply pigmented, possibly matte lippie? Oh how the very confused I was. Turns out it’s an incredibly sheer, lightweight lipstick that’s simply gorg!

Jump for the review!

This lipstick was inspired by Medieval times when full coverage lipstick was considered a sin, hey they had lipstick in Medival times? Who knew? Better yet Lipstick Queen explains that women used lemons to stimulate the lips and stain their lips a see through blood red. Ha! That’s like my tip of the day who wants to hit up Trader Joe’s with me for some lemons? Ok, maybe mess, we’ll stick with Lipstick Queen Medieval Lipstick, same effect and pretty packaging too!

I’ve been privy to much of Lipstick Queen’s line and have loved just about everything I tried thus far. For some odd reason or another I was under the impression that Medieval was in fact a very bold, bright, matte red. Is there any reason why I was under said impression? It’s any wonder as Lipstick Queen is known for brighter, bolder shades of lipstick that’s for sure.

Turns out Lipstick Queen Medieval is anything but…..

This lippie is a very sheer, subtle kiss of red that’s ideal for Summer lovin’ lips. It’s a universally flattering shade of what I deem “Snow White” red. You remember the fairy tale that told us Snow White had blood red lips well I suspect Snow White was guilty of going Medieval. The shade is that of a bitten lip look for a very natural, fresh kiss of color. I’m in love.

With the market saturating itself with plenty of sheer lip treatments lately, ‘ello Dior, ‘ello Fresh, I must say that Medieval sets itself apart in a sea of red. The formula is a moisturizing blend with just the right touch of red pigment. It’s nothing overly dramatic, nothing crazy or bold. It’s simply natural, fresh, and rather ideal of you’re a minimal makeup kinda gal.

As for me, Lipstick Queen Medieval is simply gorgeous and my new Summer Must Have Make Up Item. I multitasked it in my below picture by applying a generous layer on my lips and proceeding to follow up with some on my cheeks. Yup, that’s right, I used it as a blush. The formula can easily be used as as a subtle lipstick or a cheeky little blusher for gently flushed skin. No making fun as I didn’t have time to slap on foundation or concealer this morning so I’m being really minimal today with my makeup eep!

Loves it!

Total Muse Approval for purchase. Likey alot.

Anyone try?

Loves it?

Tell the Muse!

Lipstick Queen Medieval is available at www.lipstickqueen.com for $20.

Baby I’m a want you and Baby I’m a possible need you!

Holy awesomeness Batman! Sonia Kashuk Super Sheer Liquid Tint looks like the shiz for gorgeous blushing cheeks this Summer!

Check it!

Just heard the word these are part of the Sonia Kashuk Spring Collection over at Target. Haven’t seen ‘em in Target yet…hello are we late much? But word on the street is to check around and they may pop up somewhere. The Muse has decided she absolutely must have them at all costs. How cool is a liquid tint in a pump bottle? Ok, maybe I’m the only nut job excited about the prospects here. Available in 3 Shades for I believe $9.99 each…yes they must all be mine so we can take over the universe together.

Don’t bother looking online, nada on Target’s website. I just called my best mate Jai just in case he was in the vicinity of a Target, one never knows with Jai he hangs out in unusual locations after I drop him home at night, but he’s not near a Target darn. He is at Barnes and Noble though anyone need books? I suspect he’s picking up hot guys there? Shrug, I dunno he says hot guys hang out at B&N.

I’m coming to get you liquid tint and we shall rule the Summer with blushing cheeks!

Anyone try yet?

Loving ‘em?

Don’t make me too jealous k?

This is kinda a fun post or at least I think it is. I’m always curious what brings new users to Musings. I wonder how they get here, who they heard about me from, or what they looked up to locate my blog. I can’t always tell if they heard about me from someone else or how they got here to begin with although I can make a guess as I can see where they traveled from to pop up here. One of my favorite pass times though is looking through keywords that brought a reader to my site. These are words they typed into a search engine which led them here!

I compiled a list of some of the top keywords that my stat service has collected and I thought I’d share them with you!

Click below for the list!

BB Cream, Blemish Balm Cream

With my very long post about What a BB Cream Is? it doesn’t surprise me that this is one of the top keywords that brings readers to Musings!

Steam Cream is also a top search word that brings users over yonder. I find this rather funny as I fell so hard for Steam Cream and posted so much about it I’m guessing people gather around here as it’s the first thing that pops up in google when I search Steam Cream myself!

Lush Reviews seems to be a top keyword as well. Not much surprise there considering how much I adore Lush!

Benefit Coralista seems to be a keyword that’s led quite a few readers to my blog! Any wonder as Coralista was love at first swipe!

Stila Look Book is an interesting one as it continues to be a top keyword that leads people here. Interesting as Look Books are ages old and it’s been a while since I posted about them! Obviously they still warrant an interest from some readers.

Some weird ones:

Steal It From my Friends Album
Hmmm what’s this person up to?

Green Snot
When have I ever blogged green snot and why is this keyword bringing readers here?!

Naughty Maggie Gyllenhaal
I imagine my Agent Provocateur post tickles this keyword!

Are you a new reader?

What sort of keywords led you to my blog?

Share ‘em!

I’ve been using C.O. Bigelow Triple Task Eye Treatment for a few weeks now in place of DERMADoctor Wrinkle Revenge and I’m kinda digging on it.

Click after the jump for some first impressions and a bit of a review!

Few fun facts about my eyes…

I have a few fine lines, dark circles nothing dramatic but they are there if I don’t get proper rest, plus some puffiness. Mainly I’ve been looking for an eye cream for ages to rid myself of puffiness that’s one of my great concerns as I tend to wake up puffy. I’ve tried all the normal tips and tricks to get the puffiness down but to no avail, still puffy.

One of the interesting things about C.O. Bigelow Triple Task Eye Treatment that captured my interest was the fact that it contained 3% Eyeliss. Eyeliss is supposedly a miracle worker for puffy eyes. Not many eye creams contain Eyeliss at least none of the ones I’ve been privy too and believe me I’ve tried alot lately. Strangely enough Eyeliss is sometimes found in concealers. I know Lorac is guilty of putting a bit of Eyeliss in their concealer as is Tarte which I think it’s rather fab as what better way to battle the puff than with concealer right? So indeed Eyeliss being an active ingredient in this sold me on it. Honestly, if Eyeliss was not listed I’d have skipped as I’m a bit of a snob and rather splurge on higher end eye creams in the hopes that the most buck will get me the biggest bang of results.

Not surprising that up until now I really don’t see too much of a difference in my eye area but that’s no fault of the cream as I’ve purchased eye creams that are $80 bucks and rarely see any results. Puffiness is still there, fine lines are a tiny bit blurred but not erased by any means, and dark circles still firmly around when I’m caught running on 5 hours of sleep.

The good news is the cream is inexpensive and does a fairly good job of moisturizing my dry under eye area without causing milia. Richer creams have been known to create a milia problem for me but thankfully I’ve seen none of that with this. It’s a very basic eye cream that moisturizes but offers little else. I could also be jumping the gun here as I’ve only used it a few weeks so I may need to wait a little longer to see any long term results. I’m one for instant gratification and want to see visible results with one application but that’s a tad unfair.

Overall, C.O. Bigelow Triple Task Eye Treatment works nicely enough offering moisture where it’s needed but not much else…so far anyway. I’ll revisit this in a few weeks and update you on the process but I suspect not much will change. Honestly, it’s not all bad at all and quite a good moisturizing eye cream for it’s price tag which I can definitely appreciate.

Have you tried this?

Love it?

Would you be willing to try?

What’s your HG eye cream?

Tell the Muse!

I’ve been meaning to pick up Thierry Mugler Cooling Effect Concealer for a while now why I haven’t indulged yet is beyond me as it sounds just the ticket for my under eyes!

Jump ahead to hear more about it!

With a $45 price tag this isn’t the cheapest concealer around but I’ve heard such incredible things about it my lemming is strong to say the least. With a cooling effect this concealer conceals under eyes circles with a moisturizing formula and a light blue color. I’ve actually waxed poetry prior to this about how blue does very well at eliminating darker circles and shadows. Count me curious on this. Wants it, Needs it, Why haven’t I picked it up yet?

Must go gets me some soon!

Anyone try?

Love?

Hey lovies!

Earlier I was explaining the mystery of the US Weekly DuWop Lip Venom V promo code that never was. Good news! Bionic Beauty shared her code with me today and in turn I’m plopping it up here for you guys to enjoy!

Enter venom54U at DuWop to save 20% Off DuWop Lip Venom V.

Enjoy!

Here’s an early sneak peek for sales at your local drugstore starting on July 5th and ending July 11th!

Click it for the scoop.

Gillete Razors $6

Skintastic Shaving Cream $1.99

30% Off Covergirl Lip and Eye Cosmetics

30% Off Max Factor Cosmetics

Max Factor Calorie Extreme Mascara $7

CoverGirl Cosmetics
Buy 1, Get 1 50% Off

40% Off Almay Pure Blends, Smart Shade, and Bright Eyes Cosmetics

L’Oreal Nail, Lip, and Eye Makeup
Buy 1, Get 1 Free

Revlon Lip Cosmetics
Buy 1, Get 1 50% Off

Maybelline Lip and Eye Cosmetics
Buy 1, Get 1 50% Off

L’Oreal Bare Naturale Face Cosmetics
Buy 1, Get 1 Free

Clean & Clear Skin Care
2 for $9

20% Off Neutrogena Sun Care

L’Oreal Lip Products
$2 Off

Revlon Eye Makeup
$2 Off

CoverGirl Outlast Lip Stain
$6.99

Covergirl Lash Exact Mascara
$6.99

Clean and Clear Skin Care
$1 Off

All L’Oreal Lip Products
Buy 1, Get 1 Free

L’Oreal Blush, Powder, or Concealer Free with the purchase of L’Oreal Foundation

Spend $15 on Covergirl and get $5 Extra CVS Bucks

CoverGirl Exact Lights, Shadow, Liner, or Mascara
$7

CoverGirl Simply Ageless Foundation
$13

Covergirl Simply Ageless Blush
$10

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick
$6.99 plus free Revlon Nail Enamel with purchase!

CVS Brand Makeup Remover Towelettes or Liquid Remover
Buy 1, Get 1 50% Off

All Biore
$2 Off

As bronzer palettes come and go at an alarming rate through my life this Summer season some stick out in my mind as worthy contenders in the large bronzer scheme of things. One bronzer that comes to mind and is meant to be remembered is the new Clarins Instant Sun Light Summer Glow Palette for Face.

Click ahead for it’s review.

Clarins Instant Sun Light Summer Glow Palette for Face is housed in the standard elegant mirror case that most all Clarins cosmetics sports, yes it’s a terrible magnet for fingerprints but oh so lovely regardless.

Clarins Instant Sun Light Summer Glow Palette for Face is made up of a swirl of matte and subtly shimmer shades of bronzer for illuminating face and cheeks with a kiss of sunny color that mimics that of a tan. The powder is silky smooth and blends easily for a nice flawless, even finish. The dominate shade throughout the palette is a matte standard bronze but this is brightened up considerably with the addition of sparkling rose and peach shades. These two shades take the ho-hum bronzer from a traditional finish to more of a sunny glow.

The Summer Glow Palette is probably one of the most subtle bronzers I’ve used as of late which makes it user friendly for beginners in the bronzer world. I don’t find it heavily pigmented and the powder is so silky that it fairly glides onto skin making for very easy application. I think we can all appreciate a very subtle bronzer as who wants to look overly bronze anyway? Surely not I.

If you’re looking for something that illuminates the face, makes it glow with a touch of the sun, and gives off a flattering healthy look to face and cheeks, Clarins Instant Sun Light Summer Glow Palette will surely please.

Sportin’ Clarins Summer Glow Palette on cheeks and face!

The Muse is known for getting excited about new Benefit. But of course she was beside herself when Benefit One Hot Minute popped onto the scene.

Click ahead for the review!

At first glance Benefit One Hot Minute is truly nothing to get to strung out over. I was actually somewhat disappointed after cracking the lid and seeing a rather dull almost matte powder inside that was somewhat muddy and rusty in color but boy was I ever wrong.

First off let’s discuss packaging!

Packaging is awesome, as always with Benefit right? Benefit One Hot Minute comes housed in chic, vintage style canister with a screw top lid and comes with thee amazing fan brush. I favor this packaging over the normal powder boxes that Benefit uses as this is sturdy and makes travel with a breeze since you aren’t worried about crushing it. The brush it comes with is awesome and ideal for application. It’s a delicate fan brush with soft bristles that picks up just the right amount of product and easily distributes the powder easily. No fuss, no mess, and just the right amount of product gets picked up.

Now the powder…

I think I was so self absorbed in my Benefit Coralista kick that I wrapped my mind around Benefit One Hot Minute as possibly topping it or being bigger and better. This could be one reason at first look I was disappointed in the powder. It looked a bit muddy and rusty in color without much shimmer at all. First try with the powder was a big bust. I was disappointed it wasn’t as pigmented as I had hoped and it also applied very sheer minus shimmer.

The follow up….

Even though my first attempt with One Hot Minute was a fail I quickly tried it again the next day with proper prepping. Turns out the best way to use this is with a tiny touch of peach or coral blush under it. I mistakenly was thinking it would be pigmented enough to work by itself when in fact Benefit does not advertise it as a bronzer or a blusher but as a highlighter. You’ll be amazed, delighted, and a happy makeup junkie as ever if you use a tiny bit of stain or blush prior to applying One Hot Minute. As for me in my photos below I used a tiny dab of Morgen Schick Cheek Stain on each cheek and topped with One Hot Minute. The results? Subtly shimmery cheeks that have a kiss of sunny gold and rose. I’m in love. Absolutely in love. The combination of stain and powder on top created such a lovely finish to my cheeks. I think it screams Summer!

Overall, Benefit One Hot Minute is one of those universally flattering shades that will work for you all Summer and well into Fall for just a kiss of golden rose shimmer on cheeks and face. Remember to use a bit of blush or stain prior to highlighting with One Hot Minute and I guarantee you’ll love the results as much as me.

Another fantastic winner from Benefit. Loves it!

Muse Approved for purchase.

Anyone else try yet?

Loving it?

Tell the Muse!

Hey lovies!

Just a quick note in the comments section of life. I’ve been a bit remiss and behind on comments lately. I posted through a zillion yesterday but lost track who I did or didn’t answer. I’m really sorry about that. My head is everywhere sometimes and thus the accident of comments occurred so I’m left unsure who I have and haven’t replied to!

If it was something important feel free to repost is to remind me where you originally posted it. Just know I’m not intentionally not replying or answering I’ve just been swamped and busy as all hell!

Love ya all!
the Muse

You ever find yourself adding items to your cart at Sephora and when you’re ready for check out you don’t have enough for free shipping. I normally notice I’m left scrambling around for something cheap to add to my cart so I can tip it to the $50 or $75 mark so I’m not stuck with shipping fees. This is also around the time I’m overspending as my cart which just had $45 dollars in it is now loaded down with near $100 bucks. Bad Muse, bad!

Here’s a handy guide to some great beauty buys that are $10 bucks and under at Sephora and worthy of a pick up if you have a $10 dollar bill burning a hole in your pocket or if you’re looking for that perfect, cheap item to tip your cart in the free shipping direction without over spending!

Check out a few great Cosmetic and Beauty Buys that are $10 Bucks and Under At Sephora after the jump!

Available in over 25 shades Sephora By OPI Nail Colour is merely $9 bucks each and the perfect treat for tips and toes without breaking the bank!

Fresh Cosmetics Magic Wands Mini Mascara Duo contains two mascaras for layering featuring Supernova Mascara and Firebird Mascara, all for $10 bucks!

Sephora Lush Flush Wine Lip & Cheek Stain gives the perfect natural flush to cheeks and that just bitten look to lips for $10 bucks!

Michael Kor Leg Shine To Go is my sister’s absolute fav item. Glide this smooth, silky shimmer on legs and arms for a bit of a sunkissed sheen! Plus the mini shine to go is only $10 bucks!

Bliss Fabulous Foaming Face Wash To Go is only $9 bucks so it’s ideal for travel friendly makeup removal plus you can try it before you commit to a larger size!

Sephora Make Up Brush Cleansing Wipes are $10 bucks and awesome for keeping by you makeup vanity during application. These wipes are super for whipping out and wiping brushes off for quick changes of color or easy peasy guck removal on the fly. I adore these and the price is just right.

Shiseido Makeup Facial Cotton is the best deal around in the Muse opinion but you already know that from reading her past raves. $9.50 gets you a great big bundle of facial cotton for whisking off eye makeup in a flash!

Stila Charmed Eye Shadow Palette with 24 Karat Gold is probably the best deal and most talked about deal in the beauty blogging world at the moment. $10 bucks, four colors, and it’s Stila, hello lovely!

1oz of Philosophy Handmade To Go is $10 bucks and ideal for tucking in your desk draw, makeup bag, or for traveling with!

I gasped when I noticed that the Vincent Longo Diamante Quad was still in stock and $10 bucks at Sephora. I loved it before when I splurged on it for much more and I love it even more now at it’s current price!

Korres Face Primer is pretty awesome if you have dry skin. You can check out the mini size for merely $10 bucks, cheapness!

Vincent Day Play Duo Compact Highlighter contains a shimmering kiss of highlighter for cheeks and face plus it’s a big ole palette for $10 bucks! Yums!

Korres Lip Butter is $9.50 and gives the perfect pigmented pout! I was introduced with to Korres Lip Butter when I purchased a kit a few months ago and it was love at first dab.

These little treats are worthy of a check out and won’t break the bank. They are rather nice little bits to peek at if you happen to be at Sephora and aren’t wanting to over indulge but do deem yourself worthy of a little treat.

Hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to add some of your fav $10 dollar finds in the comment box!

Double your brush collection with the new Sephora Double-Ended Brush Collection. These new double ended brushes from Sephora are available at the same price as one normal end brush is so you’re getting a bit of a bang for your buck!

Click ahead for some deets!

I have a love hate relationship with dual ended brushes as I find them difficult to store without having them split on me. I also find they are a bit difficult to work with when applying makeup. Even though I do rant I also kinda dig buying a brush for $18 or so and getting two brushes instead of the one. That’s kinda nifty if I do say so myself.

Sephora has five new dual ended up brushes which I think are worthy of a look at if you don’t have a ton of brushes in your collection already and you’re looking to purchase a few this is a good deal. I’ve always had great experiences with Sephora brushes and I’m not doubting this new collection will be just as good as it’s regular brush line.

Here’s the offerings: