Musings of a Muse

Once upon a time, in a land far, far away Jonathan Antin ran his hands through my hair and soon after I fell deeply in love with him. Later on he proposed to me….! Serious! This is all true! Honest! Ok…well…maybe not the part about proposing…I could have made that part up but he did touch my hair but I had to pay him for it which was all a minor technical hiccup!

Anyway…I rather like Jonathan and find him sexy in a weird sort of way! I dunno what it is but something is definately there. It could be his California Surfer accent, or it could be his unmovable hair and the fact that he goes around combing it back like he’s The Fonz, or maybe it’s because Jonathan has that certain flair for being gay yet straight (god, I love men who can pull that off)! In reality I think he just holds a certain Tom Ford wannabe look about him which must be what’s tricking me into believing he’s hot. The Muse hearts you Tom and don’t forget it!

Anyway who knows what it is!

The good news is if you have a certain lust or lemming for Jonathan product you can now get it at Bath & Body Works.

Bath & Body Works is now offering Jonathan’s full line of product on there site! Click here to view the line up!

So hmmm….

This isn’t too exciting right? We can get this stuff on Sephora if we want it right?

Come on though! Think ahead! Think like the Muse and remember that next year when the Semi-Annual Sale comes around you too can make a killing stocking up on Jonathan product for 99.9% off the regular price!

Yay!

Well…not so Yay because his products aren’t that fab! But it’s ok…we love you anyway Jonathan…especially your hair…we really love that! Speaking for the rest of the population we also really love the way you throw a hissy fit better than any girl in the world!

An uncanny resemblance dontcha agree? (For those clever enough you must have gotten that reference to “dontcha”! Come on girls! Wake up! I’m easily amused hehe! Come on! I find less and less to laugh about lately at least let me have my corny jokes!)

Bath and Body Works is busy updating it’s site with the Valentine’s Day Collection. Nothing really of great interest to be had as of yet but I’m hopeful they’ll do something special with the Temptation Collection like last year’s Red Hot Love Story Three in One Shower Gel! We shall see!

Here’s what’s available so far:

Japanese Cherry Blossom Love and Pampering Gift Set $42.50 USD

Love and Pammering Sensuality Gift Set in Jasmine Vanilla $36 USD

Feel the Love Japanese Cherry Blossom Gift Set $22.50 USD

Love Bandit Tote and Cosmetic Case $15 USD and $8 USD

Quilted Heart Mani/Pedi Set $10 USD

I snapped a few pictures of the Bath and Body Works Spring Collection Catalog for you guys! I’m sure some of you have already seen it but my lovely readers in Europe and Asia (sadly Bath and Body Works doesn’t extend to your area but you can always have a lovely mate in the US CP for you!) probably haven’t so here’s a little Sneak Peak at the Spring Collection!

Sadly no mention of any Temptations which really stinks as I do look forward to those (Read about prior Temptation line ups by clicking here and here). I think we might see one new one for Valentine’s Day like last year and soon after we’ll have a Summer Collection!

Bath and Body Works Spring Collection 2008

These look fabulous! It’s Orange, Lime, And Raspberry Mentha Body Washes! Mmmm a minty fruity twist! I’m slightly, slightly wary of these as the regular Mentha Body Wash has a strange underlay scent that’s somewhat medicine like so I’m scared these might have that same type of bitterness! However, I am very curious about them! This includes matching glosses as well!

Available May 12th:
Body Washes $12 USD Each
Lipglosses $7.50 USD Each

Japanese Cherry Blossom is revamped with a new scent entitled Blushing Cherry Blossom. I’m not a big fan of the Japanese Cherry Blossom as it’s a bit too floral for me however they promise this will be blended with crisp citrus which sounds very intriguing!

Available April 21st:
Blushing Japanese Cherry Blossom Eau de Toilette $19 USD
Blushing Japanese Cherry Blossom Lotion $10 USD

The new Far East Escape Collection sounds lovely. The description on this says the ingredients include sake, rice bran oil, and green tea extract.

Available January 28th:

For Heaven’s Sake Oil to Cream Cleanser $15 USD
Rice to the Rescue Body Scrub $17.50 USD
Clean Karma Body Wash $13.50 USD
Mystic Silk Body Lotion $15 USD
Self Medicating Body Butter $15 USD

The signature collection also includes a new scent called Enchanted Orchid this too sounds lovely. I’m not big on floral but the scent of orchids is something I do like! This collection also includes a new product called Satin Veil!

Available March 3rd:

Enchanted Orchid Shower Gel $10 USD
Enchanted Orchid Body Butter $14 USD
Enchanted Orchid Satin Veil $14.50 USD
Enchanted Orchid Eau de Toilette $19 USD

I wanted to do a review on the newest Jill Stuart fragrance for a while now but just kept pushing it towards the back burner. I’m not too good at reviewing perfumes which may be the main reason that I held off so long doing this review! But I finally decided to sit down and review this as it does indeed deserve a review all it’s own!

It’s not really something you have to run out and purchase. It’s by far the most beautiful in Jill Stuart’s perfume line in regards to the gorgeous bottle however the scent isn’t particularly unique or exciting.

I’d really like to take a moment to say that the packaging on this is outstanding. The bottle is a heavy glass with beautiful silver etching all along the bottle with little diamonds embedded into the silver! The topper is lovely as well and equally as heavy as the bottle and shaped like a diamond. The entire bottle really lights up my vanity and matches perfectly with my other beautiful pieces from my Jill Stuart Cosmetic Collection (Click here and here to see more of my JS Collection). They really went all out on the bottle’s design and it’s just gorgeous.

Sadly, the fragrance doesn’t match the design of the bottle! It’s nice enough I suppose but I expected something a bit more dramatic. It’s a very soft floral that contains notes of Peony, Green Apple, Lemon, Musk, Amber, and a few more bits. To be honest I thought it’d be more of a fresh scent in lending with the apple and lemon but it’s more of a light floral affair. To me it smells like some sort of floral shampoo. When I first spray it I get a bit of rose but after it dries down the Peony really is the deepest note that I’m smelling quickly followed by Gardenia.

The fragrance is available in Eau de Toilette only but don’t let that sway you from purchasing as it does linger quite long and has a nice throw unlike some EDT’s which get sucked up by my skin and fail to linger. The smaller bottle I purchased was 4,800 yen while the larger bottle is 7,000 yen. Neither is too expensive for Japan. I’d expected it to cost much more Japan side so I was pleasantly surprised at the cost. With tax my small 30 ML bottle cost 5,040 yen, again, surprisely low for Japan in my opinion!

All in all it’s quite good but not great. This isn’t something I can approve for purchase unless you’re a serious collector of Jill Stuart items. I purchased it because the bottle was so very lovely and I wanted it to compliment my Jill Stuart palettes and such but really you don’t need to run out to buy this as the fragrance really lacks the wow factor. This is a Japanese exclusive as far as I know so you can’t purchase it outside of Japan however at a later date who knows! Plus we have rumors abound of Jill Stuart winging her way to the US possibly soon!??!?

Want it?
Have it?

Tell the Muse!

I should be taken out and shot for going back on my word and giving into the evil empire of Bath and Body Works.

I purchased two bottles of Twisted Peppermint Shimmer Body Splash last night contrary to my original post where I was saying how much I hate body splashes that shimmer.

I guess I’m contradicting myself as we’ve all established how much in love and lust I am with sparkle, shimmer, and glitter of any kind.

However, shimmer in my Body Splashes, Lotions, or any other Bath and Body item should be against the law! I hate it for some reason! I just detest shimmer in these products with a passion! Especially Body Splash! Why for the love of God and all things good would you want the put shimmer into a Body Spray!?

Sigh!

Rant, Rant, Stamping Feet, Rant!

Ok now that I’m done raving like a loon I will say that these were on sale so I guess it makes up for the shimmer part.

These were $4 Each and believe me I couldn’t resist the sweet, vanilla and peppermint scent so the overwhelming need to purchase came upon me and I left swinging a bag of body spray! Shoot me now for giving in!

In all seriousness these smell so yummie but I’m still wishing away the evil shimmer part!

The bottom of each has fake little peppermint candies! Cutes!

I went into Bath and Body Works with the soul plan to purchase a pair of Lambie Slippers because a reader who shall remain nameless for her sin created a lemming in me for these!

Sadly, they were sold out! My god the horror! Thus Twisted Peppermint Shimmer Body Splash took the place of my hardcore lemming for Lambie Slippers just barely mind you!

I’m currently searching E-bay for a pair but they are $39 and upwards and I haven’t yet reached the level insanity where I am even half considering purchasing a pair of slippers, shaped like lambs for $39. If I do reach that level you’ll be the first to know dear readers.

I did purchase a pair of the Sweetest Softest Slippers for $9 but they aren’t Lamb-y like. Dear oh dear what’s a girl to do?

Anyway.

The moral of the story is Twisted Peppermint Body Spray is a go with the Muse! Grab it while the grabbing is good because it’ll sell out quick at this price (it’s already gone online!)!

Happy Shopping!

Check out my Bath and Body Shop Sale post by clicking here!

Well me loves it’s that time of the year!

I’m wandering around Bath and Body Works and the Semi Annual is creeping slowly up on us!

The Temptation line, as predicted by yours truly, has made it’s way onto the sale list!

So go yee and stock up on Twisted Peppermint for a mere $6 for a 12oz bottle!

What I seen on the site so far:
Twisted Peppermint 3-1 Shower Gel $6
Twisted Peppermint Body Scrub $6
Glittery Gumdrop 3-1 Shower Gel $6
Sassy Strawberry 3-1 Shower Gel $6
Sugar and Spice 3-1 Shower Gel $6
Various Lotions from the Temptation Line $4
Twisted Peppermint Bath Fizzies $1.75

A majority of it is 50% off at this time but give it a bit of time and it’ll be down to 75% soon I’m sure!

I’d personally start loading up on the Twisted Peppermint if you’re inclined as it tends to sell out fast online once it hits the clearance bin!

Now if they’d just discount the Sweetest Softest Line I’d be a happy Muse!

Happy Shopping!

I got my order from the Lush NA Party yesterday! Click here to read details about the party!

The temptation of Snowcake solid perfume was strong so I did in fact order it and some other goodies. I normally avoid ordering from Lush NA like the plague but I couldn’t resist Snowcake!

I stupidly ordered this solid perfume without first trying the lot I had already purchased from Lush UK that I got about a month ago. I finally got around to testing these out and I have to say they aren’t as great as I had hoped.

Lush Perfumes have fantastic throw, linger, and staying power however Lush solid perfumes do not.

I used Potion so far and Fever and both are very strong smelling but they don’t do much when they are on my skin. I think these are great if you happen to already own some of the perfumes in liquid form. That way you can use these as touch ups through out the day however to use these as your perfume is a bit difficult as someone has to literally stick their nose in your neck to actually get a whiff some of what you are wearing.

If you’re purchasing these from Lush NA they come in a far better tin than the Lush UK solids. Lush UK has little screw tops that I find very annoying to unscrew. If you by chance you drop the tin or get a dent in the container it’ll basically leave you struggling to unscrew the top. Lush NA tops just pop off and on and make life much easier however they do leave a bit of a mess sometimes as when you’re popping on and off it sometimes gets a bit of the solid on the lid which causes the tin to have a waxy feel.

Speaking of waxy. That’s basically the texture of these. They are a waxy balm that’s difficult to spread around so it’s best to warm it between your fingertips prior to applying.

I can’t give these a complete bad review because these actually work for one of my best mates. It seems they really like his body chemistry because when he used one it was pretty strong but when I used one it basically got soaked up into my skin and I really had to try and even get a tiny sniff of the scent I was wearing.

I love these for touch-ups when I’m using my Lush perfumes but to use on their own it’s a no go for me!

I got a 7 of the 9 scents offered and I find the strongest smelling of the lot are Fever, Potion, and Honey I Washed the Kids. Champagne Snow Showers, Snowcake, Silky Underwear, and American Cream are the lightest with the least throw!

I will say you have to layer these on quite a bit. Take some and place it behind your ears, between your breasts, on your neck, behind your knees, and on all your pulse points. So yes with a little hard work you can have yourself smelling sweet somewhat plus if you happen to heat up during the day you’ll definately see more of a throw from these! However, I still can’t give them a raving review because I just don’t think the throw is good enough to get that excited about, believe you me it’s difficult not to run around and recommend Lush as I adore and love all things Lush but these failed me somehow.

Anyway!

The moral of the story is at $11.95 a tin I’d say skip ‘em and buy something else! Or if your body chemistry just happens to accept and like them…lucky you…grab tons! But test, test, test, test in store and don’t be a silly sausage like the Muse and just buy without first testing!

Got ‘em?
Love ‘em?
Tell me!

Not liking these?
Tell me!

I thought I’d treat you to images of my Super-Sized Lush Pud’s demise!

As tempting as it was to throw this entire thing into my tub I did my best to refrain and crack it up so I might enjoy the sweet scent of Snowcake over the course of a few baths instead of just one (plus I don’t think I have the nerve to throw in $27 worth of Bath Bomb and soak without feeling guilt)!

My Innocent Super-Sized Lush Pud Bath Bomb (It doesn’t realize what’s coming! *evil laugh*)

Awwww naked!

A brief tap from the upper part and the bottom begins cracking….Ouch! (I almost feel guilty)

A harder tape and it begins to crack! Time for my bath!

Fun fun!

I should get at least 6 (more if I’m frugal with the pieces) or more nice long soaks with the bomb pieces!

Grab one of these while they are still around at your local Lush (they are sadly sold out online)!

You’ll also receive some Snowcake and Bob soap (Ewww I hate Bob) inside and a coupon for 15% off your next order online or in store (all Lush wrapped gifts include a coupon)!

Meet my latest obsession:

I was wandering around the Sephora at Herald’s Square on Sunday trying to find some Stocking Stuffers for my sister and came across the Carol’s Daughter display. I’ve passed this display up more times than I can count on two hands but for some reason or another that day a bottle of “Almond Cookie” caught my eye!

Now the first thing to enter my mind when I seen Almond Cookie was Lush’s Snowcake! I was thinking a bit of cherry with maybe a hint of marzipan icing. Mmm…dead wrong. Carol’s Daughter Almond Cookie Eau de Toilette smells heinous to say the least. I don’t get much of a “bakery scent” to this but just musk and musk and more musk! It’s quite strong and very overpowering. I guess the sandalwood overpowers the sweetness of the cookie and vanilla I’m not entirely sure but I gagged when I took a sniff!

Which leads me to say that I almost walked away but another item caught my eye and I decided to tortue myself a bit more with Carol’s Daughter.

I very cautiously opened a bottle of Jamaican Punch, took a sniff, and soon after fell deeply in love.

Mmmm now this is perfection. It’s quite fruity with a faint underlay of sandalwood and bayberry. It has all sorts of yummie fruits like peach, banana, orange, apple, and raspberry!

It’s tropical yet sweet and fruity and did I mention it lingers like crazy!

My body chemistry doesn’t work well with Eau de Toilette and normally my skin just sucks it up and the linger, throw, and scent don’t last at all. Basically within 30 minutes or less you can barely tell that I squirted myself!

However, two quick squirts with Jamaican Punch had me smelling yummie from 2 in the afternoon all the way to 11:45 that evening when I hopped into the shower!

This has amazing throw and lingering power and well worth the $25 I shelled out for the 2 oz bottle!

I’m now utterly obsessed with this gorgeous scent! I nabbed the shower gel and the Eau de Toilette and I’m lemming everything else in the line!

I highly recommend going into Sephora to sniff it for yourself! Mmmm tropics in the winter! Pure perfection!

Want a steal and a deal?

Head over to QVC and enter Item Number A74743 to nab yourself a trio of Philosophy Shower Gels that includes Bubbly!

You’ll get 16oz Shower Gels in:
Strawberries and Cream (Brand New Scent)
Bubbly
Melting Chocolate

Perfect Strawberries, Champagne, and Chocolate what more could a girl want?!

All Three for $35 bucks plus they’ll get it to you before Christmas if you order by the 19th!

I feel spoiled already!

Remember my post about Philosophy Bubbly? It wasn’t so longer ago but if you’re feeling forgettable on a Monday morning (and who can blame you in this cold) click here for a refresher!

Well Sephora’s jumped on the bandwagon and they got a new box, the same price tag, and slapped a new name on the packaging and called it their very own and only available from them too mind you (but we already know it’s available at QVC too).

Sephora’s “version” of Bubbly comes in a box that reads “Congratulations” and is the same whopping 24oz size and the cost is pretty much the same too at $20!

It’s a perfect gift really so no matter if you buy it from Sephora or QVC it all smells the same and does the same thing!

Go on..indulge…you know you want too!

CLICK!