Musings of a Muse

Today I’m bringing you a review of one of my favorite BB creams. I’ve tried many, many BB Creams and I decided that instead of going through a ton of reviews outlining bad ones, good ones, and in between ones, I’d simply bring you ones that I adore.

Understanding the many uses and functions of a BB cream is a long task so I won’t go into great details about what one is for, how to use it, etc….considering that I’ve already done this in a prior post entitled What is a BB Cream?

One of my favorite BB Creams is from Etude House and is called BB Magic Cream, very fitting considering what it does for my complexion is simply magic! Honestly I’d be lying if I denied loving how very cheap Etude House BB Magic Cream is, the appeal of the product is it’s price and excellent quality.

When presented side by side with other BB’s, the Etude House BB Magic Cream has very little fanfare about it which could be one of the reasons I love it so much. It contains only basic functions and isn’t a huge multitasking demon like some BB’s are. This particular cream does not contain SPF, does not contain whitening agents, and does not offer heavy coverage.

The cream comes in one color and adjusts to skin tones of any shade. It come in two separate skin formulas. The formulas available are Pure and Moist, Moist being for dry skin and Pure being for oily skin. Considering my skin is more dry than oily I choose the Moist formula. The formula is a typically heavy BB cream however it does blend out well and creates a good finish which feels somewhat like I’m not wearing any makeup at all. The color was quite dark and beige which had me worried but upon application to my medium fair skin it adjusts accordingly and blends out beautifully well. I’m always somewhat amazed at how heavy feeling most BB Creams are but once they are they feel quite light, lovely, and my skin feels like it’s taking a nice breath of fresh air.

The cream does an excellent job of taking dull skin and brightening it up while creating good coverage for a minimal makeup look. Depending on how much you use, you might run into a problem where you have your skin casts off a certain glare that screams, “I have makeup on!” This is why you should use a very small amount for coverage, one or two small drops should cover your entire face and if you have acne scarring or other items you wish to hide a few more drops should work well at covering these areas. I’m unsure if it’s an ideal solution for someone with heavy problem skin however I do think it’s an excellent choice for those with small to medium problems on their face. It does not manage to cover my eyes very well and I do need to follow up with concealer as you’ll see in my photos below my eyes are looking tired and rough. I depend on my concealer to brighten my eye area, cover small lines, and conceal any puffiness I have in the AM and using this (or any BB Cream) is not an option. I’ve heard many girl’s rave how BB Cream successfully doubles up as their ideal concealer but I’ve used many and never successfully covered my under eye woes. The cream comes in a small squeeze tube with a nifty little attached depressor for pumping the cream out easily, hygienically, and mess-free. The cream has a fresh floral scent as described on the website but honestly I called it old lady perfume smell! Yak! But lucky enough it goes away fairly quickly!

Blending…..

Blending…..

Blended!

All in all Etude House BB Magic Cream is one of my very favorite BB’s even though it lacks all the bells and whistles other creams have. I like the simplicity of the formula and not having a whole lot of everything thrown into one cream. I also love the fact that it costs $8-$10 USD retail price and I can easily get it since I have a lovely friend in Korea who CP’s for me. I do think it’s worth paying up to $15 USD as it’s a fabulous “beginner” BB cream for those who have never tried BB’s prior.

Etude House BB Magic Cream is Muse Approved for purchase!

In my photo below I am using Etude House BB Magic Cream on a freshly washed face. As you can see it didn’t do a great job of concealing my eyes but it does give my skin quite a good healthy coverage that looks both flawless, natural, pretty, and ready for the rest of blush and other makeup.

How about you?

Tried this?

Love it?

What are your favorite BB’s?

Got a question about BB’s?

Tell the Muse!

Blemish Balm Cream: What’s a BB Cream?

The Muse’s Honest Opinion on Gmarket

Korean Cosmetic Guide

Etude House Plumping Lip Tint Review

Etude House Eye and Lip Makeup Remover Review

Etude House Spring 2008 Collection Review

The new Art Deco Holiday Collection entitled Glamour Avantgarde has launched on the Art Deco website. It all looks rather stunning and the Muse feels quite a bit of excitement over all the gorgeous goodies!

Where as many collections concentrate on either a gold or a silver look for the holidays, Art Deco took it a step further and introduced both gold and silver to create a stunning, contrasting, shimmering look that totally appeals to this Muse! I do think I might splurge out on a majority of this collect as I truly can’t resist the shimmer and just the overall chic, elegant feel of it. The stars of the collection are a highlighting loose powder and a highlighting pressed powder. The pressed powder is made up of dusky rose and brown shimmering shades and is quite reminiscent of the powder included with the new Magie Deco Holiday Coffret which I’ll be reviewing for you shortly. The Art Deco Glamorous Mineral Powder is supposely a warm apricot shade with a subtle shimmer that creates a warm glow to your face.

The following items are being released with Art Deco Glamour Avantgarde:

3 Art Deco Shimmering Shadows
Glam Granite Grey
Glam Red Violet
Glam Petrol Blue

1 New Shade of Art Deco Glam Stars Liquid Eye Liners
Petrol

2 Shades of Art Deco Diamond Lashes
Silver
Gold

4 Shades of Art Deco Shimmer Lipstick
Fresh Fuchsia Shimmer
Rose Shimmer
Pomegranate Shimmer
Nude Shimmer

Art Deco Glamorous Highlighter

Art Deco Glamorous Mineral Powder

As you can see the collection looks stunning! I can’t verify prices on any of the items as the site never lists them. Sadly, the entire collection is available within Europe only (Sweden, Germany, Etc…) so if you’re wanting it you’ll have to arrange for a CP on MUA or a cosmetic forum. I do think it’s well worth hunting out as it looks quite lovely. You may just see a review of this from the Muse shortly as I do see a few items that have caught my fancy!

Understanding my sudden attraction to cream and liquid eyeshadow is a mystery to me. The Muse has always passionately hated creams and liquids but as of late she’s indulged in a few here and there and came out feeling all the better for it.

I recently fell in love with Coffret D’Or Fluffy Shine Eyes so of course when I seen KATE Gel Eyeshadow I thought to myself, “whoa these look pretty much the same and they are way cheaper! Must tries ‘em”!

I love pretty much anything KATE does as it has that certain edge that I like in my makeup so it was interesting to see softer shades released with the new KATE Gel Eyeshadows. The shadows are a typical soft mousse style formula with a nice dose of shimmer. I liked the shadows well enough but I didn’t love them and I think that the Jill Stuart and Coffret D’Or version will remain my favorite if I had to choose.

One main problem with the shadows is the fact they dry down so quickly. This actually turned me off so much that I won’t be purchasing them again for that sole reason. Application of cream shadow is such a pain to begin with! When you’re working with a product that dries down so quickly it makes it twice as difficult when you’re trying to blend and build color up only to have it dry in a matter of seconds which causes flaking and a general mess.

Aside from my rant about the dry down I do admit that some of the shades, not all, were rather nice. A total of 8 colors were release and I choose the four softest shades to purchase which were WT-1, PU-1, PK-1, and GD-1. Out of these colors I thought the WT-1 and GD-1 were the best as they had good pigmentation and had a rather nice finish. PU-1 and PK-1 were equally nice but a bit sheer and due to the problem with dry down it was difficult to build up color further without creating an utter mess. WT-1 is a shimmering true white, PU-1 is a soft sparkling lilac, PK-1 is a true pink, and GD-1 (my favorite) is a shimmering gold. Out of the four shades GD-1 is my favorite as I really liked how well it applied plus gold sparkle around the holidays is always so classic for me.

GD-1

Considering I loved GD-1 I overloaded on FOTD pics of it!

WT-1

PK-1

PU-1

The shadows come housed in a the typical KATE frosted glass jar a la the KATE Gel liners. They are about the same size as the liners as well but the jar is square and not round. It’s quite a nice style of packaging for the price.

They are worth trying out for yourself as I like them but I’m just not in love with them. If you’re deciding between these and other Japanese brand shadows I guarantee you can find something quite a good deal better but price wise this is probably the best you’ll get with such a small price tag! The inexpensive price tag, selection of colors, and nice finish to the product all get a raving hooray from me but I won’t be Muse Approving them for purchase since I consider the quick dry down an unforgivable problem.

Overall, the product is good depending on which shades you try out but the dry down period definitely creates a problem for me and is a big turn off. I loved the finished results but it does take a bit of work to get the shadow on properly, blended correctly, etc…..

Tried these?

Love ‘em?

Want to try ‘em?

Tell the Muse!

If anyone is interested I am selling off the white, purple, and pink which have all been used 1x each (still in the boxes) for $12 USD this includes shipping and confirmation within the US anyone who lives abroad I’m extending the offer to $13 USD for first class airmail but sadly no tracking is available on these. Just e-mail me at musings.of.a.muse@gmail.com if you’d like them!

Coffret D’Or Fluffy Shine Eyes Review, Swatches, and FOTD

Loving: KATE Glamtrick Palette Review and FOTD’s

KATE Website Update

KATE Spring Collection 2008: KATE Dual Carat Eye Shadow Review and FOTD’s

The Bourjois Paris Japanese portal has been updated with the Holiday Collection which will be debuting on November 27th.

I think the collection is being released within Europe and Asia obviously but not within the US sadly.

It includes three shades of Bourjois Paris Liner Glitter Fizz, four shades of Bourjois Paris Eye shadows which appear to have a a healthy dose of shimmer in the formula, and a gorgeous pendant with lip gloss.

OooOoooo pretty shimmers!

The liners are 1,575 yen each, the shadows are 1,990 yen each, and the gloss pendant is 2,625 yen. The prices are considerably higher and I’m guessing you’ll find these in your local Boots (if you live across the pond that is) for a tiny bit less.

The entire line up looks lovely and I think I’d like to try out a liner, some of the shadows, and of course I want the pendant! Hopefully I’ll have a review of the new items shortly! I’ll also be bringing you a review of the new Bourjois Paris Liner Effect Mascara and the Bourjois Paris New Brush Foundation shortly!

What do you think of the new Bourjois Paris Holiday Collection 2008?

Wish it was making an appearance with the US?

Tell the Muse!

Bourjois Paris Anticerne pour Petits Matins/Bourjois Paris Light Diffusing Concealer Review

Bourjous Paris Ombre Stretch

Bourjois Paris 10 Hour Sleep Effect Foundation Review

Bourjois Paris Pastel Tient Essential Pressed Powder Review

Majolica Majorca has updated it’s website with it’s new Holiday story, I Am Gorgeous. CLICK! The only site updated is the main Japanese portal as the official street date for the collection is the 21st and taking into consideration at the moment it’s the 21st already in Japan, it’s pretty logical the site has been updated accordingly! When other Asian countries will get the release is beyond this Muse but I’m sure it’ll shortly be available within Singapore, Taiwan, Etc…and followed up a few months down the line in other locations (aside from the US where we get NONE of the good stuff SIGH! RANT!).

I’m very excited about this collection although that’s not saying much as I’m always excited when Majolica Majorca updates it’s site. The Holiday Collection does look interesting to say the least and I’ll be partaking of everything released with it!

I think the star of the show are the new Majolumina Powder in Puffs. I’m normally not a fan of powders that are in the puff already but I am very curious about these and will be purchasing both as the price of 1,300 yen or so is truly a bargain!

Although I’m not the biggest fan of Majolica Majorca Gorgeous Wing Mascara I will be purchasing the new version released with the I Am Gorgeous Collection. The color is a orangy-bronze-gold brown which looks very nice!

And finally two new Majolook palettes! Yay! I’m looking forward to these! Again, not a big fan of the base cream shade but the trio of powder shades looks simply amazing so, I for one, am very happy about the return of Majolook and glad they didn’t do more Trick On Palettes for this reason! Honestly, BR788 looks very similar to a palette I already have but I’m all for getting this anyway!

All in all it looks like a very promising selection of items. They extended the line a tiny bit compared with Holiday 2007 as this year we are getting two powders, two palettes, and a mascara where as last year it was one powder, two palettes, and a mascara. Of course, the Muse is on board and will review this all for you shortly!

The site is very, very lagged at the moment so I recommend checking back later tonight or tomorrow morning to see the updates! The Muse is looking forward to the Singaporean update so I can read the story in English! Once you “find” all the items you’ll have a chance to download the special screen saver! Do grab it as it’s rather cute!

How about you?

Want it?

Loving the new palettes?

Indulging in any Majolica Majorca Holiday 2008?

Tell the Muse!

Majolica Majorca Gorgeous Wing Mascara Review

Majolica Majorca Summer Collection 2008 Review

Majolica Majorca Fall Collection 2008 Featuring Trick On Palettes

Mmmm the fire in my blood is slowly dying out for Japanese brand Lavshuca. What is going on with these releases lately? They either all have similar colors to previous collections or they just suck in a major way! And hello? How many shades of brown and natural brown can we possibly have? Every single palette has brown, brown, and more brown! What happened to the rather lovely pinks and aquas that Lavshuca used to release?! I know, I know, shocking how candid the Muse is on voicing her opinion when she’s been known to express her undying love and appreciation for all things Lavshuca!

I purchased both coffrets from the Lavshuca Antique Collection for Holiday 2008 and I must say that they are nice but lord knows that the colors are absolutely boring and the same colors released over and over and over again from Lavshuca lately!

The Lavshuca Antique Collection comes in two flavors, Antique Sepia and Antique Monochrome. I’ll be reviewing Antique Sepia today and bringing you Antique Monochrome later this week. Each collection comes housed in a tiny, sturdy cardboard box and includes one Lavshuca Dual Eyeshadow and one Lavshuca Liquid Rouge. I paid retail for each set which was 1,890 yen plus the normal promotional discount (30% or so) that applies to Japanese drugstore cosmetics. I’ve seen the sets on E-bay for around $21 USD plus shipping if you’re wanting to indulge and of course Adams Beauty will probably have them for considerably less so do shop around before settling on one spot to buy from!

I think my two favorite items from the collection are the box and the gloss. Taking into consideration that Lavshuca’s Winter Make palettes were very delicately made last year it came as a shock that the box with this year’s collection is so sturdy and nice. It’s quite a cute little pull out draw that will hold around three or four MAC lipsticks. I was actually expecting something large as the pics make it look HUGE however it is tiny! As you can see below I placed a Clinique eyeshadow palette beside the box to show the size.

The second item that I really enjoyed with the collection was the Lavshuca Liquid Rouge. For some odd reason or another this particular Lavshuca Liquid Rouge seemed to have a bit more sparkle and shimmer than the normal range. The color included with Antique Sepia is a nice beige with golden shimmer and hints of peach! It completes my nude look beautifully when I use the included shadow duo!

The shadow is a bit on the boring side sadly as it includes a rather crummy nude brown shade with hints of gold shimmer and a base color of white gold that contains a bit of sparkle with a slightly iridescent finish. I will say that once I completed my look I did like the effects of combining the beige gloss with the nude eye look however it’s not what I’d want for the Holiday in all honestly. Right now it goes rather well with the Fall weather however I do love a festive eye look come the Holiday that’s vibrant, full of shimmer, and most importantly doesn’t shout natural! The duo is quite tiny and far from regular size. Although the gloss is regular size do brace yourself for a mini shadow!

As you can see below a MAC eyeshadow is even bigger than the little Lavshuca duo!

I did have a hard time deciding how I wanted to use the shadow. Sadly, I don’t read Japanese and the diagrams that I’ve come to rely on, on the back of the package are just never around on Lavshuca packaging. They must do this to irritate me, honestly. Between Jill Stuart and Lavshuca I’m unsure which brand annoys me the most when they fail to include the handy dandy eye diagram most Japanese brands favor on the back of their packaging!

In the end I decided that I’d use the white creamy gold shade as an all over color wash on my entire eye and follow up by blending the brown into my crease and on my lid. The look comes out very natural and yes, I begrudging admit, lovely but I still call it as being hells boring for the Holiday Season! Sorry it is what it is and this doesn’t shout “fun, shimmery Holiday!” to this Muse!

Aside from my major ranting about the shades and the lack of festive feel to the collection I did like the items included and especially enjoyed the very cute packaging! Overall, they are worth picking up if you can nab them at a good price but not so much if you’re paying more than retail!

I’ll give you the good (or bad) word on the second coffret shortly so stay tuned!

How about you?

Love these?

Want ‘em?

Not loving all the nudes from Lavshuca lately?

Tell the Muse!

Lavshuca Creamy Liquid Foundation Review

Lavshuca Holiday Collection 2008 Coffrets

Lavshuca Perfect Base Moist and Lavshuca UV Review

Lavshuca Holiday Collection 2008: Lavshuca Winter Make Palettes Review