Beauty Abroad
By the Muse on August 1, 2008
Your Muse hasn’t blogged BB Creams as of yet since her experiences with them haven’t really been the greatest however since I mentioned them once or twice I ended up getting many e-mails and comments about them. I recently reviewed Kevyn Aucoin’s Sensual Skin Enhancer which reminded me of BB Cream so much in texture and formula that I was kinda of inspired to write about BB’s soon after!
What’s a BB Cream? How do I use a BB Cream? Where can I purchase BB Creams? These are some of the daily questions I get in my inbox!
The US market, as far as I know, has not yet been exposed to BB Creams. I imagine we are all somewhat obsessed with our skin within the US but I personally feel like the Asian population is more so and that obsession accounts for the mass amount of products released within Asian countries. For me and other skincare junkies this is pure nirvana!
One of the latest, greatest, popular, and hyped products to hit Korea are BB Creams which is short for Blemish Balm Cream. The craze began in Korea but has since hit Japan, China, Etc…
So what is a BB Cream anyway?
BB Cream is pretty much the end all of foundation, concealer, moisturizer, etc….It’s a combined product that eliminates many products from your daily makeup routine and not only simplifies foundation but also offers key ingredients that we all look for in makeup and skin care.
BB Creams are highly moisturizing, contain SPF, have acne fighting and anti-aging ingredients, plus conceal and lay a foundation for your other makeup.
What BB Cream Eliminates from your daily routine:
BB Creams are so highly moisturizing you may or may not wish to apply a moisturizer prior to using!
BB Creams contain doses of 25+ SPF so you don’t need an extra SPF product to protect your skin from harmless sun rays!
- Acne Treatments, Lotions, Etc…
BB Creams contain active ingredients for fighting off problem areas!
- Anti-Aging Lotions, Potions, Etc…
BB Creams contain anti-aging ingredients to prevent wrinkles and also treat any fine lines you may already have!
BB Creams act as a concealer for concealing under eye circles, baggage, etc…It also concealsr acne, blemishes, red areas, etc…
BB Creams act as a foundation for prepping the skin for makeup and creating a flawless finish to skin!
- Whitening Lotions, Fluids, Etc….
BB Creams contain whitening agents to lighten the skin!
You can see why everyone is so hyper and excited about BB Creams. They are virtually the superman of foundation however they are not without their flaws.
Your Muse has tried about 8-10 brands of BB Creams now and I’ve been disappointed about 95% of the time. BB Creams are NOT without one major problem.
My god Muse what do you mean?! They sound like skin care perfection!
The problem with BB Creams is color selection. BB Creams are not like foundation where you walk in and have an array of colors to choose from. Most BB Creams offer one color option only or sometimes, if you’re lucky, two color selections.
Right off the bat I’ll say if you’re a deeper, darker skin tone I’m highly doubtful that BB Creams will work for you although I can’t be sure as I don’t have experience with application on such a skin tone.
I’m fascinated with the excitement over a product that only comes in a dull beige color. Many Asian girls do have a yellow tone to skin and beige is not only unflattering on yellow tones but just, in my opinion, unflattering on ALL skin tones. Thus my amazement over the hype that surrounds the product in Asian countries. BB Creams are so pigmented that the color will look very unnatural on any and all skin tones at least this has been my experience with the brands I’ve tried.
Another surprising thing about BB Creams is the fact that they seem to be best suited to dry skin. I have many, many Asian friends and about 95% of them have oily skin. BB Creams do not dry matte in my personal opinion and they feel very moisturizing when on so I’m curious how those with oily skin feel about the formula and texture of such a product.
I was recently contacted by a reader who recommended me a few brands I hadn’t tried before that made some high end BB Creams. After discussing it with her I decided to give BB Creams a much needed revisit.
You won’t be hearing about the bad. When it comes to Asian cosmetics and skincare it’s difficult for the Muse to trash it. It’s simply too high quality to snark at which accounts for my lack of posts regarding BB Creams. However, I have decided I’ll start reviewing brands I have tried and the pros and cons of each. I’ll also have an upcoming review on a brand of BB that I do LOVE and again this is thanks to the reader that recommended it! That review is coming shortly so thank the gods we finally have a good BB Cream to rave about.
BB Creams are a welcome edition to the makeup world and an innovation in skin care and makeup that needs a bit of tweaking. The potential for greatness is already there and with a little work we’ll have pure perfection.
It’s hard not to notice that I littered my blog entry with difference adverts of BB Creams. As you can see many, many, many companies in Korea have out various brands of the popular product so sometimes it’s difficult to weed through the bad to get to the good! However, that’s what you have the Muse for! I’ll be sharing the best and not so great with you very soon!
Do you use BB Creams?
Love ‘em?
Got questions about BB Creams?
Tell the Muse!
Love Korean Cosmetics? Wanting to know more about Korean Brands? Try a daily dose of past posts!
Etude House Moistfull Mask Review
Etude House Spring Collection Review
An Introduction to Korean Cosmetic Brands
Banila Co “Blue” Summer Collection
If you need information about how BB Creams are different from Tinted Moisturizers please click here.
By the Muse on July 31, 2008
Can I tell you how strange it is for me to review a Summer collection? I’m so in Fall mode that I forgot how to enjoy Summer!
Fall comes way to early for us beauty bloggers! Sheesh!
However, I did think I should stop and smell the flowers, take in the sun, and enjoy a nice Japanese Collection this week!
I hate to think how long I’ve been hanging on to KATE’s Summer Collection without reviewing it. It’s been months I’m sure since I got it and I’m just now getting around to the review. You’ll forgive your Muse for being so lack with Summer won’t you?
KATE is a Japanese brand and one of Kanebo’s sub brands that contains a healthy amount of edge to it that I simply adore!
One of my favorite products from KATE are the Dual Carat Eye Shadows. I own every single color that KATE has put out thus far and with the Summer Collection they released three new colors.
Before I show you the new colors I think a review of KATE Dual Carat Eye Shadows is in order as I’ve never really done a detailed review on the palettes before. Each palette contains two shimmerings shades of shadow in a tiny compact with a sponge tipped applicator. A majority of Japanese eye shadows almost always have the same formula with a few in between that have a completely different consistency. KATE Dual Carat Eye Shadows have an almost identical texture and formula as most of these brands however I do feel like it has an added something that makes the shadow superior to others I’ve tried before.
Each shade contains a healthy dose of shimmer and sparkle which I love. The formula is a similar chalky, creamy texture as most major brands however I feel like these blend much better due to the silky consistency of the powder. The shimmer is equally silky and gives a certain sparkle to the eye which make these my favorite duos!
This Summer KATE extended the Dual Carat Line to include three new shades which were GD-1, WT-1, and BK-1. The shades aren’t typical Summer in my opinion but this didn’t stop me from purchasing all three and lavishing major love on them.
Before I get on to the color selections I think it deserves to be mentioned that all the looks you’ll see below are done exclusively with the palettes and using nothing else aside from mascara. I think not using extra products gives you a better review and idea of how the palette looks on without adding in extras if that makes sense. So each look I created was using the palette and nothing more!
I’m particularly thrilled with GD-1 which sports a shimmering gold and a shimmering creamy white. If you’re getting a bit older and seeing a bit of baggage under your eyes or a few lines here and there or you’re just tired and seeking something to brighten up your eye area GD-1 will sincerely do wonders with your eyes! I couldn’t stop looking in the mirror after applying this. It made me look years younger, wide awake, and gave a beautiful pop to my lids. I used the creamy white as an all over wash on my eye and the gold on my lid. This is a particular good way to use it if your eyes are extremely wide and buggy like mine. However, I think it’s flattering on Asian eyes if you apply the creamy white as a color wash and the gold in the corner of the eyes both outer and inner!
WT-1 is my least favorite of the three shadows. It’s a very nice combination of a white and creamy light taupe color however the colors are too similar so you can’t really see much of a contrast when they are applied together. I tried sporting the white as an all over color wash and applying the taupe to my lid however it appeared I was wearing only one shade. A tad disappointing but I can definately make use of both colors as a highlighter for my highbrow, as a color wash, or simply alone as a shadow instead of together. Together they don’t work so well but alone they really wake up the eye and bring out a certain delicious natural look!
Now my second favorite (or possibly first) is BK-1 which is the ideal palette for a smoky look plus heaps cheaper than shelling out for Bare Minerals Rocker Chick Kit. KATE already released a duo like this previously in the Dual Carat collection however I felt like this one was different. The other version, the number/name of which escapes me at the moment, is a bit darker where as this is a lighter grayer version. If you already have the previous color I’d still recommend indulging in this one as well. I created an uber awesome smokey eye look with this color!
I purchased these at retail which is maybe $9-$10 USD per a palette? Perhaps a bit more I can’t recall. A friend in Japan got them for me and airmailed ‘em over! However, I’ve seen them online for $15.50 USD or a bit less depending on where you shop (see my Japanese Cosmetic Buying Guide for further information about where you can purchase these!). At a cost of $15.50 USD I do believe they are worth. They are pigmented, beautifully shimmery, and are good quality eye shadows.
The Muse Approves the new KATE Dual Carat Eye Shadows for purchase! Definitely grab ‘em! They are a must have in my humblest and the colors will work well into the Fall and Winter.
Love KATE?
Love the Dual Carat shadows?
What’s your favorite KATE eye palette?
Check out the KATE website by clicking here!
Tell the Muse!
KATE Glamtrick Palette Review
KATE Gel Mascara Review
KATE Spring Collection 2008 Review
By the Muse on July 30, 2008
I’ve probably been on this topic for far too long so you’ll have to excuse me for squealing some more! I recently was featured on Etude House’s blog which was utterly thrilling for me! Soon after that a wonderful reader told me that I was featured in Etude House’s little in-store pamphlet which totally made me flip out!
Yesterday I got home and had a letter from Korea waiting for me. I was puzzling over this as I was expecting some packages from Korea but not a letter. I quickly ripped it open in curiosity and I realized that my very, very, very kind reader had sent me the Etude House in-store pamphlet which features your little Muse on the front page!
Can I tell you how exciting this is for me? I simply adore Korean culture and it’s just an honor to be included in the freaking Etude House newsletter! Sheesh, talk about super flattering!
I realize some blogs have made it into popular fashion magazines and others have even made it into the New York Times. Those are seriously great accomplishments but for me this feels ten times better than appearing in a US magazine or newspaper. Reaching out to international readers is something I truly love about my blog. I simply adore my Asian readers and truly to be recognized for my hard work in carving out a niche not many beauty blogs cover really makes me feel like Musings is just a little bit unique and different in comparison to other beauty blogs you read. You can read about the latest MAC collection across the blogsphere and get some seriously great reviews on awesome products. But it always pleases me that you can stop here at Musings, during your daily clicks, and read about the latest and greatest not only in the US but also Japan, Singapore, Korea, England, etc….I think that’s what makes Musings extra special and I take alot of pride in that!
Anyway, all gushing aside here’s some pics of the newsletter and the Muse smiling from the front page!
Enjoy!
A big thank you to that special reader who sent this my way! Thank you SO much!
And of course a really big thank you to the Etude House team who put this together! If you’re reading this the Muse sends her love and hugs!
Show Etude House some love by clicking through their awesome website! Clickie!
Here’s the inside of the newsletter! Notice they are advertising the Shebert Cool Party Summer Collection! I’ll be reviewing it very soon so do stay tuned!
By the Muse on July 25, 2008
How about a lip treatment that’s amazingly tasty plus super emollient, glossy, and contains good for you ingredients to heal lips.
Sounds great right?
It is.
I was recently testing out Jelly Pong Pong Lip Cushion and I must say it’s on my favorite hit list at the moment! I’m lucky I even got the chance to review this because I was tempted to eat the entire jar instead of slicking it on my lips! Hey, I can’t help it! It smells amazing and tastes so yummie I couldn’t resist!
Before I get to the main review I should rave about the uber cute box and packaging on this! It comes in this really cute pink box that sports a lovely little cut out butterfly on top! So sweet! I’ll definately be storing this in the box rather than tossing it out! I love cute packaging!
The actual Lip Cushion is housed in a clear plastic jar with a cute little gold cap with pink lettering on the top spelling out Lip Cushion by Jelly Pong Pong on top.
Jelly Pong Pong Lip Cushion is available in two selections, Crush and Syrup. I believe both taste the same and the finish on both is probably the same too which is a translucent tint. The gloss isn’t pigmented but more a sheer gloss. I have Crush which looks like strawberry jam and tastes just as good. The taste is a sweet rose, berry flavor that you’ll want to lick right off your lips! Truly a perfect kissing gloss! Although both selections probably have the same finish it hasn’t stopped me from wanting to purchase Syrup! Cheeky Muse I am I must collect them all you see!
The formula is similiar to Shu Uemura’s Gloss Lacquer. It’s slick, glossy, highly emollient and wonderfully moisturizing. All the best things we want from a balm right? The balm also happens to promise to heal chapped lips! Fancy that! Sadly, the Muse is not currently sporting chapped lips but don’t worry I’ll tell you the low down on Lip Cushion’s healing abilities come Winter when I’m sporting cracked, dry lips!
If you love glossy lip balms there is absolutely no question that you’ll want to try this! It’s a perfectly cute and sweet balm that deserves some of your time and attention plus at £6 you can’t seriously go wrong by picking up at least one! Click on over and purchase one or two!
Sportin’ some Jelly Pong Pong Lip Cushion!
The Muse likey Jelly Pong Pong Lip Cushion and says go and grab some for yourself! Do keep in mind I can’t be held responsible if you eat this!
Muse Approval for this little guy plus a five star rating! Good Stuff!
Stay tuned next week for my review on Jelly Pong Pong Crystalizer!
Enjoy more Jelly Pong Pong Cosmetics by visiting their website! Click!
Jelly Pong Pong Summer Collection
Jelly Pong Pong Combination Review
By the Muse on July 24, 2008
Jill Stuart’s website has been updated with the latest Fall Collection for 2008 entitled Illuminance. I find the name quite fitting as the new shadow palettes and cheek blushes sport beautiful golds for Fall.
I wasn’t particularly excited about the Brilliance collection but I do feel a slight tinge of interest. I think I’ll be indulging in at least one of the blushes and three of the shadow palettes. The shadow palettes have been slightly revamped as well with an interesting design on the front of the compact. It’s been a little bit of a gap between purchases for me on the Jill Stuart front simply because the shadow palettes are extremely uneventful with similiar shades being used over and over and over again.
The Muse’s stash of blush compacts hauled from last season!
However, after such a long dry spell Jill Stuart Illuminance may be getting some of the Muse’s hard earned money! Palettes are 5,000 yen each and blushes are 4,500 yen each. Expect to pay $10-$30 USD more per item online.
Items I think I’ll be indulging in:
Eye palettes in Jewel Dress, Fantastic Light, Brocade Gold, and Flash Veil.
Blush in Gold Illuminance.
How about you?
Got your eyes on anything?
Love Jill Stuart?
Tell the Muse!
MuseTV’s Spotlight on Jill Stuart Cosmetics
Jill Stuart Summer Collection 2008
Jill Stuart Spring Collection 2008
Jill Stuart Christmas Collection Review
By the Muse on July 23, 2008
Majolica Majorca has updated it’s website with the newest Fall Collection entitled A Girl With Wings. Although the site is in Japanese it’s always nice to click around it and enjoy the interactivity on the site plus look at the pretty pictures of the new collection.
I admit that I’m not too thrilled with the collection but I will be indulging in all the items released. It’s not a huge release but most Fall Collections in Japan aren’t. Spring Collections are normally the season that Japanese cosmetic companies release bigger collections so we have to wait a bit before we see bigger and better things from Majolica Majorca and of course we have the special Holiday releases to look forward to!
The items released with A Girl with Wings are a new fiber mascara which is a first for Majolica Majorca and two new Trick On Eye Palettes. I’ll be getting all three items and reviewing them for you shortly. I think you can safely skip everything but I do recommend picking up the mascara. MJ Mascara is always on my hit list and I try each new version released. I’m paying retail for the items which is 1,500 yen per a palette and 1,200 yen for the mascara but expect to pay up to $6-8 more per palette and I’d say at least $8 for the mascara at online shops.
Do click on over to see the updates!
Love Majolica Majorca?
Want anything from the Fall Collection?
Eager to the Muse’s review?
Tell me all about it!
Enjoy other updates to the Majolica Majorca Website over the past few seasons by checking out past posts below:
Majolica Majorca Beauty in Black Collection
Majolica Majorca Miss Treasure Hunter Collection
Majolica Majorca Spring 2008 Collection
Other Majolica Majorca posts you may enjoy:
Majolica Majorca Spring 2008 Collection Reviewed
The Muse’s Madness for Majolica Majorca
Majolica Majorca Miss Treasure Hunter Collection Reviewed
By the Muse on July 18, 2008
Gosh Cosmetics has been on my hit list for a while. I read about it everywhere and I’ve seen some raving reviews. It’s a Denmark brand that recently hit our shores and is available for purchase online.
Gosh Cosmetics has tempted me for so long and I think I’m going to finally indulge in a few purchases to see if it lives up to all the hype I hear. The Fall Collection looks stunning in particular the eyeshadow trios!
See of yourself if you don’t believe me:
That cranberry pink trio shall be mine! Hmmmm…expect a review soon! The collection consists of four new Effects colors (these are loose shimmering pigments), four new shades of eyeshadow trios, two new colors of shimmering of the eyeshadow stick, and three new shades of eye liner.
Find out more about the Fall Collection by clicking here!
Have you tried Gosh?
Love it?
Want to try it out?
Tell the Muse!
Get your Beauty Abroad fill by clicking through some past posts!
Indonesian Cosmetic Brands
Korean Cosmetic Brands
An Introduction to Japanese Cosmetic Brands
Purchase your Dior abroad!
By the Muse on July 17, 2008
Our friend Kodi Kumi is back in full swing advertising Visee’s Fall Collection. After a rough patch of publicity it’s nice to see her back in the promo for Fall!
A few items are being released with Visee’s Fall Collection but of course the item that really jumps up at me is the new Glam Hunt Eye Palettes. Visee makes a great eye palette as you may have guessed from my previous raves. These are a revamp from the last few releases and the colors are very suitable for the cooler weather that will be upon is soon!
The palettes come in five styles and include five shades of shadow plus a brush for application. I see at least three color combos I want but I may just indulge in all five.
Each palette is 1890 yen but it’ll probably be a bit cheaper due to various drugstore discounts in Japan.
Expect a review on these shortly!
Want ‘em?
Love Visee?
Tell the Muse!
Get your Visee on with some past posts!
Visee Spring Collection 2008 Review
Visee Aqua Shining Eyes Review
What’s up with Kodi Kumi? Find out here!
MuseTV Presents: A Spotlight on Visee Cosmetics
By the Muse on July 16, 2008
While most Japanese brands are busy releasing and selling Fall Collections, Canmake’s released a late Summer Collection entitled Sunset Beauty. I recently reviewed Canmake’s Spring Collection and wasn’t too pleased with the eye quads I had purchased so I think I’ll be steering clear of this collection.
Canmake has taken a note from Lavshuca and has yet again revamped it’s eye shadow packaging. They are taking the quad business very seriously lately and have released three new multitasking eye shadow palettes with the collection entitled Color Stripe Palette. I was delighted to see that the applicator is a dual end which has a brush on one side and a sponge applicator on the other side. Hey, sue me, I get excited about the little stuff in life! The palettes do sport a bronze look to them but you can easily take these looks well into the Fall season with you. As you may have noticed I mentioned these were multitasking that’s because you can use each quad as an eyeshadow, highlighter, and blusher.
Although I won’t be indulging in these palettes since I was burned with the Spring Collection my eye did roam over to the new Pop n’ Jelly Gloss shades. I generally like Canmake’s glosses plus the price is nice as well!
I know many of you have expressed a keen disdain for Canmake but I normally like many of the items in the catalog as the price is really nice and the quality isn’t too bad. I could see myself indulging in the glosses but I think the quads are a no go!
The Color Stripe Palettes are 880 yen each and the glosses are 540 yen.
Want the collection?
Love it?
Not much of a Canmake fan?
Tell the Muse!
Check out my review of the Canmake Spring Collection by clicking here featuring the Four Shiny Eye Palettes!
By the Muse on July 15, 2008
Although I’ve bid Bourjois Paris a farewell recently when it went on sale at Sephora it doesn’t keep me from bringing good news of new releases from the line!
Bourjois has released a new eye shadow in several countries outside the US called Ombre Stretch. Unlike it’s traditional baked eye shadows this appears to be a shimmering shadow in a more traditional compact size!
Very cute in my humble opinion!
I’m doubting these will make it to our shores but expect a review from the Muse shortly anyway as I’m definately lemming these!
Love ‘em?
Want some for yourself?
Scored any Bourjois Paris sales at your local Sephora?
Tell the Muse!
Click here to discover the Bourjois Paris eye shadows that made it onto my Ghosts of Christmas Past Collection post!
Click here to see my review of Bourjois Paris Eau de Gloss!
Click here to find out why Bourjois Paris Volume Clubbing Mascara is on my “DO NOT WANT” list!
Click here to discovery Bourjois Paris Minis for those that seek a beauty budget finds!
By the Muse on July 14, 2008
I’m not sure if I should be relieved or disappointed that most of the Japanese Fall Collections are turning out to be a snore this year.
One collection in particular that’s a devastating disappointment is Lavshuca’s Fall Collection. Yet again Lavshuca decided to revamp it’s eye shadow palettes with an array of rather boring shades. I thought I had all I could take with the Lavshuca Noble On palettes released for Spring but now I have another weak assemble of strange duo shadow palettes to contend with.
I feel like Lavshuca is trying just a little too hard lately. The original palettes released were such a gorgeous array of shimmering shades that just worked but lately each new design and color releases seem to be rushed with little thought. The only redeeming collection from Lavshuca in a while now would be the Summer palettes which I will be reviewing shortly.
These shades just look strange to my eye and I’m debating with myself fiercely whether I should be indulging or not. Sometimes cosmetics remind me of a great author. I’m a big reader and I love many fine authors. I find myself buying a new book release from an author that I know has long since lost it in the hopes of gathering that special feeling I felt the first time I read a book by that writer. And so it goes for cosmetics as well! For the sake of collecting I find myself picking up various pieces from collections even though I know they won’t be as great as they were the first time I was lured in by their brilliance.
Evolution of the Lavshuca Palette
Original Lavshuca Palette
Newer Palette Design
Newest Palette Design
In this case I’m wondering if I’ve learned my lessons when I purchased all the Lavshuca Noble On palette releases!
These could very well turn out to be amazingly good but for once I think I’ll sit back and wait for a review prior to being the “first kid on the block” to purchase them!
I’ll keep hope alive that the Lavshuca Winter/Holiday releases hold a special magic that the Fall releases have failed to give me!
Want these?
Hopeful they’ll be great?
Skipping completely?
What are your favorite Lavshuca items?
Tell the Muse!
Click here to view my review on the Lavshuca Spring 2008 Collection featuring the Noble On palettes!
Get a sneak peek of the Lavshuca Summer 2008 palettes that I’ll be reviewing soon!
Check out the Lavshuca Winter Make palettes from the Holiday Collection!
Kick back and watch some MuseTV with a Spotlight on Lavshuca Cosmetics!
By the Muse on July 14, 2008
BoBoDave has a few steals and deals on Coffret D’Or’s original release collection. The prices are about $3-$4 higher than what you’d pay in drugstores but still much better in comparison to some sites that charge $10 or more on top of retail.
In particular the 3D Lightening Shine Eyes caught my eye for the reasonable price. Of course this doesn’t include shipping but still not a bad deal at all either considering that Ichibankao charges $44 USD per a palette!
3D Lightening Shine Eyes HK $180
This is a private sale available via e-mail only however you got your dear old Muse here to share it with you!
In order to take advantage of these sales you simply have to e-mail a list of the items you’d like to the following address order@bobodave.com.
After that they will invoice you for your purchases and after payment they will ship. I’ve ordered from BoBodave about 5-6 times or more and always had a good experience with the customer service and fast shipping times however I have read many poor reviews as well but I’ve personally never experienced any problems with them!
Other items on sale:
Coffret D’Or Foundation HK $200
Coffret D’Or Full Styling Rouge HK $176
I don’t have any reviews on Coffret D’Or sadly as I am still in mourning over my beloved T’estimo so I haven’t really delved into the delightful world of Coffret D’Or quite yet. However, do click around below to find out why I’m missing T’estimo so much!
Happy Shopping!
Click here to see why I was raving about the T’estimo Fall Collection for 2007!
Read more ravings about the T’estimo Spring Collection for 2007!
Click here to read a brief introduction to Japanese Cosmetics featuring T’estimo!
Read why I love T’estimo’s Pure Layer Loose Powder Blush!
By the Muse on July 8, 2008
Laura, my little shopping angel, from across the pond has done the Muse a big service yet again and sent me over some Bourjois Paris 10 Hour Sleep Effect Foundation.
Thanks Laura the Muse hearts you! I’ve come to one of two conclusions. Laura either owns her own private jet or she has wings. She mailed the package on June 19th and it was in my mailbox less than 4 days later! Damn that’s some seriously quick airmail!
Gorgeous cards from Laura are happily littering my desk and fridge! *Mwah* Thanks Laura!
Anyway!
Since Bourjois Paris refuses to gift our lowly country with good cosmetics I must depend on the help of beautiful English people to get me what I need. Like Hi-Tech Rouge, 10 Hour Sleep Effect has not yet hit our shores. For shame! And the way things are going I fear they never will……….
Honestly, I can’t recall a time when Bourjois Paris had ever had a liquid foundation available here have you? Maybe I have to think back really far hmmmm…..Well maybe as they do have the Matt Lovely Foundation but aside from that….Nope can’t think of anything else!
10 Hour Sleep Effect is one of two liquid foundations Bourjois Paris has available within the UK at the moment the other one being Reboosting Collagen Foundation. Both make mighty claims of evening out our dull, uneven skin tone, covering dark circles with a single stroke, and making us look flawless and gorgeous.
Well the fact of the matter is they can claim all this and more but until I try it I won’t believe it.
Which is where Laura comes into play. She was kind enough to head on down to her local Boots and pick me up the Bourjois Paris 10 Hour Sleep Effect Foundation although the Reboosting Collagen Foundation seemed interesting enough the appeal of 10 hours of sleep in a simple pump sounded much more desirable plus I’m not yet sporting any fine lines on my face so it seemed like the more logical choice of the two.
It’s a very fluffy, soft, light foundation that gives excellent coverage while evening out skin tone and giving your face a beautiful flawless finish.
Can you believe it?
It’s true!
Did that sound too much like a commercial? Oops sorry!
It’s actually a very flattering and interesting foundation. Although the color is a strange light peach shade it actually does blends smoothly in and gives a wake up call to your skin! I was shocked how well it worked on my medium-fair skin!
I got the lightest shade available but it does come in a variety of colors to suit most skin types. Although the peachy look of the foundation had me wondering how well it would work on my skin tone turns out I had naught to worry about because it does wonderfully well at providing decent coverage while waking up my dull skin.
My skin normally goes dull in the Summer months due to a variety of reasons including the sun, weather, etc…..I’m always seeking a lighter foundation in during the warm weather and this is perfect. The formula is very light yet moisturizing enough for the dry spots on my face. It has a lovely, light fragrance and it comes in a wonderful little pump bottle which gives just the right amount of product when pressed!
I think it’s safe to say this could be called a bit of a Budget Beauty find as it’s under $20 USD or so. I don’t think you can get a cheaper foundation that actually works well for a better price.
I wouldn’t recommend this if you’re seeking a heavy, pigmented foundation as it’s more of a sheer, buildable coverage that gives skin a glowy look while creating a smooth, flawless foundation for your makeup.
Another words if you have major flaws to cover this probably won’t be something you want to shell out for! However, if you do like a light coverage that’s both moisturizing and offers light to medium coverage this is definately worth your time.
I’m slapping a hearty Muse Approval on it because I’m loving it at the moment! I like the finish of my face after use, I like how long wearing it is, I’m loving how it wakes up my dull skin and gives me a just scrubbed my face look, and I love the nice, inexpensive price tag!
The Muse says it’s worth having a look at!
Have it already?
Love it?
Want to try it?
Tell me!
Discover more light Summer coverage by clicking through some of my past reviews!
Click here to discover why I love Too Faced Magic Wand Illuminating Foundation!
Discover the healthy, flawless finish I achieved using Peter Thomas Roth’s Un-Wrinkle Foundation Powder!
Want more Bourjois Paris?
Click here to read my recent review of Bourjois Paris Rouge Hi-Tech Lip Stain!
Read about the Bourjois Paris Fall Release from last year by clicking through my Fall Roundup post!
By the Muse on July 8, 2008
I hit some major sales at Sephora yesterday on the way home from work. Although I’m not a big lover of
Napoleon Perdis I couldn’t resist the prices on some of the stuff so I ended up hauling items I wouldn’t normally go after. Expect either some ranting or raving reviews on the Napoleon Perdis line shortly!
I did get some Eye Patrol eye shadows which I fell in love with a while back ago! At $10 USD each these were a steal!
I also got some Bourjois Paris which are being phased out of the Sephora line up and are currently drastically reduced in price.
I’ll be showing you more of the items I scored in my next few posts so be on the look out!
Head on over to your local Sephora now to haul some Bourjois Paris, Napoleon Perdis, and a few other selected items are on sale!
Have you hit any Sephora sales lately?
Whatcha get?
Share with the Muse!
Feed your greed for cosmetics by checking out some past haul posts!
Click here to view my Beauty on a Budget Week haulage!
Check out my Fall Haul of Japanese goodies from last year!
Click here to see a few Japanese skincare items and cosmetics I had hauled from Bobodave!
Check out my Kawaii haul of storage by clicking here!
By the Muse on July 7, 2008
Grasenbon has introduced a new Pore Cover Veil that sports an SPF of 25 as part of it’s late Summer releases. Although I do not have large pores I am very interested in this as a pre-foundation prep plus the benefits of such a high SPF sound wonderful.
The formula contains light reflecting pigments to give the illusion of smaller pores. The veil is perfect for use as a prep or on it’s own!
I think I’ll be purchasing this for a test run!
Want it?
Love Grasenbon?
Which product do you use to prep your skin?
Tell the Muse!
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