Drugstore Brands
Ahhh eye shadow. Bless be the woman who created eye shadow! The Muse has plenty of shades she loves.
Find out 10 she possibly couldn’t live without by clicking below!
Urban Decay Eye Shadow in Maui Wowie and Midnight Cowboy, these are golden, they shimmer, they contain heaps and heaps of sparkle, and I love ‘em. Can’t do without, no way, no how.
MAC LoveStone long since gone but big enough to last me into my next life! Swirling shades of beautiful maroon, red, hints of shimmering orange and gold…you get the point? Love!
I’ve done an ode to
MAC FireSpot prior to this but it’s worth speaking of my great love again. Bright pigmented fiery orange, indeed it’s love!
Milani Runway Eyes in Beach Sand is full of shimmery gold, I see a trend developing. Best shadow that Milani carries, hands down. It’s Summer right? So sportin’ this all through those long, hot days!
ALL of the
Bobbi Brown Sparkle Eye Shadows are to die for but the soft pink allure and shimmer of Ballet holds the Muse’s heart.
I remember my rave about
Napoleon Eye Patrol in Private Angel when my blog was still new, not alot has changed in regards to my feelings for this shadow. Again, another shimmering shade of gold and oh so pretty!
I’ve been known to get excited about Vincent Longo Wet Diamond Eye Shadow. Verite is my fav shade from the collection, believe me I have ‘em all! Deepest army green around with plenty of sparkle.
B Never Too Busy To Be Beautiful in Burke is always my fav eye shadow wash. Shimmering white makes the perfect prep for my bolder shadow shades!
Mattese N.Y.C. Shadow Dust in Queen is not only cheap as day old chips but gorgeous. The deepest shade of turquoise this Muse has ever had the pleasure of owning!
Those are my 10 Eye Shadows I can’t leave without! What are some of yours?
Tell ‘em!
Hey girls!
Just repimpin’ my contest with N.Y.C. New York Color Cosmetics again! It’s getting close to ending on June 5th so if you haven’t already entered do click on over and enter to win!
Visit www.newyorkcolor.com/contests/muse for your chance to win!
We should all be worried about sun protection as the Summer approaches and the sun becomes stronger. Honestly, you should be worried about it 365 days of the year and obsess over it as much as the Muse does. Not only because you want to keep your skin looking beautiful but also because the harmful rays of the sun has the potential to cause some major havoc.
A kindly reader asked about inexpensive SPF and where she could get something that wouldn’t break her beauty budget bank. If you’re looking for an inexpensive, effective SPF for your face do check out Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sun Block SPF 85+.
Jump it for the review!
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sun Block SPF 85+ manages to bundle together everything I want in an SPF into a cheap, inexpensive package. I’m reviewing this SPF as a facial SPF only, I’ll be doing a follow up post on SPF’s I use on my body sometime soon but today I am focusing on my face. My reader did state she was seeking something light with a high SPF for her face and I couldn’t think of a better SPF than this Neutrogena one as I’ve been using it a while now and really like it.
It deserves to be mentioned that I really love Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Cream SPF 55 but it’s $34 USD for 2 oz. Since I use SPF so often and I run out fairly quickly I was searching for something that could offer me the benefits of good sun protection with a cheap price check.
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sun Block has a high level of sun protection and offers protection from UVA and UVB rays. The formula is not greasy in the least thus it’s name “dry-touch”. It doesn’t sink in or absorb as quickly as I would like but I can’t deny that the formula is extremely good since it’s not greasy or oily on my skin and feels quite matte and nice. I can forsake a quick absorbing formula if it means the SPF won’t be oily and gross on my face as many SPF’s are. As you know by now my skin is dry but thankfully it doesn’t mind the dry feeling of this lotion. It has a nice floral scent (nothing overwhelming, don’t worry!) which adds to it’s appeal in my opinion.
Considering how widely available Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sun Block SPF 85+ plus it’s inexpensive price tag I think it makes an ideal facial SPF for use everyday. This retails for $9.99 USD or less in drugstores.
If you’re looking for something cheap and effective I highly suggest snagging one! Muse Approval for purchase.
Hey chicas!
Are you a fan of New York Color? You know, that really cheap, budget friendly brand that you can find at your local drugstore.
The Muse is always on the look out for ways to cheap it up lately and N.Y.C. New York Color Cosmetics has quite a few items that are inexpensive and are pretty decent beauty finds!
If you’re a fan of the line jump ahead for a funky contest!
250 readers will each win 2 coupons worth $5 each for N.Y.C. New York Color Products good at participating retail stores by clicking here! The contest is running until June 5th so get over there and enter! Dude, that’s $10 bucks and you can so get an arsenal of makeup from N.Y.C. with that! For serious! The prices are super cheaps!
Good Luck!
If you win the Muse recommends checking out some of the N.Y.C. New York Color Pink Persuasion Collection. I brought the Mosaic Face Powder and gloss! Pretty nice for the price.
Chat with me!
What’s your fav bits from New York Color?
Anything I should be trying?
Loves it?
Leaves it?
Tell me!
Max Factor 2000 Calorie EXtreme Lash Plumper has a little yellow ticker on the front of the box that reads, “CAUTION: Causes Extreme Lash Plumping”. The Muse thinks it should read, “CAUTION: Extremely large applicator inside!” Holy jebus! These size of the applicator is like a club! You can kill somebody with this thing. It’s about twice the size of a normal wand and the applicator head is double the size too…sheesh who does Max Factor think is going to use this? A baby elephant?
Jump ahead for the deets on this brand new mascara from Max Factor!
Please if you’re clumsy with mascara do avoid this. I can just picture someone who isn’t too mascara suavy poking their eye out with this thing, hey it could happen.
The mascara promises fatter, thicker, more dramatic lashes. It performs well enough with lashes and creates a fuller lash look however it’s large brush applicator is terribly clumsy. Without careful application you could end up with a clumpy mess of mascara instead of longer lashes. I’m unsure what they were thinking when they created this as the applicator brush and just the handle is about three times the normal size of a regular mascara wand. It’s amazingly chunky and difficult to grasp and makes application a little tricky.
The finished results are nice but it isn’t anything I got too excited about in all honestly. I get fatter lashes but as far as length goes I don’t see too much of a difference, nothing dramatic that’s for sure.
Honestly, I’d probably not buy again if I ran out as there are much better options to choose from. The applicator is definitely a deal breaker for me but the formula and results were lacking as well.
No likey!
The Muse thinks you can safely skip it.
Tried it?
Love it?
Leave it?
Tell the Muse!
As Summer quickly approaches you may be on the look out for a beauty steal and deal here and there! A little cosmetic treasure that won’t break your piggie bank too much. Check out some cool buys for $10 bucks and under to add to your Summer time beauty regime!
Check outL.A. Girl Illuminating Blush in Just Pinched for a flush of pink to your cheeks. This nifty blush comes in a dual compartment compact with blush on top and applicator on the bottom plus a full size mirror for quick on the go touch ups. Best part of all? It’ll only set you back $6 bucks!
Score glossy, shiny lips with a trio of
Neutrogena MoistureShine Gloss Set for under $10 bucks! Likey!
A kiss of blush and a hint of bronze,
Sonia Kashuk Crème Bronzer/ Blush Duo in Golden Crème gives you both for $8.99!
Treat lips so they are moist and shiny with the Muse’s personal favorites,
Smith’s Rosebud Salve and
Smith’s Strawberry Lipbalm. Only $5.59 each so even if you indulge in both you’re still keeping it at almost $10 bucks!
Did you know
Girlactik Star Blush used to be sold at Sephora for more than the $3 bucks you can nab it for now? Check out shades Capri and Bora Bora for a slick way to amp up your Summer color wardrobe! Hey, get three and you’re still at your $10 threshold.
Pretty much a great dupe for MAC Tender Tones,
L’Oreal HIP Jelly Balm are around, available, and under $10 bucks (unlike Tender Tones which are long since gone!)
It always amuses the Muse that there are indeed items from E.L.F. that cost more than a buck!
E.L.F. Mineral Eye Shadows are $3 bucks and pack a nice hint of shimmer for a nice Summer eye look. Honest, the Muse has seen them up close and personal, not too bad a deal for these babies. Try out Celebrity or the new shade Golden.
Snag a two pack of
Softlips with SPF 20 to keep your lips protected while you’re lazing poolside.
Get your glow on for $4 bucks with
Bonnie Bell Blend N Glow Natural Blush!
Metallic strips of gold, bronze, and green are sure to keep your eyes looking fierce this Summer with
Milani Runway Eyes Palette.
Not the biggest fan of Sephora makeup but not denying that the shimmering array of
Sephora Colorful Strass Mono Eyeshadow for $10 bucks each is a killer deal. Try out #3 and #5 for that Sunset Eye Look you’ve been wanting to test drive.
NYX Cream Blush is a great one for the pool as it won’t easily rub off as a powder would plus sets you back $7 bucks…what’s not to love?
The Muse has a thing for mineral blushes especially ones that are $5 bucks, contain an SPF 15, and come in shades called Glistening Coral!
Splash Mineral Blush has it going on.
Check out some of the above cosmetic goodies to keep your Summer budget on the low down. Your wallet will thank you I’m sure!
The Muse today you about NYX’s Anniversary Sale a
several days ago. Well, today is the big day!
50% Off everything at NYX starting at 10AM PST and ending on May 5th so get your credit cards out and start making your list. Coupon code is NYX50
I’m trying to make out a list as I don’t have a ton of NYX and just thought I’d dabble a bit.
Tell me what I should be hauling!
Speak to me!
Go make your list.
The Muse likes a good challenge and what better way to challenge one self than with beauty? Right? Right.
As Summer approaches the Muse pictures all her beauty junkies scrambling around for that perfect pop of sizzling color that will make one’s makeup Summer ready. In my quest for the perfect shades for Summer I came across the brand new L’Oreal Bronze Gone Brazen Collection.
You know your Muse she’s not much for cheap drugstore cosmetics but she was up for a challenge when she seen this new collection. Gathering up three of the items released with the L’Oreal Bronze Gone Brazen Collection the Muse set out to do a cheap beauty look that would hopefully get her by this Summer. She was prepared for the worst….
And she got, surprisingly, the best…
The beauty challenge consists of just the basics which would be point makeup only. Base makeup items are left out of this challenge simply because a majority of us already have our base items handy and no reason to bring them into the challenge. The point makeup items are focused on lips, eyes, and cheeks. During the challenge you’ll also be privy to my review of L’Oreal Glam Bronze Radian Bronzing Duo, L’Oreal Colour Rich Lipgloss, and L’Oreal Wear Infinite Eyeshadow Quad.
The Muse slapped together one of her favorite Summer bronze looks for this season which included Urban Decay Baked Eyeshadow, MAC Lipglass in Pink Grapefruit, and Dior Bronze Harmonie de Blush. The look brings together everything I love about Summer makeup. Fresh peachy cheeks with a tiny hint of bronze, sizzling lips, and gorgeous shimmering lids. The look set me back $72 USD which is without tax. Quite costly. The Muse is never afraid of gorgeous, posh makeup but $72 USD in this economy could make a person wince.
Setting out to make an equally fabulous bronze look for Summer the Muse hauled off to the drugstore which is where she discovered the brand new Summer Collection for L’Oreal entitled Bronze Gone Brazen. Although not identical to items used in my Posh Bronze Look, the look I did achieve was just as pretty plus very practical price wise. Since L’Oreal was buy one, get one 50% off I saved a little bit of cash on items I purchased. My total look cost me $24 USD and some change. That includes tax as well so obviously a considerably better deal than $72 USD. I imagine if I headed to Walmart I’d have gotten a much better deal but honestly $24 bucks not bad all in all.
For my cheeks:
I started my look by sweeping L’oreal Glam Bronze Radiant Bronzing Duo across my cheeks and forehead. The bronzer consists of a beigey bronze and a darker brown bronze. The colors aren’t particularly flattering so the Muse cheated a little bit by using a tiny bit of Lipstick Queen Oxymoron Matte Gloss on her cheeks. I always find that stain under muddy bronzers makes it much more wearable and pretty. The duo was quite silky and blended easily but I wasn’t particularly loving that it was matte. Although I do so admit that it’s a good deal if you don’t mind matte bronzers.
For my eyes:
To get bit of a sizzling look to my eyes I used the L’Oreal Wear Infinite Eyeshadow Quad. This is a good, solid deal as it contains four shimmering shades that are very flattering for Summer wear. The shades have just the right amount of metallic shimmer, are quite pigmented, blend easily, and create a very nice look combined or worn alone. This is my first experience with a L’Oreal quad and it was quite a enlightening one as I was shocked how good the palette was. Shades included are a pale beige cream, a metallic bronze, a shimmering copper, and a darker almost matte satin brown. For my look I used the metallic bronze on my lid, contrasted my crease with the copper, and used the creamy beige as a highbrow highlighter. I could have added further contrast by using the deeper brown in the v of my eye but I wanted the look to be more of a heated Summer look and adding the brown would have washed it out a fair bit.
For my lips:
To complete my look I used L’Oreal Colour Rich Lipgloss in Safari Sunset on my lips. This shade is limited edition so best get it while the getting is good. Loved the formula. It’s not incredibly long wearing but I liked how pigmented it was, gave a hint of shine, and wasn’t sticky or tacky on my lips. It’s a shimmery copper that’s very flattering and pretty on my lips. The gloss is almost like a lip cream but a far thinner consistency.
Completed Cheap Beauty Challenge Look:
Obviously L’Oreal Bronze Gone Brazen Collection made it easy to cheap up my Summer beauty regime. I think the shadow quad and lipgloss are well worth indulging in. As for the bronzer I’m unsure if I love it simply because I’m not much of a bronzer fan but it appears to be quite a good one as far as blending goes, pigmentation, and texture.
If you’re looking to cheap up your Summer look check the collection out. Def a great cheap beauty challenge that turned out rather well!
What do you think?
Loves the completed look?
Leaves it?
Prefer to go posh bronze or cheap bronze?
Tell the Muse!
I know, I know you didn’t believe the Muse when she said Diane Keaton had a collection out from L’Oreal. Even after seeing the proof of a primer from the collection, still you had your doubts.
After many an email asking the Muse, “Please Muse, for the love of god and all good things beauty show us more from this collection!” Here is in fact, proof that the L’Oreal Beauty Confidential Inspired by Diane Keaton Collection is real!
Why I’d spend over $14 USD for a drugstore finishing powder is seriously beyond me. My head is ready to explode thinking about it.
The Muse tries, she tries oh so hard.
Almay Pure Blends sounded like something the Muse needed to add to her line up of items to be reviewed. With cries of “please Muse more vegan friendly makeup…please more organic makeup reviews…”, the Muse was feeling rather pressured to embrace her green side. With the promise of a formula that 98.2% Natural, here in laid the perfect item to bring to my green friendly makeup users.
Um not so much.
The Muse is never shy to admit that she’s as shallow as they come and when cosmetic packaging is cute she can be swayed to buy it for that sole reason alone. Almay Pure Blends Loose Finishing Powder definitely has cute on it’s side. Housed in a sturdy pink and white box with a flip top lid the Muse was feeling the cuteness and mess free application. Likey! Aside from it’s cute packaging Almay Pure Blends Loose Finishing Powder doesn’t have a whole lot going for it.
I’m all about the shimmer so I got the shimmer finish on this powder. It’s supposed to be a translucent finish with a hint of shimmer but there is definitely color to the product which isn’t a bad thing, I don’t mind in the least however if you’re darker tone this could present a problem as you’ll look a bit chalky when it’s in place. The main problem for me with the powder is the fact that it really settles onto my face in a bad way. Yes, I do have dry skin at the moment but the powder shouldn’t lay on my face in such a strange way. It makes my skin quite flaky and dry looking, granted as I said my skin is already dry but it still shouldn’t settle this way. The powder is quite course and not exactly as silky as many of my other powders. The Muse loves shimmer but this powder is laden with it. I wouldn’t mind the shimmer so much if it wasn’t for the strange way the powder just lays on the skin. It gives me a bit of the disco ball effect which isn’t always a good thing.
As many raves as I had about the packaging and the mess free flip top lid I can’t help but feel it also hinders the use of the powder and makes it difficult to apply. As mentioned above the powder comes housed in a large box, once opened it has a flip top lid with sifter and a soft sponge for application. Although the flip top makes the product quite mess free it also makes for difficult application. I’m basically left tipping the powder upside down to shake some of the powder onto the puff since the sifter/opening isn’t large enough to fit the puff over it. I’m not sure why this annoys me but it does.
Honestly, at nearly $16 USD I’d go to MAC and buy some finishing powder because this is def not worth your cash. No likey. Cute packaging, nice green friendly concept, but the formula is just not so fabulous.
No go for this Muse. Skip it. If you’re simply too curious I’ve added my gently used Almay Pure Blends Loose Finishing Powder to my sale page.
Anyone try Almay Pure Blends yet?
Loving the line?
Do share!
If you were wondering where Diane Keaton’s been the Muse is here to save the day and tell you what’s she’s been up to. What? I sometimes lay awake at night and think, “Gee, I wonder what Diane’s up to!”
Technically she’s been up to making primer for L’Oreal…I think? Actually she’s been up to alot with L’Oreal. She has her own L’Oreal Beauty Confidential Inspired by Diane Keaton Collection….I dunno I guess L’Oreal was inspired by Diane….who knows I’m not making this stuff, it’s all really true!
L’Oreal Beauty Confidential Inspired by Diane Keaton is an entire collection of cosmetics that I guess L’Oreal wants to appeal to a more mature audience. I’d have personally picked the collection inspired by Ru-Paul but hey props to Di for getting her own cosmetic line although you can color me jealous! I’m still waiting for the MAC Inspired by the Muse Collection, shrug, hasn’t happened yet damnit. Although nothing reached out at me much I was somewhat amazed, fascinated, and generally shocked to discover a primer in with the palettes and lipstick. A drugstore primer? Unheard of! Say word! Can it be so? And shaped so slickly like…might I say….Smashbox Photo Finish….Diane you cheeky little devil!
Indeed, this little guy is quite similar to Photo Finish but actually probably in the Muse’s humblest little opinion has a better formula and texture than Photo Finish. I don’t like Photo Finish. It pills, it causes me to break out, and it’s an uncomfortable primer if ever I did see one. L’Oreal Beauty Confidential Inspired by Diane Keaton is considerably better in formula and texture. It’s very much a silicon based primer but it feels smoother on my skin, it absorbs easier, and it doesn’t break me out nor does it pill. I don’t feel like I have a mask on and it makes my skin nice and smooth, likey!
Now…
What it should do.
It should fill pores, fine lines, etc….it should make foundation last longer, remain fresher, and make skin even and flawless.
What it actually does.
Ok, no pore problem here and no fine lines so I can’t speak for either of those. Foundation doesn’t really last longer but remains fresher if that makes sense. It allows my foundation to not only apply flawlessly but it also lets it breath and keeps it from oxidizing on my face so it remains fresher on. I’d say within an hour or two my foundation completely oxidizes to the point it actually morphs into an entire new color. I’ve tried plenty of different ways to prevent this from happening and have succeeded a fair bit but a majority of the time nothing helps much. Now L’Oreal Beauty Confidential Inspired by Diane Keaton Smoothing Face Primer probably doesn’t keep my foundation completely fresh but it does fairly well at the job, not bad for a drugstore find.
I do think it’s impressive to see such a product available in a drugstore as it’s not your typical drugstore fare. Honestly, how many silicon primer do you know of at your local drugstore (within the US, don’t bring Asia into this and cheat!). It does carry a tiny bit of a hefty price tag at $14.99 USD but I do think it was well worth it as the quality is definitely there.
I think the product is particularly good for anyone with large pores, anyone who likes primers in general, and anyone who wants their makeup to remain a bit fresher for a little while longer. I’m not going to say it did anything major in the way of making my makeup last all day because it didn’t but it did allow for a more seamless, flawless look to my foundation and it also kept my foundation fresh. I don’t rave about primers much so take my review as a very calm way of saying that this was quite good. I imagine if it was eyeshadow or blush I’d be bouncing off the wall but it is primer which in the Muse’s world isn’t much to get excited about. That being said I highly recommend snagging a bottle or two as I don’t know if it’s LE or not and I think it’s worth picking up as it is, as I said, very good quality for a drugstore purchase. The price I’m not keen on as it seems a tiny bit high but the size is quite nice so it should last a while. I do see myself purchasing again if I run out. I’m Muse Approving it for purchase since I liked it quite alot.
Overall, I’m loving that L’Oreal is introducing something so “techy” to the drugstore cosmetic world. Yes, it’s standard to purchase any number of primers at your fav posh counter or cosmetic store but how many can you find at your local drugstore? Good work L’Oreal…now about that Muse inspired collection…….
Anyone tried Miss Keaton’s Collection?
Loves it?
Tell the Muse!
Ahh…also appears this collection is VERY hard to find. FYI I found it at Walgreens but didn’t see it anywhere else as of yet nor is it on the L’Oreal website.
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