High-End Brands
By the Muse on July 18, 2008
Grrr I’m so peeved with myself! Last night as soon as I got off work I picked up my best mate Jai and we took our fabulous selves off to Nordies to get the low down on the Nordstrom Exclusive MAC Colour Forms Collection (plus see the other exclusive bits and bobs)!
When we got there we headed to the MAC counter first and I was told that the pressed powder was sold out! UGH! I was so disappointed as this was the item I was the most excited about! My MA told me virtually everything was gone aside from two or so each of the new pigment shades, a few palettes, three shades of the highlighters (the rest were gone, gone, gone!) and the brush sets. Can you believe it? Who knew it would go this quickly!!!!!!!
I normally pre-book everything in advance but since I’m always seen these exclusives pop up at my local CCO a few months later at killer deals I was playing it safe by waiting until the date of release but sadly I got turned out in the cold! Can you believe it? The Muse missing out on MAC! Don’t they know who I am?
It’s not all bad as I can get it online but still! Damnit!
On top of that horror story I thought that the new green pigment was a re-promote of “Golders Green” so I skipped it…I got home and realized it’s called Glided Green! Someone shoot me please?
So the Muse is only bringing you part of my haul and the rest will come next week after my order ships from Nordies website!
Jai ended up with zero which is very unlike him as he’s like me and collects all the palettes. He was either suffering from some unknown disease last night or he just wasn’t too thrilled with MAC Color Forms. I can’t blame him too much as it really wasn’t too much to get excited about.
Do not get me wrong. There are some sincerely beautiful things in this collection but I just felt a little tiny bit meh about it. I ended up hauling one palette (very unlike me), one lipstick, and three piggies! $126 USD later I left swinging my bag and humming a happy tune!
Again, very unlike me but I only picked up one of the two palettes. I’d normally grab both but the Cool Eye palette was just blah. Not great colors at all! However, the Warm Eye palette was simply divine and well worth grabbing. It’s a perfect selection of great Fall colors plus it’s a design I haven’t personally seen from MAC before so that alone makes it unique!
The compact design is pretty much identical to last year’s Novel Twist. It’s a solid rectangle box with a flip lid, magnetic closure, and fabric cover. Aside from it’s bright green material cover it’s virtually the same exact compact style as last year’s design. Unlike last year’s five shadow line up this is a tiny bit different. Yes, it does contain five shadow shades but instead of a straight line placement they now have three shadows facing the standard upwards position and two shades that are laying on the side.
It’s an interesting set up for the palette and as I said I’ve never seen MAC do a palette like this. They choose to make the two shadows on the left hand side bigger sizes or at least they look bigger to me. The two lightest shades that you’d use as a base and highlighter are the shades that they give you more of (or it appears to be more but it could be just the set up!).
The color selection is pretty much a very nice array of Fall colors. Granted it’s probably very similar to past MAC palettes but I really like it anyway. I might be bias because I just enjoy MAC palettes but this seems really pretty to me.
MAC Colour Forms Warm Eye Palette versus Novel Twist Warm Eye Palette
Colors included are:
Chillproof-Creamy white comparable MAC Eyeshadow in Mylar or Nyon
Tancentric- Pale Rose
Rolled Gold-Smoky Khaki Green
Rustic-Cranberryish Shade comparable to MAC Eyeshadow in Cranberry
Fertile-Matte Chocolate Brown
Personally I like the palette and I think it’s worth picking up! It has a nice healthy array of Fall colors plus if you’re a collector you’re going to want one!
The lipsticks released with MAC Colour Forms are unique and again, not something I have seen from MAC prior to this. They contain a lip color that surrounds a core pearl finished core. Let me tell you it looks really pretty but it does nothing. The color I selected was Rose Go Around and it’s a gorgeous maroon red while the inside houses a peachy, gold shimmering core. It’s lovely, truly it is but that core doesn’t really do much that I see? Once I apply I just get beautiful, pigmented off red lips. I’m not really noticing any gold shimmer to my lips….I’m not even noticing that the lipstick applies easier or has some sort of moisturizing benefits due to the new core. Nada. Very nice to look at and definately worth picking up as the shades available are very nice but don’t get it because you’re thinking that the core will give your lips a slick look. That’s not the case, it applies as any other MAC lipstick would.
And finally, something I think everyone always gets excited about, the piggies! It’s always very exciting when MAC does some new pigments. It’s not something they do often and I think it makes everyone very happy when they do release new shades! I had two of the shades already so I ended up with three total and a fourth that I thought I had as I mentioned but didn’t get. Damnit! Review for that one later.
Repromotes are Steel Blue and Jardin Aires. Steel Blue shouldn’t even be a repromote actually..I believe Pro sales it or at the very least MAC’s website carries it or stores. Unsure but it’s definately available around somewhere! Jardin Aires was released with a collection that the name escapes me at the moment but it’s a color you’ll definately want to grab up if you missed it the first time around. It’s a creamy beige, peachy shade!
Now new colors that have never been released prior to Colour Forms are Royal Flush, Tea Time, and Circa Plum. Get all three if you have the spare cash as they are very nice shades for Fall. They aren’t very Muse-like but they are very pretty especially Royal Flush which is kinda like a lighter shade of MAC Cranberry in pigment form! Cool!
Royal Flush-Cranberry Shade
Tea Time-Simply a light brown
Circa Plum-Plummy purple
I guess that’s pretty much it! All in all it’s a pretty nice selection of items from MAC. I’m not really jumping around doing cartwheels over it but I think it’s worth checking out for yourself because there are a few items in the collection that you might want to see, swatch, or buy! And as always I highly recommend the brush sets, these are such a killer deal and it works out to like $10 USD per a brush if you do indulge! Good one!
Head on into Nordstrom to check out MAC Colour Forms for yourself or click on over to Nordies site and see it for yourself!
Expect a review of the highlighter/blush powders and Glided Green pigment shortly!
Here’s a simple Face of the Day using MAC Colour Forms Warm Eye Palette. I used Chillproof as a highlighter, Tancentric all over the and creaase, Rustic on the crease and V, and finished off with Rolled Gold on the lower lash line. On my lips I’m wearing the MAC Color Forms Lipstick in Rose Go Around.
So tell me…….
What did you haul?
What did you stash? What did you trash?
Love MAC Color Forms?
Not for you?
Tell the Muse!
Get your MAC cravings filled by clicking through past posts!
Check out what I hauled from Nordstrom’s Exclusive MAC Collection Novel Twist from last year!
MAC Sonic Chic Review
MAC Neo Sci-Fi Review
MAC Dazzleglass Review
MAC Naughty Nauticals Review
MAC Dress Camp Review
Fafi for MAC Review
MAC C-Shock Review
By the Muse on July 15, 2008
I feel like Lancome has come a long way recently. All the really interesting collections they have released as of late have been very unique! I don’t believe anyone can say no to really great packaging, unique design, and awesome product all combined in one.
All of these elements are combined into a great Fall Collection that Lancome has entitled Maharani Jewels. A Mah?r?ja is a great king in Indian culture where as Maharani is it’s equivalent female version which is the title given to the wife of the king or in certain cases a female ruler. Maharani Jewels is a wonderful name to behold on such a royal and elegant collection of cosmetics.
Obviously from first site you will notice that many of the colors in the collection are truly Fall inspired. Shimmering golds and browns compliment the warmth we associate with Fall colors. I headed to my local counter to have a peek at the collection but sadly it’s not yet available for sale and the SA I spoke to was a tad bit clueless about the set which was rather disappointing! Dontcha just hate when SA’s are not very knowledgeable about what they are selling! Perfect example is when I called the MAC store last week and asked if they had gotten in the three new collections…I had to wait on the line for 5-6 minutes while the MA on the other end ummmmm’ed her way into mind boggling confusion and finally responded with, “umm no I don’t think we got any of those!”….oh boy.
I was able to get a chance to test drive the new Elephant Bronzer powder and this was the item I was really lemming badly so it’s all good! I will however probably be bringing you the eyeshadow palette as well once I can get my greedy paws on it at my local counter!
The Elephant Bronzing Powder is one of those items you want to tuck securely away in your beauty vault because you’ll never want to use it and only take it out to pet it and tell it how beautiful it is. It’s one of those unique purchases that just triggers your protective instinct! I’ve had this feeling with several beauty compacts I own. Either I’m a sad, diseased cosmetic junkie or this is a common thing that all women experience with awesome makeup!
The palette consists of three separate colors which all blend together to create a rather beautiful peach, gold, bronze shimmer on cheeks and face. The main color is a typical bronze shimmering tan shade while the other colors in the palette are a pale pink and a bright orange that make up parts of the elephant. You honestly can’t tell the difference in the shades once you sweep your brush over it. All three shades just combine and create a unique glowing look on your face. If you desire you can take the compact a step further and use the pink and orange as an eyeshadow.
I was relieved and happy to notice that the gorgeous elephant print is deeply embedded into the powder so it won’t wear off too quickly as you use the power! The detail on the print is really lovely and unique.
I’ve done a 180 on my view of bronze powders lately and instead of running from them screaming bloody murder I actually find myself seeking them out. Shocking right? Although you too may hate bronzing powders I do urge you to try out this one out as you’ll be quite delighted with the soft glow of shimmering color it gives to cheeks. The color just works well and I really like the natural, healthy, unique look it gives to my face.
I think it’s safe to say the color should work for most any skin tone even lighter shades which will sometimes appear muddy or dirty when using a bronzing powder. I’m a medium fair and I felt like it worked great for me and I’d recommend trying it out for a shade or two lighter than my own tone. And of course darker skin tones it goes without saying how beautifully brilliant it’ll look on!
Sporting Lancome’s Elephant Bronzer Powder:
I think it deserves to be mentioned that the idea of releasing a bronzing powder for a Fall Collection seems a tad bit absurd. We are after all heading into a cooler season and bronzing is the last thing we are thinking about. However, it’s a total win for Lancome in my humblest opinion as the color just rather suits the warmer tones we associate with Fall such as golds, browns, etc…..so really bronzing powder in the Fall works well especially when paired up with the Maharani eye shadow quad. The quad contains really beautiful, sultry shades of browns, golds, and peach all in shimmering finish. Or of course pair the bronzer up with your own stash of dark shades that you may already have in your collection!
Aside from the eye quad and the bronzing powder a few other items were released with this collection. Complimenting lip glosses and eyeliner pencils are all available to make up the perfect sultry, smoky look for the Fall!
And of course one item many people are excited about is the new La Base Pro Perfecting Makeup Primer. I’ve heard many an excited whisper about this new primer from Lancome and it’s made me curious enough to want it. Since the collection is currently up and available online I think I’ll be placing an order for both the primer and the eye quad shortly so expect reviews soon!
All in all a very promising collection from Lancome for the Fall! Definitely head in to your local counter towards the middle or end of this month to score some of these great items for yourself!
The Muse Approves it for purchase! Loves it!
Or buy it now at Lancome.com (Shipping is free this week)! See more of the Maharani Jewels Collection by clicking here!
Want any of this collection?
Love the bronzing powder?
Want the quad?
Dying for the primer?
What Fall Collections for 2008 have caught your eye?
Tell the Muse!
Check out my review of the Lancome’s Mystery Game Collection released last Fall!
By the Muse on July 15, 2008
It’s that special time of the year again kids!
Nordstrom Anniversary Sale!
Wahoo!
That means you can head into your local Nordies starting July 18th to nab yourself some seriously awesome, unique beauty finds!
Over 100 brands are participating this year including MAC, NARS, Juicy Couture, Dior, Bobbi Brown, Chanel, Philosophy, and many more!
These brands all offer up some Nordstrom Exclusive beauty finds that won’t be available elsewhere so it’s a perfect time to nab yourself a unique beauty find and some are even a Steal and a Deal!
Here’s some items that caught my eye that I might be indulging in this Thursday (you could have begun pre-booking these items as early as June 23rd but I normally like to wander into Nordies and see them for myself on the date of release!):
Bobbi Brown Cocoa Mauve Collection
A really fab collection of awesome Bobbi Brown finds can be found within the Cocoa Mauve Collection that is exclusive to Nordstrom. This kit is $65 USD and comes with a Travel Case, Long Wear Gel Eyeliner in Cocoa Mauve Ink, Creamy Lip Color in Berry Mauve, Metallic Eye Shadow in Iced Mauve, and Blush in Sand Pink.
The total cost is a considerable discount from what you’d pay by purchasing each item separately as Bobbi Brown is far from inexpensive!
As you can see below the model is sporting the entire look and looking very posh! I particularly like this collection as the look created is very similar to what you can get using the Bobbi Brown Mauve Face palette I recently review. At $55 USD it’s a bit pricey for the palette so this is rather a nice deal at $65 USD where you get quite a good deal more to do a complete look including a gel liner!
This one is on my wish list!
Dior has released a special limited edition palette for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale which is entitled Dior Gaucho. I’ve VERY tempted by this but I have so many Dior palettes in my beauty arsenal collecting dust it would be a shame to indulge my inner demon of need. However, I am tempted. The colors are simply yummie for the upcoming Fall and at $55 USD the price is not bad at all!
Dior Gaucho Palette
If you’re wanting the palette I’d highly recommend doing your ordering from Nordstrom as you can get a free deluxe sample of Dior Black Out Mascara with your $50 purchase!
Now here’s one we have all been waiting on! Nordstrom’s Exclusive MAC Collection entitled Color Forms! Don’t lie to your Muse and say you aren’t excited about this collection because I’ll call your bluff! Ok, ok maybe it’s not THAT exciting! I’m actually kinda sorta excited about it. I’m very interested in the eye palettes as they are a design we haven’t yet seen from MAC and I’m intrigued by the lipstick as well! And I do so admit that the piggies get me hyper enough to warrant the use of a paper bag to catch back my breath after have a mild case of hyperventilation. It’s definately unique and I’m positive I’ll score a few items from this release!
As always this is a great time to nab some killer deals on brushes! I’ve always raved about how fab the brush sets are and now is a good time as any to nab some fine brushes at 75% off the original prices. Yes, some people do rant that the mini size aren’t as great as the full size but the Muse says don’t listen! The smaller size is just as good as the full size plus it’ll only cost you about $10 USD per a brush in these kits! That’s a sweet steal and a deal in my opinion!
Spoiler:
The Muse says don’t feel too special when you pick up MAC Colour Forms for yourself. Although it’s advertised as a Nordstrom Exclusive it does make its way across the board and ends up in Singapore, Japan, and other locations outside of the US so definately don’t buy into the “exclusive” keyword with this collection.
I spy with my little eye a giant bottle of Philosophy Purity! My all time favorite size of Philosophy Purity is making it’s way to Nordstrom!
This little guy (I use the term little loosely) was only every available from QVC and sadly for the longest time it’s been MIA but now Nordstrom has gone and slapped an exclusive on it, jacked up the price by $10 USD or so dollars, and has made the Muse a happy Muse! I love this size. I go through gallons of this stuff anyway so why not grab the 32oz size! Hey, the economy isn’t doing so well right now why not indulge in a larger size cleanser right?
Philosophy Purity: The Massive Size
Wish list anyone?
Bare Escentuals never fails to make me gasp in absolute horror lately at it’s jacked up prices. But hey it’s the brand that I love to hate (price wise only of course). I love BE like I would a younger sibling, I like to talk down to it but that doesn’t mean I don’t care very deeply for it! Bare Escentuals In Fashion Nordstrom Exclusive is by far the most overpriced set I’ve seen to date from BE at $75 USD. I’m truly shocked. The price tag makes me cry out in pain however it doesn’t stop me from saying “ohhhhh look at the pretty colors” as drool drips from my mouth! The set looks quite breathtaking! This is an 8 piece set that includes Radiance All Over Face Color, Eye Shadow in Bahamas, Liner Shadow in Caviar, Blush in Escape, Lipcolor in Bavarian Cream, a Flawless Radiance Brush, Double Ended Precious Eye Brush, and a gorgeous clutch bag to store it all in!
Bare Escentuals In Fashion 8 Piece Set
Got $10 bucks? Nab a cool steal with the Evian Facial Water Spray Set! Get 1 Full Size Evian Facial Water Spray and a second mini travel size one for $10 USD!
Evian Facial Water Spray Set
The Muse likes the price! Definately on the wish list!
All in all I see some really great buys from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale and plenty of ways to get more for less! I’ll be indulging this Thursday when all of these items hit stores (do check with your counter as they may already be available)!
Click on over and have a look at items that I didn’t mention in my post available during the sale!
Are you shopping for Nordies Exlusives?
What are you hoarding, hauling, and stashing away?
Excited about MAC?
Loving the Bobbi Brown set?
Wanting something I didn’t mention here?
Tell the Muse!
By the Muse on July 14, 2008
Behold! Shu Uemura Brightening Cleansing Oil!
The power of Shu compels you! Or at least it compels me.
I want a cleansing oil that brightens my tired, dull skin! This brand new cleansing oil was developed to prepare skin for a radiant, translucent finish every time you use it! Holy cow I wants it now! Dullness and dark spots appear to vanish too! We all needs it now!
I’ve used whitening, brightening products before that haven’t totally worked however I think I trust Shu enough to do the job!
I’ll be definately adding this to my cart and reviewing soon! Click for further info on Shu’s new brightening cleansing oil!
Want it?
Tell the Muse!
Get your Shu on with some of my past reviews and posts!
Did you miss my review on Shu Uemura’s Fleur de Source Eyeshadow Palette? Click!
Shu Uemura wants your lashes to be pretty! Here’s how……
Shu Uemura’s Mini Lash Curler got the Muse Approval slapped on it! Read my review by clicking here!
Raves for Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited Crystal Shine over here!
By the Muse on July 10, 2008
As per my original sneak peek on Bobbi Brown’s Mauve Collection today I thought I’d review the entire collection for you! Or at least what I ended up getting from what was released! I sadly didn’t nab the new liner which everyone was raving about but I feel the need to definately purchase it so expect a review sometime soon especially since I’ve been known to rave on, and on, and on about Bobbi Brown gel eye liner in the past!
The collection consists of several new glosses, a few new lip shades, eye liner, a brush set, and the most important piece of all, the Mauve Palette.
Since the Bobbi Brown Mauve Palette is actually the star of the collection I’ll begin my review with it. I actually don’t have any other Bobbi palettes aside from this one and the Bobbi Brown Pink Raspberry palette. I absolutely adore the Pink Raspberry one so I was quite happy to get the chance to test out the Mauve palette.
The price is $55 USD but you get a nice bit of product for the cost. The price could be considered high by some but you do have to keep in mind that Bobbi Brown is a higher end counter line made with a mature woman in mind. That being said I think that she creates some rather key pieces that fit in with a younger crowd but not so much so that the brand is considered “hip” by any means. For me it’s an elegant brand with some very sure proof items that simply work. Another words you get what you pay for.
My first Bobbi Brown purchase was horrifying and it put me off Bobbi Brown completely however after purchasing the Metallic palettes sometime last Fall I fell in love with many of her items and haven’t looked back since!
The Mauve palette is pretty much the standard palette that Bobbi Brown releases. It’s a large black compact that houses a three eye shadows, three lip creams, and one blush. Basically, everything you need for a few great looks or one really fabulous look. Since I’m one for creating numerous looks with one palette I think it’s safe to say you can get anywhere from 4-5 or more looks from the one palette with a little creativity on your side.
These are my typical shades of choice. If you know the Muse well enough you’ll realize I don’t normally reach for naturals, nudes, or neutrals. This falls into the very neutral category. I’m always shocked at how many people prefer a more subdued style of makeup. I’m more the type to run after green eye shadow than reach for browns or creams. This makes my review shocking because I actually loved the Mauve palette. It just works. It is what it is and it. It doesn’t promise drama or fanfare just simplicity. Sometimes simplicity can obviously be a good thing. The looks I created using the palette were more a mature, grown up look that I’m not known for sporting. I was actually delighted at the outcome as I looked quite elegant and natural.
The shadows included are all matte with the very smallest amount of faint shimmer. Each can of course be used alone or combine all three to create a simple yet interesting look. The top most shadow is a cream which can be used as a highlighter, all over color wash, or to prep your eye for the darker shades. The second shade is a softer taupe brown color that can be used on your lid and contrasted in the crease with the third and final color which is a deeper chocolate brown.
The blush is a dirty, mauve pink that I felt gave a bit of a contour to my cheeks and sort of hollowed them out if that makes any sense! It’s definately a very warm Fall color.
And finally the three lip shades are a chocolate brown, a deep mauve pink which contrasts brilliantly with the blush since it’s a deeper pink, and a pinkish brown. The top most color contains a very faint shimmer where as the other shades are soft and matte.
The palette is exactly sometime I’d normally pick out for myself but I think it’s definately appealing to those that simply enjoy a very neutral look. I’m actually quite pleased that I got a chance to experiment with it. I enjoyed the warmer, Fall look I created using it and was pleased with my very “grown up”, “adult” look!
Here’s your Muse sporting all three eye shadows in the palette, the blush, and the 2nd lip shade.
As you can see above the entire look is very simple yet elegant. Pretty much perfection for a corporate enviroment. I love how full my lips look sporting just that simple lip cream and nothing else. I also like how warm a look it is. It seems very fitting for Fall!
I also got two of the shimmer lip glosses and one of the regular glosses. Bobbi Brown lip glosses are pretty good stuff. Nice and pigmented, not overly sticky, and pretty decent staying power. I purchase my first ones back in Spring when the Pink Raspberry collection released.
Although the colors inside the tube are a bit discouraging to look out they actually apply very nicely.
Iced Mauve is a shimmering, metallic taupe color. That’s the best way I can describe it! It’s a shimmer gloss so it does contain just the right amount of silver shimmer. The shimmer is not over kill and just a touch for a very nice look. Black Pearl is also a shimmer gloss. It’s a very complex color that contains a bit of purple, a bit of brown, and just the right amount of gold shimmer. Interesting shade to say the least. Finally mauve is a lip gloss that is a combination of rose, purple, and brown. I found that the shades compliment the lip creams in the palette very well and I liked how they looked on top of those shades rather than applying alone.
Overall, this is a winner for the folks that adore nudes and neutrals! I know of at least one person that will simply adore all these colors! If you’re a lover of simplicity and natural this one is for you!
Do check out the collection! It’s worth some of your time to swatch and have a look at! Especially the palette! Check out more of the Bobbi Brown Mauve Collection releases by clicking here!
Love this collection?
Want it?
What’s are your favorite Bobbi Brown products?
Share with the Muse!
Travel back to last Fall and check out my raves for the Metallics Eye Palette Collection!
Click here to read my review on the Bobbi Brown Concealer Palette!
Craving details and a review about the Bobbi Brown Pink Raspberry Collection after all the raving I did in this post? No problem, the Muse got you covered! Click!
We might be discussing Fall Collections but hells it’s still Summer! Click here to enjoy my review on the Bobbi Brown Bronzed Pink Summer Collection!
Click here to read my review on the Bobbi Brown Pink Quartz Limited Edition Shimmer Brick!
By the Muse on July 9, 2008
I see a sneak peek below of the new Bobbi Brown Mauve Collection!
Excited?
Me too!
My love and lust for Bobbi continues lately after I spotted the the Bobbi Brown Mauve Collection for Fall. Although the Mauve Collection didn’t call out to me I still felt like I might need to test drive it out for myself before making any rash decisions about it!
I’m sure glad I did as I’m beginning to love it! Expect my review sometime this week!
For now I’ll leave you with the details about this collection to whet your appetite after my tease sneak peek on the collection above!
The collection consists of a wide variety of interesting shades that are most flattering for the upcoming Fall season. Although I’m not a huge fan of neutral shades the Mauve Face Palette has caught my eye for some reason or another. The collection pretty much focuses on the elegance of simplicity in purple, brown, gray, and mauve colors.
Not exactly exciting bold colors but as you can see from the model’s promo image she does manage to pull off a certain elegant, natural beauty look which is why the palette intrigued me. This is very grown up makeup for the Muse’s tastes.
Count me curious!
I’ll be reviewing some of the collection soon and you’ll be pretty surprised at what I have to say about it!
Bobbi Brown’s Mauve Collection is available now at your local counters and from Bobbi Brown’s website!
See more of the Mauve Collection by clicking here!
Want this?
Not your style?
Love it?
Tell the Muse!
Catch up on past Bobbi Brown Collections by clicking around below!
Click here to read about the Bobbi Brown Bronzed Pink Collection!
Click here to read about the Bobbi Brown Pink Raspberry Collection!
Recent Comments