Musings of a Muse

Revlon has brand new Luxurious Color Smoky Crayons available for Spring 2011. These pencils mimic the idea of MAC Greasepaint or MAC Shadesticks. It’s basically a chubby pencil which you can use to fill your lid and blend out for a smoked look. If you already own Greasepaints and Shadesticks in various shades you probably won’t absolutely need the Revlon Smoky Crayon however it is a nice budget option to have available!

Let’s have a peek!

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As we head deeper into 2011 more and more Spring 2011 Collections will begin popping up. Mind you the season for Steals and Deals is kinda over in my opinion as that falls into the realms of the Holidays when brands gather together great palettes, products, etc…and bundle them up with incredible price tags.

But Urban Decay turns 15 this year, might mature for her age isn’t she? And to celebrate you’ll see some pretty nifty, limited edition launches this year to celebrate the brand’s big birthday!

The best deal of 2011? The new Urban Decay 15 Year Anniversary 24/7 Pencil Set for $92 which features 15 full size Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Eye Pencils! This is a $264 value and a mere $92 (a mere $6.10 per pencil) out of your pocket to own an incredible set of liners! I can’t think of a better deal this year and you probably won’t find one!

Check it!

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Here’s a few swatches and a babble about the new MAC & Mickey Contractor Eyeshadow.

Jump!

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At first glance the MAC & Micky Contractor Collection does so deceive. I was thinking, “eh, probably nothing here to see…”

However, there is a gem or two in the rough even if you think the collection might not be suited to your skin tone. The shadows are all wearable in my opinion and one are two are really keepers, the fluidlines will easily be a must have if you’re a fan since the colors are stunning gem shades, and believe it or not the concealers in the lighter ranges might work well if you prefer a more lighter concealer (I always go lighter with my concealer).

Obviously MAC is gearing the collection towards a specific skin type so not everyone will be able to take advantage of some of the base options in this collection however the color products are definitely a go particularly if you like nudes (the lipstick shades are all very nude-ish and beige) or bolder shades (the shadows are all extra bold).

Let’s have a look at some swatches.

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Anyone lemming the MAC Cham Pale Eyeshadow Quad in Caviar Dreams? It was one of the second things I wanted upon seeing the promo images (the first being the Paint Pots).

Two of the shades are actually in the general catalog but I don’t already own them so it worked out rather well.

Let’s look!

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Anyone get a vibe of MAC Warm & Cozy from the new Cham Pale Color Collection? Of course, it’s warm and cozy with nipples included….love that promo image dontcha? Oh stop now, I got dozens of e-mails and comments after that promo shot was posted with, “OMG Muse I see her nipple” it was like we were all teenage boys for a sec there although I do comfortably channel my own teenage boy on more days than I care to count….We all got two of ‘em ourselves but for some odd reason we were fascinated that MAC went THERE. Think they’ll airbrush it out of the shot when it goes live in stores? Can’t have kids passing by a MAC store and saying, “Look mommy that lady has her nipple hanging out…” Heaven forbid!

No but seriously for some reason I get a bit of the Warm & Cozy vibe going on with Cham Pale this year perhaps that’s where some of my excitement stems from. I do believe, although paler and fairer, this collection might just sport a little something for every skin tone. I was playing around with a few pieces and so far I’m impressed and every so eager for its official launch on Boxing Day! ‘elloooooooooo MAC store Gift Certificate come to mama (yes, my friends and family can’t fool me, I know what I’m getting from Santa).

Go on now let’s peek at MAC Cham Pale and see what I thought!

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MAC debuts two new formulas with the Peacocky Collection. New Kissable Lipcolour and new Mega Metal Shadow each sport a brand new formula. Curious about ‘em?

I was surprised upon first seeing the new Mega Metal Shadows at their size. These are the larger size of a Mineralize Shadow.

So what’s new about ‘em?

Let’s see!

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Ahh gold makeup for the holidays as traditional as mistletoe, wrapped presents, and figgy pudding. We didn’t get alot of gold this year did we? Do you miss it? I thought I didn’t since we got a healthy injection of it the past few years but I’m a sucker for tradition and now that I look back on Holiday 2010 I can’t help but feel, maybe, I do miss a bit of gold in my Holiday looks!

Never fear, Avon is here with its 24K Glamour Holiday Collection that includes eyeshadow palettes, eyeliner, mascara, and glosses that contain a healthy injection of gloss. Beauty budget types will love these prices.

Check out my review below!

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What in the world happened this year to The Body Shop Holiday Collection? Damnyummm it sold out quit online and in stores!

Anyone score it?

I was lucky enough to get both of The Body Shop Holiday Eye Palettes in Twilight and Midnight and I’m happy to report I’ve seen them both in two different shops. So even though it’s gone online I do urge you to check your local store if you want them after reading my review.

What did you haul from The Body Shop Holiday 2010? Do share!

Jump ahead for deets on the Holiday Palettes!

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Lavshuca didn’t go the coffret route this year for the Holidays which was a bit disappointing. Nor did they go for a special palette release. They did however release a brand new selection of eyeshadow palettes. This is an interesting release for the brand considering they reserve palette releases for the Spring and only release a special palette or two or a coffret for the Holidays.

Lavshuca is a drugstore brand that can be purchased in Japan. Unlike findings in a US drugstore, Japanese drugstore makeup is of high quality, incredibly pigmented, and just stunning, packaging wise.

For Winter, Lavshuca released a total of five shades of their new Star Decoration Eyes Palettes.

Let’s have a look!

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After some serious digging I finally located the Hard Candy Pop Up Palette. Who wouldn’t want it? The promise of cute little pots of Hard Candy Baked Eyeshadow in a pop up design palette a la Urban Decay Book of Shadows with a $15 sweet as honey price tag. It seemed like a great option to feature on Musings as a budget beauty gift or just because we are all bloody fine beauty junkies that need the latest, greatest fix eh?

And….

Wow.

Wait until you hear this!

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