Musings of a Muse

It’s a MAC kinda day isn’t it? I thought I’d babble briefly about the MAC Mineralized Baked Eye Shadows released with the Colour Craft Collection.

Jump ahead for it and feel free to join in with your thoughts!

I thought the release of MAC Colour Craft Face was incredible. The blushes, the MSF, the brushes, all really great products. However, I was disappointed with the mineralized shadows which failed to impress me. Each shadow is split into four separate colors which could be exciting for some but just had me dreading the terrible mess it would be later on in life. Some of the color selections of the shadows were very nice two in particular I’m swatching today are gorgeous however the quads did fail to impress me because it seemed like alot of color in one tiny pan.

I wouldn’t necessarily mind all that color however since it has no separator, no divider of any kind it does become a bit of a hot mess when working with each individual shade. Already after a single eye look my pan is looking like all the colors have blended into each other, yak mess! Although I love the idea, in action it fails to work and the shadow just becomes a mess of muddy colors since they are all running together unless you’re extra careful when swiping with your brush.

The two shades, the two best shades in my opinion, that I’m showing you today are Natural Flare and Assemblage. Natural Flare is made up of many Summer-ready shades particularly the fiery orange which reminds me of MAC Firepit. The shades range from orange to golden beige, brown, and copper bronze. Truly the combination of the four shades is stunning. Assemblage is made up of some interesting shades that quite remind me of a Seasonal Winter look. Shades of black, shimmering gold and white, and a deep pewter gray will make a very pretty smoky eye.

I adore the idea of these shadows but I do think they are a tad on the messy side. Singles, sure. Duos, yes. A quad in one small pan? Not a good idea.

What do you think?

Loves ‘em?

Leaves ‘em?

Tell the Muse!

By now the Muse considers herself an experienced MAC collector but I admit it never fails to amaze me when MAC throws something completely new at me. Do you think a bunch of the MAC creative team sits down in a mafia style meeting and brain storms about what the MAC junkies of the world need next? Do you think that one day they might run out of ideas? Today is not that day though but it is a day I’ll show you a little sneaky peek at the MAC Baby Bloom Collection and a few swatches of the new MAC Suntints Liquid Lip Balm releasing with the collection!

Jump for it!

Don’t be mad at me but I think it’s quite pointless to have SPF in my lip balm…..but maybe that’s me. No matter, I’m still in love with MAC Suntints which contain an SPF 20. MAC Suntints are a liquid lip balm which mimics that of a lipglass but in a squeeze tube packaging with a slightly milky, creamy formula. The tints are super sheer and have no color payoff however they are a pure joy for topping lipstick or stains with plus if you’re partial to SPF in your gloss these work a treat. The texture is perhaps a tad bit thiner than your average lipglass but not by much. If you’re not a fan of applying your lipglass with a sponge tip applicator these are rather great as they come in a squeeze tube which allows you to spread a generous layer onto lips.

I’ve been testing two today and both are very subtle and sheer but rather great regardless since they give lips plenty of shine plus wear long. The two colors I have are Lilt of Lily (Creamy Pale Pink) and Moist Plum (Light Lilac). These could prove disappointing for some if you expect a pigmented gloss but if you adore lipglass and always fancied it in a squeeze tube you’ll adore these. I can’t speak for the other shades but I look forward to seeing if the others are a bit more pigmented than these two.

Also releasing with the MAC Baby Bloom Collection is a Studio Moisture Tint SPF 15 in five shades, excited to try this myself!

Overall, MAC Baby Bloom is one of those itty bitty collections that makes MAC junkies everywhere step back and grin.

Anyone into this?

Loves it?

Leaves it?

Tell the Muse!

Yay! The return of MAC StarFlash Eye Shadow is coming to us July 30th! Have a sneak peek at some swatches of the upcoming MAC Love that Look Collection after the jump!

MAC Starflash Eye Shadow is one of my favorite finishes. It’s a bit frosty, a little bit shimmer, very velvety, and super easy to blend. Loves it!

My first round with MAC Starflash was a tiny haul and I have ever since regretted it so of course I’m super excited to see some shades are making a return appearance with the MAC Love That Look Collection along with a slew of new shades.

12 shades of MAC StarFlash Eye Shadow will be released along with 4 shades of Pearlglide Eye Liner which I know many of you raved upon the first release! The shades I’m giving you a tiny peep at today are Fashion Groupie which is a pretty voilet, Strike a Pose (my fav!) which is a deep blue green, and Style Snob a pretty pink brown with a heavy hint of gold.

Here’s the official color release information:

MAC StarFlash Eye Shadow

• Grand Entrance (Frost Peach Beige)
• Dreammaker (Frosty Yellow Gold)
• Smoke&Diamonds (Dirty Taupe)
• Glamour Check! (Reddish Brown)
• Strike a Pose (Blue Green)
• Ego (Light Yellow Pink)
• Fashion Groupie (Violet)
• Unbasic White (Bright Off White)
• One-Off (Green with Silver)
• Rated “R” (Yellow Green)
• Style Snob (Pink Brown with Gold)
• Fashion (Grey Green with Gold)

MAC Pearlglide Eyeliner

• Black Russian (Black with Navy Blue Glitter)
• Rave (Deep Purple with Purple Glitter)/li>
• Molasses (Brown with Brown Glitter)
• Fly-by-Blu (Light Blue with Blue Glitter)

I’m looking forward to the MAC Love that Look Collection as I def want to haul a few more of the shadows. Truly if you missed MAC Starflash the first time around now is your chance to experience these incredible shadows. Loves ‘em!

Anyone a fan of Starflash?

Tell the Muse!

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The color trio marbleized MAC Lipglasses from the Colour Craft Collection are not original as they have been done before with the MAC SugarSweet Collection however the shades are new. The first round of these released didn’t capture my fancy and I admit the second time coming they held little appeal as well.

Jump ahead for a few thoughts, a few swatches, and general babble about MAC Lipglass!

First off I hope MAC doesn’t embrace this new square packaging as I’m rather partial to the round, standard lip gloss tubes thanks so much. Does anyone feel the same or am I alone here?

I’m not denying that this style of MAC Lipglass is very pretty and quite unique however I do fear in the long run that the pretty shades and colors in the tube will end up a dreadful mess after many times of removing and applying the gloss. This is one main reason I’ve avoided these glosses up until now.

Although pretty the gloss still fails to capture my interest as I’m not all that interested in three shades of gloss combing to create one single color, as that’s the effect and finish after all right? Seems like a whole lot of extra that I don’t need in my life.

The two shades I’ve been fiddling about with today are Crazy Haute which is a bluish pink but just looks rather purplish to me and Pretty Patter which is a very nude, sheer beige.

Overall, as pretty as these are I prefer my old MAC Lipglass in the long wrong. Tried and true favorite for the Muse.

What do you think?

Ahh Sephora, you cheeky little monkey, it delights me endlessly when you shock and surprise me. We gently touched on the subject of Sephora’s Spring Collection entitled Moroccan Sunrise way back when. Please tell me you recall? We were all so awed by the prospect of such a pretty collection put out, no less, by Sephora. Indeed, Sephora sneaks up on occasion and releases little itty bitty items that are awesome.

Awesome would fall on the heals of the Sephora Moroccan Sunrise Palette, perhaps awesome isn’t even a suitable adjective to use. Great? Fabulous? Gorgeous perhaps?

Jump for it!

I do feel slight guilty I’m spreading the good cheer about a Spring palette in the Summer but you’ll be happy to know 1. the palette is still very available and 2. it’s pretty stunning for Summer anyway color wise!

Some of the Sephora Moroccan Collection has since gone on clearance and everyday I head over to peep and see if this palette pops up on sale too, but ado, it’s still $32. But it’s well spent money in my opinion.

First off, you may have to get pass the idea that although very pretty in design the palette is very cheap. It looks like a heavy gold plated palette but in fact it’s cheap plastic so it can easily break if dropped. Also they include a dual ended rubbish brush with it. What they think you’re going to do with a brush that’s this skinny is beyond me as it can be used, at best, as a liner brush and in no way can apply the shadows enclosed in the compact.

Aside from these rants I must say the shadows inside are absolute gems. Smoldering Summer ready colors with a pigmented, easy to blend formula await you in six shades. Combine and blend together for a sizzling Summer look or wear them alone for several different looks!

The palette includes a fiery orange, a champagne beige, a shimmering coffee brown, a matte nude brown, and a flirty coral pink. All the shades are stunning and quite unique particularly the pink and pretty orange. Five of the shadows have a shimmer finish where as the sixth is matte. In my opinion they did the palette unjust by releasing it as part of the Spring Collection since, for me, it makes a way better Summer release.

My first look I used the champagne beige as a highbrow highlighter and the orange on my lid with a bit of pink coral blended into the crease. For my second loos below I used the champagne beige and coffee brown to contrast.

My camera’s flash picks up shimmer in a major way so a better representation of the shadow finish is this last photo!

Overall, the palette is a pure joy and a very nice find from Sephora. I think it’s worthy of a pick up if you’re looking for an array of tropical, sunny shades this Summer! Muse Approved for purchase.

Anyone pick this up?

Loving it?

Tell the Muse!

My sister is a fan of shoppin’ Kohls so anytime she drags me in I’m always dropping by the cosmetic department to eyeball the American Beauty Cosmetics display. I admit much of the brands promo images with Ashley Judd splashed across it really appeals. She always looks so put together and gorgeous in the promos it makes me want to buy everything in hopes I can look that incredible.

With all the talk of Fall Collections, I thought I’d step back a second and enjoy some Summer ones!

Jump ahead for a review on one of the releases from the American Beauty Cosmetics Coral Treasure Summer Collection.

As I was saying, American Beauty Cosmetics always appeals because Ashley Judd is honestly looking all kinds of gorgeous in the promo images. This one from the Coral Treasures Collection is really super pretty. Totally wish I can dupe the look correctly as she really looks Summer pretty, very tropical!

Part of the Summer release includes American Beauty Pretty Luminous Brightening Cheek Color in Coral Treasures. Man, can I tell you how disappointed I was that this failed to work on me? It’s this really gorgeous subdued shade of tropical coral which kinda reminds me of a sheerer shade of Orgasm. It swatches crazy beautiful on my arm but ends up way to sheer to really enjoy once I apply it on my cheeks.

The good news?

If you’re very fair skinned you can easily enjoy a subtle kiss of tropical coral on your cheeks. The shade is truly pretty and the price is just right. Housed in very nice, heavy compact with mirror and brush this is a real steal for your dollar. At $17.50 I was pretty impressed with the packaging and formula of the blush. It’s very silky smooth and blends nicely however as I said on my tone it’s quite sheer and barely there. The brush it comes with is soft and the compact itself is quite classy for that price tag.

If you’ve been searching for a pretty Summer blush that’s suitable for your fair skin that won’t make you look clowny or too orange definitely check this out as I really think you’ll like it.

As for me, I’m sobbing in misery it failed to work on my tone! Darn it.

As of late I’ve been exploring quite a bit of the FaceFront Cosmetics Collection. For the most part they have had such great sales that I notice I’ve done an order or two at least every month for the past several months. They introduce small collections here and there which also presses me to delve deeper into the brand as I love myself some variety. I also like the fact that each collection isn’t overwhelming but has just the right amount of product in it to get me excited without distressing me over what I should and shouldn’t get.

For about two months now I’ve been trying out the FaceFront Cosmetics Fresh Ink Pressed Eye Shadow after I ordered two colors and I have to say they are decent.

Jump ahead for a peep!

As of now the Fresh Ink Pressed Shadow line only includes seven shades but for a while they had about 10 or so separate matte neon colors that were interesting but I didn’t indulge in, I suppose my obsession with bolder shades has passed now and I rarely reach for louder shades as of late. The silver style packaging and bolder shades of color give these a little bit of an Urban Decay flair which could be what drew me to them.

The shadows colors I have are Beijing Beat (dontcha just love the name?) and Barter, Barter. I suspect that with these shadows it’s a bit of a lotto situation as I got one nicely pigmented shade and one rather sheer shade. The finishes are supposed to be a subtle metallic shimmer but again I got one that was and one that wasn’t.

Beijing Beat is shade that wasn’t so fabulous. I really was excited about this shade but it’s very subtle with a very sheer payoff. The shade in the pot is a beautiful baby pink with golden shimmer. It’s a really nice press of a shadow but it sadly doesn’t leave up to the glam of the shade within the pot.

Barter, Barter was the lucky color as it has a very good color payoff and a very nice metallic shimmer finish. This shade is a rather ideal or Summer as a it’s a buttery dirty yellow.

The shadows blend easily with a nice silky formula. Each is $10.50 each which isn’t a bad deal or less if you have a coupon (I purchased both with a coupon and they were around $7 bucks each).

Overall, I’d say these are worthy peeking at. They are nicely pressed and won’t fall apart in the pan. The formula is quite good if you get one with good pigmentation. I wasn’t put off at all with my disappointment with Beijing Beat and will continue to try out new shades should they introduce them as the shadows are quite interesting little finds especially for the price.

But of course the best should always be saved for last which is why I’m posting about the new MAC Mineralized Skinfinishes as the last of my MAC Colour Craft haul. I do not deny that I have a serious addiction to MSF, I do not deny that I have the pokemon, collect ‘em all disease when it comes to MSF, and I most definitely do not deny that I hauled all of these bad boys today (minus Pink Porcelain as I already have it) without an ounce of remorse, I’m stimulating the economy you see and doing my job as a good American.

Jump ahead for a peep!

With a release of six shades, six shades, yes six shades, I really dig saying that. With a release of six shades total this is a big MSF release and an exciting one to say the least. Five brand new shades, one new finish (kinda it’s been visited before with MAC BBR), and one repromote make up the best of MAC Color Craft for me. Three of the new MSF are solid colors where as three have a new color graduation finish a la the release of MAC Blonde, Brunette, and Redhead.

Of course I do favor the trio, un-solid MSF in this release as they are a bit different and unique plus the solid shades were just a tad too matte and dark. I took note that these could easily multitask as an eyeshadow if you want and in fact the formula even kind of felt like mineralized shadow. I hauled all three shades as each was more beautiful than the other, I can’t resist pretty MAC.

Warm Blend is primarily the darkest shade of the three with a trio of bronze brown colors. Triple Fusion considerably lighter than Warm Blend and almost pastel-like with it’s shimmering shades of golden champagne, peachy bronze, and golden pink. And lastly, the most unique of the three, Smooth Merge. Smooth Merge is made up of a paler pink, coppery pink, and deep golden beige.

The solid MSF I got were Cheeky Bronze and Sunny by Nature. Sunny by Nature is quite matte, not a shimmery finish and very deeply bronze which I’m unsure if I can pull off but I think a dab won’t hurt, it’s not my favorite shade but I’m glad I got it regardless. Cheeky Bronze feels like a Petticoat dupe but without the intricate golden veining. It’s semi matte with a touch of shimmer, nothing crazy and almost pink in color, very pretty and my fav of the two.

Shimmer haters will be relieved that these are rather subdued minus heavy glittery chunks when compared to previous releases. The shades are all deeply pigmented and can act as a highlighter, bronzer, or just a blush.

All in all it’s a very exciting release of color for MAC and my favorite part of MAC Colour Craft.

How about you?

Which did you haul?

Tell the Muse!

Ahh MAC Colour Craft released today. Fun, fun! Truly an exciting collection but than again anytime MSF is released I get hyped. Funny thing…babbling ahead…I was discussing it with an MA while I hauled today and she made a very valid point. I must have been blinded sided by the beautiful imagery for Colour Craft and I mentioned to her it quite reminded me of C-Shock. She agreed and said that it was C-Shock’s anniversary and she’s quite right, C-Shock was released July 29th in 2007. She also went on to tell me that someone had asked after the hot pinkish shade used on the eyes of the model in the promo image which led us to discuss the fact that really none of the shadows in the collection match up much with the bolder more vibrant shades of the promotional imagery.

Anyway…my long story here is to say that I hauled my little butt off when it came to the brushes, MSF and blushes but I totally busted it on the shadows. They held little to no interest for me and yes, for sure, they do not fit in with those promo images, really none of the collection does aside from possibly the blushes.

Sorry bit of a babble there….

Now for the good word on the MAC Mineralized Blushes I did haul!

Jump for it!

The blushes held a whole lot of my attention since they had a similar formula to MAC Grand Duos. Yes, yes it’s the same product all around, it’s a mineralized blush right? I do so believe that the Grand Duos had a more heavy dose of shimmer to them when compared to the un-split regular mineralized blushes. In this case I think these new shades are very much like the Grand Duos with a fine mill of shimmer. Also lacking in the regular mineralized blushing is the beautiful veining each of these has. It’s almost like they are mini versions of a MAC Mineralized Skinfinish.

I hauled three altogether but I’m second guessing two of them. I got Improvise, Hand-Finish, and Style Demon. Style Demon is my favorite of the bunch as it was the most pigmented. I wasn’t going to get it at first as it looks very similar to Merrily but it was the golden copper vein running through it that makes it a little more interesting. Style Demon is a pigmented brick red which does have a slight peachy cast to it when it’s on cheeks. The shade could prove to difficult to pull off for some but I adore it. Hand-Finish could have been a fast favorite with me as it reminds me of Moon River but like Moon River it’s probably going to end up in the return bin as the color is just to sheer for me to pull off and all I get is a shimmer finish on my cheeks sans color. It’s a delightful light pink with a golden veining that will work incredibly with cooler, paler skin tones. When I tried it at MAC I thought it looked good but the bloody lighting at MAC makes everything look good. On a similar note Improvise is just as gorgeous but again shimmer sans color on my skin. These two swatch so great on my arm but did not show up at all on my cheeks. Le sigh! Improvise is a pretty peachy coral with a golden vein.

Leaving the store I felt like I hauled the best of the blushes but sadly I’m disappointed that Hand-Finish and Improvise failed to work. They are two great shades too, darn!

Overall, I thought the mineralized blushes were an exciting release with MAC Colour Craft and worthy of some attention. You’re bound to find at least one or two shades that you’ll want to have.

Which blushes from MAC Colour Craft did you haul?

Tell the Muse!

I’ve been flirting with Smashbox High Definition Healthy FX Foundation for over a month now, probably longer. No one has said it yet and it needs to be said. Why the hell do we need HD foundation anyway? It’s not like we are on TV or doing photo shoots all day. At least I’m not, lucky you if you are.

In a bid to be the latest to jump on board the HD makeup craze bandwagon Smashbox has introduced a brand new HD ready line of products including foundation and concealer.

What do I think about the foundation?

Check it after the jump!

Smashbox High Definition Healthy FX Foundation is an oil-free liquid foundation that promises flawless skin.

Here’s the deal it’s advertised as providing the perfect finish for use with high definition film, so I can look great on film, television, and in my photos. But the fact is…my life is obviously boring…because I’m not on TV nor am I in the movies.

Damn.

But…I do want flawless skin anyway, I’m shallow like that.

The formula is oil free but in fact feels like a hot oily mess on my skin. Ugh totally a gross feeling. It’s a bit of a silicon nightmare going on here. Smashbox HD Foundation has a similar texture to Smashbox Photo Finish Primer but with a runny formula. We’ve established how much I hate silicon by now. It feels very strange on my skin and dry down takes a good deal longer than with my regular foundation.

Hmmmm…

It’s difficult to explain but the foundation does feel like it sits on top of my skin rather than absorbing. I chalk this effect up to the silicons that are in the product. Although I absolutely abhor the feeling of the foundation I really can’t deny the fact that my face does look smoother when it’s finally applied and in place. The foundation is weightless but does leave a tad bit of an oily residue on my skin.

I don’t recommend it for anyone with oily skin as this has the potential to be uncomfortable for extremely oily skin types. If you have dry skin or combination skin this should work a treat. The product contains an SPF 15 which isn’t substantial enough for me but I do appreciate SPF is included.

Overall, I wanted to love this but I just found too many faults with the formula. I love how smooth it makes my skin and the illusion of perfection it hints at but the uncomfortable oily formula makes me second guess it.

No likey.

Anyone try?

Loves it?

Leaves it?

Tell the Muse!

If you’re a fan of Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Lip Pencils you’ll be happy to hear they introduced two new shades with their Fall Collection!

Check ‘em out after the jump!

A dupe design of Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencils but just for your lips! These lip pencils contain Jojoba Oil and Vitamin E for a smooth, moisture rich application onto lips. The formula is a creamy liner that applies easily without skips. Available in 6 shades with 2 new shades you’re sure to find the perfect match to compliment any of Urban Decay’s lipsticks or glosses.

For Fall the two newest shades are Wallflower and Paranoid. Wallflower is medium nude and Paranoid is a dark pink nude. You can easily fill lips as well since the pencil is pigmented enough to line and fill if you like.

The two newest shades are available now from Urban Decay along with the other great goodies released for Fall!

Check ‘em out at www.urbandecay.com