Fall Collections 2008
By the Muse on September 26, 2008
I’ve been reviewing a few items from Etude House’s Fall Collection this week and today I’m ending the week with a review on Etude House Lash Designing Vitcara Mascara.
Although there isn’t anything too special about Etude House Lash Designing Vitcara Mascara I was delighted with it’s price and it’s performance.
The mascara comes in two versions, a fiber base and a regular volume (curl) mascara. Out of the two versions I liked the regular volume mascara best.
The regular curl version has a very good applicator on par with Beaute de Kose’s Volumizing Mascara’s applicator, it’s a tiny curved smooth handle with tiny bristles at the very tip. The curved end fits the contour of your eye lashes perfectly to comb lashes upwards and out. You can use the bristles to comb the mascara further through the lashes or concentrate on certain lashes (such as the outer ones) to create a fuller look or a doll-like effect to lashes. The formula is nice and thick and does a fine job of fattening lashes up, separating them, and creating a nice full look. I experienced no problems with smudges or fading. It’s not the best mascara around but it does do what it promises and it’s quite inexpensive as well.
The second mascara was a bit of a shock to me as it’s actually not half bad considering how much I hate fiber based mascaras. My first use with it was a complete mess and I ended up absolutely hating it but after reading the instructions and recommendation for use I successfully created quite a good full lash look with it. The applicator on this one is a tiny comb style with a smooth surface on one side and a bristle side on the other. For application you’re supposed to use the smoother side to pull the lashes upward and out after you proceed to brush through lashes with the comb. The smooth side of the applicator reminds me of Bare Escentuals Brushless Mascara and the entire design actually sorta reminds me of another Bare Escentuals mascara which is Big Tease. I was delighted that the fibers didn’t get stuck in my eye or cause general irritation as fiber mascaras have been known to do for me! I highly recommend trying this particular mascara if you have shorter, stubbier lashes. It pulls lashes up and out nicely and creates a very full, long look to eyes. My first use, as I mentioned, was a mess and my lashes had the spider web effect going on but after using the applicator correctly I was quite pleased with the results.
All in all for the price you sincerely can’t go wrong and I definately enjoyed these two mascaras.
You can see further information with before and after photos on Etude House’s blog. If you have a Korean language pack installed it’s easy enough to translate the site as well!
Enjoy further reviews on Etude House’s Fall Collection by clicking through some past posts!
Etude House Lip Plumping Tint Review
Etude House Face Designing Brightener Review
Etude House Brightening Eyes Duo Review
By the Muse on September 26, 2008
As my blog grows, my taste in cosmetics grows as well and I realized something very important this Fall. I realized trying something new works out for the best in the long run.
Nudes, neutrals, and natural shades are outside my norm but I’ve been testing out so many lately that I’ve grown to love a few. Although I was slightly scared of the Bobbi Brown Shimmering Nudes Palette I knew I needed to try it out for myself.
Guess what?
I ended up loving i!
Go figure right?
The palette retails for $50 USD and includes a total of seven shades that range from soft shimmers to metallics and even mattes. The palette includes a dual ended applicator as well, one side of which is a shadow brush and the other side a flat liner brush.
Since I’m self employed if I want to head in to my office wearing blue eye shadow I do just that and my clients aren’t too surprised by my wacky choice in colors however if you’re in a working environment where color matters the Bobbi Brown Shimmering Nudes palette offers the ability to create various soft, sophisticated looks that are actually very, very flattering! I know it’s strange to be surprised at how well nudes work but I can’t help but be slightly shocked at how beautiful they look on my eye.
I think the reason I loved the palette so much is due to the array of softer, shimmering shades. I’m big on shimmer so give me a palette full of shimmery shades I’ll end up loving it by default. Although the shadows contain shimmer it’s nothing to be too scared of since the colors are very soft and the finish is a very sheer layer of shimmer that lightens up a nude, natural eye look.
You get a total of 7 shadows with the palette and at $50 USD for the entire palette you’re paying around $7 USD per a shadow. When you break the cost down I think it’s a considerably good deal considering each regular size Bobbi Brown Metallic Shadows are $20 USD each and you’re getting 7 smaller sizes for a nice deal! Considering the palette has such an array of shades you can easily create a number of looks with one palette which makes this a very nice deal.
The shades included in the palette are:
Nude Beach (Metallic Shadow)
Nude Mist (Shimmering Shadow)
Naked Eye (Matte Shadow)
Nude Glow (Metallic Shadow)
Mica Shimmer (Matte Shadow)
Nude Spice (Metallic Shadow)
Espresso (Matte Shadow)
I’m somewhat scared of mattes so I was happy many of the finishes in the palette were of a shimmer base however I was delighted to discover that when I did venture into using the Mattes they blended extremely well and worked wonderful as a base for adding a bit of the shimmery shadows on top. The only shade I had a bit of a problem working with was Espresso which is a chocolate like brown shade with a matte finish. However, as per the instructions on the box I ended up using this as a liner and it worked a treat!
I created three looks for you using the palette but could have gotten many more but ado the Muse only has one face so she had to stop at three as she has other collections to get to!
The look below I’m using Espresso as a liner. I thought this came out interesting as using it as a liner was far easier than using it as a shadow.
With the Bobbi Brown Shimmering Nudes Collection a few other items were released which included a few new shades of Bobbi Brown Creamy Lip Color. I’ve been pairing up the shade Pink Sequin with all my nude looks this week and I must say it’s an absolutely awesome shade and a great formula. This is my first experience with Bobbi Brown Creamy Lip Color and I’m quite impressed. Pink Sequin has a range of shades in it including gold, pink, and a bit of peach! The shade on lips is nude however it gives lips just a sparkle of color that’s very flattering. I thought the best way to use it was over a little bit of peach lip stain. My first set of photos I have peach stain on under it and my second set of photos I have it on over bare lips. The texture of the product is a creamy balm that’s very soothing on the lips. It has a slight lemony taste which is quite pleasant.
All in all I really liked both trying out both the Bobbi Brown Shimmering Nudes Palette and Bobbi Brown Creamy Lip Color. I’ll be indulging in further colors of the Bobbi Brown Creamy Lip Color and without a doubt I’ll definately take advantage of further palettes that come out as I’ve really had a soft spot for Bobbi’s line lately!
If you’re looking for a softer, elegant looking palette that’s extremely work friendly I highly recommend nabbing this new palette! It can easily create a slew of looks plus work well into the evening due to the shimmer finish on a majority of the colors.
The Muse recommends this for purchase! Beautiful palette and a gorgeous collection overall!
Check out more of the Shimmering Nudes Collection including other releases I didn’t review at Bobbi Brown.
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Bobbi Brown Pink Raspberry Collection Review
Bobbi Brown Mauve Collection Review
Bobbi Brown Metallics Collection Review
By the Muse on September 25, 2008
Well, that was a disappointment!
I’m pretty disappointed in both MAC Suite Array and MAC Cremesheen sadly but I guess it’s good because it leaves me money to indulge in the Ungaro goodies.
Although MAC Suite Array gets major props for it’s uber cute packaging it definitely fails in the way of finish, texture, and formula. The shadows feel awful chalky, sheer, and difficult to blend! Yuk! The Muse no likey the texture at all! These are a semi-matte with a pearl finish which is slightly shimmery but it still couldn’t redeem itself in my eyes even with that tiny amount of shimmer thrown in, although I did simply adored how cute the size and style of the palette was. The palettes are teeny tiny and slide open to reveal the two shades. I found it interesting the shadows aren’t the same size, the left hand side is about half the size of the right hand color. I guess this implies one should be used as a liner or contrasting shade while the large size should be used as a base or main shadow color. I did purchase one which was Shallow V. Deep but I’m seriously thinking of returning it because I’m unsure if I’ll ever make proper of use of it due to the cruddy formula!
The star of the show as far as MAC Suite Array goes are definately the new Pearlglide Eyeliners which come in some seriously stunning shades. I did want to indulge in all of these but I decided I really didn’t need a whole wardrobe of liners when I have the new Urban Decay 24/7 Eyeliner Sets coming my way shortly so I opped out and decided it would be best to skip. However, I do recommend snapping up some of these liners as the colors are truly outstanding!
As for MAC Cremesheen I wasn’t so thrilled to begin with about this release so I’m not disappointed in anyway, shape, or form. The colors are nice but nothing particularly special and I ended up with one color instead of the three I was considering. I purhcased Speak Louder which is a pink poppy shade that’s very flattering. You don’t have to get too crazy with these as they are part of the permanent line and are not LE so even if you don’t indulge now you can always come back for them later!
All in all it was a bit of a bust for me tonight but at least I came out all the richer for it!
How about you?
Haul anything?
Love these collections?
Feeling as meh about them as the Muse?
Do share, I’m super curious what you thought about the two!
P.S. I’ve been utilizing my iPhone to moblog here and there and I really wanted to capture some of these collections and post it here but sadly the MA’s get mighty pissed when you’re snapping pics and swatching so I didn’t really get many pictures! Sorry guys! I tried but when you have MA’s breathing down your back in anger all you want to do is run and hide! I do kinda understand why they don’t like people digging around with their fingers in pots of color and swatching…kinda ruins the product and makes a mess so I can relate to how they feel!
By the Muse on September 24, 2008
Included in it’s Fall Collection Etude House released a Plumping Lip Tint which I’m lovinggggg at the moment!
These glosses are new to the Etude House line up and I believe LE but don’t quote me on that! They come in two shade selections both of which are sheer but give a nice tiny hint of color to the lips.
I love both shades and I’m happy I indulged in purchasing both as they are high quality items for the price and offer a brilliant glossy layer to my favorite lip stain or lipstick or of course, they look rather gorgeous alone as well. The formula is an emollient, moisturizing and quite thick gloss which gives the illusion of plumped, fuller lips. Each gloss is flavored in a cool, tingly minty bubblegum taste which, for me, a lover of flavored glosses, is quite nice!
The glosses come with the typical spatula style applicator many Asian brands favor and which I totally love as it’s great for layering gloss on and getting a nice even finish plus it’s easy to clean up prior to placing back into the tube.
The colors available are pink and red but neither is very pigmented however since the gloss contains a fair amount of tingly goodness you can expect to get a certain pink or reddish tone to lips due to this. Over bare lips the gloss looks natural, glossy, and lovely. Over your favorite lip stain or lipstick the gloss creates a sexy mirror finish that’s gorgeous!
At under around $5 USD each the price is terribly right and they work almost as great as my favorite plumping gloss of all time, DuWop Lip Venom.
The Muse likes ‘em and approved ‘em!
Definitely a nice addition to my gloss collection!
What are your favorite plumping glosses?
Feeling like plumping glosses are over hyped?
Tell the Muse!
Enjoy more reviews from Etude House’s Fall Collection by visiting some past reviews!
Etude House Face Designing Brightener Review
Etude House Brightening Eyes Duo Review
By the Muse on September 24, 2008
Ugh I can’t keep up! MAC Suite Array is live on the MAC website as of yesterday and available at your local counter Thursday!
I feel my wallet cringing in agony!
Cute little chicklets of color to create a contrasting eye look with two matte shades that you can use to accent, define, and shade eyes.
I’ve never seen a duo release from MAC quite like these although the semi-matte finish does scare me slightly I do have my eye on a few of the shades in particular the aqua looks mighty fitting for a Muse!
Want these?
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By the Muse on September 23, 2008
It’s not particularly difficult getting excited about Manuel Ungaro’s new collection for MAC. The colors contradiction in the collection is so startling and gorgeous that I can’t help but get excited! I love the combination of both nudes and popping shades of pinks and corals!
The Muse must haves it all! The only problem is she has to wait until October 8th…lord that’s ages away! Can it be Manuel Ungaro time now?
Cream Colour Base in Crushed Bougainvillea and Fresh Morning
MAC See-Thru Lip Colour in Not So Shy! and MAC Lipglass in Pastel Emotion
MAC Eyeshadow in Lilac Touch, Soft Flower, Phloof!, and Mineral
MAC Beauty Powder in Flower Mist Dew
MAC Lipsticks in Freckletone and Pure Rose
Releasing October 8th at your local MAC counter! Do check it out as there are definately a few items in the collection that are well worth your time!
Want it?
Love it?
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