Musings of a Muse

By now you’ve probably indulged in your own pot of Steam Cream or not….after reading the Muse’s wonky rave and review about it she’s making the big assumption that she’s convinced you that life can’t go on without a few pots of Steam Cream hanging around your washroom, your vanity, and at your desk.

Miss my review?

Blast you! I guess I forgive you, click here to read it!

Question is, if you did indulge, is Steam Cream a Yay or a Nay for you?

Jump ahead to see what I think!

Cute tins? Check! Fast absorbing? Check! Works on my face, body, hands, and everywhere else in between? Check, check, check!

What isn’t to love about this multitasking demon of a cream that softens my skin and makes it all pretty again? Multitasking as both a facial and a body cream this amazing moisturizer sinks in on contact and is possibly thee fastest absorbing cream I’ve ever used in my life.

With good for you ingredients and a soothing, healing blend, Steam Cream has been a fast favorite this past Winter and a life saver for my dry skin.

So of course, it’s most definately, a big yay!

How about you?

Steam Cream must have winged it’s way to your side of the world by now.

Is Steam Cream a Yay or a Nay for you?

Do share!

Get a steal and maybe a deal during Philosophy’s Spring Clearance Sale! Up to 40% is knocked off of retail prices.

Not bad. Loves a sale especially a Philosophy Sale! Not everything was that great a deal in the Muse’s opinion so she took the liberty of weeding through it all and picking out the good stuffins just for you!

Love me much?

Click ahead to find out what the Muse thinks is worth your cash!

Steal it all, Click! Don’t forget $50 bucks gets you free shipping!

Jump ahead for instructions and babblings about this offer!

Ok, I got this as a special registered member award and I’m unsure if a one time offer as you have to “click” to enjoy the discount. I thought I’d post the link here for anyone that wants to indulge. As I said I’m not sure if it’ll work more than once but you’re welcome to try it out. I’m not indulging so I thought someone else might be able to make proper use of it!

Happy Hauling!

Click here to add the discount to your cart.

Tis Summer soon sweeties! Excited about the warm weather? I kinda am although I’m more a lover of Fall and Winter, I can’t deny that Summer is a nice time of the year too.

In celebration of the warmer months to come I thought I’d do one of my crazy face peeling mask posts. Love me much?

I explained in a prior review how peeling masks work but I’ll give you another brief tutorial of what exactly a peeling mask is and how it works. Some people misinterpret peeling as meaning you apply, let dry, and peel off but that’s not the case with many facial peeling masks in Asia. You’re actually going to use some this on a damp face. Scoop a small amount in your hand, be sure your face is damp, and rub it on your face. It’ll begin to “peel” almost as soon as you massage it onto your face and thus “peeling mask” comes into play. The peeling effect supposedly swipes away dirt, oil, and other nasities!

Anosa Cooling Blue Herbal Face Peeling Mask is meant for oily skin so it’s rather ideal for the Summer since my skin tends to get little oily when it’s warmer. But the best part isn’t the fact that it rinses clean away oily skin but the fact that it feels so cooling on my skin! I absolutely adore the cooling effect and it makes for a nice Summer treat for my skin.

The formula can be a bit drying so do be careful not to use it often should you pick one up. Once a week is plenty for anyone with combination or dry skin. Anyone with oily skin can benefit from using it daily. I use it twice a week in the Summer as it makes my skin incredibly matte and squeaky clean with an almost glow after use.

I’m probably hyping it up a bit more than it really is but I rather enjoy the cool feeling plus it’s not to badly price if you’re paying retail! You can get it on E-bay for a bit of a jacked up price of $12.99-$14.99 USD which isn’t a great price but it’s kind of worth checking out if you have seriously oily skin as this is a nice little solution.

All in all another somewhat useless face mask but the Muse likes it anyway.

How about you?

Any fav yet useless skincare products you use?

Tell the Muse!

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Snag yourself some economy friendly beauty with Pacifica Body Lotion!

Pacifica is brand new at your local Sephora and the Muse couldn’t be happier that they are carrying the line as it’s budget friendly, has unique scent blends, and is a great line of green friendly beauty!

Pacifica Body Lotions are a whooping 16oz in size for merely $22 USD each! These guys are jumbo size and house plenty of lotion to last you anywhere from 6 months to a year with daily use. If you’re a green friendly makeup and body care user you’ll be happy to know that Pacifica’s entire line is 100% Vegan Friendly minus harmful ingredients such as parabens!

I absolutely adore these lotions as they absorb so quickly and leave my skin silky smooth with a fantastic layer of scent that lasts all day. The entire Pacifica Collection is available in a wide array of scents that are unique and interesting. I recently tried out Pacifica Body Lotion in Lotus Garden and Pacifica Body Lotion in Bali Lime Papaya both of which are incredible scents for Spring and Summer.

Bali Lime Papaya has dominant note of papaya but with just the right amount of lime to create a complexity that’s fruity and sweet!

Lotus Garden has a dominant note that is a crisp, clean citrus. The citrus keeps the blend fruity but it’s quickly followed up with green notes and a strong underlay of lotus which gives a clean note to the fragrance. It’s quite unusual and very, very nice.

Who might like Pacifica Body Lotion?

• Anyone who wants more for alot less (16oz Jumbo Size for $22 USD, likey!)
• Anyone who likes a moisturizer that has a scent that lingers on the skin all day and keeps you smelling lovely!
• Anyone who has dry skin that needs a little TLC!
• Those who like a quick absorbing body cream that leaves skin silky smooth and not sticky or tacky!

All in all Pacifica Body Lotion has alot going for it with it’s green friendly ingredients, it’s appealing price tag, and wonderful scent blends. These are so definitely Muse Approved for purchase as they pack plenty of bang for your buck!

Check out the entire Pacifica Collection by visiting http://www.sephora.com

Tried ‘em?

Love ‘em?

Tell the Muse!

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I told you about Kenzoki Cleansing Ice Jelly a few days ago but I was slightly confused as I thought it was already available for purchase but actually it’s out in April. So this is a sneaky peek review of Kenzoki Cleansing Ice Jelly due out at www.kenzousa.com in April.

Hard to shake a Muse off her Lush skincare regime but she can be tempted by fine quality items like Kenzoki Cleansing Ice Jelly. Jump ahead to find out why it’s so great!

The entire concept, formula, and idea behind Kenzoki Cleansing Jelly absolutely tickles this Muse. A self-cooling cleansing jelly that has a water-like formula which removes waterproof makeup. What’s not to like? I’m not sure what I dig the most, the fact that it’s cooling or the fact that it emulsifies upon contact with my skin.

I sat the cleanser in my fridge for the better part of an hour as I wanted to experience how cooling it could be. After the hour was up and I proceeded to pour a drop in my hand and begin to rub it on my face, you can use a cotton pad if you like. The formula begins as a creamy jelly but quickly, upon contact with your skin, becomes a water-like substance that whisks away dirt and makeup in a jiffy. It’s almost like having a toner, a moisturizer, and a cleanser thrown together into one single product. It has a fresh scent which to my nose is almost reminiscent of a lighter version of Kenzo Belle de Jour moisturizer. The cleanser contains ginseng extract which helps to tone and stimulate the skin. Ginseng is also an effective anti-aging supplement.

It did a fine job of removing all my makeup in one sweep and after use my face felt nice and smooth. My skin can be picky when it comes to cleanser and after use sometimes I get a tight, itchy feel but with this I only experienced nice, dewy results.

I was a little confused how to use so I’ll briefly explained. Normally I remove all my eye makeup prior to washing my face so I began by doing that. After I assumed I had to wet my face to use this, not the case. Remove your eye makeup as normal and follow up by squirting a quarter size amount of Kenzoki Cleansing Jelly into the palm of your hand. Rub the jelly all over your face, it’ll begin to emulsify instantly and feel cooling and water-like. After you’ve smoothed it on rinse with cold water and follow up with some your facial moisturizer, the Muse highly suggests Belle de Jour. You’re using it on dry skin or if you like damp skin but not soaking wet. I do suggest using it on your dry skin though as you’ll get the best results.

You can see the process below. The cleanser starts out a cream and quickly becomes a cool watery liquid.

The entire experience is quite a pleasure as it feels so cooling on my tired face. I’m looking forward to Summer just so I can use this during those hot days when my makeup feels stuck on my face.

Last month I was on my Korres trip but I must say that Kenzo has completely taken over my heart at the moment and I’m thrilled with the interesting skincare collection they offer. I’m ashamed to say I always thought of Kenzo as more of a perfume type company, how wrong was I? If anyone can convince me to forgo my beloved Lush it would be either Kenzo or Korres.

Amazing stuff!

Loves it!

Kenzoki Cleansing Jelly is Muse Approved for purchase! Get yours for $28 USD by visiting www.kenzousa.com in April

Tried any Kenzo skincare?

Do share!

Summer is on the way…well actually it feels like it’s here already the past few days! The Muse wants herself some Kenzo Cleansing Ice Jelly to keep her skin nice and cool for the warmer days ahead.

Kenzo Cleansing Ice Jelly turns into a soft, watery cleanser upon contact with your skin. It has a unique jelly texture that even removes waterproof makeup! Oooo likey! Cooling and removers waterproof makeup? I could deal with that.

This gentle cleanser whisks away makeup while it tones your face. Scented with ginger flower it’s a spicy, invigorating scented cleanser!

Kenzo embraces the chill this Summer with not only this cleanser but also a cooling eye cream and a cooling moisturizer. The Muse is currently having a test drive with Kenzo Ice-Cold Eye Cream and will bring you a review of it shortly with her eye cream round up.

Brrr all this cooling skincare makes me yearn for the warmth of Summer. I’m adding this cleanser to my wish list!

Kenzo Cleansing Ice Jelly will be available for purchase in April.

What do you think?

Love the idea of a cool (literally cool) skincare collection?

Tried Kenzo Cleansing Ice Jelly already?

Love it?

Tell the Muse!

Check out more by visiting www.kenzousa.com

I normally don’t like blogging skincare until I’ve used it for a month or more but seeing as I’m so excited about Kenzo Belle de Jour Moisturizer I’m thinking that I’ll rewrite my set of rules and tell you all about it!

The Muse tends to think outside the box and couldn’t help but think “Oh Belle de Jour moisturizer, how very Billie Piper of Kenzo…” What? Am I the only demented one that was thinking of Billie Piper after they heard “Belle de Jour”….oh come on now you know you were thinking the same bloody thing.

Yeah, Billie’s grown up since her day’s as a companion!

Anyway….

If you put aside all the great benefits of Kenzo Belle de Jour and simply embrace the amazing packaging and incredible smell of the moisturizer you should be happy as a little clam. These things make a difference when you’re a girly girl who adores anything that looks and smells pretty.

Bell de Jour is scented with the gorgeous smell of white lotus. Truly a stunning treat for the senses. After blogging for so long I suddenly realized one day out of the blue that some women don’t like scented moisturizers. I couldn’t believe these people actually existed. I happen to fall into the category of loving my facial moisturizer scented and Belle de Jour completely captivates with a fresh floral blend that’s really something you have to experience for yourself to understand. Truly it’s a key selling point for me as the smell is just amazing.

Ok, enough of gushing about the scent….packaging….

Packaging always matters. You know how shallow we all are. We love beautiful packaging, sweet packaging, and kawaii packaging. Don’t lie now, your Muse knows you well and she understands how important beautiful packaging is. Belle de Jour comes housed in a large white box with a beautiful lotus surrounding all four sides of the box. Inside you’ll discover a tiny little book that goes into great detail about what your new facial moisturizer will do for your skin, small things like this make me smile and take note that the brand put a little extra love into the packaging. The jar is typical Kenzo design that has that chic edge to it. It’s a simple cream jar with a slight slant and a beautiful lotus on the lid. The words Belle de Jour grace the bottom. The simplicity of the jar make it elegant and very pretty to display on your vanity.

Now that we got all the shallow stuff out of the way how does the moisturizer perform?

Kenzo Belle de Jour is a face cream to enhance the skin’s natural beauty by protecting it from free radials and the harmful stress hormone, Cortisol. Cortisol is a chemical found in saliva, which increases significantly when a person is stress. The Muse images she has tons of Cortisol running around all over the place! High levels of cortisol increases blood pressure and weakens the immune system, making the body prone to illness and fat accumulation, see I told you that I had a ton of cortisol running through my body, take a look at my chubby little cheeks you’ll see what I mean! 75% of women using Belle de Jour showed a drop in their cortisol levels by 25% after a single application. Further tests and studies show that the skin surface showed a 28% reduction in reactive oxygenated elements (free radicals) on the skin’s surface.

That’s probably a little too much information but the moral behind the story is that free radicals can create havoc with your skin and Belle de Jour is a moisturizer meant to prevent that chaos. White Lotus, is a natural and potent ingredient which helps restore skin to it’s natural balance and stimulate cellular metabolism leaving behind softer, luminous skin. Simply put the cream increases radiance of the skin, moisturizers, soothes, and protects skin from free radicals.

What’s the Muse say?

The formula is a nice thick moisturizing cream which is recommended for all skin types. I do think it’s a heavy cream so I’d recommend it for night use if you have oily skin or even dry skin for that matter as it can work at improving skin as you sleep. A tiny bit goes a very long way at moisturizing skin and your face feels interestingly refreshed after a single use. The cream absorbs easily and as mentioned above smells heavenly. It sinks in completely and leaves behind softer skin upon contact. It’s one of those facial moisturizers that you’ll see results right away upon application. For example, dry patches on my cheeks were instantly soothed and relieved with one application.

Now as per my recommendation of using it as a night cream, for it’s price you’re going to want to take note of whether or not you want to indulge in it as both a day and night cream or just one or the other. If you live a face paced lifestyle in a large city with plenty of pollution, sun exposure, and just general nastiness that will easily take it’s toll on skin, I recommend using this as your day cream. The point of the cream is to act as a barrier between you and all that insanity that surrounds you during the day. It wraps skin in a cocoon and acts not only as your moisturizer but as a self defense system for your skin. If you work or travel in a slower town and aren’t as exposed you may settle on using this as a night cream. As I mentioned the formula is thick yet manages to be fluffy and absorbs easier so for a day cream it can work well when applied in small amounts.

Restoring the balance of my skin may take a few uses but as of now my skin just feels nicer. I do feel like my skin can take advantage of feeding off a superior facial moisturizer such as this.

I like this one alot and I feel a Muse Approval coming on but I’m going to keep testing it out and I’ll revisit with you in another post soon to tell you how it’s doing with my skin. So far, count this Muse impressed.

Visit www.kenzousa.com for further info or to place an order. Orders over $75 USD get free shipping and three free samples.

What do you think?

Tried Kenzo Belle de Jour?

Love it?

Wanting to try it?

Tell the Muse!

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If you’re looking for a moisturizer for mature skin allow a Muse to recommend Garnier Skin Naturals Vital Restore.

Although I’m not of an age to really appreciate the full benefits of Garnier Skin Naturals Vital Restore I still gave it a go because it smells so ridiculously gorgeous. Yes, indeed, scent does sale a product to the Muse.

Garnier Skin Naturals Vital Restore is part of Garnier’s newest skincare line up within the UK (no worries I’m sure we’ll see it in the US sooner or later). The collection is directed towards mature skin in need of a moisture as well as pampering. The product is a complete revitalizing skin cream the hydrates and reinforces skin structure whole protecting against age spots.

If you’re around 50 years of age, Garnier Vital Restore is something to consider for rebuilding and replenishing skin texture. The moisturizer has an SPF 15 and UVA/UVB filters to help protect skin against premature aging by the sun’s harmful rays. Two active ingredients in the formula are Orchid extract which stumulate cell vitality and Soy bioproteins which stimulate production of collagen and elastin.

I can’t speak for how well it works as my skin isn’t matured enough to appreciate the full benefits of the cream but I must say it smells lovely and moisturizers quite well. My dry skin seems to love it! It’s a nice thick cream that absorbs easily into my face. The overall results of the products won’t take full effect because as I mentioned my skin isn’t old enough but as for texture and scent the product definitely snag my attention!

For further details about the Garnier Skin Naturals Collection visit www.garnier.co.uk

Are you a fan of the Garnier skincare line?

Loves it?

Tell the Muse!

The Muse is terribly partial to body care that comes housed in sweet little Victoria bottles and jars. She’s a big fan of expensive British soaps, lotions, and potions such as Lady Primrose that caters not only to quality but also beautiful packaging. Victorian packaging is perhaps long dead for some but I’m a big lover of anything that’s sports a feminine, pretty package. Most of these items are costly but not the case with Lollia which not only gives a beautiful presentation to it’s product but also offers a quality product with a tiny price tag. And most important it’s made in the USA so you don’t have to trip across Europe so snag yourself some!

Pretty, cheap, and quality? What more could a girl possibly want!

Allow me, if I may, to introduce you to Lollia’s Newest Collection Guest Haus. These tiny petite treats were created by designer Margot Elena Wells. the Guest Haus Collection acknowledges the special guest that comes to visit for an evening or a long weekend or perhaps just for a simple cuppa tea. The Muse’s tea party guests always go home with a goody bag so the Lollia Guest Haus Collection would be the perfect little take home treat.

At $12.50 USD you won’t break the bank making your vanity pretty (or making your guest room vanity pretty if you’re feeling the need to share! No pressure you don’t have too as these are too cute to just give away!) with these sweet petite glass jars of Lollia Body Milk. Each glass jar houses a lush, moisturizing lotion that you can use on hands or on your body.

Lollia Body Milk contains a healthy about of shea butter for making hands and body super smooth with it’s quick absorbing formula but most important it’ll make you smell really pretty. Available in Mint Julep and Geraldine and Tonic you might as well get both for the price as the scents are lovely!

Lollia Body Milk in Mint Julep smells like a sweet vanilla buttermint candy, you know like the ones you slip into your mouth after dinner. The scent lingers on and on so you won’t be able to stop smelling your hands after use! Yum! Lollia Grenadine & Tonic Body Milk smells has a fresh floral scent with a nice twang of tonic that lightens up the scent and morphs it into something unique!

Forsaking luxury because of price doesn’t have to be an option with Lollia’s inexpensive Bath and Body Collection! Lollia Guest Haus Body Milk Petite Treats are gorgeous little treasures that will fit right into the palm of your hand and oh yes most important your beauty budget without breaking the bank.

Snag a few to give away at your tea parties, stash some in your guest bedrooms and bathrooms, give some to a special friend as a little treat, and most important spoil yourself with one or two!

Lollia Body Milk and the entire Lollia Collection is Muse Approved for purchase! Girlish, feminine, pretty, and inexpensive make a Muse happy.

You can find Lollia at www.lollialife.com or visit your local Antropologie!

Have you tried Lollia?

Love it?

Tell the Muse!

Stay Tuned for more Lollia reviews coming shortly!

Oooo the weather is warming up…kinda…sorta…ok, not really but soon it’ll be warmer and you’ll want to have picture perfect knees, elbows, and legs. You’ll be wearing shorts, you’ll be showing your arms, and tons of skin will be on display for all to admire or if you’re wobbly like the Muse you keep those bits under cover hehe!

You’re so NOT wanting to have crusty, flaky, dry elbows, knees, and legs right? Don’t panic. Solution ahead!

I’m a big fan of Lush Massage Bars as I think they do my skin a world of good especially the dry, ickier parts of my body but I’m all for an alternative that’s cute and sweet smelling!

That’s where Vintage Sister Elbow Grease comes into play! It gives me a bit of a sweeter option with kawaii packaging. What’s Elbow Grease anyway? Elbow Grease is simply a solid moisturizing bar that you can rub on your dry skin to smooth it up. You take the soap shaped bar and rub it on rough elbows or knees or anywhere else dry skin is cropping up and as your body temperature rises the bar will melt slightly into a creamy, dreamy moisturizing treatment.

Vintage Sister steps up the game and makes Elbow Grease extra cute and travel friendly by housing it in a sliding tin case. Slide the tin open and pop the bar out for use, after you’re done pop the bar back in and slide the tin closed!

Elbow Grease is $10 USD a tin and comes in six fun scents! I have mine scented in Carribean Fruit which has touches of tropical orange, cherry, coconut, and pineapple! It’s a combo of sweet, tropical fruits that’s sure to get you in the mood for Spring!

Each bar will last around a three to four weeks with daily use. It works fabulously well at making skin extra smooth and particularly makes your legs feel wonderfully silky and short ready for the Summer!

All in all I’m still a big lover of Lush Massage Bars as they perform the very same way but I really like the fun, quirky style of Vintage Sister which is what makes Elbow Grease such a hit for me.

Snag some today at www.vintagesister.com

Shipping is very reasonable as well ranging from $1.99-$2.99 USD or less within the US and $6 USD and up for International Orders.

Loves it! Works a treat and getting the Muse all soft and silky again!

Tried it?

Want to?

Tell the Muse!