Musings of a Muse

As Fall approaches MAC releases (September 2009) it’s brand new three part color series which is a collaboration with three artists who work in three separate mediums, photograph, paint, and illustration.

One of the three collections is the Richard Phillips for MAC Collection. Richard Phillips is an expert photo-retoucher and creates lush seven-foot tall oil paintings of men and women based on photographs he cuts out of magazines. His collection is the largest of the three color stories releasing and includes three shadow quads, various lipstick and lipglasses, and blushes covering lips, cheeks, and eyes.

Jump ahead for a small peek at a few pieces!

The Muse was treated to an early sneak peek of the Richard Phillips for MAC, MAC Make-Up Art Cosmetics Fall 2009 Collection and will give you a few pictures of the items she has available right now. Most of the items I received were very simple and would make for a stunning Fall nude look.

I’ll be indulging in all of the MAC quads but the one I have to show you today is the MAC Eye Shadow Quad in Notoriety. Notoriety contains Skintone 1 (light white pink), Skintone 2 (dirty gold), Notoriety (brown with golden pearl), and Rich & Earthy (coral bronze). The quad is surprisingly gorgeous in it’s simplicity and I’m looking forward to creating a warm, nude Fall look with it.

The two lipglasses I received were New Spirit (beige coral) and Young Thing (creamy gold). Out of the two New Spirit is the prettiest but isn’t unique for me as it reminds me of a few shades of lipglass I already own. Young Thing is a bit to nude for me so I’m doubtful it’ll be a love but we shall see!

MAC Lipstick in Lovin’ It neutral light brown which is fairly pretty and will pair up well with the Notoriety Quad. It’s a decent Fall shade but nothing to get too crazy over.

And finally MAC Blush in The Perfect Cheek is a pale matte off pink. This I’m really not loving and I’m unsure will even show up as it looks quite chalky and sheer. But I do admit it’ll also pair up with the other items and compliment the shades in this collection very well.

Overall, I’d say the quads are quite special in this particular release and I’m looking forward to seeing the other two, In the Gallery and Photo Realism. So far I’m not too impressed with the lipstick, glosses, and blush I have on hand but I’ll reserve further judgment until I see the rest in person!

Anyone hyped about this collection?

Haulin’ hard?

Haulin’ small?

Tell the Muse!

This post will be updated with swatch photos shortly.

The Muse choose the right time to fall in lust with H20+ Skin Care as they are currently having a buy 2, get 1 free sale! w00t!

The entire line of H20+ Skin Care is in on this offer. No coupon is needed simply add the items to your cart and the deduction is made at check out. You’ll get the lowest item free of charge. I ordered last week and got the night cream and two eye creams…but I’m thinking I want to go back for the cleanser and maybe the mist….oy…I’m going to be so broke!

Btw enter code 990527 for free shipping if you spend $40 bucks!

I love that Philosophy is giving a little love to their color collection this Fall. As many of us are known to lust after both Philosophy Skin care and their bath and body line, I think a fair few of us forget that Philosophy has a color cosmetic line as well.

This Fall Philosophy has quite a few new skin care and bath and body products releasing but they are also showing the love for their color cosmetic collection with a few new pieces that have captured my eye.

Click below for the details!

Philosophy The Supernatural Moonlight Natural Illuminating Powder ($28) is a translucent illuminating powder that instantly highlights your face and leaves behind a luminous finish.

Philosophy The Supernatural Instant Sunshine Natural Mineral Bronzer ($28) is a sheer, natural looking sunny color that gives a sun kissed glow.

Philosophy The Supernatural Superglossy Lip Gloss ($16.50) is a sheer lioquid lip gloss that moisturizes lips without a tacky, sticky feel! It’s also formulated with an SPF 15.

Shades Available:

• Bare Your Soul
• Do What Comes Naturally
• Follow Your Dreams
• Live In The Moment
• Open Your Heart
• Posey-Reflect A Little
• Share The Love
• Smell The Roses

Philosophy The Supernatural Coloring Book Palette ($37.50) is a color palette for eyes, cheeks, and lips for a natural make up look.

All in all I’d say Philosophy did a good job in updating their makeup line. I’m interested in the palette, gloss, and possibly the highlighting powder….that bronzer sounds great too but with Fall quickly approaching I’m not up for a bronzy look.

The entire collection is available now at Nordstrom.

What do you think of the cosmetic side of Philosophy?

Share it!

Oh Laura you’re you do so know how to make a Muse smile. A while back ago the Muse purchased the Laura Mercier Flawless Face Kit and was absolutely delighted with the results. Now the Muse is craving the brand new Mineral Flawless Face Kit!

The kit is $65 and contains:

• Laura Mercier Foundation Mineral Primer
• Laura Mercier Mineral Powder SPF 15
• Laura Mercier Secret Concealer
• Laura Mercier Mineral Illuminating Powder
• Laura Mercier Full-sized Blending Brush
• Laura Mercier Full-sized Secret Camouflage Brush

I’m not a mineral foundation lover but I’m still wanting to try this out especially since the price is so user friendly. I think I’ll indulge with my Sephora V.I.B. 10% Off Coupon code.

What do you think?

Have you tried Laura Mercier Mineral Makeup?

Tell it!

Available now Sephora.

DuWop is always brings something out that the Muse tends to look forward to. Each release somehow delights and surprises me and I’m always hurrying around trying to nail it down for myself when it pops onto shelves. The DuWop Fall Collection has me fairly hyped as it’s small but quite thrilling…but than again the Muse is always excited about makeup.

Jump ahead for the full details.

Keeping in with the trend of Fall, DuWop releases a single, vibrant, bold shade of red lipstick with it’s Fall 2009 Collection. DuWop Private Red ($22) is a unique, color changing lipstick that creates a personal shade of red based on body chemistry. Hmmm this sounds vaguely familiar to the Muse’s ears!

Although quite the little copycat this lipstick supposedly has a rich pigment that leaves behind a slight stain so lips stay red. And judging by the pictures it’s far from sheer so we can count this one as possibly an innovative lippie for Fall. I’m ordering it as it sounds intriguing and I do so wish to see how different it is from other color changing products that I’ve tried as of late.

More lip goodness awaits you with the new DuWop Lipmousse Lipgloss ($22)

A light and fluffy whipped lip color that packs a punch of satiny color. This is a creamy formula that’s not quite a gloss but not a lipstick either. It offers intense coverage with a long lasting formula that’s not waxy or glossy but simply lightweight.

I imagine the formula is a creamy, matte finish which could prove dry but they do say that this has a moisturizing element to keep lips all happy. Count me curious. I’ll also be indulging in one or two to see what I think.

Colors are:

• Baked Apple (Reddish Rose)
• Creme Brulee (Pink Beige)
• Cupcake (Vibrant Rose)
• Ganache (Dark Plum Brown)
• Sorbet (Bright Pink)
• Tart(Berry Plum)

And finally DuWop Primerstone ($38) is a brand new pressed powder with SPF 15 that acts as a primer to even out skin tone, reduce pores, and create a new clean canvas for foundation.

I’ve never heard of this trick but supposedly makeup artists recommend a light dusting of translucent powder before foundation as this allows for a smoother application and a reduction in the appearance of enlarged pores. Whoa. Never knew that. Seems a messy idea if you’re a liquid or cream foundation user like myself but count me up for a try!

Overall, I’d say DuWop has an interesting Fall Collection to look forward to. I’d order but Sephora doesn’t have the products yet in stock but expect some sort of rave or rant soonish. I’m looking forward to trying these items out and oops I still have DuWop Summer 2009 to review and swatch for you, that’ll be soon I promise.

What do you think of DuWop Fall 2009?

Anything you’d haul?