Musings of a Muse

NARS Spring Collection 2009 had my heart pounding in excitement and I was quite hyper to get my greedy hands all over it!

I have a few pieces of the collection to share with you today and I can’t wait to hear what you think of this exciting Spring Collection!

Jump ahead to read my impressions, see photos, and swatches of NARS Spring ’09!

I should mention that above anything else I’m really, really, really want to try out the new NARS Duo Concealer in a major way. Hopefully I’ll bring you a review of that soon.

Today I have NARS Eyeshadow Duo in Hula Hula to show you and two of the new NARS Single Shadows in Night Sun and Baby Girl. I haven’t yet had a chance to do FOTD’s with these and normally, you know the Muse, I like to include my FOTD’s with all my reviews but I was so excited to finally have pieces from NARS Spring 2009 in my hands that I just felt like sharing right away. I’ll work on FOTD’s soon so expect them to be posted sometime next week.

The new NARS Eyeshadow Duo in Hula Hula is, in my opinion, the best of the two new duos released. It has two shades of shimmering shadow that will make up a rather nice, natural bronzy pink look. I’ll use Sephora’s description for the two shades as they made it sound heavenly. The first shade in the duo is a frosty strawberry with fine gold shimmer (yum right?) and the second is a hazelnut with golden shimmer. The two shadows contrast wonderfully well and I think they’ll make a fine Spring look that’ll work well into Summer!

Although it’s not pimped in the promo image NARS released a new single eyeshadow shade in Night Sun. It deserves to be mentioned that all of the NARS “night” series shadows are always something special and Night Sun is no different in that aspect. It’s a bright true yellow shade with plenty of gold sparkle which will be ideal for pairing up with red, orange, or other warmer shades. Of course, by itself it looks stunning as well. Think MAC Pigment in Golden Lemon and you’ll pretty much have a great dupe (in press format) with NARS Night Sun. Gorgeous and I’m sure a favorite soon.

Finally I got NARS single shadow in Baby Girl. Baby Girl a nice, soft baby pink with soft golden shimmers. It’s quite a sheer shade but for lightening up the eye area it’s ideal.

So far, NARS Spring Collection 2009 is shaping up quite nicely and I look forward to exploring it further (especially that concealer). NARS rarely disappoints and Spring ’09 is far from disappointing! Fab job NARS the Muse loves it so far!

How about you?

Loving NARS Spring Collection?

Which pieces have you through about hauling?

Tell the Muse!

The entire Spring Collection is up and available for purchase @ www.narscosmetics.com

I was browsing around Sasa looking for a steals and deals when I noticed that they are now carrying Kyowa Rose Hip Makeup Removal Cleansing Tissues! Coolness! I have these hanging out just about everywhere in my house and office. I keep ‘em by my bed, on my vanity, in my bathroom, in my desk draw…they are kinda my go to item for freshening up makeup, cleaning brushes, and removing makeup on the fly.

Read more about why I love ‘em after the jump!

I’m a big fan of MAC Makeup Remover Wipes but damn they dry my skin out bad plus they kinda sting a little bit. I’ve long since replaced them with Kyowa Rose Hip Makeup Removal Cleansing Tissues that I buy at my local Asian supermarket for a buck. That’s right, $1 for 30! Score! A steal and a deal, thank you very much.

They do a rather fab job of removing all my makeup without drying out my skin so I keep buying ‘em for quickie makeup removal when I’m lazy plus I use ‘em for a variety of other reasons too since the price is right. Do keep in mind that they epically fail at removing waterproof mascara but honestly have you ever met a wipe that does a good job with that? I haven’t, not even MAC’s version.

Although I do like these for super quick makeup clean up I really dig having them around for wiping my brushes in between shadow color changes. Swipe a few times and my brush is nice and clean for my next color plus dries really quick. These also make a nice pick me up in the summer when my forehead is being oil, quick wipe removes the oil and I can brush on a bit of powder to mattify.

Honestly, they are pretty multitasking and the price can’t be beat. When I seen them on Sasa I was kinda excited that the rest of the world could now indulge (that is if you don’t have many options around in regards to small Asian shops, markets, etc…) although on Sasa they do retail for $3.20 USD but still if you’re doing a Sasa order it’s not too bad a deal to throw a box in your cart to take them for a whirl.

They smell fresh and clean, leave my skin moist without a tight, itchy dry feeling, and multitasking as a remover, brush cleaner, and more! What more could a girl want at this price?

Kyowa makes several styles of the wipe, so pick the one you want and get cleansing! The Muse loves ‘em!

The Muse is quite fond of reminding the world that Philosophy has come a long way with it’s popular 3 in 1 Shower Gel Collection as of late. For a while there this Muse wasn’t really buying because some of the scents weren’t exactly “true”. For example, take Philosophy Sugar Cookie…lots of lemon but no cookie or sugar. What happened Philosophy? I can go on and on but the fact of the matter is and what remains important now is that Philosophy has more than redeemed itself as of late with it’s new and improved fantastic shower gel formula and the Muse likey, alot.

As part of it’s Spring Collection 2009, Philosophy has released a brand new 3 in 1 Shower Gel entitled Pink Frosted Layer Cake and it’s lovely to say the least!

Fun Fact: Although the world is fond of remembering Marie Antoinette’s immortal words, “Let them eat cake!” the Muse will happily inform you she never uttered those words but it sure is quite fun to think she did!

Anyway. What was I saying?

Oh yes, Philosophy Pink Frosted Layer Cake Shower Gel…mmm….mmmm….good! Philosophy gets it right again with a blend of sugary sweetness, a tiny hint of fruitiness, a touch of vanilla, and just the right amount of pink cake! Even Marie Antoinette would approve of this one!

I think this is possibly the best one they’ve come out with in a while aside from Red Licorice that is. I thought they did a fine job with the scent and it just engulfs you in a cloud of what a pink, sugary dessert should smell like. The gel can be used in your shower, in a warm bath, or to wash your hair with, as if you didn’t already know all that.

Philosophy Pink Frosted Layer Cake Shower Gel is a luxuriously sudsy shower gel that perfectly suitable for putting you in the mood for all things pink!

The Muse Approves it for purchase! Loves it!

The Muse is quite busy loving all over the Korres Natural Product line. I’m been terribly impressed with everything I’ve tried from Korres lately and next on my hit list of fab finds from Korres is the Korres White Tea Facial Fluid Gel Cleanser. Love!

This product has the potential to replace all my beloved cleansing oils and my HG (holy grail) Philosophy Purity Cleanser.

Korres White Tea Facial Fluid Gel Cleanser is a cocktail of vegetable derived soap substitutes with oat proteins that are a gentle cleansing solution for the skin which removes makeup, moisturizes, and deep cleans, all without dehydrating the skin and washing clean away.

Absolutely love this cleanser for the simple fact it doesn’t dry my skin out. This alone makes it worth it’s weight in gold. My skin is a bit picky when it comes to cleansers and it dries out terribly with certain brands. For years now I’ve been using Philosophy Purity, Kose Airy Whip, or an oil based cleanser for makeup removal and on a rare occasion a powder wash when I’m feeling lazy. These items I’ve found to work well for me and keep the dry evil flakes at bay. I can safely add Korres White Tea Facial Fluid Gel Cleanser to my line up now as it’s extremely gentle, removes everything from my face, and doesn’t dry my skin out.

The formula is a runny gel base which lathers very little. I honestly don’t like foaming cleansers anyway so the fact that it barely lathers is a plus for me. It has a soft, faint fresh smell which makes it great for anyone who hates scented skincare products. To use the product you simply dampen your face and apply a small amount of cleaner to your face, rubbing in circles to melt away your makeup, rinse and you’re left with clean, glowing skin. It rinses off your skin well without any residue and leaves behind nice, soft skin with no trace of makeup

If you’re looking for a bells and whistles kinda cleanser this is not it but if you’re like me and just want something simple, deep cleaning, and a product that won’t strip your skin, then this is simply an outstanding product because it does all that.

Who should try it?

• Anyone who loves a good, simple cleaner that works without stripping your skin!
• Anyone who has a problem with cleansers making your skin tight or dry
• Those who like a basic cleanser that offers deep cleaning

All in all I simply loved this. I was figuring it out at a price of $21 USD it actually works out almost the same if I purchase an 8oz size of Philosophy Purity. I’m getting a little less product for the price but I love the cleanser so much I really don’t mind the switch.

I’m Muse Approving Korres White Tea Facial Fluid Gel Cleanser for purchase as it’s outstanding. Really likey this one ladies! Try it out for yourself, it’s a winner.

Have you tried this cleanser?

Do tell me, I’d love to hear your thoughts on it!

Find out more @ Korres

Get your Spring cosmetic wardrobe on with the Victoria’s Secret Spring Look Makeup Collection.

It’s kinda different for Victoria’s Secret to release a complete gift set for Spring. Normally they focus on a shimmering makeup line almost every Spring with each product sold separately. It’s nice to see an entire set for Spring all sold together in one kit.

The Spring Look Makeup Collection Includes:

• Victoria’s Secret Lipgloss in Blush
• Victoria’s Secret Eye Shadow Quad
• Victoria’s Secret Highlighter/Blush Duo in Fresh
• Victoria’s Secret High-Def Mascara
• A white makeup bag with the Victoria’s Secret emblem on it and an attached mirror

The colors all look very fresh and Spring-like with a strong focus on pink. I’m all about pink for the Spring so this definately appeals. Overall, it looks like quite a cute little selection of goodies for one or two complete Spring looks!

The kit is $49 USD and available now at Victoria’s Secret