Enjoy a trio of fab eyeshadows on a budget for $7 USD from mark!
Pretty right?
Me wants to the green trio! Can’t go wrong for the price either!
Want ‘em?
Budget your lip gloss purchases by glancing at my review of mark’s Glossblossom Ripening Tint Lipgloss!
Indulge your need (and greed) for palettes while keeping your costs down with mark’s new Eye and Lip Strip Palettes!
Satisfy your Summer craves for Eyeko, Jelly Pong Pong, and more during Cherry Culture’s 20% Off Sale!
Get 20% Off your total order by using promo code SUM20!
Shop it, Buy it, and than come back here and tell the Muse what you hauled!
Happy Shopping!
When you’re on a small island and the only makeup around can be found at duty-free shopping you’ll be wow’ed by anything.
Which just happens to be the case for the Muse when she seen L’oreal’s Telescopic Mascara.
I was somewhat impressed with L’oreal’s Telescopic Mascara when I seen it in a duty-free shop in Grand Turk. Although I was tempted I didn’t indulge as I’ve been burned one too many times by drugstore brand mascaras.
I love my MJ Mascara too much to cheat but I do feel tempted by Sephora’s Atomic Volume Mascara!
I’m always on the hunt for fuller lashes and this new mascara from Sephora quite reminds me of L’oreal’s version which is all good as I haven’t been as disappointed with Sephora branded makeup as I have with drugstore brands!
It’s on my wish list and I’m sure you’ll see a review soonish!
This is available now from Sephora for $16 USD.
Count me tempted.
Want it?
Have it?
Tell the Muse!
I’ve wanted to try a few of Laura Mercier’s products for a long time now and how convenient that Sephora has a prepackaged Flawless Face Kit available for $65 USD!
Most of the times within the new kit are items I’ve been really tempted by and wanting to try.
The kit includes:
1 oz Foundation Primer
1 oz Tinted Moisturizer
0.21 oz Undercover Pot
A Secret Camouflage Brush
A Camouflage Powder Brush
A makeup sponge and puff
Although the price makes me wince I’m still indulging. The products are awful small but I figure in the long run they’ll save me a ton of cash on the large sizes!
This seems like the perfect little Summer must have for a flawless, unmade-up face that’s both natural and gorgeous!
I just ordered it so expect a Yay or a Nay soonish!
Have this?
Love Laura Mercier?
Want it?
Tell the Muse!
Hello World!
Miss me much?
I know I missed you!
Obviously a few days away from the beauty blogging world is way too much as I see brand new collections, semi-annual sales, Fall Collections, new MAC color stories (Yes, I did indulge and I know you’re gagging to hear about it! Review to come!) and tons of other great stuff!
My fingers are eager to start typing (and sharing) away about all the items I’ve come across and heard about!
How are you all? It appears you’re all alive and kicking as I have over 80 comments to get through! Thanks for all the well wishes on my trip! Appreciate them greatly! It’s going to take me a little time but I promise to respond to each one individually! I noticed many of you commented on my Dior vs YSL post and I’m eager to dive into that discussion shortly!
I’m great and well rested and relaxed after a wonderful and amazing holiday! Yay! My cruise was absolutely fabulous and I’m thinking that maybe I need an extra month more to get back into the grove of work, life, and everything else but ado reality is knocking on my door and it’s back to real life!
A HUGE hello and thanks to a very special couple of friends the Muse made while on her cruise! I was lucky enough to meet a beautiful couple (who may just be reading this) during my time away so a big thanks to them for making my vacation extra special!
What about everyone else?
What have you been up to?
Any new lemmings?
Any new purchases?
Eager for the Japanese Fall Collections?
Tell the Muse all about it!
Comment box is open and available! It seems like years since I’ve talked to each of you!
Before I leave I’ll give you some details on what to expect in the new few days from your dear, old Muse!
Upcoming:
A review on Philosophy’s newest cleanser….hmmmm exciting eh?
Reviews and FOTD’s from MAC’s hot new color stories including Cool Heat!
News on Korean and Japanese Fall Collections
Reviews on Japanese Summer Collections (Long over do aren’t I?)
and much, much more……….!
Sadly, I didn’t overindulge in duty-free shopping as truly I didn’t find anything that I didn’t already own or could find cheaper here. I can never understand all the hype about duty-free shopping as it’s sincerely not that fantastic!
However, I do have many a fine trick up my sleeve for the week and you won’t be without your daily dose of Musings from this Muse!
The Muse now needs to unpack…..*groan* Wanna help?
The Muse is leaving on a jet plane….well…not a jet plane but a cruise ship! It’s almost the same thing anyway right?
I’ll be away from from June 2nd until June 14th. Umm yea totally screwed up on the dates duh…June 4th to June 14th…ahhhh that’s better!
I’m not bringing any geeky gadgets while I’m away…no cell phone….no powerbook….etc…
Which sadly means no blogging for 12 days! I doubt you’ll miss me as much as I’ll miss you!
While I’m away you can amuse yourself with some of my past posts!
Bon Voyage!
Summer is here which would make me very late reviewing these! Eep!
I’ve had Tarte’s Double Dose Berry Boost & Gloss tucked away for the better part of a month and I just broke into them this week!
I get a bit hyper when it comes to innovative, unique packaging and Tarte gets the award for coolness with these new glosses! The lipgloss tube consists of two chambers which you can press to release more color versus more shine. Press the middle and you can slick on some nicely pigmented lip color. Press the center and you get a burst of shiny gloss to wear on it’s own or on top of the lip color. Cool right? The taste is a sweetly minty fresh cocktail which is definately approved by the Muse as I adore my glosses to have flavor but hey why you’re ingesting your Tarte Double Dose Lipgloss don’t forget that it’s packed full of good stuff for your skin! Cool now I’m not so worried about the poisons of chewing off my gloss/lipstick!
I tried out Pomegranate Punch which is a beautiful sparkling red and Go Go Goji which is a cross between a pink and a coral. Pigmentation was excellent and I liked the fact that these weren’t sticky or tacky plus as I mentioned they were quite tasty!
I rarely go without staining my lips prior to gloss but I easily got away with using these on their own as they are packed full of color and depending on how much you layer you can do a natural or loud look!
Sporting Pomegranate Punch for a just kissed pucker!
Sporting Go Go Goji for a natural lip look!
Without Flash
With Flash
Each tube will set you back $21 USD which does seem a tad bit high but the color payoff is excellent plus they slick on like an absolute dream so you get what you pay for quality wise!
Even though I’m a bit late reviewing these will take me safely from Spring to Summer for some gorgeous looking lips!
The Muse is loving Tarte Double Dose Lipglosses at the moment!
How about you?
Tried ‘em?
Want to?
Love ‘em?
Tell me!
You know how I’m always bitching about my eyes lately?
Well I have the solution right here, just for you! If you’re a bit of a frugal person you may not want to continue reading however if you want the best of the best this may be the solution you seek to fixing your eye area up and making yourself look fresh, awake, younger, and beautiful!
This year I turned 30 and with that came a slew of problems that presented themselves to my under eye area. I’ve tried just about everything as you may know from my previous post on eye creams.
One of my main solutions for looking fresh and awake while concealing my under eye woes are one of two fantastic concealers!
Yves Saint Laurent Radiant Touch and Dior Radiance Booster Pen.
That’s it.
That’s my solution for fresher, beautiful eyes.
I’ve been using Dior’s Radiance Booster Pen for close to a year now and it’s slowing replacing my YSL Radiant Touch Pen.
Both pens are brilliant, wonderful pieces of cosmetic that, no matter your age, you should have in your beauty arsenal.
I highly recommend going out and purchasing one of each as they come with my highest rating of approval.
First of all I probably shouldn’t call these concealers because technically that isn’t what they are however I feel like they are pigmented enough to do a very good job of concealing tired eyes, medium dark circles, and fine lines. The general idea is to not conceal but to illuminate and highlight your skin and subdue any dullness.
You can use these all over your face not just under your eye. I normally use them under my eyes and throughout the day, as a touch up, I dab some on the corners of my nose and blend outwards for a fresh look.
Both pens are truly brilliant at making my eyes look 100% better!
What’s the difference anyway?
Well.
I feel like the Dior version is a bit more moisturizing and offers a bit more coverage. It’s very thick and it feels like cool lotion when you apply. Coverage is very, very good and the it lasts much longer than the YSL Radiant Touch Pen!
This is a bit of a Dior Radiance Booster Pen versus YSL Radiant Touch Pen post and the winner is…..
Dior’s Radiance Booster Pen in Candle Light 02
Dior Radiance Booster Pen knocks YSL out of the water. Shocked? It’s true the Dior wins hands down!
YSL does a mighty good job with it’s Touche Eclat Radiant and I’ve always been a very, very big fan but the Dior pen does a much better job!
YSL Touche Eclat Radiant Pen in Luminous Ivory 02
Touche Eclat isn’t nearly as moisturizing and you have to do a bit of smoothing around to blend it in correctly. It comes in a larger variety of colors than Dior’s version but I actually felt like Dior’s limited colors suited my skin tone much better than the YSL colors.
The price tag is $40 USD and it’s considerably smaller for the cost compared the Dior at $31 USD. I’ve always found the gold casing slightly gaudy where as the Dior’s slick silver case is quite elegant!
Sadly, Touch Eclat Radiant has a tendency to settle into my fine lines and it does fade very quickly so I am touching up through out the day where as that doesn’t happen with the Dior Radiance Booster Pen as it lasts quite a good deal longer without creasing or fading!
All in all I think I’ve found a replacement for Yves Saint Laurent’s Touch Eclat Radiant and that would definately be the Dior SkinFlash Radiance Booster Pen!
Both pens are well worth getting your hands on as they create the illusion of beautiful, flawless skin however the Dior version does a much better job of it and with a nicer price tag!
Toss your Yves Saint Laurent Touch Eclalt Radiant pens like I did and go and grab yourself a few Dior SkinFlash Radiance Booster Pens! You won’t be sorry! I sincerely have at least two on hand at all times!
Needless to say I do occasionally reach back into the bin and snatch up my YSL which means both the Dior Skinflash Radiance Booster Pen and Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat Radiant are Muse Approved for purchase!
Tried both?
Which do you like more?
Refuse to try the Dior version because you’re so attached to your YSL pen?
Tell the Muse!
Read more about my great love for Dior by visiting past posts!
See my review on Dior’s Summer Addict Glosses by clicking here!
Prepare to drool by reading my review and seeing my haul of Dior Spring Collection goodies!
Click here to read about how the “I Love Dior” Deluxe palette compares to the Dior D’Trick Palette!
Simple rules of the game. Tag 6 more bloggers, leave a comment asking them to participate by reading your blog for the rules, and finally list the players you’ve tagged after your post! Easy!
This is an interesting game of tag as it offers you more of an insight into the Muse’s life!
1) What was I doing 10 year’s ago?
I was attending college and testing out my first year of scary loft life with my best friend at the time. Scary as my mate was a complete disorganized mess and this couldn’t be more of a nightmare for an anally organized person like myself. I was majoring in CE and a little geek to say the least. I also had done an internship around that time with a local campus as a TA for a Pascal course (I kicked it old school with the programming languages back than!). 10 years ago would be just around the time I took my first trip to the Nederlands as well and visited Amsterdam which I completely fell in love with.
2) What are 5 Things on my To-Do List today?
3) Snacks I Enjoy:
4) Places I’ve Lived:
I’m mostly a New York girl and haven’t lived elsewhere although I have visited many places for long periods of time such as England, Thailand, and Japan so I guess you could consider that as sorta living away for a while as it was months at a time!
5) Things I’d do if I were a billionaire:
Buy world peace. Please.
6) People I want to know more about:
Jonathan Rhys Meyer: If you’re free Jonathan my ear is open! I can sit on your lap while you tell me all about yourself……hehe!
I’m tagging Sarah from The Puff Reports, Gloria from Divashop, Jazmin from Makeup Moxie, Allysia-May from Divalcious Glamazon, The love of my life, Mandy from MandyPandy’s Beauty Blog, and the gorgeous Critty from Pretty by Critty!
Feel free to add pieces of your life!
The Muse is all ears about hearing more about YOU!
I got my Lush UK “Shower” Party order!
Here’s some yummy pictures:
I specifically told them absolutely NO popcorn packing please! I don’t think popcorn and shower gel goes well together when traveling from England to the US!
A FREE GLAMOUR PUSS! Yay!
Rub Rub Rub Shower Gel!
I’ll be reviewing the new shower gels shortly but I thought I’d give you a quick sneak peek!
Enjoy!
Battle oily skin with my review on Lush Tea Tree Water!
Get your hair squeaky clean with my review on Lush Big Shampoo and Lush Retread Conditioner!
Click here to view my Lush Easter order!
Click here to see my last party order from the UK featuring Snowcake Shower Gel!
Click here to read my review on Lush Solid Perfumes!
Click here my raves on Lush Solid Shampoo Bars by clicking here and learn how to simplify your haircare routine!
I love color. When I was 4 years old I told my mother I was going to be a famous artist needless to say it didn’t happen.
But I can play at being an artist with every color in the rainbow in my cosmetic wardrobe so of course I was happy to add Urban Decay’s New Big Fatty “Color” Mascara to my beauty arsenal!
Like all good things Urban Decay puts out these mascaras are packed full of funky shades to turn your lashes from blah to WOW! I was excited to test these out as not many brands put out such gorgeous hues of color when it comes to mascara!
These are a mini version of the original Big Fatty Mascara which I think is perfectly suited because who can seriously polish off a tube of bright aqua mascara? Not likely. A mini version is the perfect size for those days you’re feeling a bit daring! At a price tag of $17 USD each you might wince slightly but no one ever said it was cheap to be gorgeous!
The formula isn’t the best I’ve come across and I had to do quite a bit of work to get this evenly applied onto my lashes. As I find with all colored mascaras it’s a chore to get it on correctly. Application consists of swiping the color on, clumping some of the color on using the tip of the applicator, brushing it through with a lash comb, and finally applying another layer.
This is no fault of the product but just the general drama of colored mascara! I’ve tried a few colored mascaras and aside from Majorca Majolica Splashing Blue Mascara I’ve never had a successful application without having to go through several steps to get the product evenly onto my lashes! The brush is a nice big chunky one which could attest to it’s name “Big Fatty”.
I tested out all the colors that were released and Black Cherry is by far my favorite. It’s a deep maroon that goes perfectly with cranberry, pink, browns, and even bronze colors! Below I created a look using Urban Decay Big Fatty in Black Cherry.
Other colors available are Purple Haze which is a deep purple, Electric Blue which borders aqua and blue, and Indigo which is an off color blue with tiny touches of purple.
If you’re purchasing these or already own these I came up with some killer combinations to match up with Urban Decay eye shadows that I already own. You may have some of these or maybe wanting some after seeing my combos! Enjoy!
Urban Decay Big Fatty Mascara in Indigo Combos
Urban Decay Big Fatty Mascara in Purple Haze Combos
Urban Decay Big Fatty Mascara in Electric Blue Combos
Urban Decay Big Fatty Mascara in Black Cherry Combos
All in all these are a fun way to spice up your Summer eye makeup! Definitely worth checking out and swatching for yourself. I recommend checking out Black Cherry and Electric Blue as they are my fav of the four released!
Loving these?
Wanting ‘em?
What colors are you thinking of pairing up with ‘em?
Tell the Muse!
Check below for some other Urban Decay reviews and posts you may have missed out on!
Rediscover why Matte is where it’s at with Urban Decay’s Matte Eye Shadow Collection!
Click here to find out why I’m suddenly loving bronzer thanks to Urban Decay Baked Bronzer!
Click here to see what reviews are upcoming from Urban Decay’s Summer 2008 Collection with my sneak peek!
Oily Summer skin blues? Click here to hear my review on on Urban Decay De-Slick Mattifying Powder!
Ahhh Summer! Lounging by the pool, enjoying the cool breeze at the beach, or strolling through downtown Manhattan on a late, humid night!
We are finally getting some warmer weather here in New York and I’ve felt the need to do inventory on all the hot shades I’ll be sporting this Summer!
Although I enjoy a nice healthy pop of color in the warmer weather I definately lean towards bronzes, golds, oranges, and peachy shades as well!
This post is dedicated to all those wonderful shades that shout sun and fun!
Click the photos below to find out the items displayed!
When choosing my selections above I was thinking sun and heat! The colors are all perfectly suited to both the sun and the warm weather. Shimmering hues of copper, yellows, golds, bronzes, chocolates, and bronze all put me in the mood for Summer!
What are some of your Summer must have shades?
I prefer a lighter fragrance in the Summer and Victoria’s Secret new “Sensual Fruit” Collection is the perfect combination of a light and sweet scent for the hot weather!
I picked these up a few weeks ago at Victoria’s Secret and I’m quite happy I purchased them as the weather is beginning to get humid and I really like a quick body spray that lingers on in the sticky heat!
I picked up Dewy Peach and Juicy Apple both of which are a lovely cocktail of sweet fruit! I find these linger all day when I layer them with the lotion and I’m left with just the right amount of scent that’s light enough for Summer wear and tear.
The price can’t be beat at 4 for $19.99 USD or 7 for $29.99. You can mix and match till your heart’s content which is a plus for me as I can never make up my mind!
I enjoy a nice light fragrance in the Summer and these fit the bill perfectly!
What’s your Summer Scent preference?
Tell the Muse!
I haven’t had too much experience with spring eye lash curlers but the one experience I did have wasn’t a great one. Honestly, I think I was scarred for life after trying out the Sana Excel Spring Curler. Can you say ouch?
I’m not talking about a season. When I mention “spring” I’m talking about the spring action of the curler. Tarte’s curler isn’t a traditional manual curler that you press and hold down. The Tarte Picture Perfect Eyelash Curler has a spring back handle which you press to curl and it slowly springs back when you release.
Holy cow that sounded technical and stuff!
Honestly, I’ve never understood the concept of the”spring” action so don’t ask me to explain it! My brain might explode if I attempt an explanation!
I do admit to having a deep fondness and possible love affair with my Shu curler but I will go so far as to say that I’m digging the Tarte curler.
For $15 USD I’d say this is definately worth peeking at as the price is nice and right.
First of all the packaging of course got me. I love that the handles are a beautiful light lilac shade. What can I say I’m a sucker for stuff that’s purple!
The curler fits very comfortable in my hand and I like the forward design of the handles. Press forward and your lashes curl up beautifully! Very easy to operate and none of the drama of stick your fingers into the handle! Just press the first handle forward until it touches the other and Bob’s your Uncle!
The curler is a nice small size as well for easy storage and travel. It’s quite tiny and compact which I really love! It fits the contour of my eye perfectly and I experienced no pinching which was a relief considering my bad experience with the Sana Curler!
I’m slightly concerned about the size and the generous curve of the curler. Although it fits my eye perfectly well I think this isn’t such a great option for Asian girls (or guys).
My Shu curler has a very generous and straight line (with a slight tilt upward) which I think fits an Asian eye very well and pulls shorter lashes up and out where as the Tarte curler doesn’t have a straight line. It curves upwards and has a smaller size which doesn’t cover a “straighter” eye area if that makes sense.
I really like it. Actually I like it so much I’m going to slap a hearty Muse Approve for purchase on it! However, if you’re of some Asian descent I think checking this out in person at your local Sephora would be a good idea. Take a look at the design and see if you feel it will fit your eye correctly!
All in all I really liked this curler! Of course I have a hidden motive for doing a review on this curler! You can get a free Tarte Eyelash Curler when you spend $40 USD at Tarte! Wahoooooo! Use Coupon Code: May08 and score yourself a free curler with your purchase!
Check out the Tarte Summer Collection by clicking here and add some to your cart to grab your free curler!
Happy Shopping!
Tried the Tarte Curler before?
Want too?
Love it?
Tell the Muse!
Take a walk through my past and read all about the Tarte Wish You Wealth Palette from the Holiday Collection! Click!
All eyes on you! Click here to read my review on Tarte’s EmphasEyes High Definition Pencil!
Mmm the Body Shop always gets some of my money during the Summer. They introduce pretty nice collections.
Although I don’t always agree with the price tag on some cosmetics The Body Shop offers, I am on board with the interesting items they release most times!
I really enjoy the shadows they have released in past Summer Collections, blushes, and other odds and ends.
This year is no different from years prior in the fact that my curiosity is tickled to dash into the store to swatch my heart out with their new Sun Kissed Collection.
Call me an addict but I can’t help these urges that come over me!
This year they haven’t done any of the cool eyeshadow duos they normally have which is sad but they have a load of other items that have caught my eye.
Since I’m on some sort of kick since falling in love with Urban Decay Baked Bronzer I noticed The Body Shop’s Sun Luster Bronzer right away!
I’m loving the interesting peachy pink shade! How about you?
At $25 USD I’m wincing at the price a bit as this isn’t designer counter makeup but…I am curious to say the very least!
They also have three colors of Waterproof Lustre Liner. Doesn’t interest me in the least as I’m rubbish applying liquid liner but I will say the colors look nice enough! Again, the price makes me gasp aloud, $15.50 USD? Hmm maybe someone should remind the Body Shop folk that these prices are obscene!
Now these are making a guest starring appearance on my wish list this Summer:
Eye Lustre Pearls!
Mini pearls of metallic shimmer available in Silvery Blue, Green, and Pink! The Muse likey! $16.50 USD each.
I love stains and sheer yet glossy lip colors in the Summer and the Sheer Lip Lustre have caught my eye! Available in three shades in an elegant gold tube I’m saying these might cozy up to the Eye Lustre Pearls on my wish list!
Hmmm a Sun Lustre Brush……psst…we can be honest and say this probably sheds like a mother! Right? $22.50 USD? I can buy a MAC brush for that! Thanks but no thanks!
And finally Body and Leg Shine….hmmm Tarte might be slightly peeved that The Body Shop sorta duped their new stain!
Hmmmm…………
A nice collection of goodies if you’re a sun seeker and a bronze lover if not, chances are you’re not interested at all.
Count me intrigued. I’m going to hop over and have a swatch fest and tell you what I think. I’m a glutton for punishment so I imagine myself purchasing at least one item from this Collection!
Want it?
Love it?
Tell the Muse!
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