Musings of a Muse

Santa cutie, fill my stocking with a duplex and cheques! Sign your ‘x’ on the line! Santa cutie, and hurry down the chimney tonight!

Come and trim my Christmas tree with some decorations bought at Tif-fa-ny! I really do believe in you, lets see if you believe in me!

Oh my I got a bit carried away there! I was feeling the Christmas spirit as I ripped (and bit) through the fedex box that arrived on my doorstep from Saks today!

Inside was Givenchy’s Diamantisimme holiday collection! Oh my the very my! Just the pick me up I needed today!

I ended up getting all of the collection aside from the nail varnishes.

First off, which I’m sure you’re all dying to hear about, would be the Prisme Solitaire Precious Diamond All Over Powder.

What’s to say really?

It’s perfection. The box is too cute for words! It’s in the shape of an engagement ring box(could possibly be more exciting than a ring lol) and inside is the most precious, glittering, shimmering powder I’ve ever had the pleasure of laying my eyes on.

It’s perfectly fantastic that it’s multitasking as both a face, body, and eye powder. I love multitasking products and this is no exception to the rule.

The powder is slightly grainy in texture and that, my friends, does not bother me one bit.

I think I can safely say this may not make it onto my face! Bit to discoball in effect but my eyes and cleavage will thank Givenchy for such a perfect powder full of gorgeous bits of silver and white shimmer!

The powder is of course pigmented so it’s not going to take a whole lot to make you look gorgeous!

The only difference with this palette is there is no where to store the brush it comes with. Givenchy palettes and powders always have that nifty little bottom chamber to tuck your brush under but this sadly lacks that. The brush comes in a velvet carrying case but can’t be stored in the palette or on top of the powder. I don’t really mind because the cute ring box is adorable and totally makes up for the fact that you can’t store the brush inside it.

Next up the Crystal Pop Gloss which is equally gorgeous as the powder and full of lovely shimmering bits and pieces to keep me delighted all holiday season long! Two colors are available which would be Pure Diamond and Fancy Diamond. I’m loving the Fancy Diamond the best of the two. it’s a lovely shimmering pink shade. The Pure Diamond is a clear gloss with silver, white, and tiny specks of pink shimmer!

Beautiful just beautiful!

According to my MA at Saks the Captiv’ Eyes Mascara is a hot seller and only three were left! It looks like an amazing mascara. It’s black with tiny specks of silver shimmer in it. Whether or not the silver will show upon application remains to be seen but it sure does look pretty!

I purchased the Rogue Interdit in Rose Desire as well but this purchase was a bit blind folded. I’ve only seen photos of the collection and this item looked the least appealing! But at the risk of missing out on something major I told my MA stick that in the bag too please. I should have waited and seen it in store because it appears it’s a bit too “mod” pink for me. It’s a matte pink color and it has that weird “mod” look to me. A la Twiggy. Anyone know what I mean? I’m in high debate whether to try it or return it. If you’re ordering online don’t bother with this until you’ve seen it in store to determine if it’s the right shade for you.

Last but never least would be the Lash Sparkles! Ok I’ve seen images of this as well and wasn’t sure about the application on it but assumed it would be like the Dior Lash Pearls from Christmas ’05 (Believe it was 2005 correct me if I’m wrong) and even thought I knew what to expect I’m still a tiny little bit disappointed. Application is a brush wand (instead of the plastic applicator like the Dior Lash Pearls) where you twist up and the product disperses on the brush. I always, always find these difficult to work with because too much product pushes into the brush and causes a major mess (and waste). I haven’t twisted it up so I can’t tell you how these are yet. I’m sorta at that stage where I’m being maternal towards the collection and whispering to it how pretty it is while stroking it lovingly. I don’t yet have the nerve to twist because I’m worried about product waste! As soon as I go to wear these, you my friends, will be the first to know and see what the product looks like!

The Lash Sparkles can be used two ways which would be brushing them on to encrust your lashes with sparkle OR applying from the brush onto the tips of your lashes to create a beaded look. This is a nice option as the Dior Lash Pearls only gave you an option to create a beaded look due to the applicator which is to say that the Givenchy Lash Pearls from last year allowed you to do both, brushing and beading!

Dior’s Lash Pearls (This too makes for tricky application! But I think that the Givenchy Brush could save me waste as compared to the Dior Lash Pearls because once it’s twisted the product has no where to go! At least with the Lash Sparkles it can be disputed on the brush and sort of saved!)

Givenchy Lash Pearls Holiday ’06 (These are by far the easiest to use and I loved this entire package! I wish the new lash sparkles came the same way!)

Overall this collection is stupendous and just gorgeous!

If you’re on a budget I’d grab at least the powder, mascara, and lash sparkles. If you’re not I’d say grab it all!

Does anyone have the collection? What are your thoughts!? Comment box open and at the ready!

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Remember way back in the day when The Body Shop had essential oils for relieving stress, waking you up, calming you, etc…

I remember being in High School at the time and one in particular that my friends and I had toted around was a wake up temple oil that smelled of cooling peppermint. You’d take it and place a bit on the temples of your head and on the pulses of your wrist and supposedly this would keep you awake through long lectures (in my case it was the religious study ones that put me out like a light! I went to an all girls private catholic school which meant an hour and a half of religious instruction twice a week!).

Anyway.

Philosophy has recaptured this idea and are selling essential oil sets. I find the entire idea sort of intriguing. Especially since the descriptions sound really interesting! Logically speaking I don’t think the smell of lavender is going to make me sleep but hey at least it comes in a cute gift box right?

They have two sets available with two oils per gift set (.12oz) for $25.

Philosophy ‘Stuffies & Stressies’ has two oils with congestion-relieving eucalyptus to give you the pick me up you need during the yucky flu season!

Of course ‘Stuffies and Stressies also promises to relieve anxiety and stress! The Muse needs a liter of this stuff as her anxiety and stress levels are full on lately.

Obviously, I’m not buying the stress and anxiety relief but I am intrigued to see if it helps my stuffy nose during a harsh cold!

Philosophy ‘Sleepies & Weepies’ is another set the Muse can use as it promises to fight fatigue *yawn*! It also happens to ease depression and make you happy! And just as I was saying earlier, it does all this through the cooling scent of peppermint and citrus oils!

Cool right?

Well the bad news is if you’re depressed, tired, feeling stressed, or just sad I hate to say it but I doubt essential oils are going to help but the good news is these make damn cute novelty gifts

Wanna relieve your stuffies, stressies, sleepies and weepies? Head on over to Nordstrom to purchase these cute gift sets for yourself!

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I dare do say that I spy with my little eye on the Stila site the new holiday palettes.

The Muse isn’t thrilled with these, but who knows I may be upon actually seeing them in person, at the moment they really aren’t anything I am writing home about.

I know at least one other Stila Fan that probably won’t think much of these either.

The palettes are $34 each and available for purchase right now on the Stila site! If you’re yearning these it’s possible the 20% off coupon is still working! Click here to get the details about the coupon!

Each palette contains three eyeshadows, one blush, and a lipgloss.

Stila Guinevere’s Deluxe Palette

Stila Scarlett’s Deluxe Palette

Stila’s also added up a few holiday sets which can be seen by clicking here.

An interesting, but boring, Holiday collection for Stila. I’m pretty happy, this saves me money when I am yearning many, many, many other things at the moment!

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Quickie Post…I know I know but I’m not yet off the Guerlain topic! How sick!

Wanted to update you on the size of the Forever Gold which is 0.35oz for $72!

EEP! Kinda small..do we need two?

The Muse finds it difficult to practice control when forever and gold are in the same sentence….!

Logically speaking I’m curvy and round so I can’t dust myself with 0.35oz of gold in one go. I may need 10 of these to cover my entire body!

If you happen to be in the Muse’s gorgeous city head on over to Saks and have a look at the collection its now available for your purchasing pleasure!

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Hello there!

Here’s a quickie compiled list of the prices for the Guerlain Holiday Collection.

I was curious how much Forever Gold was going to be and had nightmares about it being $175 or something obscene.

I’m happy to report that the collection is affordable. If you’re an avid collection you’ll consider this not bad for the price range. I really expected much worst.

Here’s a look (all prices USD)

Forever Gold $72
Meteorites Gold Temptation Pearls $49
Golden Lash Topcoat Mascara $30
Ombre Eclat Euo & Liner $50

I didn’t get the prices for the gloss or the lipsticks but they are normally in the $26-30 range.

The only thing that is far above my price range is the pressed meteorites powder which is a whopping $155 per compact. I figured as much since the pressed compacts are normally obscene amounts at Neiman’s.

I was hopeful that the compact would be somewhere in the $99 range but ado we can’t have everything in life and sometimes we have to know our own limits.

The good news is for about $200 (plus tax) you can nab a majority of the important pieces in the collection and make them your very own!

What are you getting?
Love this collection?
Hate it?

Talk to me!

Comment box at the ready!

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I was browsing around FOTD’s the other day and I came across a most delightful FOTD that I just fell in love with!

The lovely Julie has granted the Muse’s request to feature it on Musings of a Muse. How exciting our first guest FOTD!

I was so delighted with this FOTD that I went and ordered all the minerals she used to create the look! For about or under $10 bucks you can create the same look at MAD Minerals! Do check them out!

Fantastic job Julie! You’ve inspired the Muse!

If you have an FOTD you’d like featured do e-mail me at musings.of.a.muse@gmail.com

How eye popping is this look?

FACE:
primer – Monistat Soothing Care Chafing Relief Powder Gel
concealer – Medium
foundations – Natural Medium and Natural Medium Tan
finisher – Dude, I totally forgot to put powder on this morning! Eek.
blush – Modest Pink
highlight – Alyssa

What Julie Used:
Urban Decay Primer Potion
e/s – Spoiled – inner 1/2 lid, inner lower lashline M*A*D Minerals
e/s – Serenity – outer 1/2 lid M*A*D Minerals
e/s – Pizzazz – crease, banana, outer v, outer lower lashline M*A*D Minerals
e/s – Love – highlight M*A*D Minerals
e/l – Indelible Waterproof Gel: Black Cherry – upper and lower lashline M*A*D Minerals
brows – Smashbox: Taupe
mascara – L’Oreal Voluminous: Carbon Black, Maybelline Great Lash: Blackest Black

LIPS:
l/g – Wet ‘N Wild MegaSlicks: #564A Cherish

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The Muse’s most favorite beauty gossip Betsy has alerted me to the fact that Sephora is slowly updating the site with the Guerlain Holiday Collection.

And Betsy would be very right.

Not much so far but my little eye did spy the Guerlain Golden Lash Top Coat Mascara.

As Seen on Sephora.com:

The top coat is $30 and happily encrusts your lashes with bits of sparkling gold! Yum!

Wish List anyone?

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While you are most eagerly awaiting the Muse to get her shipment of the Givenchy Holiday goodies you can head over to visit with the most lovely Iris and see close up pics she has on her blog of the entire collection.

These pictures are the best I’ve seen so far in regards to detail! She’s even included the nailpolishes that I knew nothing about!

Click on over and visit with my favorite beauty addict

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I should have blogged about this way earlier but I’ve had so much going on in my life at the moment it utterly slipped the mind and didn’t pop back into my brain until I was discussing it with a reader and friend on here!

Now is a good a time as any to nab the new holiday collections at Saks and Nordstrom since both are having their Beauty Events at the same time.

I’m sure you all know the drill but if not the Muse brings you some Steals and Deals a little early!

Head on over to Saks and spend $100 on Beauty Items or More (Might the Muse suggest the Givenchy Holiday Collection?) and recieve a tote bag stuffed with all sorts of yummie goodies!

Enter promo code REELBEAUTY

And of course Nordies competes with that offer and counteracts with it’s deluxe beauty tote filled with juicy morsels after you spend $95 or more (Might the Muse suggest Alexander Mcqueen for MAC?). Your gift will automatically enter your cart as soon as your total reaches $95!

Purchasing cosmetics is always a joy for the Muse but getting something free while doing the purchasing is truly lovely!

Happy Shopping!

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Another late morning for me and a sloppy makeup job

I went a bit retro with my wardrobe this morning and slapped on some really kitchy accessories (You should have seen my vintage red pumps…I’m fabulous aren’t I? NOT!).

Here’s you go a very rushed red FOTD:

What I Used (Everything and the Kitchen Sink):
MAC Rose Pigment
MAC Mineral Eyeshadow in Lovestone
MAC Frost Pigment
MAC Ruby Red Pigment
Bare Escentuals Glimpse in Hotspot
Bare Escentuals Glimmer in Cerveza
MJ Jeweling Pencil in RD505
MAC Technakohl in Black
MJ Lash Expander Mascara

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Lush Cosmetics is getting into the spirit of Halloween and is offering a Limited Edition Shower Gel to haunt your shower this season! They have fittingly named it Ghost.

Ghost supposedly has a floral, lily of the valley scent. Count the Muse as being intrigued about the scent and wanting a bottle. I’m not normally one for floral scents but I’m curious.

Prices are not set yet and this is available via North America Mail Order only I believe. If you want to nab a bottle head on over to the following link and fill out your information to be alerted when it’ll be available for purchase!

Hopefully we don’t all love it because it is limited edition so when it’s gone, sadly it’s gone (either that or this is a gimmick to get us all to buy 10 bottles each and drown ourselves in a shower gel we might not even like the smell of).

I wonder if it glows in the dark…hmmm…

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The Muse’s lovely mate Janice has done all the hard work for us and has been busy like a bee compiling all the prices for the Holiday Color Collections.

If you have your wish list and was wondering how many pennies you’ll need to save to make that list a reality do head on over to Specktra Blog and see the price list.

Click!

All prices are USD so if you happen to be in Europe, Asia, or some other exotic part of the world you can compare your country prices to the US prices (which I’m sure you’ll find are far more cheaper in comparison)!

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One of our lovely readers, Betsy, has alerted the Muse that the Givenchy Holiday Collection is for sale at Saks!

The Muse wasted no time in calling Saks up and asking if she could come down and grab some of the yummies for herself!

Much to my delight my MA told me I didn’t have to come down that she’d ship it all free plus load me up on some goodies!

Wahoo!

I couldn’t resist and I ordered the entire collection minus the nail polish (which I didn’t even know was part of the collection).

SQUEAL! I can’t wait for it to arrive! I could have just gone over but it’s chilly, overcast and about to rain so while I’m driving home from work I can have visions of Diamonds and other yummie Givenchy bits run through my head!

Thanks Betsy for the heads up!

The Muse suggests heading out to your nearest Saks and grabbing this while the grabbing is good because I know for a fact this is going to FLY off the shelves before you can say I want it!

I didn’t expect this collection for a good solid month yet and believe you me I’ve been stalking both the Saks and Sephora websites for updates! If it wasn’t for Betsy I wouldn’t have been so lucky to nab it!

If you want more details on the collection do click my above link (Givenchy Holiday Collection is highlighted with an embedded link for your viewing pleasure) or head on over to visit with the Muse’s mate, Erika, to see the details on this very FINE collection! Click!

Keep your eyes peeled for an early Holiday FOTD using this collection PLUS nice, juicy pictures and reviews when it arrives!

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I’m noticing a major trend in the cosmetic gift giving selection this year. That’d trend would be minis!

Yay!

I mean we obviously love full size products but hell don’t we love mini versions that we can tuck in our purses and makeup bags for touch ups here and there and everywhere?

Urban Decay has graced us with it’s mini 24/7 Kit which you can check out by clicking here.

Benefit has it’s new Powder Pop! palette available which contains mini versions of it’s popular powder line. You can droll over it by clicking here.

Stila has a mini kit of it’s lipglazes which I purchased yesterday! You can see my first impression here.

And now some more minis that are popping up at Sephora for the Holiday Season! Let’s have a look.

Napoleon Perdis Lip Couture Set for $35

Ok so these might not qualify for mini but I’m making the big assumption these aren’t the big sizes.

Next on our menu the Bare Escentuals Buxom Babes Lip Polish Set for $28

Next on our list of minis would be the Bourjois Paris Kisses From Paris Set for $18

A cocktail of lipglosses for you! Lorac Mini Mini Mocktail Bar for $25

The best deal yet (I believe this might be full size but don’t quote me on that) would be the Smashbox Light Speed Lip Gloss Collection for $29!

Tarte has a new trio of cheek stains as well which are $30 and entitled We Wish You Happiness Mini Cheekstain Set. This isn’t very new because Tarte has these as normal catalog items and plus they offer them almost every holiday season however from year to year the case they come in changes which is fun!

Minis aren’t new to Sugar Cosmetics but they always have some of the cutest minis I’ve come across This one is called Glitterati and has glitter on one end a light matching cream base on the other! The set is $32.

So..what’s so great about minis anyway? Well minis are great for toting around for touch ups plus they are so lightweight that they fit in the smallest of places which makes for easy storage! You also get a slew of variety and bang for your buck by purchasing these sets! It’s such a great way to try several items in one cute kit.

Get shopping Grab some of these as gifts while you’re at it!

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As much as I wanted to wait for Sephora’s Friend and Family Discount to take place I couldn’t do it and my lemmings got the better of me! Thus I ended up purchasing all of the new Overshadows from theBalm.

Really! Honest! I did try to refrain but they were so tempting in their cute little pots all shimmery and glimmering! I think I heard them whisper, “buy me, buy me”…Oh wait maybe that was just me whispering it to myself.

I had previously blogged about these gems and you can read my first impression here.

These are $14 each so they aren’t going to break the bank too much and a little goes a long way. There are four colors available and of course yours truly, had a hard time firguring out which I wanted so all four somehow got plopped into my cart.

The shadows are super pigmented and can easily be worn as a shadow if you so choose but you’ll be nicely rewarded if you use them as per the instructions which would be over your shadow.

I find that these work a treat on spicing up matte shadows (I don’t have too many matte shadows but these do a great job of taking matte into wow) or adding that extra bit of sparkle you need to make your eyes pop!

If you’re a glitter hater these are not for you as they have tons of yummie shimmery bits and pieces to keep the Muse very happy!

These are a snap to use and a tiny bit on your brush is enough to light up your eyes and take any old eyeshadow and turn into a new sparkling shade! The four shades available are:

If You’re Rich, I’m Single
This is a mauve shimmer but it can pass for almost brown in color. Works perfect over purples, browns, and blacks.

No Money, No Honey
My favorite of the lot. This is a shimmering gold color and works well on top of yellows, oranges, pinks, blacks, and browns.

Work Is Overrated
Another fav of mine this is a shimmering light pink color and works well over golds, browns, pinks, and purples.

You Buy, I’ll Fly
Yet another fav of mine this one is a gorgeous shimmering cooper shade and works fantastic on top of brown mainly! It also works well on oranges and yellows.

I have to say even if the quality didn’t sell me I’d probably be so diseased as to purchase them for the mega cute packaging! Each pot has a different glamorous girl on the case which really adds a sweet touch to the cosmetic

The Muse recommends them!

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