Musings of a Muse

The Muse likes a little sparkle, and a little glitter…oh and I love some shimmer so of course I’m all about Jelly Pong Pong Crystallize!

Jelly Pong Pong Crystallize is a new product from Jelly Pong Pong that contains four shades of dazzling jewel like shimmers that you can use on your face, body, or hair!

The product comes in sphere compact so it’s not only beautiful on the inside but also gorgeous on the outside. Once you’ve unscrewed the cap you’ll come across a powder puff applicator and under that is a sifter that’s divided into four parts a la Givenchy’s Prsme Libre Loose Powder Quartet. The sifter does not contain a divider between each shade so it’s difficult to actually apply each shade individually however this does not take away from the effects of the powder simply because combining all four shades creates an intense shimmery finish that’s simply gorgeous.

The four shades housed in the sphere are a Light Amethyst, Tanzanite, Firestone Ruby, and White Crystal or in Muse English they are green, pink, purple, and peach! Combining the shades simply gives you a highly intense shimmery effect that’s not so much a rainbow of color but more of a simple crystal-like finish. Of course, if you prefer you can, with a little work, apply each shade separately.

I’ve been happily using this on my cheeks, face, arms, etc…and as per Jelly Pong Pong’s recommendation I mixed some with my moisturizer and applied on my skin which produced a rather fun effect on my skin! Likey!

All in all this is a rather cute little shimmer to add to your collection if you’re high on doses of sparkle like the Muse is! I’m sealing it with a Muse Approval for purchase!

You can visit Jelly Pong Pong by clicking here!

If you like sparkle, you’ll love this!

As obsessed with shimmer as the Muse is?

Want this?

Love Jelly Pong Pong?

Tell the Muse!

Other Jelly Pong Pong posts to get excited about!

Jelly Pong Pong Lip Cushion Review

Jelly Pong Pong Summer Collection 2008

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Well, that was a disappointment!

I’m pretty disappointed in both MAC Suite Array and MAC Cremesheen sadly but I guess it’s good because it leaves me money to indulge in the Ungaro goodies.

Although MAC Suite Array gets major props for it’s uber cute packaging it definitely fails in the way of finish, texture, and formula. The shadows feel awful chalky, sheer, and difficult to blend! Yuk! The Muse no likey the texture at all! These are a semi-matte with a pearl finish which is slightly shimmery but it still couldn’t redeem itself in my eyes even with that tiny amount of shimmer thrown in, although I did simply adored how cute the size and style of the palette was. The palettes are teeny tiny and slide open to reveal the two shades. I found it interesting the shadows aren’t the same size, the left hand side is about half the size of the right hand color. I guess this implies one should be used as a liner or contrasting shade while the large size should be used as a base or main shadow color. I did purchase one which was Shallow V. Deep but I’m seriously thinking of returning it because I’m unsure if I’ll ever make proper of use of it due to the cruddy formula!

The star of the show as far as MAC Suite Array goes are definately the new Pearlglide Eyeliners which come in some seriously stunning shades. I did want to indulge in all of these but I decided I really didn’t need a whole wardrobe of liners when I have the new Urban Decay 24/7 Eyeliner Sets coming my way shortly so I opped out and decided it would be best to skip. However, I do recommend snapping up some of these liners as the colors are truly outstanding!

As for MAC Cremesheen I wasn’t so thrilled to begin with about this release so I’m not disappointed in anyway, shape, or form. The colors are nice but nothing particularly special and I ended up with one color instead of the three I was considering. I purhcased Speak Louder which is a pink poppy shade that’s very flattering. You don’t have to get too crazy with these as they are part of the permanent line and are not LE so even if you don’t indulge now you can always come back for them later!

All in all it was a bit of a bust for me tonight but at least I came out all the richer for it!

How about you?

Haul anything?

Love these collections?

Feeling as meh about them as the Muse?

Do share, I’m super curious what you thought about the two!

P.S. I’ve been utilizing my iPhone to moblog here and there and I really wanted to capture some of these collections and post it here but sadly the MA’s get mighty pissed when you’re snapping pics and swatching so I didn’t really get many pictures! Sorry guys! I tried but when you have MA’s breathing down your back in anger all you want to do is run and hide! I do kinda understand why they don’t like people digging around with their fingers in pots of color and swatching…kinda ruins the product and makes a mess so I can relate to how they feel!

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Hey guys!

I’m mall crawling at the moment with my best friend, Jenn. We just spent the last 10 minutes being major disappointed by the MAC collections sigh, rant, groan!

Looks like my wallet will be very happy with my lack of purchases!

Loving MAC Suite Array and MAC Cremesheen?

Feeling as disappointed as the Muse?

Tell me all about it!

Be home as soon as we have some dinner with details of what I did haul!

XoXo,

Your Mobile Muse

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Hey guys!

I’m a tad bit busy today but I definately have some great posts for you coming shortly!

I just wanted to take a second out to invite you to come and Twitter with me, it’s probably the best way to grab my ear and attention considering what a terrible mess my inbox is (If I owe anyone a reply I apoligize but it’s really hard for me to get through all my email lately! Do forgive me!)!

I’m also trying out my hand at a bit of mobile blogging tonight when I hit the road to peek at the new MAC collections so keep your eyes on Twitter to see updates!

You can find me here.

Looking forward to talking to all of you soon!

Cheers!

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I’ve blogged about Isle of Eden prior to this so please read that review before indulging in the sale I’m about to tell you about, as that post has plenty of information about Isle of Eden and it’s shipping times, products, etc….

Use code SPOOKYWITCH46 to get 46% Off your total however the percentage drops daily by a few numbers so indulge quick if you’re wanting to take advantage of the entire discount!

Isle of Eden at the moment has a full stock of great scrubs, perfumes, and general bath and body goodies that are Halloween scented and of course they have their normal blends as well!

Source

The sale is a great time to get some goodies for the upcoming holiday season!

Happy Shopping!

Isle of Eden Review and Information

Other great bath and body posts………..

Jaqua Beauty Raspberry Buttercream Frosting Shower Creme Review

L’occitane en Provence Verbena Collection Review

Bath and Body Works Sassy Strawberry Three in One Shower Gel Review

Lush Cosmetics Ghost Shower Gel Review

Basin: A Cheap Alternative to Lush

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Included in it’s Fall Collection Etude House released a Plumping Lip Tint which I’m lovinggggg at the moment!

These glosses are new to the Etude House line up and I believe LE but don’t quote me on that! They come in two shade selections both of which are sheer but give a nice tiny hint of color to the lips.

I love both shades and I’m happy I indulged in purchasing both as they are high quality items for the price and offer a brilliant glossy layer to my favorite lip stain or lipstick or of course, they look rather gorgeous alone as well. The formula is an emollient, moisturizing and quite thick gloss which gives the illusion of plumped, fuller lips. Each gloss is flavored in a cool, tingly minty bubblegum taste which, for me, a lover of flavored glosses, is quite nice!

The glosses come with the typical spatula style applicator many Asian brands favor and which I totally love as it’s great for layering gloss on and getting a nice even finish plus it’s easy to clean up prior to placing back into the tube.

The colors available are pink and red but neither is very pigmented however since the gloss contains a fair amount of tingly goodness you can expect to get a certain pink or reddish tone to lips due to this. Over bare lips the gloss looks natural, glossy, and lovely. Over your favorite lip stain or lipstick the gloss creates a sexy mirror finish that’s gorgeous!

At under around $5 USD each the price is terribly right and they work almost as great as my favorite plumping gloss of all time, DuWop Lip Venom.

The Muse likes ‘em and approved ‘em!

Definitely a nice addition to my gloss collection!

What are your favorite plumping glosses?

Feeling like plumping glosses are over hyped?

Tell the Muse!

Enjoy more reviews from Etude House’s Fall Collection by visiting some past reviews!

Etude House Face Designing Brightener Review

Etude House Brightening Eyes Duo Review

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Ugh I can’t keep up! MAC Suite Array is live on the MAC website as of yesterday and available at your local counter Thursday!

I feel my wallet cringing in agony!

Cute little chicklets of color to create a contrasting eye look with two matte shades that you can use to accent, define, and shade eyes.

I’ve never seen a duo release from MAC quite like these although the semi-matte finish does scare me slightly I do have my eye on a few of the shades in particular the aqua looks mighty fitting for a Muse!

Want these?

Love ‘em?

What’s on your MAC wish list this week?

Tell the Muse!

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A few weeks ago I had mentioned dropping a rather ridiculous amount of cash on the new makeup offerings from Target, one of the items I had hauled was an NP Set Lipgloss in Nisi.

I know I’ve been very vocal about my great disdain for Napoleon Perdis but I’ve set aside my general dislike for his really bad tan and decided to give his new NP Set Collection a go.

I admit that I have trashed his line in the pass but when it went on sale I was the first one at the door grabbing up all I could and running as fast as my little legs could carry me to the register to pay for my treasures. Hey, I have no shame what can I say?

In all seriousness I actually do believe NP Set is considerably better than his original line that was sold at Sephora. For one thing it’s a bit cheaper (not by much), the foundation does not range in the colors orange, orange, and more orange (they actually included shades that are flattering to normal skin tones this time around), and many of the items actually have very nice packaging!

Out of all the offerings I ended up purchasing only one item but it’s changed my mind and made me want to indulge further because it was actually very good. I ended up purchasing NP Set Lipgloss in Nisi for $12 USD. This particular shade quite reminded me of the pink shade released with Dior’s Spring Collection which could account for why I liked it. It’s a bright, bubblegum pink that could prove difficult to pull off on some tones but I think it ended up looking pretty good on me which I was surprised about because I was fearful all that pink would definately look horrid! But it ended up looking smashing with a bit of pink shadow and blushing pink cheeks!

The Muse sporting NP Set Lip Gloss in Nisi

One of the rather awesome features of the gloss is it’s pigmented enough to act as a creamy lip color. I didn’t have to prep my lips with a stain or a lipstick prior to use simply because the color is pigmented enough to act on it’s own at shading my lips with beautiful, glossy color. I did experience a slight problem during application as the gloss doesn’t glide as well as I’d like and it kinda applies streaky which is a bit of a pet peeve for me but…so does Dior Addict Gloss so what the heck right? The formula is super soft, super moisturizing, and super emollient.

All in all the gloss is actually very nice for it’s $12 price tag and well worth checking out. It’s available in several shades and I see myself possibly going back for a few more colors! I liked this one and think it’s worth taking a peek at!

Tried any of the new NP Set items at your local Target?

Loved ‘em?

Not so much?

Tell the Muse!

Further Information about Target’s New Makeup Collection including NP Set

Napoleon Perdis The French Riviera Gift Set Review

Napoleon Perdis Eye Patrol Eyeshadow Review

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My tea is happily dribbling down my monitor at the moment as after seeing this advert I couldn’t help but cough.

Isn’t this kinda like comparing apples and oranges?

I’m unsure if a $1 Tinted Moisturizer can hold it’s own next to Laura Mercier’s rather awesome version!

But tickle me curiosity!

I’m ordering some just in case!

Seen this?

Want it?

Tell the Muse!

Laura Mercier Flawless Face Kit Review

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If you haven’t yet been exposed to Gwen Stefani’s new Harajuku Lovers Fragrances you must be leaving under a rock!

These things are everywhere, literally.

The fragrances have amazing Internet exposure and can be found at many high end counters across the line. I’m really impressed with the huge marketing campaign these have! Whoever is on the marketing team deserves a great big pat on the back for really getting the line exposed and out there!

I’m particularly delighted that these are appearing on popular sites like youTube, mySpace, Flickr, etc…..If you’re a beauty blogger you can really appreciate the fact that the marketing has extended itself to such a vast electronic market. Granted websites are one thing but youTube, mySpace, and even Facebook are quite another!

You can find any and all information you can possibly want on Harajuku Lovers Fragrance at the following locations:

Harajuku Lovers MySpace
Harajuku Lovers YouTube
Harajuku Lovers Flickr
Harajuku Lovers Facebook
Harajuku Lovers Official Website

I admit I spent way too much time on the website yesterday watching the user created karaoke videos and contemplating making my own. Guilty!

I’ve only officially tested out one of the fragrances and the rest I have tester cards for so I can’t review too completely on all the scents however I did head to my local Nordstrom and had a peek and decided I must haves them all! The Muse loves any and all Asian aspired goodies (my blog can attest to that I’m sure) and these are under my radar now so I’m definately buying one of each. After all, you can’t just have one! They’ll get lonely if they aren’t together! It’s a group thing!

I read a few negative reviews but I honestly only have positive things to say about the collection. The scents are very girlish which appeals to me in a major way as I really like lighter, sweeter scents. Each perfume comes topped with a cute little Harajuku girl which adds to the charm and appeal of collecting all of them! The line up consists of five different scents each a new and different experience.

I’ve been wearing ‘Lil’ Angel for the last several days and loving it. Although at first whiff the fragrance does have a rather strong alcohol scent this does not carry out onto your skin. Dry down is a beautiful blend of raspberry as the dominant note and moves forward with a combination of fruit and floral to create a fresh, sweet smell on the skin. In consideration that this is an Eau de Toilette I was delighted that it had considerable long wear and lasted about six hours prior to needing a fresh up. In my experience that’s pretty good wear for an EDT.

Although I’m not a big lover of florals I think Love was beautiful. It’s a light floral scent that’s a cocktail of roses, peony, and other softer notes with a base of musk. Love appealed to my girly side in a major way!

Baby is a powdery musk with top notes of white rose and a soft white musk base. Her name contributes to what she smells like, a baby! Very powdery, fresh, girlish, and sweet! This definately appeals to my inner child!

Although Music is a delicate floral blend it happens to very fun as well with a top base of pear and a base of musk and vanilla! It’s my second favorite of the five and really appeals to the fun side of my personality!

And finally G! G is a tropical blend of fresh coconut and cream that can only be described as fruity and lively! This is another favorite of mine. I love tropical blends and this definately brings that to the table but also pushes it further with notes of Cotton Woods and Freesia!

The scents are all really fun and I’ll be indulging in all five for myself. I can’t help but approved ‘em for purchase as they are too adorable to resist! You know what would be seriously awesome…if Gwen extended her line of fragrances and couture and brought in some cosmetics…that would be awesome! I’d be all over that like white on rice!

Love these?

Want all five?

Lemming a certain scent?

Tell the Muse!

Benefit B Spot Review

Cynthia Rowley for Avon: Flower and Petal Fragrance Review

Bath and Body Works Hello Sugar! Review

How to add Touches of Fall to your fragrance line up this season!

Be Never Too Busy To Be Beautiful Perfume Review

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When it comes to recommending drugstore cosmetics I’m the last person in the world you want to take advice from. If you’re read my past posts you know most of my drugstore cosmetic purchases end up trashed, ripped into, and tossed aside rather quickly!

However……..

I do have a rather surprising, holy cow it can’t be true review about Covergirl TRUblend Whipped Foundation. I must be high because I’m about to rave about this stuff.

Now it deserves to be mentioned I haven’t used drugstore foundation (NOR do I recommend using it!) in years. I mean, YEARS! The last time I actually used anything by Covergirl was when I was possibly 14 or so. Needless to say my taste in makeup developed into the posh, expensive, and quality items you see posted here today on my blog and they rarely stray.

I’m particularly adamant when it comes to foundation and concealer and these two items are definately splurge material however for quite a while now I thought it was my business, as your Muse, to get out there and locate a particularly good drugstore foundation and bring it back here to review for you.

I’ve yet to find that perfect, holy grail foundation prior to this. I’ve run across bad, I’ve run across ok, and I’ve run across somewhat good however great was never located nor did I believe “great” was anywhere to be found in the drugstore foundation world.

Until now.

I discovered Covergirl TRUblend Whipped Foundation recently for a mere $8.54 USD (I actually heard someone on a forum ranting this was too much for a foundation to which I proceeded to think to myself, “are they nuts?”). Now I truly didn’t expect much but I was very impressed with the array, I mean ARRAY, of shades the foundation came in. If you can’t find your color in this selection something is seriously off with your tone! The shades range from uber light to super dark and everything in between so you’re guaranteed to locate at least one shade that’s entirely suitable and flattering to your skin tone, the Muse promises it’s true!

One of the main things that got me pumped about this particular product was the fact that Drew Barrymore is pretty much splashed all over every magazine I pick up looking seriously flawless. Granted, maybe it’s her or maybe it’s Covergirl (or was that maybe it’s Maybelline? The Muse forgets!) or maybe it’s that awesome geek guy (who could be cute ala Chuck!) that photoshopped the bejesus outta her face! Who really knows but the point is I was roped into the allure of perfect skin when I seen her promo images and decided I too, must try out TRUblend for my very self.

Thankfully my gut instincts paid off and in the end Covergirl TRUblend happens to be all that and a bag of chips (and a sandwich too!).

There are two available options for Covergirl TRUblend. You have the Whipped Foundation and you have the traditional pump style foundation. I purchased both but today I’m concentrating on reviewing the Whipped version, later this week I’ll bring you the pump version.

I know, I know, everyone is moaning about dipping their hands into a big old pot of foundation. I’m sorry and I feel your pain but get over the promise of bacteria and germs and listen to my rave before you rant!

The shade I choose for myself was 410 Classic Ivory. I choose this shade for a number of reasons but mainly because if my memory serves me correctly this was the shade I used to purchase in the Covergirl Powder compact about 100 years before when dinosaurs roamed the earth and the Muse was a mere girl of 14.

I’ll get all kinds of grief if I tried convincing a makeup artist that this was the shade I want as it’s rather light however, thankfully, no MA’s are to be found in drugstores thankfully and I safely scored the shade without hearing a big lecture about how this is SO NOT my shade! I felt semi-guilty I went so light but no one was around to witness my shame so I firgured what the hell!

Turns out 410 works a treat so nanner nanner!

Anyway.

The foundation is creamy, moisturizing, and blends like a dream while offering light, medium, or heavy coverage depending on what you deem suitable. I use a very tiny bit as the formula is extremely pigmented so this is obviously great to build color up as you see fit. I don’t recommend trying this if you’re skin is oily or you have clogged pores or pores that clog easy as the foundation is heavy in some aspects even when used sparsely.

Sporting 410 and looking wide awake!

As for me, my skin tends to be quite dry around this time of the year so it feels beautiful on and moisturizing. It blends in easily, leaving behind a dewy finish that’s flawless and natural. The lightweight texture of the foundation is particularly delightful as it feels like you have little to nothing on your face. The foundation has a darn good wear time of at least 7 hour maybe…maybe…8 if you’re lucky and set correctly with powder.

I heard a few rants about the foundation, mainly one of which was about it’s horrifying smell. Either my nose is not working correctly or everyone else is nuts because I didn’t notice a terrible smell. It actually kinda sorta smells like cherries or Jergens Almond Body Lotion.

It brightens up my dull spots, created a flawless finish for my makeup, and does a mighty find job of even concealing dark circles if I want it to act double duty as a concealer.

Fact of the matter is that Covergirl TRUBlend Whipped Foundation is pretty much as close as you’re going to get to holy grail foundation coverage in a drugstore.

I highly recommend trying it out for yourself! It’s well worth your $8 bucks and does a fine job of prepping your face for makeup!

The Muse loves it and recommends it big time!

Muse Approved for this bad boy!

Likey, likey, like!

Tried this?

Love it?

Got an HG drugstore foundation you love?

Tell the Muse!

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