Musings of a Muse

The Muse remembers quite well the first time she fell in love with Lush Washday Greens Shampoo. It was quite a few years back and the shampoo had already been long since discontinued however during a UK forum party they had a few bottles up for grabs and grab the Muse did.

After hauling two bottles I patiently awaited the post to bring me my new shampoo. Soon after I was sporting minty green fresh hair and loving it all away!

Click it to hear the rave!

Thank the Lush gods that Washday Greens is making it’s reintroduction to the Lush Shampoo category (how long it’ll stick around is anyone’s guess) thanks to Retro Lush. Retro Lush is where Lush brings back popular items back from the Lush graveyard for a limited time.

Lush Washday Greens is possibly one of the most unique shampoos I’ve tried from Lush simply because of it’s interesting scent. Think of a combination of fresh cut grass, crisp, green plus add in some cool spearmint and you’ll have Washday Greens!

Washday Greens is specifically meant to tame fine, flyaway hair or greasy hair. I’m honestly none of those things but I still make proper use of it since my hair does occasionally get weighted down with hair gel and the likes. It gets hair really squeaky clean plus it makes it smell incredible.

Highly suggest nabbing one and total Muse Approval for purchase. Lush Washday Greens Shampoo is one of those items that make you want to haul bottles and bottles for fear it might be gone forever one day!

Anyone a lover?

Tell the Muse!

Let me tell you something, it’s cold outside! The weather doesn’t know what it wants to do. Is it Summer? Is it Spring? Is it Winter? On lawd please decide already! Well even if it’s not feeling Spring or Summer-like outside I’m still feeling the love for the Victoria’s Secret Pool Party Collection!

Jump for it!

Before I tell you all about the Victoria’s Secret Pool Party Collection allow me to mention the fact that Victoria’s Secret Beauty Rush Eye Shadow are now in press form! ‘ello Awesome! They aren’t on the website yet but I got three of them yesterday in some nice looking shades. It looks like there are a total of five shades available and they seem really nice (haven’t yet used them on my eyes). I got this incredible aqua shade that reminds me of a pool! Pretties!

Anyway! On to the rest of the good stuff!

Victoria’s Secret Limited Editon Pool Party Body Chiller Mist is available in three scents. Lemonita (Sweet, Tart Lemon), Coolada (Tropical Coconut Blend), and Frostea (Cool, Crisp, Fresh Brewed Ice Tea). These were quite the surprise for me as I thought they were the typical Beauty Rush Double Mists but oh no they aren’t! They happen to be regular body sprays! I’m quite excited about this as I do find that the double mists are a tad oily and the scent doesn’t linger as long as I’d like. I’m excited to try these out. I snagged all three of ‘em for 3 for $25 USD! Review coming shortly!

The scents also come in a Body Chiller Glimmer Cream (shimmering body cream) and Body Drink Lotion.

I’m always terribly excited about new makeup collections from Victoria’s Secret so when I seen the brand new bits they released with the Pool Party Collection I got quite hyped!

Check it:

Victoria’s Secret Limited Edition Pool Party Cheek and Lip Pop (3 for $15 or 6 or $20) available in three shades, Splash, Pop, and Cooler.

Also available are Victoria’s Secret Limited Edition Pool Party Lip Butter with SPF 15 (3 for $15 or 6 for $20) available in three flavors to match up with the release of the body mists.

And finally for your tips and toes four shades of Victoria’s Secret Limited Edition Pool Party Nail Paint (3 for $15 or 6 for $20) in four shades! All bright neon shades that are sure to please those who like a bit of loud with their Summer nail look.

I picked up quite a few of the items above so I’ll be reviewing them all for you shortly. I’m really enjoying this release from Victoria’s Secret and I’m quite happy they didn’t let the economy get them down as the release is quite large! Bravo Victoria’s Secret, the Muse is always a fan!

What do you think?

Anyone see the collection yet?

Sniff it?

Haul anything from it?

Share it!

We all want sweatproof, poolproof, waterproof, and Summerproof makeup! As the heat sets in the idea of our makeup melting down our faces is not appealing in the least.

Which is why it’s always a delight when we can score a good waterproof kit to keep our makeup in place all through the hot days of Summer!

Jump ahead to hear about the Tarte EyeQuatic Waterproof Summer Essentials Set!

Tarte EyeQuatic Waterproof Summer Essentials Set includes a mod-chic headscarf for keeping our hair up and out of eyes and face this Summer and three mermaid inspired Tarte Lock & Roll creaseless cream & shadow duos plus a Tarte Lights, Camera, and Splashes Mascara.

The shades include Turquoise, Citrine, and Tanzanite (all paraben free btw! and good for you!).

The set is available now from Tarte and Sephora. Count me interested in all those mermaid “inspired” shades, likey!

Starting Wednesday and ending Friday is Beauty.com’s Friends and Family Event! w00t! Get 20% Off your total purchase during the event.

Happy Hauling!

Hey chicas!

Are you a fan of New York Color? You know, that really cheap, budget friendly brand that you can find at your local drugstore.

The Muse is always on the look out for ways to cheap it up lately and N.Y.C. New York Color Cosmetics has quite a few items that are inexpensive and are pretty decent beauty finds!

If you’re a fan of the line jump ahead for a funky contest!

250 readers will each win 2 coupons worth $5 each for N.Y.C. New York Color Products good at participating retail stores by clicking here! The contest is running until June 5th so get over there and enter! Dude, that’s $10 bucks and you can so get an arsenal of makeup from N.Y.C. with that! For serious! The prices are super cheaps!

Good Luck!

If you win the Muse recommends checking out some of the N.Y.C. New York Color Pink Persuasion Collection. I brought the Mosaic Face Powder and gloss! Pretty nice for the price.

Chat with me!

What’s your fav bits from New York Color?

Anything I should be trying?

Loves it?

Leaves it?

Tell me!

Call the Muse overzealous but her “Day of Beauty” post was inspired by her absolute love of two things that she adored about Face Stockholm’s Spring Collection. The Go Natural Mineral Foundation and the Magic Wand. I cannot begin to express my absolute delight with both of these products. I think each deserves it’s own review post but I decided to group them into one “Face” post!

Check below for the full review!

If you know anything at all about the Muse you know she abhors mineral makeup. It makes me itchy, it feels like a mask on, my dry skin hates it, and I just feel like I have way too much makeup on when I use it. I’ve come across maybe one or two mineral foundations I like but even those have ended up deep in the bowels of my unused makeup draw.

Until now.

When I first got my hands on Face Stockholm Go Natural Mineral Foundation I was quickly of the mentality, “oh no another mineral foundation!” I was bracing myself for a bad case of itching and terrible flaky results due to my dry skin. Oh my gosh so not the case with this mineral foundation.

The foundation is paraben free and allows your skin to breath (even dry skin!) It simply blurs across your face and leaves behind weightless coverage. Plus did I mention it has UVA/UVB protection? Likey!

If you have had terrible experiences with mineral makeup in the pass I highly suggest checking this powder out. If I can love it anyone can love it.

Since this is all about the face I thought I’d also introduce you to the Face Stockholm Magic Wand Concealer Pen. This pen is just as great as my Dior Radiance Pen! It’s nicely pigmented, moisturizing, and conceals dark circles, fine lines, and puffiness in a flash. My dry eyes adore this! It comes in a click style pen which is always a plus with the Muse as it makes it travel friendly and mess-free application too.

Both Face Stockholm Go Natural Mineral Foundation Review & Face Stockholm Magic Wand are Muse Approved for purchase!

Absolutely loved these for making my skin look gorgeous and flawless. For the completed look using both please see here.

As I mentioned in my previous post I’ll be reviewing many of the items in the Face Stockholm Spring Collection release but for now check out a complete look of the collection on the Muse!

Click it for the mug shots!

Face Stockholm’s Spring Collection is all about simplicity but with a very chic feel. It’s runway beauty at it’s best in my opinion with subtle shimmery lids paired up with a popping red lippie. It’s easy to wear and ideal for the warmer weather where you want enough but not too much on your face.

I improvised slightly on the look by toning down the red lipstick (I can’t pull off red too well) and lining my waterline with the black liner since I stink at cat eyes. The end result was a pretty, simple, yet elegant day to night time look.

For my face I used Face Stockholm Go Natural Mineral Foundation (amazing can’t wait to tell you more shortly!) and some Face Stockholm Magic Wand to conceal my eyes.

On my lids I used Face Stockholm Eye Shadow in Pearl, Face Stockholm Vanity Eye Dust, and Face Stockholm Gel Liner. I swept Pearl all over my lid, crease, and upper eye area as a shadow wash since it’s very sheer and natural. It preps my eye beautifully and makes them look more awake and refreshed. I followed up by sweeping the Vanity Eye Dust all over my lid and blended up and into my crease. I completed the look by adding a touch of the gel liner to my lower waterline. Finally I applied Face Stockholm Mascara to my lashes!

For my lips I used Face Stockholm Lipstick and Face Stockholm Alert Pot Gloss. You’ll see below that I blended the lipstick out by using a good dose of the gloss. I also took a secondary picture with bare lips and just the gloss on, I thought this complimented the look nicely.

Finally I completed my look using Face Stockholm Splendid Blush for a healthy touch of pink!

Here’s what I came up with:

I think it’s quite nice and minimal! Very pretty results. Although this is a Spring Collection, I have a feeling I’ll be making plenty of use out of much of it well into Summer as well.

Visit with Face Stockholm to see more of their offerings at www.facestockholm.com

Loves it!

Reviews for each product used is coming up shortly.

As Summer quickly approaches the Muse chooses to remind herself daily that it’s still very Spring. In honor of Spring today I bring you a day of beauty featuring some incredible beauty finds from Face Stockholm that are part of their Spring Collection. Be on a look out through the day for reviews of each item featured in the Face Stockholm Spring 2009 Collection!

Meanwhile, as you wait, tell me your experiences with Face Stockholm.

Tried it?

Love it?

This is my first round with Face Stockholm and so far I’m deeply impressed!

Weekend is almost here which means no drugstore sales starting Sunday!

Jump ahead for a small, early pick of what to expect at your local drugstore this week.

All Revlon Lip and Eye Cosmetics
Buy 1, Get 1 Free

L’Oreal Extra Volume Collagen Mascara $7.99

Covergirl Outlast Lip Color or Lip Stain (With your CVS Card) $4 after a $3 Extra Bonus Buck Reward

Sally Hansen Cosmetics, Hair Removers, Healing Beauty Cosmetics, or Nail Products
Buy 1, Get 1 Free

Maybelline Face and Lip Cosmetics
Buy 1, Get 1 Free

Milani
Buy 1, Get 1 50% Off

Maybelline XXL Extensions, Lash Stiletto , or Define-A-Lash $6.99

Almay Cosmetics
Buy 1, Get 1 50% Off

Physicians Formula
Everything 40% Off

Covergirl Lip and Eye Cosmetics
Buy 1, Get 1 Free

Revlon
40% Off

Sally Hanson Lip Cosmetics
Buy 1, Get 1 50%

L’Oreal HIP Cosmetics, Eye Cosmetics, and Nail
Buy 1, Get 1 Free

Yes to Carrots
Buy 1, Get 1 50% Off

Happy Haulin’!

Dearest DuWop,

You obviously listen to the Muse when she’s yammering on and on about your incredible crush palette from last year because you introduced a new one with your Summer Collection! Gasp! You really love the Muse don’t you? Showering her with gifts such as this. Btw you were a little late coming out with your Summer this year but we forgives you because of the new shade of the crush palette plus the other bits you have coming out look mighty fine.

Thanks for hearing my prayer! Love ya lots!

Your faithful servant,
the Muse

P.S. Let’s do lunch soon!

Yes, you read that correctly. The DuWop Summer Collection 2009 is up and available on the DuWop site (and on Sephora if you so please) and yes you also read correctly that a brand new shade of the DuWop Crush Palette is out! My god the excitement is too much, I can’t stand it. If you haven’t tried the crush palette you are so missing out of one of life’s greatest joys!

Jump ahead for the rest of the release deets!

Although small the DuWop Summer Collection 2009 looks mighty fine peeps. Check it below!

Ok, so of course I want to tell you about the new DuWop Crush Palette ($24 USD). Last year I fell in love with this palette and I hoped and prayed for another color selection, bless be my prayers were heard and in comes a new shade entitled 18 Karat. So I have to rant a little bit because I’m the Muse and that’s what I do. 18 Karat looks a little, tiny bit uneventful from the photos. I’m a tad worried as it looks sorta matte, not as shimmery as the prior palette, and even appears almost a dupe of the other palette however I will say in it’s defense that the stock photo may not be doing justice. I’m really worked into a frenzy over this palette and I’m looking forward to getting my order so I can see if it’s a yay or a nay. If you missed my raving do check out my review of the original DuWop Crush Palette by checking it out here.

Love, love, loving the new DuWop Iced Teas ($19 USD)! These are a cooling transuclent lip treatment with a exotic fruit flavor which also contain sunscreen. They look incredibly yummie! I’m unsure if they taste different, like their names imply, or it’s the same taste. Four shades are available which are White Peach, Black Currant, Strawberry Kiwi, and Passionfruit!

As always I’m on the bandwagon for expressing my intense dislike for bronzers but count me on board with the DuWop SunDrops ($28 USD). DuWop Sun Drops is a universally flattering bronzing serum that gives a healthy radiant glow. The fact that it’s in a pump packaging makes it very appealing as it means the chances of overdoing it are slim!

Speaking of bronzing also available is the new DuWop Revolution Deep ($28 USD). This I’ll avoid like the plague but anyone who is interested in a deep tan this gives a smooth, bronzed effect to skin!

And finally DuWop Doubleglow7 Deep ($25 USD) is the brand new Doubleglow from DuWop. This I can get on board with as it looks quite glowy and shimmering! Perfect for highlighting cheeks with a splash of the sun! Likey!

Although it’s a tiny collection it really covers just about anything you could possibly want in a Summer collection. I’m quite excited about trying it all. You can get 10% Off and Free Shipping with your $50 order by entering the code BRONZE at check out! So go shop! Please for the love of god get the Crush Palettes! You’ll love ‘em!

I freaking love the C.O. Bigelow Lemon line. The shower gel, the hand soap, the moisturizer…it’s all good news to me. So get this, best news evers, C.O. Bigelow Lemon Eau de Parfum. Can you say freak out!?

WANT!

Click it for the deets!

So check it, C.O. Bigelow Lemon Eau de Parfum is inspired by my beloved, favorite Lemon Body Cream from C.O. Oh my god likey! It’s a pure, sparkling lemon fragrance that blends gren lemon leaves, citrus notes, and a creamy white musk. Sounds pretty much like what heaven smells like (I’ll write a mass e-mail when I get there one day so you know if I was right about that!).

The scent already has a near 5 star rating on the Bath and Body Works website. Likey some more! The price tag isn’t half bad either for an EDP which is $34.50 for a 3.5oz size.

I so need C.O. Bigelow Lemon Eau de Parfum in my life please. As much as I LOVE Loccitane Citrus Verbena it just doesn’t seem to last on me, sadness. So slap me excited that the C.O. Bigelow one has an EDP, maybe it’ll linger longer on me? Oh please, please, please!

The Muse is a listening and has heard a few pleas yammering for a review so as soon as I can get my hands on it, I’ll be giving the good word!

Anyone wants?

Tell me!