Musings of a Muse

Stock up next Monday, December 1st, on your DuWop bits and bobs and receive 25% Off your total order by using code HOLIDAY25

Score!

Start making your list and be sure to check it twice!

Man, oh man the economy sure does have the Muse down but she isn’t complaining about all the ridiculous discounts lately! DuWop, Stila, Too Faced, Sephora…w00t! Hauling cosmetics at a nice price seems to be easy this year!

Too Faced Friends & Family Discount

Shu Uemura Friends & Family Discount

DuWop Crush Eyeshadow Palette Review

DuWop Cheek Venom Review

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The new Art Deco Holiday Collection entitled Glamour Avantgarde has launched on the Art Deco website. It all looks rather stunning and the Muse feels quite a bit of excitement over all the gorgeous goodies!

Where as many collections concentrate on either a gold or a silver look for the holidays, Art Deco took it a step further and introduced both gold and silver to create a stunning, contrasting, shimmering look that totally appeals to this Muse! I do think I might splurge out on a majority of this collect as I truly can’t resist the shimmer and just the overall chic, elegant feel of it. The stars of the collection are a highlighting loose powder and a highlighting pressed powder. The pressed powder is made up of dusky rose and brown shimmering shades and is quite reminiscent of the powder included with the new Magie Deco Holiday Coffret which I’ll be reviewing for you shortly. The Art Deco Glamorous Mineral Powder is supposely a warm apricot shade with a subtle shimmer that creates a warm glow to your face.

The following items are being released with Art Deco Glamour Avantgarde:

3 Art Deco Shimmering Shadows
Glam Granite Grey
Glam Red Violet
Glam Petrol Blue

1 New Shade of Art Deco Glam Stars Liquid Eye Liners
Petrol

2 Shades of Art Deco Diamond Lashes
Silver
Gold

4 Shades of Art Deco Shimmer Lipstick
Fresh Fuchsia Shimmer
Rose Shimmer
Pomegranate Shimmer
Nude Shimmer

Art Deco Glamorous Highlighter

Art Deco Glamorous Mineral Powder

As you can see the collection looks stunning! I can’t verify prices on any of the items as the site never lists them. Sadly, the entire collection is available within Europe only (Sweden, Germany, Etc…) so if you’re wanting it you’ll have to arrange for a CP on MUA or a cosmetic forum. I do think it’s well worth hunting out as it looks quite lovely. You may just see a review of this from the Muse shortly as I do see a few items that have caught my fancy!

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Understanding my sudden attraction to cream and liquid eyeshadow is a mystery to me. The Muse has always passionately hated creams and liquids but as of late she’s indulged in a few here and there and came out feeling all the better for it.

I recently fell in love with Coffret D’Or Fluffy Shine Eyes so of course when I seen KATE Gel Eyeshadow I thought to myself, “whoa these look pretty much the same and they are way cheaper! Must tries ‘em”!

I love pretty much anything KATE does as it has that certain edge that I like in my makeup so it was interesting to see softer shades released with the new KATE Gel Eyeshadows. The shadows are a typical soft mousse style formula with a nice dose of shimmer. I liked the shadows well enough but I didn’t love them and I think that the Jill Stuart and Coffret D’Or version will remain my favorite if I had to choose.

One main problem with the shadows is the fact they dry down so quickly. This actually turned me off so much that I won’t be purchasing them again for that sole reason. Application of cream shadow is such a pain to begin with! When you’re working with a product that dries down so quickly it makes it twice as difficult when you’re trying to blend and build color up only to have it dry in a matter of seconds which causes flaking and a general mess.

Aside from my rant about the dry down I do admit that some of the shades, not all, were rather nice. A total of 8 colors were release and I choose the four softest shades to purchase which were WT-1, PU-1, PK-1, and GD-1. Out of these colors I thought the WT-1 and GD-1 were the best as they had good pigmentation and had a rather nice finish. PU-1 and PK-1 were equally nice but a bit sheer and due to the problem with dry down it was difficult to build up color further without creating an utter mess. WT-1 is a shimmering true white, PU-1 is a soft sparkling lilac, PK-1 is a true pink, and GD-1 (my favorite) is a shimmering gold. Out of the four shades GD-1 is my favorite as I really liked how well it applied plus gold sparkle around the holidays is always so classic for me.

GD-1

Considering I loved GD-1 I overloaded on FOTD pics of it!

WT-1

PK-1

PU-1

The shadows come housed in a the typical KATE frosted glass jar a la the KATE Gel liners. They are about the same size as the liners as well but the jar is square and not round. It’s quite a nice style of packaging for the price.

They are worth trying out for yourself as I like them but I’m just not in love with them. If you’re deciding between these and other Japanese brand shadows I guarantee you can find something quite a good deal better but price wise this is probably the best you’ll get with such a small price tag! The inexpensive price tag, selection of colors, and nice finish to the product all get a raving hooray from me but I won’t be Muse Approving them for purchase since I consider the quick dry down an unforgivable problem.

Overall, the product is good depending on which shades you try out but the dry down period definitely creates a problem for me and is a big turn off. I loved the finished results but it does take a bit of work to get the shadow on properly, blended correctly, etc…..

Tried these?

Love ‘em?

Want to try ‘em?

Tell the Muse!

If anyone is interested I am selling off the white, purple, and pink which have all been used 1x each (still in the boxes) for $12 USD this includes shipping and confirmation within the US anyone who lives abroad I’m extending the offer to $13 USD for first class airmail but sadly no tracking is available on these. Just e-mail me at musings.of.a.muse@gmail.com if you’d like them!

Coffret D’Or Fluffy Shine Eyes Review, Swatches, and FOTD

Loving: KATE Glamtrick Palette Review and FOTD’s

KATE Website Update

KATE Spring Collection 2008: KATE Dual Carat Eye Shadow Review and FOTD’s

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Here’s something to get excited about! MAC Monogram is alive and kicking at www.maccosmetics.com

I do so admit that I was slightly disappointed with MAC Hello Kitty but MAC Monogram…..this is something I can get seriously excited and happy about! The collection looks stunning and quite gorgeous!

The following is being released with this collection

MAC Monogram Lipstick

• Status Symbol
• Marque
• All Mine
• Flourish

MAC Monogram Lipgloss

• Monodramatic
• Distinguished
• Identity
• Posh Life

MAC Sheerspark Pressed Powder

• Old English
• Personal Touch
• Keepsake
• Commemorate

MAC Monogram Sheer Mystery Powder
Light, Medium, and Dark

MAC Monogram Brushes

MAC Monogram Clutch

MAC Monogram Fragrance Set

I love the looks of the Sheerspark Pressed Powder! Nice to see these are a powder and not a cream highlighter! I also love the looks of the Monogram Lipgloss, the colors look quite stunning, I particularly have my eye on Posh Life!

How about you?

Wanting anything from this chic collection?

Saving your cash for MAC Dame Edna and MAC Hello Kitty?

Splurging a little on MAC Monogram?

Tell the Muse!

MAC Hello Kitty Collection

MAC Adoring Carmine Face Brush Set Review

MAC Cult of the Cherry Collection Review

Latest Obsession: MAC Beauty Powder in Soft Flame

Recommendations: MAC 183

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Ok so check it.

Avon has released a brand new lipstick entitled Avon Color Rich 24K Gold Lipstick which contains shimmering gold flecks!

Likey.

The price is $4.99 USD each!

Likey some more!

I know, I know you must have noticed by now that I’m suddenly Avon’s biggest cheerleader but I honestly can’t help myself as they have introduced some sincerely lovely items lately that are pretty high quality plus inexpensive!

I’m highly interested in trying out the new Avon Color Rich 24K Gold Lipstick as hey, it has gold in it…do I need any other excuse to want it?

I seen at least 6 shades I wanted and at the price I can totally afford to nab ‘em all if I so want! They even have a shade entitled 24K…well hello gorgeous! I mainly have my eye on Golden Wine which looks simply stunning. Click to check out the luscious shades!

Hopefully I’ll bring a review to you shortly on these!

Want ‘em?

Tried ‘em already?

Tell the Muse!

Avon Holiday Collection 2008

Avon Bond Girl 007 Review

Avon Pro-to-Go Lipstick Review

Cynthia Rowley for Avon Review

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I reviewed Chanel Gold Highlighting Powder last week and maybe you were thinking to yourself “but I don’t like loose and shimmery…” That’s completely ok maybe you like pressed and sparkly instead! In that case you might want to check out Chanel Facettes D’or Highlighter Gold Fever which is pretty similar but in a press format!

Chanel Facettes D’or Highlighter Gold Fever is the same texture and format as Chanel’s popular powder blush. The powder has the look and feel of a baked powder with a beautifully silky texture and a nice sparkle of gold. The gold doesn’t have much pigmentation as this is a highlighter not a blush and the results are simply a subtle shimmer to cheeks and face or if you so please, eyes! I noticed that the product applies beautifully on my eyes as a shimmer so you can multitask with this by using it on your face, cheeks, and eyes. For the most part the shimmer is very fine and you aren’t left with sparkle overload all over your face but just a simple sweep of gold across cheek bones. I really love the Chanel Gold Highlighting Powder but I have to say I really like the mess free application of the Chanel Facettes D’or Highlighter and I think it’s rather a nice item to have for more subtle looks considering the loose powder contains more sparkle and shimmer!

The price is $50 USD which is about $8 USD more than the regular blushes in the line up. You’re probably wondering if you need both the loose and the pressed powder and honestly for me it unquestionable about wanting both but you may want to indulge in just one. I guess the best best is ask yourself what type of finish you want, which format you like best (loose or pressed), and what sort of look you’re going for. If you’re a collector of Chanel cosmetics I’m sure you’ve already made the choice to just get both.

All in all I really loved this one and I’m Muse Approving it for purchase as I like having the option of creating a simple look using the press powder or a more bolder shimmery look using my loose powder!

For my look below I used the Chanel Facettes D’or Highlighter powder on top of my blush (cheeks) and on my eye as a shadow.

How about you? Love the pressed powder or more of a loose powder fan?

Love all the gold?

Not so much?

Tell the Muse!

Chanel Smoky Eye Quadra Palette Review

Chanel Poudre Precieuse Gold Highlighting Powder Review & Swatches

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The Muse admits that it’s been a while since she purchased a ChapStick, since like…say…grade school! Eep!

Recently I was watching Fringe….did you notice that Fringe is the awesome when it comes to commercials? I mean I barely have to fast forward through them as they are all of 60-90 seconds each…umm hello awesome!

Anyway…I guess I wasn’t paying attention enough and I got blinded by Walter’s wit and before you know it up pops a commercial for ChapStick True Shimmer! And suddenly it wasn’t Doctor Bishop’s wit that had me enthralled but the shimmery goodness of Chapstick True Shimmer! What’s this? A ChapStick with shimmer? The Muse must haves it now!

Sadly, after watching the ChapStick tubes get jiggy with it on the commercial in sparkling pinks and golds, I was unable to locate either. Turns out the pink is a berry flavor and the gold is a tropical flavor and of course neither was in Walgreens while I wandered around for the better part of half an hour marveling over the fact I was actually in a drugstore that was on US soil! Bless be! However, the good news is I did find ChapStick True Shimmer in Peppermint Rush which is pretty much better than not having a sparkling ChapStick at all right?

ChapStick vamped up and getting jiggy with it! Na na na na! Na na na na!

ChapStick True Shimmer is simply the same old, same old ChapStick from days of old with a touch of shimmer, scent, and the flavor of peppermint. Is it good? Yes, the Muse thinks so. For under $2 USD (ranging from $1.50-$2.50 USD depending where you buy it) you can nab yourself a rather cute little tube of shimmering ChapStick to stash away in your purse for quick touch ups on the go. I love the novelty but I also think it’s completely conventional considering it protect lips from the harsh weather plus it has awesome shimmer. Seriously what more could a girl want? I was particularly thrilled with the silver shimmer of my Peppermint Rush ChapStick so I’ll keep trying to search out the berry and tropical flavors as they look more up to my speed!

I can’t deny I like the idea of having a shimmering balm that’s inexpensive, protects my lips, and has a nice moisturizing finish with touches of sparkle so I’m Muse Approving it for purchase!

Inexpensive, shimmery, with a bit of a cute novelty too it? Yeah, the Muse likes it and she thinks you might too!

Aquafina Advanced Hydrating Facial Spray Review

Got 2B Cosmic Shimmering Serum Review

Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes Review

Softlips Review

E.L.F. Tinted Moisturizer Review

Physicians Formula Multi-Colored Pressed Powder Review

Avon Retro Charm Collection Review

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The Bourjois Paris Japanese portal has been updated with the Holiday Collection which will be debuting on November 27th.

I think the collection is being released within Europe and Asia obviously but not within the US sadly.

It includes three shades of Bourjois Paris Liner Glitter Fizz, four shades of Bourjois Paris Eye shadows which appear to have a a healthy dose of shimmer in the formula, and a gorgeous pendant with lip gloss.

OooOoooo pretty shimmers!

The liners are 1,575 yen each, the shadows are 1,990 yen each, and the gloss pendant is 2,625 yen. The prices are considerably higher and I’m guessing you’ll find these in your local Boots (if you live across the pond that is) for a tiny bit less.

The entire line up looks lovely and I think I’d like to try out a liner, some of the shadows, and of course I want the pendant! Hopefully I’ll have a review of the new items shortly! I’ll also be bringing you a review of the new Bourjois Paris Liner Effect Mascara and the Bourjois Paris New Brush Foundation shortly!

What do you think of the new Bourjois Paris Holiday Collection 2008?

Wish it was making an appearance with the US?

Tell the Muse!

Bourjois Paris Anticerne pour Petits Matins/Bourjois Paris Light Diffusing Concealer Review

Bourjous Paris Ombre Stretch

Bourjois Paris 10 Hour Sleep Effect Foundation Review

Bourjois Paris Pastel Tient Essential Pressed Powder Review

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Anyone up for a bit of Shu? Use SHUFRIENDS and get 20% off your total order at www.shuuemura-usa.com plus Free Shipping!

You’re can also take advantage of this at Shu Uemura Boutiques in Boston, San Francisco, and South Coast Plaza between November 22nd and December 1st!

Now is a great time to stock up on the Holiday Collection or staples at 20% Off!

Happy Shopping!

Be sure to stop back and tell me what you haul! The Muse is thinking of a few items she needs! Tell ya later about ‘em!

Shu Uemura Mini Eyelash Curler Review

Shu Uemura Fall Collection 2008 Review

Shu Uemura Fluer de Source Eyeshadow Palette Review

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The Muse is all about Chanel today! She was saving this post for a rainy day but she’s feeling rather generous so today she’ll bring you a review of Chanel Poudre Precieuse aka Chanel Gold Highlighting Powder aka holy cow this is expensive and so worth it!

Yes indeed the Muse skipped down to Nordie’s a few weeks ago and purchased Chanel Gold Highlighting Powder for $75 USD…….I can hear the cries of agony, the sighs of pain, the shouts of “but what about tightening your belt Muse! The economy is at war with itself!”.

Yes, yes I know the price is pretty high but I dare you…I double dog dare you to head into Nordie’s…look at the powder…and deny yourself. Go on do it. I’ll wait here until you get back…..bet you’ll be carrying a shopping bag with your Chanel Gold Highlighting Powder tucked up inside when you do get back!

To justify the cost we should all remind ourselves that this is a huge old pot of delicious, sparkling, shimmering, ridiculously luscious gold powder. Am I tempting you yet? This is a large jar so it’s not as if you’re paying $75 USD for a dinky little jar of gold powder…..there’s enough gold powder inside to last you a few decades if not more…..see? I’m justifying why you should be dishing out your $75 bucks for this!

On top of being some of these most gorgeous gold powder I’ve ever laid eyes on, it also happens to multitask as a face, eye, and body powder! For my FOTD I used Chanel Poudre Precieuse Gold Highlighting Powder on my eyes, my cheeks, and I sprinkled a tiny bit on my lashes when they were still wet with mascara for a bit of a golden gleam!

The powder is silky smooth and beautifully pigmented. You can build color up for an intense sparkling effect or a very subtle golden glow, the choice of how much to use is entirely up to you. This comes with a large silky brush that fits the contours of my cheeks perfect and allows for evenly distributing the powder across my face and if I’m using it on my body the extra large brush allows me to sweep it on evenly for a perfect golden glow!

Do you need it? Yes. I’m passionate about gold powders and eye shadows and honestly this is some of the best I’ve come across in all my year’s of collection cosmetics! The gold sparkle is simply divine and allows for a sophisticated sparkle or a really vibrant burst of gold! Who doesn’t want a bit of golden sparkle during the Holiday season? Is it worth the price? Yes, for sure considering how large a jar you’ll be getting and how much product is inside plus it’s ability to multitask as a body, cheek, hair, eye, etc…product makes the $75 USD price tag very worth it.

All in all Chanel Poudre Precieuse Gold Highlighting Powder is on my Holiday Collection Favorite’s List and I’m happily Muse Approving it for purchase! If you’ve been denying yourself all season long now is a great time indulge in a gorgeous powder to make yourself beautiful and more importantly, sparkly for the Holidays!

As I mentioned above for my look below I used the powder as an eyeshadow, some on my cheeks, and a bit sprinkled on my lashes!

Chanel Smoky Eye Palette Review

Estee Lauder Shimmering Jewel Powder Review

Bobbi Brown Copper Diamond Shimmer Brick Review

Dior Night Diamond Review

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