Musings of a Muse

There happens to be a thin line between love and hate. The Muse happens to love and hate Benefit Cosmetics! Some products she simply cannot live without while others make her so mad she sees red. And so the relationship goes when you’re loving and hating someone or something in this case.

Benefit has been on a great winning streak with the Muse lately, take into consideration they are releasing Benefit Coralista shortly…whoa…has to be a win this Muse thinks…also remember how wonderful Benefit Posietint was! Another score! Obviously it’s been a rather great release of products lately but sometimes Benefit has a dud or two here and there!

However, today I’m not on the topic of hate but more along the lines of passionate, undying love for Benefit Lemon Aid. My tale starts with a request from a reader asking me to review a few of my very favorite Benefit items and in this case Lemon Aid happens to fall into the favorite pile!

My story is actually quite short as Benefit Lemon Aid doesn’t have a whole lot of hoopla attached to it. It simply is and does what it says without anything in between! The simplicity of Benefit Lemon Aid is the reason the product remains a favorite of mine for at least 10 years now (could be more!).

Benefit Lemon Aid is a yellow based cream base for eyelids. So who honestly needs a cream base for eyes? Generally speaking when we choose to conceal our woes we are most worried about what lays under our eyes but not above! Lemon Aid happens to turn the situation around and offers concealer and coverage for our lids instead of under our eyes!

Do we really need to conceal our eyelids? The Muse likes to think so. After concealing under my eyes I notice that my lids are sometimes a tiny bit red, dull, or just not very awake due to dull skin around the lids. I could probably easily just use concealer on top of my lids as well but honestly I’ve tried and it simply doesn’t work.

So here in lays my solution!

Whip out my pot of Benefit Lemon Aid and go to work concealing my lids. A little dab here, a little dab there and my eyes begin to transform and I’m looking fresher, more awake, and ready for my day!

Lemon Aid is yellow based and flattering on all skin types, it’s formula is creamy yet dense enough to create a nice base for the next step in your makeup routine (think MAC paint pot texture!), and most important Lemon Aid manages to transform woe skin to wow skin with a pat here and there!

Do you need it?

Hells yes. It’s Muse Approved so that along means you need it!

Honestly, I simply can’t live without this stuff. It’s been said you can easily use it to conceal dark circles as well but the Muse highly suggests going by the book in this case and sticking to applying on the lid. This isn’t for concealing under the eye but over it!

Wakes up tired eyes? Check!
Creamy, Moisturizing Formula? Check!
Works as a great base for shadow? Check!

I think Benefit Lemon Aid pretty much has it all covered! It’s part of my daily routine for years now and I highly recommend checking it out!

Fair warning: I’ve heard many people rant about Benefit Lemon Aid and I’m quite shocked as I think it’s the awesome! Personally I think it’s a product that you need to test for yourself to see if you’re standing on the love line or the hate one!

Love it?

Not really?

Tell the Muse!

Benefit Coralista

Benefit Posietint Review

Benefit “That Gal” Review

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Guys! It’s like freaking 30 degrees outside!

Um hello holy coldness Batman!

I was bred, born, and raised in New York and I have to say the last few years have been thee most excellent roller coaster weather wise! I swear you never know what you’ll get next! Weather is like a box of chocolates here in our little city!

Al Gore told me it’s Global Warming but I don’t believe him because he also said he created the Internet!

Honestly, I remember when Fall was Fall and we had nice brisk weather that you needed a sweater for or a hoodie! Now a days it’s somewhat like getting ready to go deep sea diving as you need a snow suit and a pile of warm clothes to face the freezing cold outside!

The weather may be frightful outside but I can re-live the warmth of Summer by indulging in Demeter Swimming Pool Pick-Me-Up Cologne Spray! This soft, aquatic scent carries a fresh ozone base that’s reminiscent of a fresh laundered towel! Demeter Swimming Pool allows me to savor the warm weather anywhere, anytime (even in 30 degree weather) while I reminisce about the memory of a swim in a cool pool on a hot, humid day!

I hosed myself down with Demeter Swimming Pool this morning, stepped outside, closed my eyes, and pictured the warm weather.

Guess what happened?

I still froze my bloody arse off! But at least I smelled aquatic, fresh, and lovely! Thanks Demeter!

The Muse suggests checking some out! Maybe it’ll keep you warm this Winter!

Demeter Tootsie Roll Review

Demeter Tropical Dots Review

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I’m still on my special Target kick so today I’ll be reviewing Pixi Lip Blush! More Lip Stain! W00t! Excited? I am!

Overpriced? Check.
Awesome? Check.
Long Wearing? Check.
Find it cheap elsewhere? Definitely!

Pixi Lip Blush is sadly not the innovative product of the year as it’s been done over and over and over again by many a fine company! And actually, thinking back, it actually failed with every company that every put out a product like it.

What is it?

It’s a magic marker….you know like the ones you used in grade school to color on walls, kitchen counters, and other places your mum would give birth to a cow over! Remember those days!? Fun!

Basically it’s a marker that you can use to add a beautiful pop of color to lips! The formula is extra pigmented and super long wearing which makes it not for everyone simply because it does lend a certain kool-aid smile to the lips! This could be considered sexy by some and just plain weird by others! The Muse prefers her lippie products bold and vibrant so she actually likes the loudness of the color! A little Pixi Lip Blush, a bit of clear gloss and you’ll be good for hours on end…even after your gloss long wears off you’ll be sporting a killer lip look!

The product lasts literally for ever…on your lips and the actual product…as in it’ll keep going and going and going..for years if you so please! It doesn’t dry up and it doesn’t wear down like your favorite lipstick…it has a tendency to last for quite a while! How do I know? I’ve tried similar products from mark, Urban Decay, Bourjois and Sephora and they have all lasted me well over a year!

So problem….

It’s $18 USD and as we already know and established I’m not loving an $18 USD price tag at Target…mmmmmmm…dunno why…not sure the mentality behind it…but dishing out $18 bucks at Target makes me cry for my mommy!

Second problem….

Urban Decay started this craze a few years ago and it didn’t last and soon after mark and Sephora did their version and again it didn’t last so honestly I don’t see this lasting either. Reason? I don’t think many people actually like the idea of such a bold, unnatural shade on the lips! If your makeup lends itself to the gothic lolita (FRUiTS may appreciate it as well) side you can definitely dig this but honestly if you’re not up for “doll-like” cosmetics I’m doubtful you’ll want to give this a try! Which is why I personally think every company has failed with these.

Now…if Pixi and the other companies I mentioned did softer shades with less pigmentation they’d have a total winner on their hands but taking into consideration that the shades are highly pigmented and loud…def a loser!

All in all I loved Pixi Lip Blush! It applies awesome, has amazingly long wear on the lips, and it suits me wonderfully well…no likey the price though! I tried the shade Love with is a rather loud off orange shade! Suits me wonderfully well with a bit of peach blush, I’m rocking it! I’ve heard some people complain sometimes about how lip markers dry their lips out but I’ve never experienced this problem.

I’d prob buy it again if I seen it on sale but wouldn’t bother if it kept the $18 USD price tag! Yup, loves stains like this but it’s about the principal of walking into Target and paying less while getting more not vice versa!

So cheers on an awesome product but boo on a big price tag!

If you’re wanting some at a cheaper price you can scour the bowels of evil-bay (where all dead makeup goes to rest in peace!) and get yourself some of the mark, Sephora, and Urban Decay markers at really great prices.

How about you?

Have you tried the Pixi line at Target?

Love it?

Love Lip Markers?

Tell the Muse!

More Pixi @ Target Deets

Pixi Sheer Cheek Gel Review, Swatches, & FOTD

Pixi Eye Beaty Kit Review

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Seriously day from hells today for this Muse!

Guess I’ll have to use VIP Expert by Terry Peace & Glow Roll On! I know, I know what’s a roll on have to do with relieving stress? I honestly couldn’t tell you but supposedly this little guy smooths, relaxes, and softens signs of fatigue while restoring my face’s serenity.

Oh come on Muse don’t be ridiculous!

It’s true though…..using this actually creates some sort of inner calm for me or I’m simply nuts and believe anything and everything when it comes to awesome packaging! But honestly, when I start stressing my eyes become super tired looking and I develop these nasty frown lines on either side of my nose….so not cool! Old Muse like looking!

All you need to do with Peace & Glow is simply smooth it on those problem areas and reach your inner special place…I find that humming helps as well…get the entire meditation effect going on…I’m kidding, I’m kidding!

In all seriousness it does exactly what it says…it literally makes your face look refreshed while perking up dull, tired skin. I’ve no idea how it does this but it successfully does it plus it smells super nice too! The roll-on is a jumbo size with a rather large ball for rolling onto face, simply smooth on and you’ll get a burst of a fresh scented liquid that calms skin and relieves the signs of stress, fatigue, and general irritation.

I’ve been using this for the better part of a month and I rather like pulling it out when I’m touching up my makeup as it seems to do an awful good job of smoothing out my skin and removing a certain dullness around my eyes. Am I nuts? Possibly but I thought it did a rather good job waking me up and giving my skin it’s second wind!

If you’re wanting to avoid the head desk route you might want to check out VIP Expert by Terry Peace & Glow at Barneys or Sephora.

How do you de-stress?

Tell the Muse!

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The Muse isn’t the biggest fan of the Clarisonic but she acknowledges that some people think it’s the best thing since sliced bread! The Clarisonic Skincare Brush is one of those things that either really, really changed your life or made minimal impact (the Muse falls into the minimal catagory!).

If you’ve been wanting to indulge in the brush for a while now but just couldn’t justify the cost you can now purchase The Clarisonic for $195 USD plus Free Shipping and break the payments up into four easy pay payments!

I dunno about you but shelling out $195 USD for the brush made me wince when I purchased mine so I’d have really dug a deal where I could just give them $50 USD at a time…makes me feel like I’m not spending as much on it for some reason! You’ll want to hurry because this is only available for the month of December!

You can also now personalize your Clarisonic with your name! Oooo how i-Pod’ish of Clarisonic!

Check out other deals at www.clarisonic.com and give me the deets on your thoughts of the Clarisonic in my comment box! I’m a listening!

Clarisonic Skincare Brush Review

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The little things totally get the Muse raved up! Today when she seen Got 2B Cosmic Shimmering Serum a hint of excitement filled the air.

I normally don’t do hair product posts but I could not resist something that had Cosmic and Shimmering in the title! For shame you know the Muse loves her sparkly, shimmery bits and bobs!

So what is it?

A shimmering hair serum to tame frizz and wild curls while adding a touch of shimmering silver to tresses! Um hello Holiday hair beauty budget? Here we come! I’m totally bummed because when I took a picture with this in my hair it sadly does not show up well but rest assured the Muse took swatchies for you! Excited?

The serum is infused with shimmering mic minerals to provide a hint of shimmer to your hair while taming frizz and holding hair in place! It smells sweet and melon like too so it’ll lend a bit of fragrance to your hair as well! No worries it won’t create a dipped in glitter effect out of your hair, it simply gives a tiny bit of silver sparkle that’s subtle and quite lovely to finish up your holiday look! Honestly, I was wishing they’d make this in gold too!

As far as this Muse is concerned Got 2B Cosmic Shimmering Serum is budget friendly at a $4.99 USD price tag and totally Muse Approved for purchase for it (and the awesome shimmers!)!

I loved this one!

Tames the crazy of my curls, smells sweet, plus gives shimmer? Honestly what’s not to like here?

Muse Approved for purchase all the way!

Visit www.got2b.com for further info or nab yourself a bottle on Drugstore.com for $5.99 USD!

Tried it?

Want to?

Love it?

Tell the Muse!

Lush Curly Wurly Shampoo Review

Detox Hair with Baby Shampoo

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Oh my god, dude! Seriously, the Muse totally wanted to make up an excuse, any excuse to post this video and now I have the perfect excuse! Jaqua Lip Whip! Whip it, Whip it good! Dontcha totally want a hat like that and a whip? And maybe the goggles too…Ok, maybe that’s only me….

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Lou Bega needed a little bit of Monica, Erica, Rita, Tina, Sandra, Mary, AND Jessica in his life……

Well hello ladies!

but the Muse thinks all you need in yours is a little bit of Bath and Body Works Twisted Peppermint! I don’t need all the insanity just give me a bit of Twisted Peppermint and we’ll call it a day!

Well ok maybe if you said I need a little bit of John, David, Lee, Benoît, Colin, Mathew, and Robert in my life I’d be all over it like wild fire! I’d hit these!

Well HELLO boys!

Damn I guess we should prob settle on the Bath and Body Works Twisted Peppermint considering it’s readily available! This isn’t the first time you’ll hear me rave and celebrate the goodness that is Twisted Peppermint so get used to it! It’s going to be a long month full of Twisted Peppermint goodness and the Muse’s love affair with it.

My latest find is the huge, jumbo Bath and Body Works Soap and Lotion Caddy! Score! This duo comes in a cute silver caddy and includes a jumbo size of Bath and Body Works Hand Soap in Twisted Peppermint plus a matching lotion!

Loves it!

The Muse is feeling all Christmas-like every time she washes her hands now! I have one of these caddies in each of the bathrooms in my house plus in my kitchen and one of the larger lotions by my bedside! It’s Twisted Peppermint insanity at the Muse’s house! I even grabbed a few to store away to last me all Winter long when Twisted Peppermint makes it’s exit after the Holiday season is over! This is the first time that Twisted Peppermint has been available in hand wash and hand lotion format so of course I’m all over it! Twisted Peppermint is a twisted cocktail of soft vanilla mixed up with a wintery mix of cooling peppermint! Mmmmm likey!

You can nab the caddy for $15 USD but the Muse got most of hers on sale by using coupons so the most she paid is about $8 USD which is a total deal! Bath and Body Works seems to be extra giving with the coupons this year!

Right now you can nab these caddies for $15 USD plus an additional caddy for 50% off but you can always wait and see what other sales pop up! Last year I remember they had these in Candy Apple and a few other Holiday scents at a whooping 75% off so if you wait you can score a deal or two!

The Muse thinks that Bath and Body Works Twisted Peppermint should make an appearance on your wishy list this season and it’s definitely Muse Approved for purchase! A Muse staple item all the way!

Love Twisted Peppermint?

What’s your favorite Holiday scent from Bath and Body Works?

Share with the Muse!

Twisted Peppermint Shimmer Body Spray Review

Bath and Body Works Lambie Blanket Review

Bath and Body Works Twisted Peppermint Hand Wash

Bath and Body Works Liplicious Moisturizing Lip Color and Scrub Review

Bath and Body Works Spring Collection Temptations Body Sprays Review

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Bobbi Brown Copper Diamond Collection really caught the Muse’s eye this season with the introduction of the beautiful Bobbi Brown Copper Diamond Shimmer Brick. Also released with this collection are brand new, limited edition Bobbi Brown Glitter Lip Balms.

Of course the Muse is all about glitter so she must have some glittery lip balms for her lips! Sadly, after trying out these balms I’m somewhat on the fence if I actually like them! I tried the shade Copper Diamond which is a rich brown shade with gold shimmer. I did expect a gritty formula as per the name “glitter lip balm” but thankfully the formula is quite smooth and applies easily. Actually the formula is my main problem with the product, considering it’s a balm it applies as such so it has that slightly waxy feel to it and feels a bit heavy on the lips! In defense of the product you have to take into consideration the fact that it is a balm so it does have the texture of one. I guess I was feeling like it might be a bit more emollient and moisturizing on but that’s not the case. Some tugging and pulling is involved to get it to glide on smoothing but the good news is it is pigmented so one layer of product is plenty! I also wasn’t particularly thrilled with the color as it’s a chocolate brown that wasn’t too flattering on me and the other two shades released don’t look too much better to me so I honestly have no interest in purchasing another shade considering the formula is fab and the shades aren’t either.

All in all if you like the general texture of regular balms you might find this is a product you’ll absolutely love but the Muse wasn’t particularly excited about it after trying it on for size. I’ve had some great experiences with Bobbi Brown lately but the Bobbi Brown Glitter Lip Balm gets a thumbs down for me this time around!

Have you tried these?

Love ‘em?

Not so much?

Tell the Muse!

Bobbi Brown Copper Diamond Shimmer Brick Review, Swatches, & FOTD

Bobbi Brown Moisturizing Cream Compact Foundation Review

Bobbi Brown Pink Raspberry Collection Review & FOTD

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Determining whether you want to actually indulge in some of Target’s new “high end” makeup collections like Pixi is a debate I’m sure you’ve all had with yourself a few times since these collections have been released.

Honestly, as soon as I heard about them I immediately headed in store and purchased a few items because I was generally curious however I’m still somewhat on the fence about splurging on cosmetics at my local Target.

For example the Pixi Sheer Cheek Gel I’m about to review for you is a whooping $20 USD and although it’s not a bad product I’m unsure of the price tag. I took the liberty of looking through my stash and came to the conclusion that a majority of the stains I own run from $16-$28 USD so really I shouldn’t wince too much at $20 USD but for some reason or another the price just makes me shake my head. Could it be because I expect much less from Target?

Disregarding the price for the moment I will say that I’m a sucker for stains so I did pick up Pixi Sheer Cheek Gel almost right away upon seeing it. The color I selected was 03 Rosy which is a cocktail of peachy pink. The color actually swatches much deeper than it is as once it’s applied it leaves behind a very sheer blush of color on cheeks which is quite flattering and in living up to it’s namesake of “sheer cheek gel”. The texture of the product is a gel so it blends quite easily although I’d like a bit more pigmentation since I did have to get a few squirts onto my finger tips to build up color for my finished look you’ll see below. It does have a slightly odd smell which isn’t really unpleasant but perhaps a tad bit annoying. It’s a bit of a plastic scent combined with some alcohol which I basically translate as “cheap makeup smell”.

Honestly I love how the product looks on but I don’t like is the price nor am I loving how much I have to use in order to get the finished results.

All in all I enjoyed Pixi Sheer Cheek Gel and I’m sure I’ll reach for it daily from now on however I’m unsure if I’ll consider repurchasing at this price as I can get much better stains for less with better pigmentation.

Tried this?

Love it?

Want to try it?

Tell the Muse!

The Demise of NP Set, Pixi, and Jemma Kid at Target?

Pixi Eye Beauty Kit Review

Target Steps It Up: Introduction to NP Set, Pixi, and Jemma Kid at Target

NP Set Lipgloss Compact Review & Swatches

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