Clarins Nature Temptation Collection for Spring 2009 is currently topping my favorite list! I just got my hands on a majority of the collection yesterday and I have to say it’s turning out to be something seriously special. I’ve decided to do separate reviews for each product in the release because I can concentrate more on each review and offer more details etc….

One item that’s currently topping my latest obsession list is the Clarins Instant Gloss which was released with the Spring Collection.

Read more why I love it and think you need it after the jump!

So what’s Instant Gloss?

Well, you’ve seen the concept before so it’s nothing new but Clarins Instant Gloss is a transparent gloss that creates an instant shade of unique pink to suit your skin tone. We’ve been introduced to this concept alot lately with Smashbox O-Gloss, Tricia Sawyer Clearly Pretty, and as of recent Too Faced Mood Swing Gloss.

Ok, I did groan when I heard about yet another gloss changing formula…it’s sorta old news and a majority of the time I really don’t even like the shade it turns my lips however so NOT the case with Clarins Instant Gloss. This particular gloss happens to be quite unique and different when compared to the competition.

Although the idea of another “perfect pink” gloss held little appeal I knew that Clarins, if anyone, would perfect the idea and make it it’s own. And indeed they have excelled at making Clarins Instant Gloss a truly great product. Clarins took Instant Gloss and made it into a semi-glossy formula with the perfect amount of pink to make lips natural, shiny, and truly gorgeous looking. I think natural is the key word here. I do so associate Clarins with sophistication and they take that element and make this gloss completely wearable for those seeking a more mature look. Please don’t be scared when I say “mature” as the gloss is truly a flattering shade of pink when it does turn. I suppose what I am getting at here is the fact that the shade of pink happens to be very subdued, natural, and in keeping with flattering your lips while not overpowering them with a loud burst of color.

The formula of the gloss isn’t particularly glossy but it does offer just the right amount of shine and mirror-like finish for a nice, quiet look. The shade of pink it turns my lips enhanced the color of my natural lips while keeping a nice sweet pink color.

All in all I was very, very pleased with the product and will repurchase it again. I’m unsure if this is limited edition or not and truly if it is I may need to go back and grab another one because it’s currently topping my latest obsession list.

When swatching I noticed that the gloss barely changed color but on my lips it changes quite nicely!

As you can see from my pics below the gloss gives me just the right bite of color without appearing out of place or unnaturally pink.

Truly the gloss is a great introduction to Spring and will go wonderfully well with cool shades of shadow, softly blushing cheeks, and a more natural, fresh look.

The Muse loves it and recommends checking it out for yourself. It comes with the highest form of Muse Approval for purchase.

Clarins Instant Gloss is available now at Clarins website or your local Clarins counter for $22 USD.

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The Muse kinda sorta thinks that Smashbox was thinking all about her when they created the Smashbox Muse Collection.

Indeed, I think they got the creative energy flowing and had a mental image of the Muse as they mixed up, created, and finally released the Smashbox Muse Collection.

Oh well at least I’d like to think that’s how it went. What? A girl can dream.

When I originally blogged Smashbox Muse I didn’t even realize a blush was being released with the collection! Well duh and hello gorgeous! Smashbox Muse Blush Rush in Masterpiece was obviously made exclusively for me because it’s most flattering on this Muse’s chubby little cheeks…although it’s exclusive for the Muse she’ll share and let you buy one of your own..if you must….teehee!

The packaging on Smashbox Muse Blush Rush is quite cute as it has a flip top lid with little paint spatters all over the compact and the outer box packaging, flip it up to reveal the blush and a nice size mirror! I was slightly scared of the shade which they have entitled Masterpiece in keeping with the “arty” theme of things, as it appears to be a warmer, muddier orange shade and normally that’s not quite flattering on my face. To look at it one would never know how pigmented it is as the formula, upon first glance, appears quite chalky however it blends seamlessly and offers a nice warm peachy pop of color to my cheeks! Likey! See? I told you they had me in mind when they created this collection.

In keeping with Spring I do think that the shade would go perfectly with greens, golds, and browns for a warm, fresh look. It’s suggested on the website to prep and prime with the new Smashbox Hybrid Luminizing Primer (review coming shortly) and apply Smashbox Blush Rush in Masterpiece on top. I haven’t yet tried this but I will do so shortly as I’m curious what the finished results will look like.

All in all I’m quite pleased with the blush and I was finding myself wishing that they had released other shades. The blush is $24 USD and available now at www.smashbox.com

A Muse sporting Blush Rush in Masterpiece

The Muse is all about Muse Approving it for purchase! Go get yours as it’s not only good for this Muse but all Muses out there. For soft, glowing cheeks for the Spring, Masterpiece has you covered.

What do you think of the Smashbox Muse Collection?

Are you hauling any of it for yourself?

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Since it’s debut on my blog a year or so ago, Fairy Drops Mascara (Fairy Drops Mascara Review)is the source of much e-mail to my inbox. The Muse likes to think she’s the one who created it’s cult following among follow diseased Asian cosmetic collectors like herself but she knows she’s not that important.

Recently a reader asked me to review Rimmel Sexy Curves Mascara because she felt it was so very similiar in style to Fairy Drops Mascara and easier to obtain. Far be it for the Muse to say no to such a sweetly asked favor.

So here is my review of Rimmel Sexy Curve Mascara……

Before I begin my review it deserves to be mentioned I haven’t exactly seen this available outside the British market as of yet. I don’t follow Rimmel that closely but I honestly haven’t noticed Rimmel Sexy Curves Mascara in any of my local drugstores. I have mine for about a month or so now? Maybe less? My best friend Lib who lives in London sent over a box of items for me for Christmas with her husband who was here visiting last month and inside was this mascara.

Rimmel Sexy Curves Mascara is a good dupe for Fairy Drops Mascara in applicator design as it has the same shape and style. The applicator is plastic and has three curved layers meant for pulling the lashes out and upwards for a “sexy” curl. It does give volume, does curl, and does offer nice length so it succeeds in just about everything it promises.

When compared to Fairy Drops the “curves” of the applicator are not nearly as large and I felt like I obtained a more natural look with it where as with Rimmel Sexy Curves my look was more of a false lash look. The formula is thick but it also manages to feel light once it’s on so it isn’t weighting my lashes down. I honestly won’t say if it kept my curl all day but I will say a majority of the day it looked lovely on.

I was surprised to hear the reviews on MUA as it was quite wrongfully thrashed in my opinion and only 3.2 out of 5 stars was a surprise and shock to me as I didn’t think it was half bad for Rimmel. The formula isn’t waterproof so much ranting was made about how it flaked and smudged but I didn’t experience either thankfully. I’m quite used to wearing waterproof mascara so I always expect the worst with non waterproof formulas but this wore well all day without raccoon eyes popping up!

I’d personally purchase it again once I was out as it is indeed a solid dupe of Fairy Drops Mascara, easier to obtain, and cheaper too (believe it runs around �3-�4).

I’m rubbish at before and after shots when it comes to mascara but this is the best I could do!

Before

After

And yes, before you ask, Rimmel Sexy Curves Mascara is Muse Approved for purchase. It does what it promises for a value price. Can’t beat that!

Questions?

Comments?

Love it?

Tell the Muse!

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That crazy chick Barbie not only loves MAC but now she loves Stila too! Who can blame her right? The Muse hearts Stila herself. MAC may have done Barbie already but the Muse couldn’t be more excited that Stila is now bringing us their of version a Barbie Collection!

I’m dancing in circles over the the launch of Barbie Loves Stila which is making a guest starring pre-launch appearance at Sephora starting January 14th, 2009. Mark your calendars ladies as the release is highly anticipated and each canister is numbered and will not be produced more than 10,000 times per a set. This make the collection a collector’s item and the lower the number of your can, the more valuable the set. I don’t care much about the number of my can I just want me some Barbie and Stila makeup and forget the rest! w00t!

Jump ahead to view more pictures of these limited edition Stila Barbie Cans.

A long time ago in a land far, far away the Muse used to collect Stila cans. Lord knows I can’t recall the last time Stila has put out a paint can and now a Barbie LE one? I’m on the case! I’ll take 5. k. Thanks.

The Barbie Loves Stila Collection consists of four separate gift sets and one brand new Stila Barbie Talking Palette Eye Shadow Quad. Likey.

So tell the Muse…

Are you a foxy barbie? Maybe a jewel one? A fun, loving Malibu Barbie? How about a ponytail one?

The Muse thinks she’s a jewel one, a ponytail one, a foxy one, and a malibu one…groan my poor credit card! They are $40 USD so maybe I can afford one of each?

Which set are you loving?

Tell the Muse!

Remember the sets are available from Sephora.com exclusively and Sephora’s 5th Avenue location in New York plus International Sephoras.

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The amount of stupidity that the Muse buys into does so boggle her little mind. Take for example her love affair with B&C Ultra Skin Make Up Base which promises to clear away dull, dark circles and make the Muse fresh, awake, and gorgeous.

Well….I like to think it’s working….*shrug*

B&C are those friendly people that bring you the cosmetic line Love Clover although that particular branch of B&C is more geared towards the kawaii theme of things.

B&C also makes a range of primers, concealers, and other bits and bobs that you’ll run across within Japanese drugstores. Today I’ll be bringing you a review of the B&C Ultra Skin Makeup Base for the Eyes which I’ve convinced myself is almost as important as the coming of the Messiah.

You do realize that this is one of those products that excels at doing absolutely nothing but that the Muse has absolutely, positively tricked herself into believing she’s seen amazing results after use. Don’t sit there and act like you don’t know what I’m talking about! You’ve done it before too!

What is it? It’s a makeup base for your eyes that basically preps the eye area with a thick yellow base in a creamy formula prior to concealer. Supposedly the base lightens up the eye area and erases certain dullness and possibly even dark circles from under your eyes. Honestly, I’m not sure if it’s my imagination or not but it makes one hell of a primer for concealer. It doesn’t cover dark circles but it does lighten a tad bit and it makes a very nice prep for concealer as it moistens up the eye area fairly well and considering my eyes can use all the moisture they can get that’s a plus.

I’m not sure why they advertise it as being a concealer for under eye circles because if you had plans for a night out on the town using this only best forget it. Unless you’re blessed with very light dark circles that are barely noticeable chances are you’ll never be able to use this as your sole concealer. The product is a base after all and being deemed and labeled as such I take it for what it’s worth which would be a prep treatment prior to my concealer.

Now the Muse may have just convinced herself that this does work but I honestly couldn’t do without it because I generally like it as a primer and for it’s slight whitening effect.


Seriously my arm looks a bit lighter right!?

I do admit that the guy on the package scares me…what the hell is he doing with his mouth wide open like that anyway? Blowing into her eye??? So scary. Who is that dude and can we replace him with some hot Japanese dude? Is Gackt to busy to advertise for B&C because I honestly wouldn’t mind him blowing in my eye.

Who needs it?

• It’s cheap so the Muse thinks everyone needs it ($4-$5 USD)!
• Those who want a bit of a moist prep prior to concealer (although don’t think it fills lines because it does not)
• Anyone who wants a tad bit of a whitening moisturizing treatment prior to applying concealer
• Girls who buy into the frenzy of possibly stupid, useless products!

All in all I’ll continue buying this each and every time I run out. I’m either a glutton for punishment or this stuff actually works. Who knows?

Tell the Muse some of your favorite, useless beauty finds!

She’s listening!

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