Musings of a Muse A Blog of Musings from a Cosmetic Whore

Bare Escentuals Tutorials Rocker Eye Kit Review

noreply@blogger.com (the Muse) — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:00:00 +0000

I'm a vintage rocker geek. I really adore vintage rock I also happen to love heavy metal, hair bands, etc...etc....

The Who, The Jimi Hendrix Experience, Iron Maiden, The Eagles, Triumph, Metallic, Sammy Hagar, Guns n' Roses circa the 80's, (seriously have you seen Axl Rose lately? Not pretty! Let's remain in the 80's shall we?), The Ramones, Led Zeppelin, just to name a few are all loaded up on my iPhone and iPod for my head banging pleasure.

I'm off to see The Eagles at Borgata Spa & Resort Event Center in Alantic City this weekend! Yay! I can barely wait.

Sadly, The Eagles aren't what they were back in the 70's:

During Acid

After Acid

I think they got old and stuff somehow. I wonder how the hell that happened! Hmmm...! They also happened to lose and gain a few members along the route but the sound is sorta kinda still the same although it'll never truly be as wonderful as when the entire band was tripping out on acid but hey we can't have it all right?

So why am I telling you all this anyway?

Because right now would be the perfect time to review the new bareMinerals Tutorial Kit entitled Rocker Eye!

What better time to sport a rocked out eye look then at The Eagles concert right?

Right! \m/!

Ok, before we get to the rave I must rant. Sorry that's the order of business today!

I will go right ahead and rant at the price yet again (How many times have I gone on about the price jack on BE lately?) I cannot believe how high in price Bare Escentuals has gone lately. I truly like some of the items they put out but the prices have taken a considerable raise very quickly in the last year or so! Rocker Eye is particularly expensive at $38 USD....ok...ok...let's go ahead and give this the benefit of the doubt and say hey we get two shadows, a liner, and a brush! Awesome! But guess what? Another rant coming on....! The size of the shadows and liner have reduced in a MAJOR way! I was SHOCKED! Simply shocked! Fall off my chair shocked when I seen the ridiculously small size of the eye shadows and liner within the box! I've purchased many kits similiar to this and always the size of the shadows and or liners included are 0.02oz in size. The size has been decreased to 0.28 grams! Basically it's about the size of a pigment sample now or a quarter!

Is that surreal or what?

Just last year I purchased the Foiled Eye Kit for around $28 bucks I believe and it came with a brush plus three eye shadows that were 0.02oz. This year I'm purchasing almost an identical kit thats $10 bucks more plus has took a big hit in size! I can never get through an entire jar of Bare Escentuals eye shadow because they are such a wonderfully large size but I think I can honestly say that getting through the colors in the Rocker Eye kit shouldn't be a problem they are so small!

Normal size eye shadows compared to the Rocker Eye Kit eye shadows

Ok..I guess enough of ranting. I do have some major raves!

After getting over my initial shock at the size and price I was actually happy I got this kit and I admit that I may even indulge in a back up of this if it is LE (not sure if it is or isn't!). It has some wicked fine colors in it plus an amazing, I mean amazing brush!

Let me tell you more about the brush....

It's good. It's really good.

The brush is possibly one of the best ones BE has put out to date. Normally I'm on the fence about the brushes they put in kits but this is a fantastic piece of beauty tool awesome. It's a dual ended brush with super soft, dense bristles that has a liner brush on one side and a dome shaped smudged on the other side. The brush is all you'll need to create an outstanding smoked out shimmering rocking eye! Pure perfection says the Muse! It works like a charm blending in the colors, smudging them up, and lining! Props to the brush! Hint: the Muse suggests hopping on E-bay to see if anyone has taken the kit apart and is selling the brush separately! Well worth $10-$20 for the brush alone!

Second rave for the Muse is the outstanding, pigmented liner called Black Leather. It's a really dark, true black color that lends pop and drama to your eye look! It has a very tiny, smidge of silver shimmer but it's barely noticeable once on. I love lining with powder for some reason. It's just easier to work with in my opinion! You can wet this or use it dry. I prefer lining with it dry as it works a treat and is easier to manage in my humblest! Great solid black color!

The two shadows included are 1980's which is a silver grey shade and Rock Star which is this beautiful amazing off black shimmering silver cocktail! I already have a full size of 1980's and honestly it's a boring shade but paired with Rock Star and Black Leather...WOW...awesome!

Combining all three shades you'll get a gorgeous smoked eye, shimmering eye look that's both dramatic and elegant!

The packaging on this is great as well since it makes creating a unique eye look quite simple. Look kids no prior brain surgery training required! You don't have to be a master makeup artist to follow the simple steps included in the fold out box! It's easy as 1-2-3! Very idiot proof and perfect for those that struggle with a smokey eye look!

You simply apply 1980's all over the lid up to the crease, follow with Black Leather liner on the lower and upper lash line, and finish it off with some Rock Star eye color that you smudge on the V of the eye or within the crease if you want a little bit more shimmer and drama! Simple! Done! Awesomeness awaits you!

I sincerely love the kit. Although the price and size of product included is a big boo I'm still going ahead and slapping the Muse Approval on this one! It's worth checking out! It's worth buying! Grab it, seriously! Good stuff and well worth the chunk of change! The Muse may need a back up of this bad boy!

Here's an FOTD I did using the kit a few days ago!

Love this kit?

Want it?

Any kits you use for a smokey eye that are awesome?

Tell the Muse!

Bare Escentuals Tutorials Smokey "V" Eye Kit Review

Bare Escentuals Pure Platinum Collection Review

Bare Escentuals Tutorials Foiled Eye Kit

Bare Escentuals Classic Rock Collection Review

MAC Colour Forms Swatches and Review

noreply@blogger.com (the Muse) — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 13:30:00 +0000

Grrr I'm so peeved with myself! Last night as soon as I got off work I picked up my best mate Jai and we took our fabulous selves off to Nordies to get the low down on the Nordstrom Exclusive MAC Colour Forms Collection (plus see the other exclusive bits and bobs)!

When we got there we headed to the MAC counter first and I was told that the pressed powder was sold out! UGH! I was so disappointed as this was the item I was the most excited about! My MA told me virtually everything was gone aside from two or so each of the new pigment shades, a few palettes, three shades of the highlighters (the rest were gone, gone, gone!) and the brush sets. Can you believe it? Who knew it would go this quickly!!!!!!!

I normally pre-book everything in advance but since I'm always seen these exclusives pop up at my local CCO a few months later at killer deals I was playing it safe by waiting until the date of release but sadly I got turned out on the cold! Can you believe it? The Muse missing out on MAC! Don't they know who I am?

It's not all bad as I can get it online but still! Damnit!

On top of that horror story I thought that the new green pigment was a re-promote of "Golders Green" so I skipped it...I got home and realized it's called Glided Green! Someone shoot me please?

So the Muse is only bringing you part of my haul and the rest will come next week after my order ships from Nordies website!

Jai ended up with zero which is very unlike him as he's like me and collects all the palettes. He was either suffering from some unknown disease last night or he just wasn't too thrilled with MAC Color Forms. I can't blame him too much as it really wasn't too much to get excited about.

Do not get me wrong. There are some sincerely beautiful things in this collection but I just felt a little tiny bit meh about it. I ended up hauling one palette (very unlike me), one lipstick, and three piggies! $126 USD later I left swinging my bag and humming a happy tune!

Again, very unlike me but I only picked up one of the two palettes. I'd normally grab both but the Cool Eye palette was just blah. Not great colors at all! However, the Warm Eye palette was simply divine and well worth grabbing. It's a perfect selection of great Fall colors plus it's a design I haven't personally seen from MAC before so that alone makes it unique!

The compact design is pretty much identical to last year's Novel Twist. It's a solid rectangle box with a flip lid, magnetic closure, and fabric cover. Aside from it's bright green material cover it's virtually the same exact compact style as last year's design. Unlike last year's five shadow line up this is a tiny bit different. Yes, it does contain five shadow shades but instead of a straight line placement they now have three shadows facing the standard upwards position and two shades that are laying on the side.

It's an interesting set up for the palette and as I said I've never seen MAC do a palette like this. They choose to make the two shadows on the left hand side bigger sizes or at least they look bigger to me. The two lightest shades that you'd use as a base and highlighter are the shades that they give you more of (or it appears to be more but it could be just the set up!).

The color selection is pretty much a very nice array of Fall colors. Granted it's probably very similar to past MAC palettes but I really like it anyway. I might be bias because I just enjoy MAC palettes but this seems really pretty to me.

MAC Colour Forms Warm Eye Palette versus Novel Twist Warm Eye Palette

Colors included are:

Chillproof-Creamy white comparable MAC Eyeshadow in Mylar or Nyon
Tancentric- Pale Rose
Rolled Gold-Smoky Khaki Green
Rustic-Cranberryish Shade comparable to MAC Eyeshadow in Cranberry
Fertile-Matte Chocolate Brown

Personally I like the palette and I think it's worth picking up! It has a nice healthy array of Fall colors plus if you're a collector you're going to want one!

The lipsticks released with MAC Colour Forms are unique and again, not something I have seen from MAC prior to this. They contain a lip color that surrounds a core pearl finished core. Let me tell you it looks really pretty but it does nothing. The color I selected was Rose Go Around and it's a gorgeous maroon red while the inside houses a peachy, gold shimmering core. It's lovely, truly it is but that core doesn't really do much that I see? Once I apply I just get beautiful, pigmented off red lips. I'm not really noticing any gold shimmer to my lips....I'm not even noticing that the lipstick applies easier or has some sort of moisturizing benefits due to the new core. Nada. Very nice to look at and definately worth picking up as the shades available are very nice but don't get it because you're thinking that the core will give your lips a slick look. That's not the case, it applies as any other MAC lipstick would.

And finally, something I think everyone always gets excited about, the piggies! It's always very exciting when MAC does some new pigments. It's not something they do often and I think it makes everyone very happy when they do release new shades! I had two of the shades already so I ended up with three total and a fourth that I thought I had as I mentioned but didn't get. Damnit! Review for that one later.

Repromotes are Steel Blue and Jardin Aires. Steel Blue shouldn't even be a repromote actually..I believe Pro sales it or at the very least MAC's website carries it or stores. Unsure but it's definately available around somewhere! Jardin Aires was released with a collection that the name escapes me at the moment but it's a color you'll definately want to grab up if you missed it the first time around. It's a creamy beige, peachy shade!

Now new colors that have never been released prior to Colour Forms are Royal Flush, Tea Time, and Circa Plum. Get all three if you have the spare cash as they are very nice shades for Fall. They aren't very Muse-like but they are very pretty especially Royal Flush which is kinda like a lighter shade of MAC Cranberry in pigment form! Cool!

Royal Flush-Cranberry Shade
Tea Time-Simply a light brown
Circa Plum-Plummy purple

I guess that's pretty much it! All in all it's a pretty nice selection of items from MAC. I'm not really jumping around doing cartwheels over it but I think it's worth checking out for yourself because there are a few items in the collection that you might want to see, swatch, or buy! And as always I highly recommend the brush sets, these are such a killer deal and it works out to like $10 USD per a brush if you do indulge! Good one!

Head on into Nordstrom to check out MAC Colour Forms for yourself or click on over to Nordies site and see it for yourself!

Expect a review of the highlighter/blush powders and Glided Green pigment shortly!

Here's a simple Face of the Day using MAC Colour Forms Warm Eye Palette. I used Chillproof as a highlighter, Tancentric all over the and creaase, Rustic on the crease and V, and finished off with Rolled Gold on the lower lash line. On my lips I'm wearing the MAC Color Forms Lipstick in Rose Go Around.

So tell me.......

What did you haul?

What did you stash? What did you trash?

Love MAC Color Forms?

Not for you?

Tell the Muse!

Get your MAC cravings filled by clicking through past posts!

Check out what I hauled from Nordstrom's Exclusive MAC Collection Novel Twist from last year!

MAC Sonic Chic Review

MAC Neo Sci-Fi Review

MAC Dazzleglass Review

MAC Naughty Nauticals Review

MAC Dress Camp Review

Fafi for MAC Review

MAC C-Shock Review

Philosophy Green Apple 3 in 1 Shower Gel Review

noreply@blogger.com (the Muse) — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 13:00:00 +0000

Mmmmm look what I found hanging out at my local Nordies:

I had blogged about Philosophy Green Apple 3 in 1 Shower Gel a few weeks ago but I hadn't been around Nordstrom for a while to get my hands on it. Last night I hopped into Nordies to have a look at MAC Colour Forms and the bright, neon color of Green Apple lured me to the display.

I didn't order this online because I was a bit worried I'd be disappointed. Philosophy makes great shower gels but sometimes they are lacking and scents are really hit and miss! However, we have a total winner with the new Green Apple scent!

The Muse loves it! I used it this morning and I can't rave enough about the delicious smell. It's very true to it's name and smells like a crunchy green apple but the best part of all is the cocktail of sweet versus sour. It smells like a sour apple jolly rancher candy! Mmmmm! It has that sweet scent with a nice sour edge and kick. They captured the essence of a sour candy beautifully!

I have to say I have had my share of disappointments with Philosophy Shower Gels and I am slightly choosy when I purchase a new one. But they really did an outstanding job with this one. I felt like the scent was more pronounced and stronger in comparison to older releases. I also noticed that it seemed to sud up more and offered tons and tons of luxurious foam!

If you like sweet scents with a bit of a kick this one is for you!

The gives it a big Muse Approval for purchase!

Grab this one up for yourself!

Want it?

Tried it already?

Love it?

What's in your shower?

Tell the Muse!

Grab some more great Shower and Bath reviews and posts by clicking below!

Bath and Body Works Hello Sugar! Review

Philosophy Bubbly Shower Gel Review

Bath and Body Works Sassy Strawberry Three in One Shower Gel

A Slice of Soap! Check out these cute Slice of Cake shaped soaps!

Philosophy Sugar Plum Fairy Gift Set

A round up of Basin products!

Bath and Body Works Fall and Winter Collection Round Up

Philosophy Pink Lemonade Collection Review

L'Occitane en Provence Verbena Collection Review

Gosh Cosmetics Fall Collection 2008: Spellbound

noreply@blogger.com (the Muse) — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 12:02:00 +0000

Gosh Cosmetics has been on my hit list for a while. I read about it everywhere and I've seen some raving reviews. It's a Denmark brand that recently hit our shores and is available for purchase online.

Gosh Cosmetics has tempted me for so long and I think I'm going to finally indulge in a few purchases to see if it lives up to all the hype I hear. The Fall Collection looks stunning in particular the eyeshadow trios!

See of yourself if you don't believe me:

That cranberry pink trio shall be mine! Hmmmm...expect a review soon! The collection consists of four new Effects colors (these are loose shimmering pigments), four new shades of eyeshadow trios, two new colors of shimmering of the eyeshadow stick, and three new shades of eye liner.

Find out more about the Fall Collection by clicking here!

Have you tried Gosh?

Love it?

Want to try it out?

Tell the Muse!

Get your Beauty Abroad fill by clicking through some past posts!

Indonesian Cosmetic Brands

Korean Cosmetic Brands

An Introduction to Japanese Cosmetic Brands

Purchase your Dior abroad!

Sephora The Lash Stash

noreply@blogger.com (the Muse) — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 12:00:00 +0000

How awesome is this?

This kit contains an array of various mascaras so you can test them out prior to committing to a full size. $28 USD nabs you seven designer brand mascaras!

I think this is simply awesome. I hate purchasing mascara and later finding out it's rubbish this allows you to try it out prior to buying the full size to see if it's really something worth purchasing! So cool!

It works out to about $4 USD per a sample size of each mascara and that's not really alot since you'll probably get more than a months use out of each sample. Plus they are the perfect size for travel!

The kit includes all of the following:
Benefit BADgal
Blinc Kiss Me Mascara
Lorac Publicity Stunt Lashes
Smashbox Bionic Mascara
Stila Multi-Effect Mascara
Sephora Brand Lash Plumper
Too Faced Lash Injection

Even though I normally wear Japanese brand mascara only I think the kit is a genius idea!

Props to Sephora for this one!

Sephora Atomic Maximum Volume Mascara Review

Maybelline The Colossal Volum' Express Mascara Review

L'Oreal Telescopic Mascara Review

Urban Decay "Color" Big Fatty Mascara Review

Spinlash Review

Bourjois Paris Clubbing Mascara Review

Majolica Majorca Mascara Review

KATE Gel Mascara Review

Pop Beauty Lip Lust Review

noreply@blogger.com (the Muse) — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 12:18:00 +0000

Have you ever successfully completed a tube of lipstick? Am I the only one in the world that has the hardest time in the world using one up?

If you have this problem too you might be interested in trying out Pop Beauty's new Lip Lust Lipstick! These tiny tubes house a hydrating, moisturizing lipstick that's sheer and natural with a beautiful glossy finish.

I tested out Dewy Toffee which is a nude peach. The color gave me a beautiful, natural look that went beautifully with my MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Shimpange. I'm particularly smitten with the glossy finish on these and I love how they simply glide onto my lips not to mention give my lips much needed moisture on hot days.

The packaging is simply sweet! Since this isn't a full size lipstick you can easily slip it into your makeup bag for touch ups without taking a ton of room. The size makes it equally charming for the simple fact you can actually get through the entire tube where as with full size lipsticks I'm normally ditching them because I can't get through them within a year or two and by that time they are long since old, dry, gross, and germ ridden! If you're familiar with Lavshuca's Jewel Lips Mini the Pout Beauty Lip Lust is comparable in size to this.

All in all it's a rather great Summer lip stick as it offers a beautiful glossy finish plus plenty of moisturizing benefits to keep your lips shiny and hydrated in the hot sun!

The Muse digs it!

Check it out at Sephora!

Tried it?

Can you get through an entire tube of lipstick?

Love Pout?

Tell the Muse!

Pop Smokey Rose Palette Review

Pop Day to Play Palette Review

Pop Rose Belle Blush Palette Review

Pop Lid Neon Palette Review

Pop Eye Cake Review

Visee Fall Collection 2008: Glamorous Hunter

noreply@blogger.com (the Muse) — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 12:17:00 +0000

Our friend Kodi Kumi is back in full swing advertising Visee's Fall Collection. After a rough patch of publicity it's nice to see her back in the promo for Fall!

A few items are being released with Visee's Fall Collection but of course the item that really jumps up at me is the new Glam Hunt Eye Palettes. Visee makes a great eye palette as you may have guessed from my previous raves. These are a revamp from the last few releases and the colors are very suitable for the cooler weather that will be upon is soon!

The palettes come in five styles and include five shades of shadow plus a brush for application. I see at least three color combos I want but I may just indulge in all five.

Each palette is 1890 yen but it'll probably be a bit cheaper due to various drugstore discounts in Japan.

Expect a review on these shortly!

Want 'em?

Love Visee?

Tell the Muse!

Get your Visee on with some past posts!

Visee Spring Collection 2008 Review

Visee Aqua Shining Eyes Review

What's up with Kodi Kumi? Find out here!

MuseTV Presents: A Spotlight on Visee Cosmetics

Retro Lush Is Here!

noreply@blogger.com (the Muse) — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 12:08:00 +0000

Lush Cosmetics has a special knack for discontinuing some of my very favorite products. Lush normally runs through items that aren't selling well at year's end and they end up axing them and putting out a fresh new line in the place of some old favorites.

Most Lush addicts fail to understand they mystery of the dreaded discontinue list as many of the items seem to be selling great so why stop making them? No items are immune when it comes time to chop the line up and do away with the old and bring in the new! Bad news for Lush lovers everywhere when that happens!

But I do have good news! Phew!

Lush UK has been running something called Retro Lush for the past few months now which brings back old favorites. This first began as a series of races and those items ordered enough from the site would be made up and brought back for purchase. Soon after these "races" they decided to just bring back all the old favorites and sell them as regular items! Yay! The Muse did indulge in ordering from Lush UK and stashing away large quantities of bath bombs, shampoo, and other yummie items!

But the good news is if you fear the scary airmail prices from UK to US you can now get Retro Lush from the Lush US site! Wahoo!

Do click on over to begin the shopping frenzy!

If you need help making your selections from Retro Lush or you'd just like further information my comment box is open!

I lurve me some Lush and have tried everything in the store!

Happy Shopping!

Check out my Latest Lush UK Haul

Lush Big Shampoo and Lush Retread Conditioner Review

Lush Easter Egg Haul

Lush Solid Perfume Review

Lush King of Mods Hair Gel Review

Check out the Retro Lush Hatbox I got from Lush UK!

Lush Ghost Shower Gel Review

Lush Shampoo Bar Review

Random Babblings

noreply@blogger.com (the Muse) — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 12:07:00 +0000

We interrupt your normally scheduled blog posts to bring you a word from our sponsor.....

Totally random but are you LOVING my new Sketchers?

Pink and floral oh my! I'm so in love at the moment!

Ok, Ok...back to your regularly scheduled beauty babblings from your dear, old Muse!

Philosophy Purity Foaming Cleanser Review

noreply@blogger.com (the Muse) — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 18:04:00 +0000

Hello pretties!

How are you today? It's been a rather nutty, busy day today for me so reviews are kinda slowing come. I normally have plenty scheduled in advance but this week I'm a tiny bit behind! Sorry about that! I also have some comments to get through, I'm working on 'em :)

Anyway!

I really like Philosophy Purity. It's part of my daily skin care routine to remove my makeup and such. It works really well at getting pretty much all my makeup off and does so without drying my skin out which is a fantastic! I do have one minor rant when it comes to Purity, I hate when they advertise it as a remove all cleanser. Get waterproof mascara off, get hardcore eye makeup off...Um no....

Don't get me wrong it works really well at removing standard makeup but give me a break this stuff is NOT removing waterproof mascara! They advertise it like it'll be the only product you'll ever need to take your makeup off...Not!

Anyway, minor rant on my part.

On to the rave..........!

Since I heart Purity so much of course I was happy to see a foaming version of it available and I ran as fast as my little legs (my long super model legs in my minds eye of course!) would carry me to the nearest Sephora to nab me some! And the verdict is in.....I like it...alot...but I don't love it.

It deserves to be mentioned that I love me some Kose Airy Whip. If you know anything at all about your Muse you realize that she stashes Airy Whip away in large quantities so the idea of Purity coming out with a foaming that was readily available within the states really had me tickled. Shipping Airy Whip via airmail in large quantities is costly so here in was my solution! I'd be able to get a Purity in a foam....it'd be like Airy Whip...kinda...sorta....

Actually...

When you think about it the cost of shipping a single bottle of Airy Whip over from say Japan or Singapore still works out cheaper than purchasing a bottle of Philosophy Purity Foaming Cleanser. $21.50 USD is the smaller size and $34.50 USD is the larger size, not really cheap but that's around the same price as the regular Purity so no big deal right? Right.

Philosophy is obviously very on top of the game because the bottle was very well thought in my opinion. It has an applicator that slants upwards so once you press it the product easily slips into your hand without making a mess. This is also particularly good when your hands are wet. No grabbing the bottle to tip it downwards. Just pump it and go!

The formula is good. I like working with foam! It must be my inner kid but I love that awesome feeling when pumping some into my hand and feeling it squish around. I won't admit to painting a beard on my face with the foam, I'd never do that, I'm a mature adult of course. The foam suds up as you circle it around your face and it whisks away makeup gently without drying your skin out.

After use I didn't feel entirely clean so I proceeded to use my regular Purity. I guess you can't teach an old dog new tricks. For some reason I just didn't feel like it did that great a job taking off everything where as when I use the regular Purity or Kose Airy Whip I feel like my skin is squeaky clean. However, after a few days of use I realized that feeling might very well be in my head but I need to test it further before making my final decision.

I'm entirely sure why I don't love this. I like it alot but that "can't live without it" feeling just isn't there. If you already own Purity I'd say stick with that no sense picking this up.

It's a nice product and it works pretty ok but I'm not as excited as I was after trying it out!

The Muse has to do further analysis on Philosophy Purity Foaming Cleanser........!

Tried this?

Love it?

Love the regular Purity?

What's your skin care routine?

Tell the Muse!

Want more skin care posts? Seek and ye shall find below!

Lush Tea Tree Water Review: AWAY with that Oily Skin!

Mario Badescu Silver Powder Review: Wash those Blackheads right outta your hair...err...I mean nose!

I'll have the super size please. Philosophy 32oz @ QVC

Scurb a dub, dub with Philosophy's Microdelivery Wash.

Philosophy Never Let Them See You Shine Primer Review

Canmake's Late Summer Release: Sunset Beauty

noreply@blogger.com (the Muse) — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 12:26:00 +0000

While most Japanese brands are busy releasing and selling Fall Collections, Canmake's released a late Summer Collection entitled Sunset Beauty. I recently reviewed Canmake's Spring Collection and wasn't too pleased with the eye quads I had purchased so I think I'll be steering clear of this collection.

Canmake has taken a note from Lavshuca and has yet again revamped it's eye shadow packaging. They are taking the quad business very seriously lately and have released three new multitasking eye shadow palettes with the collection entitled Color Stripe Palette. I was delighted to see that the applicator is a dual end which has a brush on one side and a sponge applicator on the other side. Hey, sue me, I get excited about the little stuff in life! The palettes do sport a bronze look to them but you can easily take these looks well into the Fall season with you. As you may have noticed I mentioned these were multitasking that's because you can use each quad as an eyeshadow, highlighter, and blusher.

Although I won't be indulging in these palettes since I was burned with the Spring Collection my eye did roam over to the new Pop n' Jelly Gloss shades. I generally like Canmake's glosses plus the price is nice as well!

I know many of you have expressed a keen disdain for Canmake but I normally like many of the items in the catalog as the price is really nice and the quality isn't too bad. I could see myself indulging in the glosses but I think the quads are a no go!

The Color Stripe Palettes are 880 yen each and the glosses are 540 yen.

Want the collection?

Love it?

Not much of a Canmake fan?

Tell the Muse!

Check out my review of the Canmake Spring Collection by clicking here featuring the Four Shiny Eye Palettes!

Bourjois Paris Ombre Stretch

noreply@blogger.com (the Muse) — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 16:35:00 +0000

Although I've bid Bourjois Paris a farewell recently when it went on sale at Sephora it doesn't keep me from bringing good news of new releases from the line!

Bourjois has released a new eye shadow in several countries outside the US called Ombre Stretch. Unlike it's traditional baked eye shadows this appears to be a shimmering shadow in a more traditional compact size!

Very cute in my humble opinion!

I'm doubting these will make it to our shores but expect a review from the Muse shortly anyway as I'm definately lemming these!

Love 'em?

Want some for yourself?

Scored any Bourjois Paris sales at your local Sephora?

Tell the Muse!

Click here to discover the Bourjois Paris eye shadows that made it onto my Ghosts of Christmas Past Collection post!

Click here to see my review of Bourjois Paris Eau de Gloss!

Click here to find out why Bourjois Paris Volume Clubbing Mascara is on my "DO NOT WANT" list!

Click here to discovery Bourjois Paris Minis for those that seek a beauty budget finds!

Lancome's Maharani Jewels Fall Collection 2008: Maharani Elephant Bronzer Review

noreply@blogger.com (the Muse) — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:00:00 +0000

I feel like Lancome has come a long way recently. All the really interesting collections they have released as of late have been very unique! I don't believe anyone can say no to really great packaging, unique design, and awesome product all combined in one.

All of these elements are combined into a great Fall Collection that Lancome has entitled Maharani Jewels. A Mahārāja is a great king in Indian culture where as Maharani is it's equivalent female version which is the title given to the wife of the king or in certain cases a female ruler. Maharani Jewels is a wonderful name to behold on such a royal and elegant collection of cosmetics.

Obviously from first site you will notice that many of the colors in the collection are truly Fall inspired. Shimmering golds and browns compliment the warmth we associate with Fall colors. I headed to my local counter to have a peek at the collection but sadly it's not yet available for sale and the SA I spoke to was a tad bit clueless about the set which was rather disappointing! Dontcha just hate when SA's are not very knowledgeable about what they are selling! Perfect example is when I called the MAC store last week and asked if they had gotten in the three new collections...I had to wait on the line for 5-6 minutes while the MA on the other end ummmmm'ed her way into mind boggling confusion and finally responded with, "umm no I don't think we got any of those!"....oh boy.

I was able to get a chance to test drive the new Elephant Bronzer powder and this was the item I was really lemming badly so it's all good! I will however probably be bringing you the eyeshadow palette as well once I can get my greedy paws on it at my local counter!

The Elephant Bronzing Powder is one of those items you want to tuck securely away in your beauty vault because you'll never want to use it and only take it out to pet it and tell it how beautiful it is. It's one of those unique purchases that just triggers your protective instinct! I've had this feeling with several beauty compacts I own. Either I'm a sad, diseased cosmetic junkie or this is a common thing that all women experience with awesome makeup!

The palette consists of three separate colors which all blend together to create a rather beautiful peach, gold, bronze shimmer on cheeks and face. The main color is a typical bronze shimmering tan shade while the other colors in the palette are a pale pink and a bright orange that make up parts of the elephant. You honestly can't tell the difference in the shades once you sweep your brush over it. All three shades just combine and create a unique glowing look on your face. If you desire you can take the compact a step further and use the pink and orange as an eyeshadow.

I was relieved and happy to notice that the gorgeous elephant print is deeply embedded into the powder so it won't wear off too quickly as you use the power! The detail on the print is really lovely and unique.

I've done a 180 on my view of bronze powders lately and instead of running from them screaming bloody murder I actually find myself seeking them out. Shocking right? Although you too may hate bronzing powders I do urge you to try out this one out as you'll be quite delighted with the soft glow of shimmering color it gives to cheeks. The color just works well and I really like the natural, healthy, unique look it gives to my face.

I think it's safe to say the color should work for most any skin tone even lighter shades which will sometimes appear muddy or dirty when using a bronzing powder. I'm a medium fair and I felt like it worked great for me and I'd recommend trying it out for a shade or two lighter than my own tone. And of course darker skin tones it goes without saying how beautifully brilliant it'll look on!

Sporting Lancome's Elephant Bronzer Powder:

I think it deserves to be mentioned that the idea of releasing a bronzing powder for a Fall Collection seems a tad bit absurd. We are after all heading into a cooler season and bronzing is the last thing we are thinking about. However, it's a total win for Lancome in my humblest opinion as the color just rather suits the warmer tones we associate with Fall such as golds, browns, etc.....so really bronzing powder in the Fall works well especially when paired up with the Maharani eye shadow quad. The quad contains really beautiful, sultry shades of browns, golds, and peach all in shimmering finish. Or of course pair the bronzer up with your own stash of dark shades that you may already have in your collection!

Aside from the eye quad and the bronzing powder a few other items were released with this collection. Complimenting lip glosses and eyeliner pencils are all available to make up the perfect sultry, smoky look for the Fall!

And of course one item many people are excited about is the new La Base Pro Perfecting Makeup Primer. I've heard many an excited whisper about this new primer from Lancome and it's made me curious enough to want it. Since the collection is currently up and available online I think I'll be placing an order for both the primer and the eye quad shortly so expect reviews soon!

All in all a very promising collection from Lancome for the Fall! Definitely head in to your local counter towards the middle or end of this month to score some of these great items for yourself!

The Muse Approves it for purchase! Loves it!

Or buy it now at Lancome.com (Shipping is free this week)! See more of the Maharani Jewels Collection by clicking here!

Want any of this collection?

Love the bronzing powder?

Want the quad?

Dying for the primer?

What Fall Collections for 2008 have caught your eye?

Tell the Muse!

Check out my review of the Lancome's Mystery Game Collection released last Fall!

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Beauty Exclusives

noreply@blogger.com (the Muse) — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 12:30:00 +0000

It's that special time of the year again kids!

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale!

Wahoo!

That means you can head into your local Nordies starting July 18th to nab yourself some seriously awesome, unique beauty finds!

Over 100 brands are participating this year including MAC, NARS, Juicy Couture, Dior, Bobbi Brown, Chanel, Philosophy, and many more!

These brands all offer up some Nordstrom Exclusive beauty finds that won't be available elsewhere so it's a perfect time to nab yourself a unique beauty find and some are even a Steal and a Deal!

Here's some items that caught my eye that I might be indulging in this Thursday (you could have begun pre-booking these items as early as June 23rd but I normally like to wander into Nordies and see them for myself on the date of release!):

Bobbi Brown Cocoa Mauve Collection

A really fab collection of awesome Bobbi Brown finds can be found within the Cocoa Mauve Collection that is exclusive to Nordstrom. This kit is $65 USD and comes with a Travel Case, Long Wear Gel Eyeliner in Cocoa Mauve Ink, Creamy Lip Color in Berry Mauve, Metallic Eye Shadow in Iced Mauve, and Blush in Sand Pink.

The total cost is a considerable discount from what you'd pay by purchasing each item separately as Bobbi Brown is far from inexpensive!

As you can see below the model is sporting the entire look and looking very posh! I particularly like this collection as the look created is very similar to what you can get using the Bobbi Brown Mauve Face palette I recently review. At $55 USD it's a bit pricey for the palette so this is rather a nice deal at $65 USD where you get quite a good deal more to do a complete look including a gel liner!

This one is on my wish list!

Dior has released a special limited edition palette for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale which is entitled Dior Gaucho. I've VERY tempted by this but I have so many Dior palettes in my beauty arsenal collecting dust it would be a shame to indulge my inner demon of need. However, I am tempted. The colors are simply yummie for the upcoming Fall and at $55 USD the price is not bad at all!

Dior Gaucho Palette

If you're wanting the palette I'd highly recommend doing your ordering from Nordstrom as you can get a free deluxe sample of Dior Black Out Mascara with your $50 purchase!

Now here's one we have all been waiting on! Nordstrom's Exclusive MAC Collection entitled Color Forms! Don't lie to your Muse and say you aren't excited about this collection because I'll call your bluff! Ok, ok maybe it's not THAT exciting! I'm actually kinda sorta excited about it. I'm very interested in the eye palettes as they are a design we haven't yet seen from MAC and I'm intrigued by the lipstick as well! And I do so admit that the piggies get me hyper enough to warrant the use of a paper bag to catch back my breath after have a mild case of hyperventilation. It's definately unique and I'm positive I'll score a few items from this release!

As always this is a great time to nab some killer deals on brushes! I've always raved about how fab the brush sets are and now is a good time as any to nab some fine brushes at 75% off the original prices. Yes, some people do rant that the mini size aren't as great as the full size but the Muse says don't listen! The smaller size is just as good as the full size plus it'll only cost you about $10 USD per a brush in these kits! That's a sweet steal and a deal in my opinion!

Spoiler:

The Muse says don't feel too special when you pick up MAC Colour Forms for yourself. Although it's advertised as a Nordstrom Exclusive it does make its way across the board and ends up in Singapore, Japan, and other locations outside of the US so definately don't buy into the "exclusive" keyword with this collection.

I spy with my little eye a giant bottle of Philosophy Purity! My all time favorite size of Philosophy Purity is making it's way to Nordstrom!

This little guy (I use the term little loosely) was only every available from QVC and sadly for the longest time it's been MIA but now Nordstrom has gone and slapped an exclusive on it, jacked up the price by $10 USD or so dollars, and has made the Muse a happy Muse! I love this size. I go through gallons of this stuff anyway so why not grab the 32oz size! Hey, the economy isn't doing so well right now why not indulge in a larger size cleanser right?

Philosophy Purity: The Massive Size

Wish list anyone?

Bare Escentuals never fails to make me gasp in absolute horror lately at it's jacked up prices. But hey it's the brand that I love to hate (price wise only of course). I love BE like I would a younger sibling, I like to talk down to it but that doesn't mean I don't care very deeply for it! Bare Escentuals In Fashion Nordstrom Exclusive is by far the most overpriced set I've seen to date from BE at $75 USD. I'm truly shocked. The price tag makes me cry out in pain however it doesn't stop me from saying "ohhhhh look at the pretty colors" as drool drips from my mouth! The set looks quite breathtaking! This is an 8 piece set that includes Radiance All Over Face Color, Eye Shadow in Bahamas, Liner Shadow in Caviar, Blush in Escape, Lipcolor in Bavarian Cream, a Flawless Radiance Brush, Double Ended Precious Eye Brush, and a gorgeous clutch bag to store it all in!

Bare Escentuals In Fashion 8 Piece Set

Got $10 bucks? Nab a cool steal with the Evian Facial Water Spray Set! Get 1 Full Size Evian Facial Water Spray and a second mini travel size one for $10 USD!

Evian Facial Water Spray Set

The Muse likes the price! Definately on the wish list!

All in all I see some really great buys from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale and plenty of ways to get more for less! I'll be indulging this Thursday when all of these items hit stores (do check with your counter as they may already be available)!

Click on over and have a look at items that I didn't mention in my post available during the sale!

Are you shopping for Nordies Exlusives?

What are you hoarding, hauling, and stashing away?

Excited about MAC?

Loving the Bobbi Brown set?

Wanting something I didn't mention here?

Tell the Muse!