Musings of a Muse

A Blog of Musings from a Cosmetic Whore

Dec 29, 2007

Megan's Cosmetic Tutorial Take 2

The Muse's little friend Megan is back and teaching us all about cosmetics! I want to adopt this child! She talks like a little English old lady! "Remember to smile!" I love her! Please let me have her! The Muse wants a army of little girl's just like her to take over the cosmetic world!

Take a look:



How about those blending skills folks!? And the lipliner! Sheer perfection! Someone needs to remind Megan she's gorgeous without the cosmetics ;)

Click here to visit Megan and her cousin Rows at Mostly Make Up (Mind you Megs is the genius behind the entire blog! I'm kidding, I'm kidding!).

Note: Megan is only 7 and she's not really doing up her makeup for a night on the town! She's simply a very little girl enjoying her older cousin's cosmetics and having a little bit of fun! No children were harmed in the making of this video and I promise Rows spoils her rotten and takes very good care of her from what I've seen ;) So no worries that Megan is going wild applying goops of cosmetics and running around London Town with it on and no Rows does not hold a shot gun to Megan's head while forcing her to depot eyeshadow she only does that with her boyfriend! Hehe...couldn't resist!

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MAC Color Story: Sculpt and Shape



I'm positive all my MAC junkies already know but here's the newsflash anyway. MAC's newest color story, Sculpt and Shape, is available online and in stores this week.

I personally don't contour my face so this collection is somewhat useless to me sadly. I actually really should because my face is round and a little contouring and sculpting could make me appear a bit longer in face but ado I don't partake.

However, these new sculpting powders do intrigue me and the fact that Stila and a few other companies have released similar powders this year really has me wanting to possibly buy a compact.

I know I probably won't because the fact of the matter is I'm packing so much (primer, rice powder, foundation, concealer, whisper setting powder, my secret whitening agent that I'd have to kill you if I told you what it is! Etc...Etc...) rubbish on my face as is I really don't need sculpting powder added to that lot! It always fascinates me how much I end up with on my face in one sitting but thankfully it appears quite flawless and not caked on! Phew!

But that doesn't make me any less curious what I'd look like if I contoured my face a bit!

Anyway....

MAC's duos are pretty cheap so if you're wanting (or already do) contour your face you must be happy about this!

I know of at least one person that's excited to see these powders available and she's already purchased one already! Visit with Vanessa at Nessasary Makeup by clicking here to view her tutorial on sculpting and contouring! Vanessa is a big believer in contouring her face and she does a fab job of it! It's quite well done and may make you want to dive in and purchase some of these powders!

Do you contour your face?

Tell the Muse!

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Makeup Bag Takes on Bobbi Brown's Pink Raspberry Collection



The Muse's most beautiful mate Erika, from Makeup Bag, has me lemming Bobbi Brown's newest collection!

I must say I've had my ups and downs (Click here to view my woes and Click here to view my wows) with Bobbi Brown but I reboarded the Bobbi Brown train and headed over to Nordstrom's after seeing Erika's beaitiful FOTD today. Click here to see Erika sporting some of the Pink Raspberry collection.

I was actually really good about ordering from this collection and only got two items (I know I even amaze myself sometimes with the strength of my willpower!).

The two items that intrigued me most were the Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge for Lips and Cheeks. I dunno what it was but I guess I was blinded by the two colors that were released for the collection. They look stunning. I love blushes that give me a pinched look and these most definately fall into that category! Honestly a majority of the time I work the "cute" look thus really sweet pinks make there way onto my cheeks. I don't have alot going for me in the beauty department so "cute" is my way of working it thus these are most definately something that can give me the "cute" dewy look that I favor!

The palette does intrigue me but fact of the matter is it seems two costly for what you get. At $55 I can think of another palette or other makeup items I'd want much more!



The glosses are equally pretty but won't be too flattering on me so that's more money saved and the lip pencils just aren't me. I'm not one for lip pencils.





Finally as gorgeous as the brush set was it was too expensive for me to really bother with!



So really not much wormed it's way into my heart or cart for that matter.

I can't believe the words "expensive" are popping from my very lips. Suddenly I've become the frugal shopper. Bloody hell what's wrong with me!?

I think mostly Erika's gorgeous FOTD really sold me and upon seeing the beautiful shades from the potted blush I knew I had to have those!

I'm a bit scared as I don't have very good luck with the staying power of cream blushes but I'm hoping these are good!

You'll see my review on these two blushes soon (My raves or my ranting like a loon! We shall see which!) until then are you loving this collection? Want any of it? Skipping?

Tell me!

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Japan's Spring Collections 2008



Many of the Japanese Spring Collections are popping up soon and if you're a fan at all you've most definately been visiting with the Muse's most gorgeous mate Iris. If not why are you still here reading this? Click here to see what juicy gossip Iris has on the Japanese Beauty front!

I see several collections I want something from but I'm pretty shocked that I don't see more! I think I may be over-eating on the cosmetic front lately because I've been quite picky about what I purchase as of late.

Jill Stuart Spring Collection 2008
Click here for complete details on this collection!

My First Impression: Good news we don't have to jump on this bandwagon to quickly as Iris reports the palettes are all permanent, no limited. My humblest opinion is the colors are staring to bore me. God I can't believe I said that. I love JS as much as the next girl but why do they keep releasing similar shade palettes each collection!? They'll be a matte version as well which is horrifying for me as I detest mattes with a passion! Facts are facts I'll end up purchasing these because I'm a collector but I just want something new and exciting from the line and lately that hasn't been happening!

How about you? Want any of this collection? Love it?

RMK Spring Collection 2008
Click here for complete details on this collection!

Now this interests me. It's rather different for RMK and I'm already jumping around begging our mate Row from Mostly Makeup to purchase me some of this! The shadows remind me of Rimmel's U Stir It Up Cream Eyeshadow except these are powder! I'm not too excited about the shadows those are kinda take it or leave it but I'm loving the blushes!

Paul and Joe Disney Collection
Click here and here for complete details on this collection!

Here's another that I'm racing around in circles for! As soon as I seen this I was emailing Iris about it! I'm definately wanting a majority of the collection especially the face powders! How cute!

Visee Spring Collection 208
Click here for details!

Another I'm quite excited about! The Metallic Loose Powder is definitely on my wish list! And of course I'm wanting the new Jewel Crush Eye Palettes!

Lunasol Spring Collection 2008
Click here to read up on the new palettes being introduced!

I'm on the couch about these. They look nice enough but I'm not so thrilled! I know many of you are extreme followers of Lunasol and as much as I adore it I have to say a no on these possibly as I can think of a few other items I want far more!

Lavshuca Spring Collection 2008
Read more by clicking here!

Lavshuca has some interesting new eye palettes out that are shaped like our beloved Eye Color Select palettes. The difference? These colors are not particularly fabulous and are limited to three shades instead of four. These are entitled Noble On Color Eyes. Perhaps these are nicer upon viewing them in person but they all look the same aside from the middle color! So muddy and beige...not very spring like really. Hmmm. You know I'm a devotee of Lavshuca and of course these will be in my cart but I'm slightly worried how great they'll actually be when I get my hands on 'em!

KATE Spring Collection 2008
Click here!

I'm all Glam Tricked out so I can do without any of KATE's new collection. Nothing even makes me blink an eye! Although I'll be excited to see the new video on the site when it's up! I love the KATE commercials :) Click here to visit with Eru to see some of KATE's past commercials (The Muse finds Eru's passion for all things kawaii quite enchanting)!

I believe that's about it right now. As I said earlier I must be getting picky or the collections just aren't that brilliant! I'd really kill for a little wow right now but the Japanese never fail me and I'm positive Summer will bring something amazing! Or I'll change my mind once I have some of these items in my hands!

How about you?
What are you wanting from the Japanese Spring Collections?
What are you loving?
Hating?

Tell the Muse!

Click here to see my love of all good things Japanese!

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Dec 28, 2007

Sephora's Beauty Resolutions



Sephora has a guideline of Beauty Resolutions for us all and I thought I'd see how many of these "resolutions" apply to me!

Hmmm Let's see shall we?!
I will use SPF everyday!

Check! I do indeed use SPF everyday and so should you and if you're not I highly suggest it. Be you 13 or 55 start using it before you destroy your skin!

I will wash my face everyday!
(Click here to learn about my skincare regime)

No problem got this one covered too! I'm actually anal about washing my face so we should be a ok! Remember kids remove your makeup before going to bed!

I will spend less time on my hair!
(Click here to learn how I simplified my haircare!)

Hells I barely spend anytime at all on mine so we should be safe here! It's either in a bun or it's flying around my head doing a bad Little Orphan Annie imitation (Those are the days I wander around the city trying to locate my very own Daddy Warbucks!).
I will lose weight!
(Click here to see how you can lose weight using a ligploss!)

It's not that easy Sephora! I've been trying for years and I'm still quite short and round! I'll try harder. Promise. I'll even use lipgloss to aid me!

I will try a new scent!
(Click here to read about the new scent I tried recently!)

Hey! Got it covered! I tried a new scent recently and I'm always on the look out for new blends! Check!


I will create the perfect smoky eye!
(Click here, here, and here to see some "smoky" eye looks)


I dunno if it's perfect but I definately love creating some dramatic looks with grays, blacks, and silvers!

I will be more adventurous!
(Click here, here, and here to view some adventurous makeup looks)


I'm adventurous! I plan on bungee jumping off the Empire State Building in 2008! Until than I'll settle on being adventurous with my makeup and we all know by now how very bold I am with makeup!

I will keep my Beauty organized!
(Click here to see how organized I am!)

I dunno if I'd call my beauty organized but I sure do try to attempt to have some sort of organization with my cosmetics!

I will feed my skin healthy ingredients!
(Click here to read about my past posts about Lush Fresh Cosmetics!)

No problem! Lush has me covered!

I will treat my hair with respect!
(Click here to read more about haircare!)

We've already been through this haven't we?!

I don't personally have any Beauty resolutions for myself but answering the Sephora one's was sure fun ;)

Do you have Beauty Resolutions? Anything you aren't doing and should be with your skincare regime? Are you wanting to be more adventurous with your makeup application?

Tell me about 'em!

I'm all ears!

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Shu Uemura's Spring Collection: Rebirth



Mr Uemura's newest collection is up and available for purchase if you're wanting to get a head start on your Spring Collection Shopping!

I think I may wait or just skip altogether on this one. Lovely colors in the pressed shadows and the blush are nice enough I guess but I know at least three other Spring Collections that are much prettier!


How about you?

Want it?
Need it?
Passing it?

Tell the Muse!

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Dec 27, 2007

Catching Up on Comments!



Hey there ;)

Just a quick note to let you guys know I'm doing my best to get caught up with e-mail and comments! I have about 50 comments to get through but I'm slowly getting there! So sorry about the delay in my reply but Blogger is a pain in the butt when it comes to comments and it's difficult to locate comments when they are posted on older posts! So I have to go in post the comment, locate it by searching, and finally reply :)

If I'm a little slow going that'd be why!

As for e-mails that's a scary thing to say the least but I'm doing my best to get caught up on all my e-mails from you gorgeous folk ;)

About the only person that gets a reply from me lately would be Row but aside from that I'm wayyyyyyy behind!

So do excuse my mess while I reply to each one of you individually ;)

I feel like I need a personal assistant sometimes hehe!

Hope your Holidays went well and all your present wishes came true!

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Primer Wonderland

Move over Urban Decay Primer Potion competion is in the works!

I see at least two new primers available at Sephora this week!

bareVitamins Prime Time Eyelid Primer


Don't let the name full you Bare Escentuals puts this little primer out (maybe the name is a hint at what's to come for a new line?)! At $16 it wont make me give up my beloved UDPP but it does sound interesting!

Meet Too Faced Shadow Insurance:


The promise of all day shadow wear is tempting but at $17 again I'm not tempted enough to cheat on my UDPP which only costs $15 and has been tested and found true!

All these sound delightfully interesting but in the long run I don't find myself interested in purchasing either!

Want 'em?
Interested?

Tell the Muse!

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Pur Minerals Face Kit

I've tried the Bare Minerals face kit and found it lacking so now I'm being a glutton for punishment and currently lemming this:



Don't ask me why but this set somehow intrigues me. It looks cheap as hell but I can't resist the lure for some odd reason!

Maybe it's the marbleized blush? Could be the tacky cheap brush? I'm not sure what it is but it's pulling me in and somehow I feel myself clicking submit and buying this (only to be disappointed I'm POSITIVE)!

Have you tried Pur Minerals?
Love 'em?

Convince me! Because I'm curious!

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Megan Makes It Big

Remember our little friend Megan?



No (For shame how can you forget this gorgeous child!)? Click here to refresh your memory!

Megan has made it quite big and is now appearing in all her glory on Kiss and Makeup's website!

CLICK!

I'm positive she's properly chuffed that she's now not only exposed to everyone on my blog and her cousin's but a majority of the UK as well!

A special thanks to Kiss and Makeup for making Megan a star I'm positive this will convince her to sign a contract with the Muse to do weekly tutorials!

Click over to Make Up & Stuff to visit with Row and I'm sure, if you're lucky, you'll see Megan around too!

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Dec 26, 2007

Boxing Day Steals and Deals

Happy Boxing Day!

Christmas is definately a fantastic day of the year but hell I love Boxing Day even more! Many a sale can be found on this day and I've compiled a few just for you ;) (because I love you and all that mushy stuff)!

Victoria's Secret is cleaning up it's Beauty section and I'd say some deals are to be had my dears!

Take a peek:

Tarte 24/7 Lip Sheer $7.99 (Orig. $14)


Tarte Cheek Stain $15.99 (Orig. $28)


Tarte Glow On The Go Mini Cheek Stain Set $17.99 (Orig. $30)


And the clearing of the Pout begins! Most is sold out but you can nab a few bits and pieces at Victoria's Secret still! Out of the loop? Click here for the story on Pout's sad, sad, sad demise!

Pout Eyeshadow Duo $9.99 (Orig. $18)


Pout Shimmer Swirls $17.99 (Orig. $30)


Pout Flush Blush $12.99 (Orig. $22)


Pout Shimmer Pot $12.99 (Orig. $22)


As predicted by yours truly the Heidi Klum Limited Edition Make-Up Collection is now cut down to the size! If you want it now is a great time to get it! Click here to see my original post about the collection!

Heidi Collection Mosiac Eyeshadow Palette $11.99 (Orig. $18)


If I created any lemmings for you when I featured the Sexy Little Things Make Me Gorgeous Palette a few weeks ago now is a time to grab it on sale! Check out my review of this cute little palette by clicking here!

Sexy Little Things Make Me Gorgeous Palette $18.99 (Orig. $28)



Victoria's Secret Heavenly Eyeshadow Quad $14.99 (Orig. $22)


You can see my first impression of the Heavenly Eyeshadow Quad before buying! Click here!

I guess they are clearing out Vincent Longo because the entire line is on sale! I just picked out a few of my personal favorites but definately do a search and see what you fancy!

Vincent Longo Lip and Cheek Gel Stain $14.99 (Orig. $22.50)



Vincent Longo Water Canvas Blush $24.99 (Orig. $42.50)


Vincent Longo Virgin Lux Lip Gloss $12.99 (Orig. $22)


While you're bouncing around on Victoria's Secret definately check around as they have quite a few designer brands on sale at the moment including Lola, Anna Sui, and more!

Click here and maybe score a coupon code that works when you're checking out your loot!




Sephora has a few odd pieces on sale. Nothing to get too hyped over but you might want to add one or two into your cart when shopping so that you can hit the $75 Free Shipping mark! Check them out by clicking here!

A majority of Bath and Body Works items have been snatched up but my eye does spy a few items that would fit nicely in my Boxing Day shopping cart! I'll tell you right now don't bother going in store as nothing is left. At least here in New York there isn't. I've been to several Bath and Body shops and absolutely nothing resides on the shelves! However, online has some fab items left over still!

If you happened to be a cheeky little monkey and haven't yet gotten a gift for someone on your list you might wanna snatch these up:

Bath and Body Works One Sweet Season Gift Set $10 (Orig. $16.50)


Bath and Body Works Sweet Shack Gift Set $12 (Orig. $20)


If you're gagging for it even after by poor review (Click here to read my review) you can get Sassy Strawberry Three in One Body Wash for $6 (Orig. $12)



Twisted Peppermint Bath Fizzy $2.50 (Orig. $3.50)


Other Temptation items are on sale as well but not for as good a deal as I had hoped for so they remain unmentioned in this post my friends! They were on sale from the 23rd-25th but have since risen in price!

Head over to the lovely Bliss website and get 10% off Everything! This ends really soon so hurry!



Besame has a nice sale going on right now! Buy two rouges and get one free or buy two eyeshadows and get one free! Sadly, coupons can't be combined or items for that matter but this is a great excuse for me to try this line as I've been dying to for ages! See picture for details and coupon codes! Click to Enlarge!



And that's it for now pretties! I'll be back through the week as I see sales so keep your eyes peeled for more Steals and Deals!

Comment box is open if you have a Steal or Deal you want to share with us!

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Benefit Throb

I'm so jumping on this Bandwagon! Yes, indeed!



I've been burned before (Click Here to read about my woes with Benefit) but I just have a good feeling about Benefit's newest face powder called Throb! It looks downright perfect to me! Read about my love affair with Dandelion by clicking here and you'll soon realize how Throb might very well be on it's way to my favorite list!

I just ordered mine from Sephora (hey I had a Sephora Gift Card burning a hole in my pocket! Might as well indulge right?!)!

Expect to see my raving review for Benefit Throb soon! I just know I'm going to love this!

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Kylie Minogue Boards the Tardis and Ages a Few Years

For the past few years geeks within the US mourn the fact that Brits get a very special Christmas treat on the 25th.

No idea what they get on Christmas Day? That means you aren't as dorky as the Muse is either that or you're saying EASTENDERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

No it's not Eastenders. *insert rolling eyes here*

They get a special Christmas episode of Doctor Who on the 25th of December. Damn lucky people. One more reason why the English should rule the Universe.

Since Billie Piper's sad, sad exit (I'm still crying! I'm actually mourning for the loss of Camille Coduri aka Jackie Tyler more than anything else to be honest! I still say she'd have made a brilliant assistant in all her annoying glory!) from the show we've been treated to quite an array of woman traipsing through the Tardis as of late...hell even Catherine Tate and dare I say....Jennifer Saunders (Not as an assistant either my friends! I say no more for fear of ruining the surprise should it happen!).

Well, assistants come and go but the quirk of the Doctor always remains the same thankfully.

And why am I babbling about the good Doctor you might ask?

Yes let's get to that shall we!

The Muse has scoured the undernet in hopes of locating the Christmas episode (The word on the street is Peter has recorded it for me! You remember Peter don't you? If you've been with the Muse from the start you'll know who I mean! If not click here and while you're at it do a search for Peter and you should find a bit of info to appease!)

Well, sadly I haven't really bothered looking hard enough but the moral of the story is that it's quite possible that Jared Blandino may have gotten to the very cute Kylie Minogue (I've been told he has a special flare for aging the young!).

What.
in the.
World.

I seen the promo images for Voyage of the Damned and I must say they aren't Kylie's most flattering! I personally think she's bloody gorgeous and looking quite suave for her age but whoever did her makeup and hair for the Who episode deserves to be shot down!

Granted the year is 1912, is that the year they said it was good to wash your hair with salad dressing? I can't recall.

Seriously, her hair is a bird's nest, rat's nest, frizz a whizz special or whatever else you choose to call it! She quite looks like she has a wig on (and maybe does! I hope!).

Her makeup is quite ok but it appears they may have run out of concealer for both her and David!

In all seriousness I worship at the feet of David's alter but god knows he looks much better with a pound of concealer on! I didn't think anyone could take Tom Baker's place in my heart as the Doctor but damn if David didn't. But the sad, sad fact is David is quite pale and freckle laden. Which isn't a bad thing but I'm so used to seeing the man with a ton of concealer on it's sometimes shocking to be confronted with his real skin!

And Kylie my god the wrinkles and crow feet are scaring me. Someone hold me.

Did they run out of cash for this episode and couldn't afford proper make-up artists? And the hair..my god the hair....

Ok so we should take into consideration that this is Doctor Who which means tons of running around after some aliens or creatures and Kylie's hair probably suffered the consequences during all that action but I will say that Billie Piper never had a bad hair day so why should Kylie?!?!??!

David with his concealer firmly in place!


Kylie needs some help here! The hair, my god the hair! Forget the face for now woman! Do something with her hair! King of Mods maybe?!


David looking very scary minus his concealer and Kylie looking equally awful! Maybe the airbrush on photoshop was brokes!


David minus his concealer again! If I was him I'd sue BBC for posting these on the Internetz for all his adoring fans to see!


Kylie looking very...um....unKylie-like!


David looks ok thankfully but Kylie has had a better day here!


Do click to enlarge some of these because they are seriously scary! Particularly this last one!

Kylie don't quit your day job love! Thank god Who was a one offer because lord knows it aged you at least 10 years darling!

I apologize in advance for my cruelty but these images just shocked me straight out of my shoes! However, I will say that my schedule is clear if BBC is seeking a new assistant as the Doctor most certainly needs a Muse in the Tardis even if it ages me a a couple of years! I don't mind, honest, swear, truly! I can live without concealer!

Kylie on a good day:


P.S. Lord knows I've dropped to my knees in thanks that John Barrowman didn't decide to show up for this episode! Can you imagine what they'd do to him? I shiver in fear thinking about it!

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