The Weekly Beauty Read

Buying a Flat Iron shouldn't be intimidating. The Flat Iron Buying Guide 101 from StyleBell will set (and get) you straight!

Canadian Beauty compares drugstore sculpting blushes to department store ones. See which brand comes out on top!

Dr. Oliver Zong gives Raging Rouge readers tips for a relaxing and safe pedicure.

Forget Botox! The Beauty of Life finds a new way to banish those pesky lines with a fantastic product by Patricia Wexler M.D.!

A Touch of Blusher picks personal favorites from the Fafi for MAC collection.

Savvy Skin tells you how to avoid getting Cosmetic Acne from your makeup and skin care products.

Beauty Anonymous shares what she likes about Dior Spring 2008 Makeup Collection.

SugarShock gives you the lowdown on one of the biggest nail trends right now, as worn by Rihanna at the Grammy Awards: day-glo nails.

Click here to find out what Beauty Blogging Junkie is using to achieve swingy hair that is so shiny, you could fog it up were you to breathe on it.

Beauty and Personal Grooming writes about the beauty uses of coconut oil

Temptalia gives a second sneak peak at MAC's Dazzleglass collection, launching in May!

Winter time taking a toll on your face? The Daily Cookie tells you about one cream that just didn't help to relieve her of dry, winter skin.

Big Giveaway at Bionic Beauty! Two winners will get Diana B's body lotion and shower gel. Wait until you smell these products, Yum!

Read about Makeup Moxie's new lip butter addiction in her review of Korres Lip Butter.

Beauty Banter asks YOU who gives best face on the red carpet... from the Oscars, 2008!

Glossypink tells you how to get the shimmering look of one of the most stunning red carpet stars!

Spoiled Pretty reviews the bold and the beautiful shadows and liners from Milani’s newest collection. The colors are so yummy, you won’t believe your eyes!

15 Minute Beauty Fanatic tries zapping her blemishes with the Thermaclear, but did it work?

Poufy Buns are back in a big way. Pursebuzz.com shows you how to create a poufy bun with ease. Just like Heidi Klum at the Oscars, but just a bit more manageable :P

QVC Philosophy Shower Gel Auto Delivery Special

QVC has it's special Auto Delivery Special up and available for Philosophy Shower Gels! I actually took advantage of this last year and was very pleased with the service.

Basically you purchase a trio of 16oz Shower Gels for $32.48 USD ($38.70 with shipping which breaks down to $12.90 per a shower gel) and you can lock in the price for an auto delivery service. This basically means throughout the year you'll receive three more shipments with three gels in each shipment for the same price!

It's a fun service and is fitting with the season changes!

This is also a particularly nice deal as some of the scents are exclusive to QVC only so you'll have shower gels not available from Philosophy, Sephora, or anywhere else other then QVC!

The shipments contain the following trios:

• 1st shipment: Belgian waffles, blackberry sauce, fresh cream
• 2nd shipment: orange chiffon, berries and cream, vanilla ice cream
• 3rd shipment: caramel apple, spicy pumpkin muffin, chocolate
• 4th shipment: carrot cake, red velvet cake, sweet creamy frosting

I'm very tempted to order these but I have so many shower gels to use it would be ridiculous to get more...Hmmm....

Want 'em?

Love Philosophy Three in One Shower Gels?

Tell the Muse!

Hard Gay Coming to a Bento Near You!

You might already know I have a little obsession with bento art. This translates as me browsing Japanese blogs for good bento lunch ideas. I came across a rather awesome blog of amazing bento packed lunches! One in particular really had me laughing!

BEHOLD:


Hard Gay in your bento!

Do you love it?

Sincerely the resemblance is uncanny don't you agree?



The cuppa tea I was sipping while scanning through this blog is now dripping happily down my monitor as when I seen Hard Gay shaking his thing in a bento box it was either laugh and choke or laugh and spray. I decided it was best to laugh and spray!

Check out more amazing bento lunches at Rico & Coco. Click!

Ettusais Blush Review

My obsession with Ettusais continues with a review of these interesting little mousse blushes that I picked up!



I don't like these but I won't give them a bad review because they are actually great yet a bit too natural for me.

First of all the packaging is ultra cute and I believe that's what sold me on these. They come in a tiny glass jar with a cute screw top! Awww! Packaging really sells me on a product and in this case I had to have these as they were so yummie looking!



A few US companies do a similar style blush such as Clinique's Touch Blush. These have the feel of a silky mousse. It's very light and airy! Application is a breeze as these blend on perfectly and sink into the skin practically on contact!

The color selections I got were a dark bronze peach, a cooler, lighter peach, and a natural pink. Here in lays part of my dislike of the blushes, they go on very sheer and give me a beautiful glow of color but it's a bit too natural for me. I like blush that's vibrant and these just give me more of a natural, I'm not wearing any blush flush.



All in all they are very cute and are interesting to use but I just can't love them! They are looking for a new home ;) If anyone is interested shoot me an e-mail!

Dalenna's First FOTD

My awesome little mate Dalenna decided to brave the storm and jump onto the FOTD bandwagon!

She did a beautiful look that I really envy! I can never make my makeup look so natural, fresh, and gorgeous like this!

Click here to show Mizz D a little love for her first ever FOTD!

While you're giving her love you should also help me hate on her for her flawless silky hair...sheesh why doesn't my hair behave so great???

Cheers D! Great job sweetie! I look forward to seeing more FOTD's in your future posts!

MAC Fafi Tote

The Muse's mate Gezebel has gotten her Fafi Tote from MAC!

Click over and have a look!

I figure Gez can fit herself, her keys, her cosmetics, and maybe the kitchen sink in her new Fafi Tote!

Cheers Gez!

Enjoy the awesome bag my friend!

Skyn Iceland Pure Cloud Cream Review

Thanks to the Total Beauty Network I was able to lay my hands on the posh, pricey Pure Cloud Cream from Skyn Iceland.

I was really looking forward to trying this out and possibly doing cartwheels around the room when I heard I would get a chance to test it out! I heard big time rave reviews about not only the Pure Cloud Cream but also all of the Skyn Iceland line!

Well...

I'm sad.

I have to give this a thumbs down sadly. For one thing the price of $75 for 1.7oz scares me slightly. I really shouldn't say that as my regular moisturizer costs $85.45 for 1.5oz but at least it works amazingly well!

Maybe I didn't get the benefit of it since it's recommend for super sensitive skin types where as I'm more of a dry type during the winter. It promises to restore skin from intense weather conditions but I really wasn't seeing much of a difference. I faced the elements for the time I was sampling it (rain, sleet, snow) and my skin came out without much change.

The formula is very thick which got me super excited as I thought it would be excellent nourishment for my dry, patchy skin. After using this for almost two weeks my skin is actually missing my old moisturizer!

It didn't create any problems for me, it didn't cause dry skin, or oily skin or any other such problems however it just didn't feel like it was doing anything for my skin where as with my regular moisturizer I can feel and see it working. My face looks fresher, less dull, and moist when I use my regular brand.

At the very least for $75 bucks I was hoping I'd see some change in my face! From dull to glow? Nope. Nothing.

I can't recommend this one for purchase but I am curious about the rest of the line!

Got this?

Love it?

Want it?

Tell the Muse all about it!

Beauty on a Budget: Milani Runway Eyes Wet/Dry Eyeshadow

Uh oh.

I think Vincent Longo is sitting at his desk and being uber pissed at the fact that Milani turned around and snatched his formula for their new Runway Eyes Wet/Dry Eyeshadow! They not only duped the eyeshadow, formula, and part of the name but I think they actually, if it's possible, did it better then Vinny!

Oh my!

"Grrr! Damn Milani! Who do they think they are stealing muh eyeshadow formula! Get my lightsaber! This means war!"


Last week I was wandering around my favorite Drugstore Queen's blog, Vanessa, when I noticed she was pimping out Milani's newest eyeshadows. We bow to you Vanessa and your awesome, artful application with mere drugstore brands! How does she do it!? She's actually Wonder Woman in disguise! Able to leap tall buildings, race faster then the speed of light, and apply $2.99 eyeshadow like it's Chanel! Seriously, have you seen the art she creates with really cheap cosmetics? I honestly can't believe my eyes! This is talent people! TALENT!

Behold Milani's New Eyeshadows! Pretty!


Swatches from Left to Right Milani Lily White, Vincent Longo Sparkle White, Milani Shamrock, Vincent Longo Verite, Milani Blue Lagoon, and Vincent Longo Mermaid Blu


Shamrock vs Verite


Blue Lagoon vs Mermaid Blu


Lily White vs Sparkling White




Anyway.

Somehow whenever I visit with Vanessa I get these strange urges to purchase drugstore brands! I'm slightly disgusted by these urges but I must say I have them none the less! She makes everything looks so appealing! Suddenly Covergirl sounds like the call of MAC to my ears!

I'm a snob. I admit that while blushing. I just don't have any true feelings for drugstore brands stateside and I just can't put any love or money into inexpensive brands but the more I read 'Nessa's blog the more I struggle with my intense lemmings to go to CVS and Walgreens! Lord!

Last week I gave into my temptations and wandered over to CVS to purchase Milani's Runway Eyes Wet/Dry Eyeshadow! And I'm actually glad I did. This is my first drugstore purchase in....years...! I rarely touch drugstore brands stateside and you'll never catch me setting foot into a CVS, Walgreens, or Harmons!

My Haul of Yum!


Strangely enough as I entered CVS last week I thought maybe the building would fall down around me and crumble because it was such an epiphany to have me enter it's realm! I think I heard angels sing as I entered through the sliding glass doors and perhaps a single ray of pure sunlight touched my face in welcome! I could have made that all up but you'll never know for sure because you weren't there so nanner nanner on you!

Now I'd never admit to you that I actually had to visit three freaking CVS stores before I found these eyeshadows! They were sold out everywhere but I'd never admit that I went to three separate stores to find them because that's just not the case...not me...no way...I'd never do anything THAT extreme!

I gathered up eight compacts in my arms and frantically searched and proceeded to panic when I couldn't locate the light blue shade and pink shade that I had seen on 'Nessa's blog! My god the horror! They sold out of these essential colors! Didn't they realize the Muse was in their presence?!!?

Now the shadows are $5.49 USD but last week they were on sale so you'd buy one at the price of $5.49 and proceed to get the second at 50% off which brought it down to $2.75 for the 2nd shadow. I had the audacity to turn to the cashier and ask for a rain check after I brought the 8 colors! Hells here I am shelling $350 some odd dollars out for the MAC Fafi Collection last week yet I was worried about missing out on the buy one get one 50% off sale at CVS! Lord!

Anyway I guess you wanna here my review on these bad boys after all that long babbling dontcha?

The review is easy. Ready?

Get them now.

Run, Fast, Quick now and get yourself some of these! They are GOOD...no..sorry..they are GREAT!

Milani did a most fabulous job with these. If you like sparkle, if you like glitter and shimmer and shine you want these. I'm literally keeling over that these only cost $5.49 USD regularly! Who'd have freaking thought!??!?!?

The quality is excellent! Pigmentation is actually BETTER then the Vincent Longo Diamond Wet/Dry Eyeshadow. Shimmer? BETTER then Vincent Longo's! These go on smooth, silky, and light your eye up with gorgeous glimmer and twinkle! Dry they are stunning and wet they are bold and vibrant!

The applicator these come with is a dual end. One end is a sponge and one end is a brush. It's rubbish in my opinion. It's twisted in such a way that you can't really make too good a use out of it. Garbage for me. But aside from that very minor flaw these shadows have knocked my socks off!

I'm utterly devastated I wasn't able to lay my hands on the other colors (I believe I'm missing two now! The pink and lighter blue shades.)

All the colors available in my humble opinion are sincerely workable with any coloring! The shades range from black, to white, to beautiful golds, browns, and greens!

I can't begin to explain how shocked I am how good these are! They contain much more shimmer then the Vincent Longo ones and I find they go on better as well! I get alot of fall out with Vincent Longo's while these aren't nearly as bad and clean up is a bit easier! I've noticed that these contain a very fine shimmer of golds and silvers where as the Vincent Longo shadows only contain silver which I guess accounts for the intensity of the sparkle you get in these and why they are so much more brighter and eye popping then the Vincent Longo ones!

Black Out


Lily White


Silver Charm


Beach Sand


Bronze Doll


Blue Lagoon


Shamrock




Overall, these are a freaking steal! If Milani puts out more items like this in the future they'll have a fan for life!

Well done!

These come with the Muse's highest seal of approval! I haven't been this excited about a product in a very long time!



Get you to your local drugstore and pick them up now!

Want 'em?

Have 'em?

Love 'em?

Tell the Muse! I definately want to discuss these with you!

By the way, Iris, if you're reading this, I got you some! YOU NEED TO TRY THESE! I think you're going love 'em!

Benefit Erase Paste

Oh ya baby I'm spinning the wheel of chance again and I'm ordering me some Erase Paste from Benefit!

As you know from my past posts I have a love-hate relationship with Benefit! Some of the products are absolute essential items during my day to day cosmetic application and some items are just plain rubbish!

However, I'll make an exception on the hate part of my relationship and introduce you to Benefit's new fix all entitled Erase Paste! Yes, indeed I ordered this little guy all for myself! I'm a big supporter and fan of Benefit Boi-ing and at one point it was my Holy Grail, cure all, I can't live without it undereye concealer of choice! It still is in some aspects but my eye area is growing a tad bit dry and older so I need a bit more to hold myself together lately. Erase Paste sounds sincerely promising and I'm just hoping by some chance it's just as good and or maybe even better then Boi-ing!



This is a multitasking concealer that can be used undereyes and on your face! I'm personally purchasing it to use under my eye area and I'm so hopeful it'll be a moisturizing concealer! I've found that Benefit excels at making some really good fix its such as Boi-ing, Lemon Aid, and Eye Bright!



Some of you may be a bit put off by the fact that it comes in a jar. The potential for germs and other fine bacteria is definately there but it does come with a spatula so your hands and fingers aren't digging around in the pot. I'm anal so this doesn't thrill me and giving me a plastic spatula for application still doesn't sway my opinion that this could have been put into a tube of some sort! That goes for Boi-ing too by the way! So if you're listening Benefit less compact and jars and more tube!

Since I don't need an entire face of foundation I'm looking forward to trying this out under my eyes and on my t-zone to brighten myself up a bit minus the chore of foundation!

Of course, as with all Benefit products, this promises the world in a cute jar! Whether or not it actually works and rocks my world remains to be seen!

L@@K! Easy as 1-2-3! And you're perfect! It's that simple......we'll see about that!


This is $29 USD and you can nab it now with Free Shipping using code BRIGHTEN. I've been burned before by Benefit but I'm hopeful that this might be a bloody great product! If it falls into the GREAT catagory I won't mind the least bit shelling out $29 bucks but if not you may hear my loud mouth ranting about my lost $29!

I'll be reviewing it as soon as I get it of course!

Want it?

Curious?

Already have it?

Tell the Muse!

Shu Uemura Mini Eyelash Curler Review

Oh yaaaaaaaaaaa!

The Muse got the new Mini Shu Eyelash Curler and it's all that and a bag of chips...mmm.....I don't really like chips...it's all that and some double chocolate chip cookies! w00t! Much better!



Ok so I got this today and when I first slid it out of the box I quickly realized it was a heck of alot smaller then my standard Shu Curler! My god are they skimping on me!? Have no fear the size actually works to your advantage when you're using this bad boy. I guess that's why they named it Mini right?

I should mention that I've somehow become retarded when using this! It's like learning to ride a bike without training wheels. Your standard Shu Curler can be compared to riding around town on your ultra awesome bike with some training wheels on for safety where as the new mini eyelash curler is riding around minus the training wheels. I had to relearn how to curl my lashes tonight. I'm sincerely stupid because it took me about 20 minutes of messing with this thing before I got a knack for using it. Now I have mad skills and I went from amateur to awesome in 20 minutes! 20 minutes well spent my friends because I almost poked my eye out a few times there.



In all seriousness it does take a bit of practice to get a feel for using this but once you've become one with your Mini Curler it'll open a whole new world for you! I'm seriously impressed with the fact that I can get the pesky inner lashes and curl them up in a snap! Don't get me wrong my old standard size Shu curler can easily capture every single lash in one go but sometimes, on a rare occasion it does miss some of my inner lashes! Now I can slip my mini curler right in to take over the job and curl up any loose ends!

Now as I was saying my standard Shu Curler already does everything I need it too so why do I need a mini version?

The mini version gives me doe eyes! This is fabulous for curling the outer corner lashes while leaving your inner lashes straight! This will give you that doe or doll effect! That flare at the outer corner of your eye really creates a beautiful, unique look!

Ahh the perfect doll look!


If you happen to have very small, stubby lashes this should be a perfect tool for curling with. I have very full lashes so I can use this for creating unique, precise looks something not easily accomplished with my regular Shu curler however if my lashes were a bit stubby or short this is a very good precision curler for pulling them up, out, and giving volume and curl to pesky, short lashes!

As I mentioned earlier the size is quite small but it doesn't take away from the comfort level. It fits snugly, securely and naturally between your fingers and the size actually helps with the precision of curling! It's such a good size that it offers your hand the stability to do your work while holding fast and steady! The size also accounts for the fact that you're applying a bit more effort when curling with this. You need to work this gently against your lash line as it's tricky to use at first so the size makes the transaction a bit easier!

Shu's Mini Curler beside the standard Shu Curler (Pictured from Left to Right)


My regular Shu Curler never gives me a problem with pinching but the mini version is even better with that to be honest. Occasionally I align my regular curler incorrectly, squeeze down, and get a mighty fine pinch! At no fault of the curler but my own clumsy efforts when curling! Duh! It's unlikely you'll experience that when using the Mini version since you'll be curling your lashes in sections which makes for good precise work and less ouch!



Overall, I love this thing and happy to have it in my beauty arsenal!

My regular Shu Curler is the Cadillac of curlers so we'll dub the mini as the BMW of mini curlers!

You can click your heals over to Shu's website and grab one for your very own! $17USD gets you a very cute curler that works a treat to say the least!

Visit Shu Uemra's Website by clicking here!

The Mini Eyelash Curler from Shu is most definately Muse Approved!



Got this already?

Love it?

Want it?

Tell the Muse!



Read all about my ravings for the original Shu Curler by clicking here!

Bare Escentuals Foiled Eye Tutorial Kit

So today was like the day from bloody hell! I was up at 5AM, got to work by 8:30AM and proceeded to work my butt off until 10:40PM!

Ugh! Very busy day! My office was bustling something fierce so I sincerely needed to stay over and crack down and do some major work after hours! My sister was running shotgun and we worked our way through a gazillion renewal files before heading home to get some much needed sleep!

BUT SLEEP I cannot do! Why you ask!? Because I must update my blog for you fine, gorgeous, beautiful people!

My updates were sadly lacking today due to my busy schedule so prior to laying down to rest I shall lay the ground work for tomorrow's masterpiece entries and post them tonight so when you wake up in the AM all bright eyed and bushy tailed you'll have plenty of new exciting "Musey" posts to read!

Excited?

I knew you would be!

Thankful?

No problem make checks payable to Musings of a Muse! Cash Donations are welcome as well! I'm kidding, I'm kidding!

I was doing my daily browse through Nordie's and I came across a new Bare Escentuals Tutorial Kit. You may remember I did a review on the Smokey "V" Eye Tutorial Kit not so long ago! You might want to wipe away the cobwebs and re-read the review by clicking here!

The new kit is entitled Foiled Eye Tutorial! Wahoo! Exciting! I already own a Foiled Eyes Kit from BE and I love it!



This particular kit isn't as big as my original kit which contained two eyeshadows, one liner, and a brush. This set includes a dual ended brush and two shadows hmmm bit smaller then the original kit!

It deserves to be said that the price on BE has gone up a tad bit. The kit is $32USD and for some reason I think I need to rant about that. If you break it down that means you're paying about $11 or so per an item in the set. Not bad but when you're faced with two shadows and a brush in your hand I'm thinking to myself, "That's it? That's all I get?". I have no idea why I'm ranting about this as I've been known to lay down that much for a single eyeshadow so what the hell am I complaining about? I just expect to get more from BE for less and I guess when I lay out that thirty some odd dollars I want a massive kit of awesomeness like I'm used to getting from them....am I making any sense at all?

My original kit cost me $28 USD and had more goodies then this particular kit however the lemming is strong and the fact that it's $4 extra and I'm getting less hasn't lessened the need and I find I want this particular kit (which means I'll be scouring E-bay like a little demon until I possess it for way below retail cost).

I really like these little kits. I enjoy the fast, easy, tutorials they come with! The packaging is superb. It's like makeup for dummies in one easy to do box! If you have no skill this is such an awesome way to pick up a few tricks and beautify yourself all in a few simple steps!

Anyway I guess I'm babbling!

I took some pics of the original Foiling Eyes Kit that was released about 3 years ago! As I said before I really loved this kit and this new set really appeals to me because of how much I loved the original release!

Strangely enough I just recently got two emails asking about foiling techniques! So here you go! A simple kit to achieve just what you want plus easy instructions!

These work with simple water! A drop or two and you're good to go. If you have mixing medium around you can use that too but I find simple water from the faucet works best. I don't normally like using a mixing agent or water during application simply because I'm a quick artist. I like to get my stuff on fast and go! When using an agent you have to wait for the first color to dry prior to placing your next color and for me that's a bit too many steps! However, since the effect you get with these is so cool when they are wet I find that I don't mind so much waiting on the dry down time!

On to the pics!





Dry


Wet


Wet


My camera doesn't take the best swatch pictures in the world but as you can see from the photos the colors take on a whole new hue and dimension when they are applied wet and they get that "foil" effect to them plus they go from beautiful to gorgeous with a few drops of simple water!

This particular kit is no longer available however the newest kit is up at Nordies should you wish to purchase it! CLICK!

Love it?

Have the old kit?

Want the new kit?

Tell the Muse!

Juicy Couture Strawberry Fields Cosmetic Organizer

I promise I'm simply not going to order this because it's entitled Strawberry Fields...can you tell how much of a Lennon fan I am?





I love Juicy Couture. It goes against everything I stand for but I sincerely love the brand! I can't help myself.

I just plopped this bad boy into my cart simply because the name was so bloody appealing! Uh oh I think I hit submit too!

How cutes is it?

Don't lie, you know you want one too!

Ettusais Limited Edition Face Compact

It's that time of the year when many Asian brands introduce new pieces to their base cosmetic line ups!

Ettusais has updated it's website with it's new base makeup and their limited edition compacts caught my eye in particular!

I have a special place in my heart for Japanese foundation compacts, especially any releases that Sofina puts out.

These two compacts caught my eyes as they are so gorgeously Spring!





Each compact is 1000 yen plus an additional 3150 yen for a foundation cake. I'm thinking I might get the compacts to put my Raycious powder in!

Pretty!

Estée Lauder Shimmering Powder Pearls

Gasp!

Do you love it?



I sincerely love Guerlain's Meteorites but at $51 USD they can be a bit pricey! I can get these from Estée Lauder with a brush for $40!

The Muse loves it alot!

I'm sure they aren't as good as Meteorites (you can try to convince me otherwise) but the price sure is nice and they look interesting enough for a try!

Have 'em already?

Loving them?

Tell the Muse!

Ettusais Limited Edition Cinderella Kit

Ettusais has been on my hit list lately every since I purchased some of the new Spring Collection! Click!

I randomly came across the Limited Edition Cinderella Kit while browsing for Ettusais cosmetics at Gooddealer!

In keeping with the Disney theme of Spring (Click here and here for other Disney Collections released!) Ettusais has released a Limited Edition Cinderella Cosmetic Kit. I can't tell you an exact release date of this but it may be older then a Spring release and I'm leaning more towards a release for the past Holiday Collection probably!

The kit includes an eyeshadow, blush, lipstick and gloss palette, applicators, blush, shimmering powder, a curler, and a cosmetic case!

Cute right?

It appears there are four variations of the kit all the same aside from the shimmering loose powder which comes in your choice of white, purple, pink, or orange!

The kit is only $40 USD so really you can't go wrong for the price!