Total Beauty Web Tour

Discover some new reads from the Total Beauty Blogging Community!

Lilan from The Daily Cookie has found a new love in MAC Heatherette!

Mischo Beauty shares her best tips on how to prepare for a bikini wax and what to expect!

Jennifer and Christine from Beauty in Real Life are having a giveaway! Click here to take you there!

May is declared National toss your makeup month. What is your tossing habits? Check out Casual Lavish and give your thoughts.

The Beauty of Life finally figures out how to banish undereye circles for good! Check out her two miracle products!

Dealing with those pesky ingrown hairs with Daily Dose of Coffee.

Laurie from Beauty's Spot has a coveted moment's peace with Exhale Massage

Joy from Makeup Junkie gives us the scoop on Fall/Winter beauty trends from Toronto L'Oreal Fashion Week !

Got 10 minutes? Beauty411 reviews Clairol Perfect 10 haircolor and tells you how your haircolor can go from drab to fab!

Kathryn from Budget Beauty Love gives us the lowdown on Cosmetic Outlets.

Discover how pineapple and papaya reveal more radiant skin at A Mom in Red High Heels! Also, enter for your chance to win the product!

The Beauty Blog Network's Weekly Beauty Read

Time to catch up with the rest of the Beauty Blogsphere and see what they are reviewing, loving, and using this week!

Happy Weekend!
-the Muse

15 Minute Beauty Fanatic reconsiders blonde hair after some great color advice from Brad Johns!

Tousled, textured hair is the top tress trend for Spring 2008! StyleBell shows you how to create Beachy Waves with your flat iron.

Mischo Beauty shares her best tips on how to prepare for a bikini wax and what to expect!

Beauty Anonymous brings you Anna Sui Beach Collection for Summer 2008!

SugarShock Beauty is channelling fashion muse of the moment Amy Winehouse – (in a subtle way, we promise!) – with Stila's new liquid eyeliner.

Beauty and Personal Grooming shares some DIY Antiwrinkle face masks

A Touch of Blusher can't live without this foundation.

The Makeup Divas Beauty Blog is blown away by these ProSilk Hair Products!

Beauty Blogging Junkie tells you how to channel the look of your fave The Hills girl here.

Mischo Beauty shares her best tips on how to prepare for a bikini wax and what to expect!

The Daily Cookie reviews a dupe for the popular MAC 187 blush brush for a fraction of the price!

Product Girl is having her first giveaway. Enter to win a Philosophy Breakfast in Bed Shower Gel Set from now until Monday night!

Makeup Moxie reviews Cargo Blu-Ray High Definition Mascara.

Glossypink reveals her favorite eyeshadow of all time!

Cybelesays Gets To The Shea Of Things with a feature on the best products out there containing the most Shea Butter

Just when you thought SPF 15 was safe, The Beauty Bug makes you think again, and tells you why you should up your dosage of SPF!

Spoiled Pretty hearts her T3 hair dryer. But what's the one thing she would add to it? Find out what extra would push her head over heels...

Toya from "The Life of A Ladybug" still hasn't decided how she feels about Bourjois and these eye products haven't changed her mind.

Savvy Skin realizes her skin care obsession is ruining her career!

Karen from Makeup and Beauty Blog shows you how to get Mariah Carey's look with MAC Heatherette Beauty Powder.

Shiseido Maquillage Watery Clash Eyes Review

Shiseido has quite a few different brands available exclusive to the Japanese market one of which is Maquillage. I know I've mentioned that before and many of you already know it as you're as passionate about Japanese Cosmetics as I am however I thought it deserved a remention in my introduction because I have quite a flow of newer readers visiting with me lately and I thought that'd be a nice little way to introduce this review plus give them a little info about the brand.

Maquillage is not my favorite brand in the Shiseido line (I'm sure you can guess which my favorite is...go on comment and tell me!). For me Maquillage is a hit or miss sadly. Some products are really good and some aren't so great. The price range is lovely, the packaging is fabulous, but the actual products are sometimes too sheer or not particularly the best quality in the world. I'm not that big a fan of the shadow compacts, the liners, or the glosses. However, I do give a better portion of my money to Maquillage on a rare occasion!

Today I'm reviewing Watery Crash Eyes from Maquillage. I don't follow Maquillage as much as I do other Japanese brands so when something new is released I know of it but not when it was released so I'm unsure which collection these are from.

A very sweet friend of mine did some personal shopping for me in Tokyo last week and she picked up Watery Crash Eyes as a request from me. Sadly, I'm not quite so into it. The lemming for this came from the fact that it reminded me of Chanel's Ombre D'eau Fluid Eyeshadow but the Maquillage price is much more affordable. The color selection isn't vast by any means and this particular product is only offered in 5 colors. I got the PK213 which is a beautiful baby pink color.



Now I can't fairly give this a poor review. The reason for that is the product is actually good and the problem is that I'm just too bloody picky with cosmetics.

The texture and formula is wonderful as it blends a real treat however a few things I don't like about it are the finish which is more of a shine than a shimmer if that makes sense, I'm also not loving how much I need to use to get color onto my lid as this is very sheer, and finally I'm just not enjoying the total look it created for me.



As I was saying it blends very well, just dot and smooth on. The texture is thick and creamy. All and all I see no problem with the formula however it's lack of shimmer kind of disappointed me. I should mention that I'm not a fan of cream shadows and honestly the main reason I had purchased this was because it not only reminded me of the Chanel but also Visee's Aqua Shining Eyes so I was kinda hopeful this would be as good a quality as both of those.



The product is sheer so you have to do at least three layers to get some color onto your lid. One layer will not do much of anything. I noticed that it doesn't dry fast either which is a good thing because if you mess up while blending you can easily go back and smooth your finger around a bit more without worrying about it being dry and messing the entire look up. This is particularly nice as well when you're layering the color because you're not packing color onto an already "dry" look.





My final look when I was done layering and blending wasn't exactly great. No pop sadly. But as I said I can't give it a bad review because the formula is very good (especially the fact it stays wet so long before setting which makes for ease of application). I'm just a nitpicker because I enjoy a bit more shimmer and the look I achieved was more of a shiny, neutral look!

If you enjoy simplicity without shimmer or pop this might very well be something you'd enjoy using. For myself I'm not loving it at the moment but I'm going to continue using it to see how I feel after a few weeks!

Here's what I created using Watery Clash Eyes:




Here's what I used:


Eyes:
Maquillage Watery Clash Eyes in PK213
Visee Mascara

Lips
Bobbi Brown Lip and Cheek Rouge in Pink Raspberry
Bobbi Brown Lipgloss in Pink Popsicle

Cheeks:
Bare Minerals Blush in Fruit Cocktail

Love Maquillage?

Own this already?

Adore it?

Hate it?

Tell the Muse!

Mally Beauty Liquid Eye Brightener

I'm procrastinating at work.

Shhhhhh! Don't tell anyone! That's the best part about being self-employed you actually can't get yourself in trouble for procrastinating but of course later on today I'll give myself a good talking down to make myself officially responsible.

I honestly deserve a little procrastination today as I had a super asthma attack yesterday evening so a bit of chillaxing at work is just what the doctor ordered!

Mostly this consists of me sending e-mails back and fourth with our favorite Cookie from The Daily Cookie (I'm dragging her into the procrastination vortex with me!), browsing around for new ideas for blog entries (comment box is open to your suggestions!), and trying to somehow someway get caught up with e-mail in my inbox (maybe I can somehow get through 10 years of e-mail in under 10 minutes!)!

While I'm doing all this I also happened to surf my way over to QVC to check up on Mally Beauty. One of my readers, friends, and fellow New Yorkers, Adina, had mentioned that Mally had some updates over yonder so of course I had to investigate it for myself!

I didn't see anything too interesting but I did run across something new or at least I think it's new called Liquid Eye Brightener!



This stuff sounds awesome!

It's basically a powder but when you drop it into your hand and rub it turns into a liquid. Once liquidated (is that even a word?) you pat it gently under your eyes for a little concealing magic to make your eyes look refreshed, awake, and beautiful!

I'm very curious about this and I'm wondering if it's good for touch ups! I normally tote around a Dior Radiance Pen for touch ups but I find it too messy honestly...hmmmm I want this! I might wait though to see the reviews first!

I really like the format of the bottle as well with the small dropper style squeeze top! This is $22.80 USD and is available now from QVC, A81636.



What do you think? Nay or Yay?

Ok now it's back to work with me...seriously.....honest....maybe....sorta.......kinda......

Summer Collection 2008: Aube Gloss Frutina

I'm a big fan of the Aube Frutina Lipglosses that were released last year and the good news is this year they are making a guest starring appearance in Aube's Early Summer release Collection!



My very beautiful mate, Iris, reported on these earlier in the month and I felt myself getting all hyper at the prospect of not only new colors but from what I'm understanding new flavors!

BLESS BE the Japanese have heard my prayers and have answered them! Flavored Lipgloss! Hooray! Hooray! I'm one for ranting at the lack of flavor in a majority of gloss brands on Japanese shores so this is exciting!

Each gloss is LE and scented in exotic combinations but I'm not entirely sure if they are "flavored" as well! So here's to hoping right?

Orange is orange and rosemary scented, Pink is berry and mint (mmm sounds great), dusky pink is plum and lemongrass, and finally the beige is apple caramal and chamomile (please see Rouge Deluxe for the original information about these releases!).

Each gloss is 2100 yen each and well worth the price tag in my opinion. The color selection looks fabulous compared to last year's glosses. They appear almost frosty this time around however sometimes the swatches aren't so brilliant so can't go by that until I actually see them in person.

Since I enjoyed these so much I thought I'd combine a mini review here from the glosses I do have from the previous release!

I really like these and they definately fall into a favorite category for me. One thing I really like about them is the applicator. The applicator is a sponge but it's a large sponge and for some reason or another it saturates really well with the product so you get a nice bit of the gloss on it for smoothing onto your lips! I'm not sure if it's the applicator or the formula but it just smooths on amazingly well for a gloss! I always struggle with sponge applicators as I'm constantly redipping where as with this I only need one dip and I'm good to go! These are a tiny bit on the sheer side so I definately suggest layering them to deepen the color on your lips as one stroke will get you a nice glossy look but not enough color to really pop so a bit of redipping and building the color up will give you an excellent pay off and beautiful look!

The texture is not sticky or tacky at all. It feels perfect on and has a pretty good water base because the gloss just slides on beautifully creating a very natural feel on your lips but NOT the type that's sliding off onto your chin!





















Sadly, as with almost all Japanese glosses I've tried, these lack any taste or flavor. I enjoy flavor in my gloss but this is great if you're hating that. The color selection last year came in about 12 shades I believe and a few were LE but not all. These new releases will all be LE so that's a plus!

The packaging is definately pleasing as each gloss has tiny crystals in the top! Very pretty!



These particular shades being released appear more pigmented! We shall see! Very excited for the collection to hit shops so I can lay my greedy hands on some!

Love Aube Frutina?

Want these?

Tell the Muse!

Beauty on a Budget: Terra Eyeshadow Review

I was tempted again by the evil Beauty on a Budget brands that can be found in my local drugstore....go firgure.

My little mate Mandy from Mandy's Beauty Blog was bragging about Terra eyeshadows in a recent post of mine and of course I got to thinking that I need to recheck these out. The reason I say "recheck" them is because I had previously seen these in my local drugstore and even swatched them but me being the snob I am I skipped and didn't bother buying any!

Of course, when I went back my mentality had changed slightly and I was open to the suggestion that maybe these could be good. Lucky for me I kept that frame of mind because I walked out of the store toting eight shades in a little plastic bag with a goofy smile on my lips over my latest haul.



These are great, thanks Mandy!

I know many of you piss, moan, and bitch something fierce about baked eyesahdows. I personally don't mind an occasional baked eyeshadow. They spice up my life a little bit and they are different and interesting however I do agree with some of you to an extent about the lack of pigmentation.

These shadows I am about to show you are baked eyeshadows however they are alot different then what you're used to with your normal variety range of baked eyeshadows!

These are entitled Terra Eyeshadows and yes I googled plenty for you but I see nothing about these anywhere. No website, no listing, nada. The back says "Made in Italy" but soon after it displays a Miami address...I dunno.

The good news is these are fantastic. The pigmentation, for a baked eyeshadow, is brilliant. They are loaded with color, blend easily, and have just a touch of shimmer that's not to overkill for my sparkle/shimmer haters out there.

The shadow itself is very silky and smooth and it blends very well for a baked eyeshadow as I normally find baked shadows here in the US a bit hard in texture if that makes sense and not as silky as what I've tried abroad.

Prices vary from shop to shop but they aren't too expensive at $7.49 USD or so per a pot. I've seen them in a few drugstores for different price ranges but no higher then $8.99 USD. For what it's worth that's somewhat high for one eyeshadow purchased in a cheesy drugstore in the United States however they are good and you know when I say something is good I sincerely mean that from the bottom of my little heart.

The first time I noticed these as I had mentioned early on in this post was when the line had single eyeshadows only. They now have duo eyeshadows as well which I love since the color combinations are flattering and do work well together. The entire line is really tiny it consists of about twelve or so eyeshadows and a few bronzer type blushers and that's it.

As I mentioned I ended up with eight of the eyeshadows total.

I've seen these in two locations so far. Harmon's Beauty Store and Duane Reade. As I recall they were cheaper in Harmon's so hit up there first prior to heading to Duane Reade for the best price. To find them don't look in the main cosmetic aisle you have to swing yourself around and they are right next to the applicators, eye makeup removers, and cotton swabs and stuff. Right by the accessories you'll see a tiny little display with these hanging out on it!

I did notice something that deserves a mention about these. I had to do some major prepping of my eye prior to applying as I noticed the first time I used one of the duos that it creased terribly. I blame that on my lack of prepping and my rushed application however I did a second look and the same thing happened so when using these you may need to spend a little extra time prepping your eye area well prior to application. My third time trying these I hit the nail on the head and got it right, no creasing and perfect wear and tear all day but I spent some time making sure I had a good surface on my eye prior to applying and my bit of hard work rewarded me with beautiful, eyepopping eyeshadow that lasted all day and into the night!

Without further babbling from me a few pictures of the Terra Eyeshadows I picked up!

Lime/Lemon




Turquoise Pearl




Water/Green




Emerald Pearl




Snow Gold Pearl




Beige Pearl




Midnight/Ice




Purple/Sky




My favorite of the bunch is Turquoise Pearl which is a beautiful aqua touched with some lovely blue and Snow Gold Pearl which is a lovely golden cream! All the colors are truly outstanding and the photos don't do them justice!

Terra Eyeshadows are most definately Muse Approved for purchasing! I'm loving these at the moment!



Want 'em?

Already have 'em?

Loving them?

Tell the Muse!

bareMinerals A Little Sun All-Over Face Color

I hate the sun, bronzers, and anything to do with tanning but I will admit to being intrigued very slightly by the new Bare Minerals Kit entitled A Little Sun All Over.



The color in this kit looks rather refreshingly healthy and the brush is sorta making me get a case of the "I want it!" sweats. However, I do realize, in some inner part of my brain thats actually logical, that the brush is probably utter rubbish and sheds like a bunny rabbit in Spring.





I also realize, again in the part of my brain that holds logic (it's far and between but it's there people) that the color will be unflattering and will make my already very full face even fuller!

But for some odd reason or another I find myself wanting this kit!

Sigh.

The life of a cosmetic junkie is a hard one.

Want this?

Have it already?

Do tell!

Urban Decay Steals and Deals

Urban Decay is clearing up it's RIP items! Time for a sale! 50% on over 50 items!

Cheers to that!

Click to enjoy the sale!

Spotlight on Morgen Schick Lipshine: Tangerine Sorbet

I'm still making my own kind of music and singing my own special song when it comes to Pink glosses! As you know I've been obsessed with bubblegum pink lately! You didn't know that? ZOMG! Click and you'll be magically whisked away to a page that will tell you more about the Muse's obsession with pink!

Anyway....my love of bubblegum pink is here and alive and possibly kicking but just slightly on the back burner as I explore my options for Summer. I know, I know it's only March blah blah blah! I can't help myself! Summer is coming and I must be prepared!

Today I was rotating my makeup (I'm allowed to do that as I have so much!) and I came across a favorite Lipshine of mine by Morgen Schick. I adore lipshines! Nicely but not overly Pigmented, Shiny, Tasty, and Gorgeous what more could a girl want in a gloss?

Anyway!

I was rotating some colors and I came across a Morgen Schick Lipshine in Tangerine Sorbet. I had to share this with you guys because it's possibly thee most gorgeous shade of yum I have in my collection!





I have plenty of oranges, peaches, corals, etc...but truly this is the best "pop" of orange I own! It's a beautiful true tangerine shade that's not outrageous but has just enough brightness to make it look amazing on!



I'm working the close up shots aren't I? Go on tell me how awesome I am!


This is a super hot shade for Summer and definately worth having a look around on E-bay for!

The Muse Approves it big time!



Can't find it on E-bay? Check out Morgen Schick website to purchase it!