Musings of a Muse

A Blog of Musings from a Cosmetic Whore

Sep 5, 2008

Cargo Color Eyeshadow Palette in Tahiti Review

If you're a tiny bit tired of all the metallics, vampy lips, and generally dark smoked out looks that normally come with the Fall season you might want to indulge in some of Cargo's vibrant, bolder, and hipper Fall Collection.

I few weeks ago I told you about some of Cargo's new Fall Collection and I was quite happy to get my hands on one of the several Cargo Color Eyeshadow Palettes released this season. Although Cargo definately has a bit of a natural, neutral look on offer for those who prefer a warmer makeup for the cooler weather, they also happen to have spiced it up a bit and added some pretty Muse friendly shades to their new palettes. Being unconventional is the spice of the Muse's life and thankfully Cargo obviously agrees when they created the Color Eyeshadow Palette in Tahiti.





You know how much I adore teals, aquas, and greens and Cargo's Color Eyeshadow palette in Tahiti contains all of the above and then some! One of the key things that grabbed my attention about Cargo's new palette is the very interesting packaging. Cargo has for many years come in a unique tin casing which was quite a different presentation for makeup however in the last two years they have definately branched out and added new and interesting packaging. Cargo hasn't forgotten it's roots and still offers many of the same tin cases to this day that they always had.

New Packaging vs. Old Packaging


The Cargo Color Eyeshadow Palette is actually considerably different from those tins of old. This palette comes in a slick, heavy clear plastic case with a gorgeous image on the cover. Open it up and four large shadows await your hand plus a generous size mirror!

The shadows are huge and comparable to Bobbi Brown's Metallic Eyeshadow singles. I think the thing that can be appreciated most about these shadows is the buildable color option. Each shade applies sheer and light however the color is easily buildable with a few extra swipes. Going from a lighter look to an eyepopping look with ease and simplicity definately appeals. I personally prefer a pop when I use colors like the ones in the Tahiti palette however many are a little bit scared of bolder shades. The palette makes it easy and goof proof to create a softer look without going completely bold. The shades aren't heavily pigmented however with a heavier hand you can definately get awesome color payoff. They blend wonderfully well and are a very interesting silky texture. The entire palette contains four flattering shades that just work together which I love. My biggest pet peeve is being presented with a quad of shadows that don't work together and leave me puzzling over how to use them, not the case with this palette. The colors simply work alone or together to create a stunning, bolder look for Fall.



The Tahiti palette contains a grassy green shade, a deeper grasshopper green shade, a true blue shade, and a greenish aqua shade. The colors are semi-matte and contain no shimmer however this does not prevent them from being great.



I created three seperate looks with my palette but you can easily get a dozen or more looks from the one palette by wearing each shade separately or combining shades to create different looks or colors. I was particularly delighted with how well each shade meshed and morphed with the next to create a new shade.

This look was created by using the lighter and darker greens in the palette.







This look was creating used three of the four shades. I used the greenish aqua on my lid and creased and deepened it by adding a bit of the blue. I finished the look by adding a bit of the deeper green shade to V of my eye.





This is my favorite look! I used the greenish aqua shade all over my lid and crease and lined my lower lash line with the blue color. I think the blue contrasts beautifully with the aqua!







With 8 shades to choose from and a $28 USD price tag I'm really liking Cargo's Color Eyeshadow Palette for both it's versatility and it's stray from the Fall norm!

Tahiti is definately worth checking out! I enjoyed my adventure with this one!

Check it out at Cargo's website or your local Sephora!



Cargo Cosmetics Fall Collection 2008

Cargo Blue_Ray Concealer Review

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End of Summer Round Up: Summer Cosmetic Addictions and Obsessions


Although the official Autumnal Equinox is normally between the 22nd or the 23rd of September I still associate the end of Summer with the day after Labor Day.

As far as the Muse is concerned we are in full Fall force mode even though it's still fairly warm here, the nights are cooler and I've pretty much had Fall cosmetic collections on my head for the last month.

Summer went awful quickly this year for some reason! It could be because I started reviewing Fall collections so early or maybe it just flew by because I was so busy with life, the universe, and everything.

Who knows.

Either way it's definately Fall for me!

What better way to celebrate the end of Summer then with a great post rounding up all my favorites, addictions, and obsessions in the cosmetic universe for Summer 2008!

Lips


Although no lipsticks caught my eye in a major way this Summer, I know for a fact that many glosses thrilled me to pieces! I favor gloss in the Summer anyway so this suited me just fine!

I was particularly enthusiastic when it came to MAC Lipglass in Pink Grapefruit and it quickly made it's way onto my Summer Must Have Makeup list! The color was sheer perfection and it's possibly one of the best colors I've come across by MAC or any other brand for that matter!

Summer Must Have Makeup: MAC Lipglass in Pink Grapefruit

I had a soft spot for NARS Lipgloss in Misbehave but you won't catch me tucking it away now that Summer is over! The color can bring me way into the Fall and straight through the Winter! That beautiful cherry red with gold shimmer is perfection for any Season!

Summer Must Have Makeup: NARS Lipgloss in Misbehave

Dior's Ultra Gloss Reflect had three great shades but I was partial to the gorgeous hues of Beige Lurex and Corale Lame.

Dior Ultra Gloss Reflect Review

Face of the Day Featuring Dior Ultra Gloss in Beige Lurex

Aube Gloss Frutina in EX05 has quickly made it's self at home on my favorite list! The color is virtually perfect for both the warm Summer and the cooler Fall weather!

Aube Gloss Frutina Summer 2008 Review

Eyes


I was pretty taken with MAC's Neo Sci-Fi Collection and was pretty hyped over the great shadows released with the collection!

MAC eyes shadow in Evening Aura and Expensive Pink surely did please me and I found myself reaching for both on more than one occasion this Summer!

MAC Neo Sci-Fi Review

When it came to spicing up all my orange, bronze, and gold looks this Summer I couldn't help but reach for my Majolca Majorca Lash Heat Metallic Mascara! I loved how this added a bit of heat and sparkle to my lashes!

Majolica Majorca Summer 2008 Review

Shu Uemura never fails to thrill and I can remember my excitement upon testing out the Shu Uemura Fleur de Source Eyeshadow Palette! This palette kept me company all month long and will last well into the Fall and Winter and right into the Spring when it arrives. A palette that offers versalitity and a slew of options is always approved by the Muse!

Shu Uemura Fleur de Source Eyeshadow Palette Review


KATE Dual Carat's are easily my most favorite eyeshadow duos around and GD-2 made me realize how much I adore these great palettes! GD-2 lent a certain refreshing look to my eyes while adding a bit of sparkle! Since gold is always in style when the holidays come around this fun Summer palette will work it's magic when the weather becomes cooler!

KATE Dual Carat Review

Cheeks


Having popping cheeks was quite the rage for me during the hot weather! I fell absolutely in love and lust when I got my hands on Urban Decay Half Baked Bronzer in Glided Gold! It was love at first site and it instantly changed my mind about bronzers!

Urban Decay Summer Collection Review

Lending pop, sizzling, and cracking color to my cheeks were Aromaleigh Rocks! An instant classic for the Muse and most definately a funky item to add to your beauty blush stash!

Aromaleigh Rocks! Mineral Blush Review

MAC Neo-Sci played favorites not only with it's eye shadows but also with it's blush! I adored Spaced Out so much that I had considered for a while that I might need a back up! Soft, Peachy, Perfection! A favorite of the Muse's!

MAC Neo Sci-Fi Review

Two cheek stains quickly climbed the ranks and became staple items for me this Summer! Both Benefit Posietint and Bourjois Paris Rouge Hi-Tech were reached for again, and again and again for a fresh glowing look that was perfect for the warm weather!



Benefit Posietint Review

Bourjois Paris Hi-Tech Rouge Review

Summer Skincare


You recently read how much I adored Etude House Aqua Sherbet Ice Toner but it's worth a re-mention how much I loved adding this to my Summer skincare regime!

Etude House Aqua Sherbet Skincare Review

MAC Neo Sci-Fi did it again with the release of MAC Volcanic Ash Exfoliator! Let's hope MAC brings this one back!!!!!!

MAC Volcanic Ash Exfoliator Review

Summer Scents


I can't forget how much I was loving Clean Perfume's newest scent entitled Summer! It's been my favorite scent of the season since I got it!

Victoria's Secret's Beauty Rush Body Double Mist Tropical Cocktails in Punchy was equally well reached for and used!

Clean Summer Eau Fraiche Review

Victoria's Secret Beauty Rush Body Double Mist Tropical Cocktails Review

I'm saddened Summer is over but boy do I love the Fall!!!! I look forward to incoporating some of my Summer favorites into my Fall looks.

What were your favorite Summer makeup releases?

Tell the Muse!



Current Beauty Addictions

Year End Review: Favorites List

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Bobbi Brown Corrector Concealer Review

Miss my concealer posts? I thought I'd give you a tiny break in between posts as I was coming at you full force with all those concealers the past few weeks! But I'm back and I got a fresh round of brand new concealer reviews up my sleeve! If you haven't found your holy grail concealer yet by the end of my round up I bet you will!

Bobbi Brown truly gets props when it comes to moisturizing concealers. I'm particularly enthralled with Bobbi Brown Corrector Concealer which offers that extra coverage that you may need if you're sporting seriously dark circles. If your dark circles dominate your face and nothing you use has ever successfully covered them up, it's time to pull out the big guns!



In this case your secret weapon would be Bobbi Brown Corrector Concealer. Where as Bobbi's regular concealer works wonderfully well at concealing all your woes the corrector concealer contains extra pigmented coverage for seriously hiding EVERYTHING, and I do mean everything.

This is the party hard only slept an hour and worked all week concealer. The formula is super duper extra moisturizing so those of us with terribly dry eyes can appreciate how emollient and wonderfully easy to blend this is. Although it does crease a little bit with proper prepping and extra care when applying you should be a ok. Coverage lasts at least eight hours straight as it's waterproof, sweatproof, and end of the world nuclear bomb proof obviously Bobbi wasn't messing around when she created this one.





Although the pot is small and $22 USD in price, it'll be the best money you spent in a long time as a little goes a long way and your eyes will thank you for the extra coverage and ability to hide bags, lines, shadows, circles, and any other problem you're sporting. I'm thinking they should rename it to Indstrustrial Strength Concealer.

Honestly, this has taken the place of my beloved Benefit Boi-ing because the formula is just right for creating flawless coverage while hiding many of my under eye woes. Even on days that I'm not sporting dark circles I still reach for this to create a perfect canvas under my eyes.







I can't begin to recommend this enough! Well worth your hard cash and works as promises! Holy grail material this be!

You'll have to pry this pot out of the Muse's cold dead hands one day!



If you could pick three products to take with you on a desert island what would they be? Bobbi Brown Corrector Concealer is on the top of that list!

Grab it.

You need it.

Like now.

The Muse says so!

Tried this?

Love it?

Need it?

Want it?

Tell me all about it!



Make Up For Ever Lift Concealer Review

L'Oreal Visible Lift Concealer Review

Patricia Wexler, M.D. Instant Airbrush Concealer Pen Review

Lancome Effacernes Waterproof Concealer Review

Physicians Formula Circle RX Concealer Review

Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer Review

Lancome Maquicomplet Coverage Concealer Review

Jelly Pong Pong Nicola Roberts Dainty Doll Concealer Review

Clarins Instant Light Eye Perfecting Base

Eyeko Touch Up & Go Concealer

Cargo Blu_Ray Concealer Review


Lorac Double Feature Concealer Highlighter Duo Review

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Vincent Longo Diamante Quad in Aquila

Vincent Longo is always a little bit late to the ballgame but I don't mind as I simply adore the anticipation! I'm sitting on pins and needles awaiting the Fall Collection.

The bad new is I have little to no information about the Fall line up. I tried guys but unfortunately I have nothing to report however I do have some rather awesome news.

Behold the awesome news:


Meet Vincent Longo Diamante Quad in Aquila.

Is this gorgeous or what?

I have the other two previous color selections released last year and they are outstanding but I simply adore the looks of Aquila quad! That purple, that aqua, plus those warmer tones all create a rather daring Fall look don't you think?

Previously released Vincent Longo Diamante Quads








This one is in my cart and I should be bringing you a review sometime next week!

Review to follow!



Vincent Longo C_Scope Collection Review

Vincent Longo C_Scope Collection


Vincent Longo Diamante Quad

Vincent Longo Summer Collection 2008

Vincent Longo Liquid Shadow Review

Vincent Longo Lip Vinyl Review

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NARS Orgasm

Ahhh NARS Orgasm....who doesn't love it?

NARS blush in Orgasm has definately earned it's coveted spot in the cult favorite position don't you agree?



It's peachy, it's pinky, it's shimmery...it's perfection.

Now if it wasn't enough to have one wonderful shade of Orgasm how about having a Super Orgasm!?

NARS blush in Super Orgasm is available now as a Beauty Exclusive at Sephora. The blush appears more vibrant, deeper, and shimmery than the regular shade of Orgasm so of course I absolutely had to have it for my very own!

I'll be reviewing it as soon as Sephora ships my order out! I ordered this on Tuesday grrrr what's taking so long!?

I want it now!

Need this for yourself?

Love NARS Orgasm?

Want to try out Super Orgasm?



NARS Dolce Vita Gift Set

NARS Orgasm Gift Set

New NARS Makeup Brushes

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Lancome's Gift with Purchase at Bergdorf Goodman

I don't know if you recall but a week or so ago I did a review on Lancome Maquicomplet Concealer, in my post I mentioned the rather awesome Gift with Purchase from Bergdorf Goodman.

Although the promotion is no longer available I wanted to show you the super generous Gift with Purchase that Lancome was giving out.

It's one of the best promos I've seen in a really long time and I can't help but share it with you! In order to get the gift you only had to spend $35 USD....and let me tell you...it's seriously worth so much more!

I had no idea how HUGE the bag would be that was included with the gift! It's BIG! Wow! And so chic and glam! I can fit myself inside this bag!

Behold:




I can easily get away with using the bag for overnight trips or weekend getaways! It's a beautiful gray shade with an aubergine liner that matches the handles and piping on the outside. Gorgeous!

If the bag wasn't enough for you wait till you see what was inside!

Three quality brushes for lips, face, and eyes! My favorite eye makeup remover, Lancome Bi-Facil, generous sizes of Lancome Absolue Night Cream and Lancome Absolue Replenishing Cream, a Lancome Color Fever Gloss, and an uber awesome palette for cheeks and eyes!











I don't think I ever seen Lancome give away a palette that included both a blush and four shadows. Normally I get the free eye quad. One of the shades in the palette is quite a gorgeous dupe for MAC Eyeshadow in Expensive Pink! The colors are flattering for Fall and all go beautifully together to create a great look plus the gloss matches up perfectly with the palette to create a gorogeous warm look.



I'm really impressed with the quality and generosity of this particular Gift with Purchase! All this for spending a mere $35 USD!

I highly recommend keeping your eyes peeled for Lancome's next Gift with Purchase at Bergdorf Goodmans! I know I will be!

Did you score this during the GWP at Bergdorf's?

Love GWP's?

What's the best GWP you came away with?

Tell the Muse!



Lancome's Mystery Game Collection Review


Lancome Color Fever Gloss in Piha Black


Lancome's Maharani Jewels Fall Collection Featuring a Review of the Elephant Bronzer Powder

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Sep 4, 2008

Etude House Aqua Sherbet Review

Hey pretty girls (and guys)!

I know you've been eagerly awaiting my review on Etude House's Summer skincare collection but skincare is a tricky thing to review and it needs a ton of testing before I can sit down and give you guys the lowdown!



I've had the complete collection of Etude House Aqua Sherbet for over a month now and I've been using it daily for that entire time as part of my AM skincare regime. The collection consists of all of the following products:

Etude House Aqua Sherbet Facial Lotion
Etude House Aqua Sherbet Toner
Etude House Aqua Sherbet Serum
Etude House Aqua Sherbet Gel Cream
Etude House Aqua Sherbet Ice Toner

Please note that a brand new mist has been recently added to the collection. Sadly, when I had my friend purchase this lot of items for me the mist was not yet out and available however I did ask for it now so hopefully soon I can bring you a review for that!

As you can see the entire regime is a bit of an overkill as that's a whole LOT of stuff to be putting on your face daily. Although, as per Etude House's recommendation, the products should be used in a certain order as a daily skincare technique, I personally ended up breaking some of it up and using it for different purposes although I'm not stranger to using a ton of different items on my skin daily so this was not a big deal!

I think I'll start my review with my favorite product out of the entire line which was the Aqua Sherbet Ice Toner. I. Love. This. Stuff.







It's seriously awesome and I wish I could find something of similiar quality here in the US for such an inexpensive price. It's literally does what it says, an icy cool, refreshing toner. It's not a spray but a foam so you can't spray this directly on your face unfortunately. Basically you spray a bit on a cotton pad, it's a foam so it's not really saturating the pad completely, you proceed to wipe it all over your face for a rather nice blast of coolness. It's icy cool and fresh feeling and my skin seems to love it! Although I can't read the ingredients I think it's safe to say this contains a healthy dose of alcohol but I experienced no dryness after using it. It's such a great little item to have around on a hot Summer morning! It makes my face feel cool, refreshed, and ready for my makeup! I love it! Etude House did a seriously good job with this one and I've enjoyed using this daily and will definately be purchasing some more to stock up on! The toner is 18,000 won which is pricey for Etude House as they normally range in the 9,000-12,000 won price category however it's well worth it and if you so choose, and have access, you can actually purchase the toner and gel cream together for 21,000 won which is like getting the gel cream free!

The toner and the lotion are very good however I did sadly experience a bit of drying with both. As I mentioned earlier Etude House skincare does have a considerable amount of alcohol in it. It's hard not to notice as they do faintly have the scent of it however with the Etude House Moistfull Skincare Collection I experience absolutely no dryness after use but with the Aqua Sherbet toner and lotion I did have a bit of a drying, sticky feeling after use. I don't mind this so much since it's so hot and humid and my skin can actually take advantage of the mattifying these two products provide however I probably will have to avoid use in the Winter when my skin will become much drier. Aside from that I liked both. Each is 9,500 won or both for 20,000 and the bottles are very large so this is definately a lovely price tag. The toner nor lotion does not produce the same cooling experience that the Ice Toner has. The Ice Toner definately has a cooling sensation when applied however the regular toner and lotion didn't have the same effect. I was slightly disappointed that I failed to notice any citrusy scent with any of the products as well since I THINK they are meant to have a faint fruity smell. Turns out they actually smell quite similiar to the Moistfull Collection which is a fresh, aqua like smell for lack of a better description. The toner is a typical liquid toner that you use with a cotton pad and the lotion has a nice light consistency for Summer wear. All the bottles in Etude House's skincare and fragrance line are extremely vanity worthy however I do have a problem with getting the lotion out of such a heavy glass bottle. Each bottle is a beautifully frosted heavy glass but a tiny bit unconventional for a clumsy person like me who might drop it. It's also rather irritating to shake it around to get the lotion flowing as well! It kinda has that annoying Ketchup method where you sit for a while trying to shake the product out of the bottle. Aside from my minor rants I did like the toner and lotion.





One of my lovely readers, jkim, kindly translated the use of each product and they should be used in the following order:

Aqua Sherbet Ice Toner or Aqua Sherbet Toner
Aqua Sherbet Serum
Aqua Sherbet Facial Lotion
Aqua Sherbet Gel Cream

I've been basically using them in these stages as well but sometimes skipping the gel cream and serum and using those as night treatments.

For me both the Serum and the Gel Cream had about the same consistency which was a bit of a thicker formula than the lotion but only a tad bit more so. Neither the Serum nor the Gel Cream were drying thankfully although I did feel like the Serum was much better than the Gel Cream simply because the Gel Cream left a tiny bit of a sticky residue behind after use.

I personally don't understand the idea of using a serum, facial lotion, plus a gel cream. Maybe if I could read Korean I'd understand the mentality behind it all. Since this seemed like a rather weird way to use the products I decided I'd use the both toners in the AM plus the regular facial lotion. I follow up by using the gel cream as a primer and I use the serum in the evening. The gel and serum can be purchased together or separately. Together they retail for 23,000 won where as seperate the gel costs 12,000 won and the serum costs 11,000 won.











In a over month's use I didn't experience anything wow aspiring about the collection however I am impressed with the price, the wonderful packaging, and the rather great concept of a lighter form of skincare for the Summer.

We all change and rearrange how we care for our skin during different times of the year and Etude House's Aqua Sherbert line was a rather fun item to use as my Summer skincare. It's light, refreshing, plus since it contains a fair bit of alcohol it successfully mattified my skin without over drying too much!

Although I had minor complaints here and there and I do prefer Etude House's Moistfull Skincare Collection over this I still liked this little collection and felt like it was money well spent!

Cheers to Etude House for always putting a smile on my face!

Love Etude House?

Tried this collection?

Want to?

Tell the Muse!



Etude House Summer Collection 2008: Sherbert Cool Party Release Information

The Muse's Appearance in Etude House's Newsletter!

Etude House's Spring Collection 2008 Reviewed

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