N.Y.C. New York Color Coupon Giveaway!

Hey chicas!

Are you a fan of New York Color? You know, that really cheap, budget friendly brand that you can find at your local drugstore.


The Muse is always on the look out for ways to cheap it up lately and N.Y.C. New York Color Cosmetics has quite a few items that are inexpensive and are pretty decent beauty finds!

If you're a fan of the line jump ahead for a funky contest!

250 readers will each win 2 coupons worth $5 each for N.Y.C. New York Color Products good at participating retail stores by clicking here! The contest is running until June 5th so get over there and enter! Dude, that's $10 bucks and you can so get an arsenal of makeup from N.Y.C. with that! For serious! The prices are super cheaps!

Good Luck!

If you win the Muse recommends checking out some of the N.Y.C. New York Color Pink Persuasion Collection. I brought the Mosaic Face Powder and gloss! Pretty nice for the price.


Chat with me!

What's your fav bits from New York Color?

Anything I should be trying?

Loves it?

Leaves it?

Tell me!

Face Stockholm Go Natural Mineral Foundation Review & Face Stockholm Magic Wand Review

Call the Muse overzealous but her "Day of Beauty" post was inspired by her absolute love of two things that she adored about Face Stockholm's Spring Collection. The Go Natural Mineral Foundation and the Magic Wand. I cannot begin to express my absolute delight with both of these products. I think each deserves it's own review post but I decided to group them into one "Face" post!

Check below for the full review!

If you know anything at all about the Muse you know she abhors mineral makeup. It makes me itchy, it feels like a mask on, my dry skin hates it, and I just feel like I have way too much makeup on when I use it. I've come across maybe one or two mineral foundations I like but even those have ended up deep in the bowels of my unused makeup draw.

Until now.

When I first got my hands on Face Stockholm Go Natural Mineral Foundation I was quickly of the mentality, "oh no another mineral foundation!" I was bracing myself for a bad case of itching and terrible flaky results due to my dry skin. Oh my gosh so not the case with this mineral foundation.






The foundation is paraben free and allows your skin to breath (even dry skin!) It simply blurs across your face and leaves behind weightless coverage. Plus did I mention it has UVA/UVB protection? Likey!

If you have had terrible experiences with mineral makeup in the pass I highly suggest checking this powder out. If I can love it anyone can love it.

Since this is all about the face I thought I'd also introduce you to the Face Stockholm Magic Wand Concealer Pen. This pen is just as great as my Dior Radiance Pen! It's nicely pigmented, moisturizing, and conceals dark circles, fine lines, and puffiness in a flash. My dry eyes adore this! It comes in a click style pen which is always a plus with the Muse as it makes it travel friendly and mess-free application too.






Both Face Stockholm Go Natural Mineral Foundation Review & Face Stockholm Magic Wand are Muse Approved for purchase!



Absolutely loved these for making my skin look gorgeous and flawless. For the completed look using both please see here.

Day of Beauty: Face Stockholm Spring Collection 2009

As I mentioned in my previous post I'll be reviewing many of the items in the Face Stockholm Spring Collection release but for now check out a complete look of the collection on the Muse!


Click it for the mug shots!

Face Stockholm's Spring Collection is all about simplicity but with a very chic feel. It's runway beauty at it's best in my opinion with subtle shimmery lids paired up with a popping red lippie. It's easy to wear and ideal for the warmer weather where you want enough but not too much on your face.


I improvised slightly on the look by toning down the red lipstick (I can't pull off red too well) and lining my waterline with the black liner since I stink at cat eyes. The end result was a pretty, simple, yet elegant day to night time look.

For my face I used Face Stockholm Go Natural Mineral Foundation (amazing can't wait to tell you more shortly!) and some Face Stockholm Magic Wand to conceal my eyes.

On my lids I used Face Stockholm Eye Shadow in Pearl, Face Stockholm Vanity Eye Dust, and Face Stockholm Gel Liner. I swept Pearl all over my lid, crease, and upper eye area as a shadow wash since it's very sheer and natural. It preps my eye beautifully and makes them look more awake and refreshed. I followed up by sweeping the Vanity Eye Dust all over my lid and blended up and into my crease. I completed the look by adding a touch of the gel liner to my lower waterline. Finally I applied Face Stockholm Mascara to my lashes!

For my lips I used Face Stockholm Lipstick and Face Stockholm Alert Pot Gloss. You'll see below that I blended the lipstick out by using a good dose of the gloss. I also took a secondary picture with bare lips and just the gloss on, I thought this complimented the look nicely.

Finally I completed my look using Face Stockholm Splendid Blush for a healthy touch of pink!

Here's what I came up with:








I think it's quite nice and minimal! Very pretty results. Although this is a Spring Collection, I have a feeling I'll be making plenty of use out of much of it well into Summer as well.

Visit with Face Stockholm to see more of their offerings at www.facestockholm.com

Loves it!

Reviews for each product used is coming up shortly.

Day of Beauty: Face Stockholm

As Summer quickly approaches the Muse chooses to remind herself daily that it's still very Spring. In honor of Spring today I bring you a day of beauty featuring some incredible beauty finds from Face Stockholm that are part of their Spring Collection. Be on a look out through the day for reviews of each item featured in the Face Stockholm Spring 2009 Collection!


Meanwhile, as you wait, tell me your experiences with Face Stockholm.

Tried it?

Love it?

This is my first round with Face Stockholm and so far I'm deeply impressed!

Drugstore DriveBy: May 17 to May 23

Weekend is almost here which means no drugstore sales starting Sunday!

Jump ahead for a small, early pick of what to expect at your local drugstore this week.


All Revlon Lip and Eye Cosmetics
Buy 1, Get 1 Free

L'Oreal Extra Volume Collagen Mascara $7.99

Covergirl Outlast Lip Color or Lip Stain (With your CVS Card) $4 after a $3 Extra Bonus Buck Reward

Sally Hansen Cosmetics, Hair Removers, Healing Beauty Cosmetics, or Nail Products
Buy 1, Get 1 Free

Maybelline Face and Lip Cosmetics
Buy 1, Get 1 Free

Milani
Buy 1, Get 1 50% Off

Maybelline XXL Extensions, Lash Stiletto , or Define-A-Lash $6.99

Almay Cosmetics
Buy 1, Get 1 50% Off

Physicians Formula
Everything 40% Off


Covergirl Lip and Eye Cosmetics
Buy 1, Get 1 Free

Revlon
40% Off

Sally Hanson Lip Cosmetics
Buy 1, Get 1 50%

L'Oreal HIP Cosmetics, Eye Cosmetics, and Nail
Buy 1, Get 1 Free

Yes to Carrots
Buy 1, Get 1 50% Off

Happy Haulin'!

DuWop Summer Collection 2009

Dearest DuWop,

You obviously listen to the Muse when she's yammering on and on about your incredible crush palette from last year because you introduced a new one with your Summer Collection! Gasp! You really love the Muse don't you? Showering her with gifts such as this. Btw you were a little late coming out with your Summer this year but we forgives you because of the new shade of the crush palette plus the other bits you have coming out look mighty fine.

Thanks for hearing my prayer! Love ya lots!

Your faithful servant,
the Muse

P.S. Let's do lunch soon!

Yes, you read that correctly. The DuWop Summer Collection 2009 is up and available on the DuWop site (and on Sephora if you so please) and yes you also read correctly that a brand new shade of the DuWop Crush Palette is out! My god the excitement is too much, I can't stand it. If you haven't tried the crush palette you are so missing out of one of life's greatest joys!

Jump ahead for the rest of the release deets!

Although small the DuWop Summer Collection 2009 looks mighty fine peeps. Check it below!


Ok, so of course I want to tell you about the new DuWop Crush Palette ($24 USD). Last year I fell in love with this palette and I hoped and prayed for another color selection, bless be my prayers were heard and in comes a new shade entitled 18 Karat. So I have to rant a little bit because I'm the Muse and that's what I do. 18 Karat looks a little, tiny bit uneventful from the photos. I'm a tad worried as it looks sorta matte, not as shimmery as the prior palette, and even appears almost a dupe of the other palette however I will say in it's defense that the stock photo may not be doing justice. I'm really worked into a frenzy over this palette and I'm looking forward to getting my order so I can see if it's a yay or a nay. If you missed my raving do check out my review of the original DuWop Crush Palette by checking it out here.

Love, love, loving the new DuWop Iced Teas ($19 USD)! These are a cooling transuclent lip treatment with a exotic fruit flavor which also contain sunscreen. They look incredibly yummie! I'm unsure if they taste different, like their names imply, or it's the same taste. Four shades are available which are White Peach, Black Currant, Strawberry Kiwi, and Passionfruit!


As always I'm on the bandwagon for expressing my intense dislike for bronzers but count me on board with the DuWop SunDrops ($28 USD). DuWop Sun Drops is a universally flattering bronzing serum that gives a healthy radiant glow. The fact that it's in a pump packaging makes it very appealing as it means the chances of overdoing it are slim!


Speaking of bronzing also available is the new DuWop Revolution Deep ($28 USD). This I'll avoid like the plague but anyone who is interested in a deep tan this gives a smooth, bronzed effect to skin!


And finally DuWop Doubleglow7 Deep ($25 USD) is the brand new Doubleglow from DuWop. This I can get on board with as it looks quite glowy and shimmering! Perfect for highlighting cheeks with a splash of the sun! Likey!


Although it's a tiny collection it really covers just about anything you could possibly want in a Summer collection. I'm quite excited about trying it all. You can get 10% Off and Free Shipping with your $50 order by entering the code BRONZE at check out! So go shop! Please for the love of god get the Crush Palettes! You'll love 'em!

C.O. Bigelow Lemon Eau de Parfum

I freaking love the C.O. Bigelow Lemon line. The shower gel, the hand soap, the moisturizer...it's all good news to me. So get this, best news evers, C.O. Bigelow Lemon Eau de Parfum. Can you say freak out!?


WANT!

Click it for the deets!

So check it, C.O. Bigelow Lemon Eau de Parfum is inspired by my beloved, favorite Lemon Body Cream from C.O. Oh my god likey! It's a pure, sparkling lemon fragrance that blends gren lemon leaves, citrus notes, and a creamy white musk. Sounds pretty much like what heaven smells like (I'll write a mass e-mail when I get there one day so you know if I was right about that!).

The scent already has a near 5 star rating on the Bath and Body Works website. Likey some more! The price tag isn't half bad either for an EDP which is $34.50 for a 3.5oz size.

I so need C.O. Bigelow Lemon Eau de Parfum in my life please. As much as I LOVE Loccitane Citrus Verbena it just doesn't seem to last on me, sadness. So slap me excited that the C.O. Bigelow one has an EDP, maybe it'll linger longer on me? Oh please, please, please!

The Muse is a listening and has heard a few pleas yammering for a review so as soon as I can get my hands on it, I'll be giving the good word!

Anyone wants?

Tell me!

Fill In The Beauty: Lip Plumper

Fill in the below beauty blank with your favorite plumper!




Although many a beauty fan will say lip plumpers don't REALLY work the Muse begs to differ. I've run across a few that I really adore!


Although it's not your typical plumper I'm quite the little fan girl for Lipstick Queen Shine Gloss. It really does make my lips look HUGE and juicy looking! Likey!

Beauty Most Unusual: Cheetos Lip Balm

Mmm cheese doodles. Some people love 'em, some people hate 'em. I can understand the hate! Who wants their finger tips all orange and gross looking? Just one bite and you end up with orange crud on your finger tips that's an absolute biatch to remove. Or how about the fact that eating cheese doodles kinda gives you a milk mustache in the bright shade of orange!


If you happen to fall into the lover category check out this fantastic new product that you probably won't want to live without...

Bless be for cheese doodle lovers far and wide, the Muse gives to you Cheetos Lip Balm!


If you're wanting to experience that yummy orange goodness without the calories now you can slick on Cheetos Lip Balm, lick your lips, and experience the joys of eating a bag of cheese doodles.

I love the cheese factor of this, get it, cheese factor! Ha I'm such a comedian.

If you're wanting Cheetos Lip Balm I don't have the slightest idea where to get it nor would I tell you if I do because the idea of a cheese doodle flavored lip balm should be avoided at all costs and the Muse's mission, since she choose to accept it, is to keep cheese doodle lovers (and haters) from buying this blasphemy. Horror!

Beauty Babble: Survival Beauty

Hey Guys!

I'm trying out a new category here at Musings called Beauty Babble. The Beauty Babble section will basically be a scenario of "possibilities" with questions and answers about what you'd do in situations where cosmetics would be needed!

For example.

Your house on fyressssss! Oh my god! What beauty item would you grab while running out the door! (might as well add this one into our Beauty Babble this week)

Fun right?

Jump ahead to see this week's Beauty Babble!



Your in a deep sleep, REM has set in, your snoring out of one nostril and drooling from your mouth while dreams of Colin Firth sweeping you across an English country side dances through your head! Suddenly an annoying beeping makes a guest starring appearance in your Pride and Prejudice fantasy, what the hells is it? Oh my god it's the smoke alarm! You have to jump out of your bed and get out of your house (or apartment, parent's basement, rental room, etc...) as quick as you can! You have to grab one beauty product! What would it be?

The Muse says concealer. I could probably live without the rest but I need concealer to cover up my scary puffy eyes, fine lines, and dark circles! I'd probably go with the Mally Concealer System, I figure I could pass it off as two products in one since it has a setting powder and a creamy concealer.


You're on a gorgeous cruise, the weather is beautiful, you've been enjoying fun in the sun and plenty of eating at that never ending buffet (does the food every end?). As you're waiting on that buffet line in your string bikini the captain announces you must abandon ship! Waiting life boats are prepared to dump you on a deserted tropical island. The captain happens to be a makeup junkie so he allows you to select one item from your train case to take with you! What will it be?

The Muse says SPF! As tempting as it is to say concealer or powder (imagine my oily face in that humidity), I'd much rather protect my skin with a good SPF, I'd simply die if I ended up all tanned and gross looking (the Muse no likey tanning). I'd probably go with Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection as it's one of my favs!


As you're yawning through your work day and procrastinating terribly by reading beauty blogs you notice your favorite blogger is going to the moon! You read further to hear she (or he) is giving away tickets to the moon, whoa. Foaming from the mouth you eagerly comment and enter for your chance to go to the moon with your favorite beauty blogger (your fav beauty blogger should be the Muse btw plus as soon as cosmetic companies start giving away trips to the moon you know damn well I'm holding a contest for one!). A week later you're contacted about winning but sadly you're only allowed to take one item with you due to strict moon travel accommodations. What do you take with you to the moon?

I'd so take some sort of anti-frizz gel or spray! Imagine a no gravity situation? You'd be looking like Einstein as soon as your foot hit pay dirt! I'd probably go with Lush King of Mods, Soap & Glory Hair Supply, or some of that Sunsilk Captivating Curls smoothing cream!

Now it's your turn. Put your self in all the above situations, a fire, a trip to the moon, and a humid tropical island. Now think hard....what one item would you take with you to those destinations? This Beauty Babble is all about Survival Beauty!

Post your answers in the comment box!

Have fun!

Musings of the Day: What Do You Conceal?

As a girl or a woman (I tend to think of myself as a girl, the Muse is quite like Peter Pan she may never grow up!) you probably conceal daily. Maybe you conceal your eyes or maybe a pimple or a scar....

What about your feet? Indeed. Some people supposedly conceal their feet. Yes, for serious they do. T!NTALIZE is proof that people do indeed conceal their feet.






The Muse personally doesn't conceal her feet but she's somehow become fascinated with people that do!

Two chicas, Sidney and Allyson created an entire line of foot concealer to make your feet gorgeous and flawless. The concealer works to conceal corns, scarring, veins, and other minor foot imperfections. The Muse can't say she'd be willing to try a foot concealer but the idea seems interesting enough!


Speaking of concealing things......what do you conceal? Your feet? Would you consider concealing your feet?

How about your eyes? Face? Tell me about it!

As for the Muse she conceals her under eyes but aside from that she doesn't bother much. I never, ever cover up pimples with concealer and my foundation pretty much covers up any dullness I have on my skin! So a quickie swipe or three under my eyes is what I conceal.

How about you?

Share it!

P.S. It's ok if you want to admit to concealing your feet, we won't make fun of you.....too much.

blinc Mascara Review

You know you're a makeup junkie when you get terribly excited about mascara that comes in a tin tube! Doesn't that just get your blood pumping? Or maybe that's only my insanity but I'd like to think I'm not the only one around that runs around in circles when she sees interesting packaging concepts (if you don't get excited just lie and say you do to make me feel better about it!).

blinc Mascara comes in this rather cute little tin with a screw top! Rather cute packaging for a mascara. Of course this isn't the actual mascara it's just the outer packaging doh!








Click it for the review!

blinc Mascara is probably the first "tube" mascara I ever used and if I think about it's possibly the first of it's kind on the market prior the the "tube" craze that hit the mascara market by storm earlier this year.


blinc Mascara gives both volume, length, and a natural look that lasts all day. As with most tube mascara it wraps each lash in a gentle formula that's waterproof but manages to wash away simply with warm water and a bit of cleanser. It doesn't fade, it doesn't fake or cake or flake, and most importantly it doesn't give you the look of a raccoon.




Pretty much anyone can use blinc mascara as it's non irritating formula is gentle even for those with sensitive eyes or contact lens wearers.

The overall effect of the mascara isn't very dramatic but it does perform decently and creates a nice, soft longer lash look, it's a very natural look. Anyone who likes tube mascara would definitely enjoy this one.


(apologies for the blurry picture)

Who might like it?

• Anyone who likes tube mascaras!
• Those who want their mascara to remain on all day but come off easily at the end of a long day.
• Anyone who likes fuller lashes with a more natural, softer look.

blinc Mascara is available at www.blincinc.com

Anyone try?

Love it?

Share your thoughts on blinc Mascara!

Lush Grease Lightning

Ahhh the good Lady Macbeth said it best when she uttered the words, "Out, damn'd spot! out, I say!" Haunted and obsessed by Duncan's blood all the good lady wanted was the damn spot to be gone (even if it wasn't really there at all)!


Flash forward, present day and still the words of out damn spot may fall from your lips on occasion when you see a spot or two rise up on your face! And of course we even get as obsessed as Lady Macbeth with those damn spots.

Never fear, Lush is here to save you from spots and make your face clear and happy again without the guilt of Duncan's blood on your hands too! Phew, thanks Lush the Muse was worried for a second there.

Jump ahead for it!

The Muse likes to think if Lady Macbeth was of sound body and mind she would appreciate the benefits of a good spot treatment like Lush Grease Lightning! Or perhaps John Travolta might make better use.....


Hmmm one does wonder about these things!

Whatever the case may be we can be sure that we'll make plenty use out of Lush Grease Lightning. Brand new to the Lush skincare collection is this super spot zapping face gel! Made with aloe and witch hazel and plenty of other good for you ingredients this gel dries invisible and zaps those spots clear away!


Hmmm a natural spot remover? I can get on board with that. On occasion the Muse has been known to break out here and there so a spot treatment would be handy especially one made my Lush!

Likey!

Available now from Lush UK Mail Order (and soon to follow at Lush NA Mail Order).

Wants it?

Tell me!