Tarte ReCreate Foundation Review

The Muse has been fiddling about with Tarte ReCreate Foundation for a few months now. It's chock full of interesting features one of which is very important, anti-aging. Can't say there are a slew of anti-aging foundations on the market that I know of. The novelty of a foundation that would aid me in keeping my skin youthful and fresh sounded incredible.




Jump ahead for the deets and review.

Like many foundation, Tarte ReCreate Foundation has plenty of good points and a few bad.

It's paraben-free, natural formula is a very good point particularly if you're super conscious of what goes into your makeup. The fact that it contains an SPF 15 is another good point but I do think that's a tad low in the sun protection department. And most important of all it's interesting "wrinkle rewind" technology which holds a claim of being clinically proven to decrease fine lines and wrinkles while increasing moisture, toning, and firming the skin.






All this is very appealing however I may not be getting the full benefit of it as I don't have fine lines or wrinkles on my face as of yet so I can't speak for whether it's improving any of that. I also can't say if it's working at keeping my skin youthful as a few short months of use would never be enough time to judge that however that doesn't stop me from loving the idea that it could very well be protecting my skin and preventing wrinkles.

The formula is creamy, moisturizing and blends flawlessly onto my skin. It's a tad on the runny side but not in a bad way as that allows it to easily absorb into my dry skin. It's not incredibly pigmented but it's rich enough to allow light to medium coverage but if you have major skin care woes you're wanting to cover it probably won't completely help that case (even though it says full coverage I felt it wasn't pigmented enough for total coverage). I've heard it tends to sink and settle into pores but I don't have large pores so it sits comfortable on my skin and almost feels like a glove...it's not a silicon feel but it feels interesting during first application.

I'm also a big lover of the packaging. It comes in a pump style tube that dispenses just the right amount of product. Fantastically clean, mess-free distribution makes it a winner in the packaging department!


Now my main problem with it...

The shades.

All the colors have an incredible amount of unflattering beige to them. Even the very lightest ivory looks like a muddy beige shade. This in itself was a deal breaker for me as it made me look terribly old and uneven. The shade was just wrong. I did do a ton of swatches of other shades and all of them were just sadly wrong for my tone. MAC seems to have a similar problem when it comes to foundation as many of their shades have incredible amounts of either orange or beige and of course drugstore brands as well.


Overall, if the interesting concept of an anti-aging foundation appeals to me in a major way and I like the formula of the foundation as well as it's light and feels nice on my face. However, the shade selection does need considerably improvement and I can't say I'd indulge again once I'm done with this one.

Anyone try Tarte ReCreate?

Love it?

Not so much?

Tell the Muse!

Ilamasqua Intense Lipgloss Review and Swatches

Dontcha just love products with "intense" in the name. Golly, that must mean they are really special. Intense gloss..oooooo! So important!

Ilamasqua Intense Lipgloss has made it's way to US shores recently and the Muse must say indeed it's intense. Intensely rich, intensely pigmented, intensely thick and creamy....yup, intense for shiz.

Jump for it!

All though I'm not a lover of matte gloss I can't help but be slightly tickled over the new Ilamasqua Intense Lipgloss.

Housed in an ultra slim line tube this gloss is unlike anything I've had the pleasure of trying to date. It's more like a lip enamel as it gives lips a patent leather shine.

I've never had the pleasure of using anything like it in all my beauty days. It's quite like a thick, creamy, ooey gooey lip cream. The gloss is incredibly pigmented and extremely thick in consistency. You'd think the combination of those two traits would make it a mess to deal with but so not the case. The gloss fairly glides onto lips without having to go back over it (you can if you want to get an extra, extra bold look) as it's rich pigmentation covers lips completely in a thick layer of beautiful gloss. Although thick it feels quite comfortable on without being sticky, tacky, or overwhelmingly heavy. It's quite lightweight for such a formula and feels natural and pleasant on my lips.




I'm actually pleased with the applicator as well which is a simple squeeze tube with a narrow, thin slant. The slant fits the curve of my lips quite well and aids in getting the gloss in place minus mess or drama. The gloss itself also has a fresh fruity taste and scent. It also manages to wear very long.


The color I tried was Indulge which is a hot neon pink. Not exactly my shade of choice but surprisingly works well with a minimal makeup look!




If you're a lover of very thick glosses with super pigmentation Illamasqua Intense Lip Gloss is bound to please.

Likey!

Have you tried Illamasqua gloss yet?

Loving it?

Do share!

Drugstore Drive-By: August 23 to August 29th

Take advantage of this week's drugstore steals and deals.

Jump ahead to start making your list!


3 Day Sale Only
Maybelline Colossal Volum' Express, XXL Extensions, or XXL Curl Powder Mascara
Buy 1, Get 1 Free

Covergirl Outlast Lip Color or Lipstain
Buy 1, Get 1 Free

Revlon
Buy $15 of Revln Face, Eye, Lip or Nail Cosmetics and Get $7 Bonus Bucks Back

Covergirl Simply Ageless Blush
$10.99

Covergirl Simply Ageless Foundation
$12.99

All Rimmel Mascara
Buy 1, Get 1 50% Off


Maybelline Cosmetics
40% Off

Covergirl Lip and Eye Cosmetics
Buy 1, Get 1 50% Off

Revlon Eye Makeup
Buy 1, Get 1 50% Off

Almay Face Cosmetics
Buy 1, Get 1 50% Off

Physicians Formula Face and Eye Cosmetics
Buy 1, Get 1 Free

L'oreal Cosmetics
Buy 1, Get 1 50% Off


Revlon Cosmetics
Buy 1, Get 1 50% Off

I know some of you asked I include Walgreens and Harmon's in with Drugstore Drive By but I don't always get the flyer for those stores for some reason, I'm working on it though!

Reader's Request: Bobbi Brown Cleansing Oil Review

Thanks to a few of my reader's who brought to my attention that Bobbi Brown now has a brand new oil cleanser. Yay for oil cleansers. Nothing gets makeup off my face better than a good oil cleanser. I'm a big lover of Shu Oil Cleanser and many other smaller Asian brands as well so of course I'm quite excited to see Bobbi getting in on the game.

Honestly, not many brands cater to oil cleansers outside of Asia aside from Shu and most recently MAC so it's great to see Bobbi Brown is making one too.

As requested here's a review of the new Bobbi Brown Cleansing Oil.

If you haven't used oil cleanser prior to this I'll give you a brief break down of how it works. With a face full of make up you'll take 2-3 pumps of oil and move it in circular motions around your face. This is on your dry face no water involved. As you rub, with the aid of the oil, makeup will begin to break up and away on your skin. Adding a tiny bit of water to your face will emulsify the oil allowing it to further break up foundation, eye makeup, etc....now you'll rinse...done. You'll be left with completely clean, soft skin. Although it sounds strange to those that haven't tried it, the oil, does not leave your skin oily or greasy in anyway it rinses clean away and is ideal for any and all skin types.


Bobbi's version is 6.7 oz in size and $38 where as Shu's version is $35 and 5 oz. Although I like Shu very much, it's likely Bobbi Brown Cleansing Oil will take the place of my Shu one because of price and formula.




The oil is a nice herbal scent and seems thicker compared to others I've tried. It glides onto my skin very nicely, breaks up makeup, and rinses clean away. I like the texture and the feel of the oil as it has a richer consistency compared to my normal brands. It removes makeup on contact and leaves my skin soft and smooth.

Overall, if you aren't used to purchasing high end skincare this could prove an indulgence. Personally, I absolutely love it and will be replacing my current high end brand with this. It's elegant bottle, bigger size, and incredible ability to remove all traces of makeup make it a winner for me.

Loves it!

Muse Approval for purchase.



Do you use oil cleansers?

Which are your favs?

Share it!

Kat Von D Tattoo Liner

I did wonder when Kat Von D would pop up with her own liner considering she's known for her heavily lined eyes. The new Kat Von D Tattoo Liner is the latest offering from the Kat Von D Cosmetic Collection available at Sephora.

Available in two shades of blue and black this liquid liner pen works on face and body. I suppose you can create some incredibly dramatic eyes with this as a liquid liner as it has a nice precise point as seen in pictures but in regards to using it on your body hmmmm.....you can create temporary works of art that are water resistant on your skin but the Muse doesn't suggest using it on your skin and proceeding to use it on your eyes, perhaps buy two?

I'm not an artist but I like the concept.

What do you think?

Aromaleigh Silk Powder Primer Review

The Muse happens to be quite addicted to transparent powders for some reason especially ones that promise to make me flawless. Aromaleigh Silk Powder Primer preps your face for mineral foundation supposedly leaving behind a flawless canvas for makeup!

Does it work?

Find out after the jump!

The general idea of this powder is to use it as a prep and prime prior to minerals. Since my main foundation of choice aren't minerals it's somewhat useless however I did want to try it out anyway. I'm actually pretty impressed with it

I used it in three separate ways. Once to prime my face prior to using Urban Decay Surreal Skin Mineral Foundation, secondly as finishing, setting powder, and thirdly to mask minor flaws prior to using a cheek stain sans foundation. As a primer it works remarkably well. It's difficult to explain the results but my mineral makeup looks more refined and finished when I use this prior to application. As a setting powder it doesn't really work as the powder is a bit on the thick side and white causing a strange cast of weird on my face. It also doesn't work very well on it's own as again same strange white cast when used.

The powder is quite a thick texture and not as silky as many transparent powders I've used. It blends quite well and in regards to prepping for minerals it exceeds and does the job well. It's actually meant for normal or combination skin types but it worked well enough on my crazy not sure what it wants to be skin at the moment. The powder acts almost like a barrier or shield between your skin and the mineral foundation of your choice. This technique allows for your minerals to last longer and look flawless.






It supposedly refines pores and fine lines but I have neither so I can't speak for that. It also claims to be a natural moisture absorbing powder so as the temperature and humidity changes in your environment it'll keep your oily skin under control. I've used it in the normal oily places on my face such as forehead and sides of noses but didn't notice too much of a difference. This has to be explored further before I have my final say on that feature.

Overall, it's a good product if you're a mineral foundation user however if your dominate foundation is liquid or cream you can safely skip. I think it's worthy of a try out for mineral users as you'll notice your foundation will last longer while your face will have a more flawless look.

Barbie Loves Stilla Color Collection

Barbie still loves Stila by the very way. So much so that she has her own color collection releasing shortly from Stila!

Take the jump for the complete details!

Unlike the first release this collection focuses on individual color cosmetics with a Barbie Loves Stila theme. The collection is available for a limited time from Sephora (online and in store), Ulta, and Stila Cosmetics website.

The following items will be released shortly.

Barbie Loves Stila Lip Enamel Trio ($32) Includes shades Happiness (light pink), Tickled Pink (signature power pink shade made exclusively for this collection), and Joy (red)

Barbie Loves Stila LipGlaze ($22) Available in Pale Pink, Bright Pink, or Red

Barbie Loves Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Liner ($20)

Barbie Loves Stila Smudge Pot ($20) Available on Cobalt Clutch which is a bright blue with blue shimmer. Features a cute Barbie image on the lid of the pot.

Barbie Loves Stila All Doll'd Up Palette ($28) Quite a value and a different style palette for Stila. Includes four pans of color split into three shades for a total of 12 shadows!


Looks rather fabulous doesn't it?

It's out and available as of August 27th so very shortly kiddies!

I'm excited. How about you?

Tell the Muse!

Please if you use images link back to www.musingsofamuse.com thanks!

Dianne Brill Fresh Water Foundation Review and Swatches

For those of us who desire a little less coverage, something lighter, something barely there, I give to you Dianne Brill Fresh Water Foundation. Incredibly lightweight and long wearing this foundation is for the rest of the population that doesn't have need of heavy coverage.


Jump ahead for it.

The appeal of most all Dianne Brill cosmetics lies in the pretty, girlish packaging. Dianne Brill Fresh Water Foundation comes housed in a flip top box which resembles that of a tiny box of chocolates and inside the foundation is wrapped up in a lace dollie. Unlike traditional pump foundations this resembles that of a mini travel size toothpaste. I absolutely adore the packaging plus I find the squeeze style tube rather ideal for getting your use out of all the product. The foundation also comes with a mini foundation brush that's quite decent for application as it doesn't shed and for such a mini size it has a nice size brush head.












The formula of the foundation is loose and very runny. It almost resembles a tinted moisturizer in some aspects as it lacks pigmentation and is quite sheer. It applies and blends very nicely however it's extremely light coverage so if you have lots of little or larger woes you're wanting to hide this isn't going to help you along your way.

For the most part those who desire light coverage that evens out skin tone and creates a nice even canvas for makeup will absolutely adore this. The foundation is incredibly light and lovely on the face and creates a beautiful glow on my skin. I don't need a ton of coverage anyway so this is a great one for Summer.










Overall, anyone who doesn't like heavy makeup or doesn't have need of heavy coverage will enjoy using this one.

You can purchase Dianne Brill Cosmetics at BeautyHabit and learn more about the brand by visiting www.diannebrill.com

Korres Wild Rose 24-Hour Moisturizer Review

"One winter day, the queen was doing needle work while gazing out her ebony window at the new fallen snow. A bird flew by the window startling the queen and she pricked her finger. A single drop of blood fell on the snow outside her window. As she looked at the blood on the snow she said to herself, "Oh, how I wish that I had a daughter that had skin as white as snow, lips as red as blood, and hair as black as ebony."-Quote from Snow White

Indeed, skin as white as snow always appeals to this Muse. I'm always looking for the best way to brighten my dull, lackluster skin up. Be it with cleansing oils that promise me whiter, brighter skin or moisturizers or even makeup.

My skin on occasion is so very dull it needs all the help it can get to look brighter and more youthful.

My latest discover for brightening up my skin, Korres Wild Rose 24-Hour Moisturizer.




Take the jump to learn more!

Korres Wild Rose Moisturizer is an intense moisturizer for normal to dry skin. The formula contains whitening wild rose oil to help prevent brown spots caused my sun damage. For me I was ever so hopeful it would aid me with dull skin.

I haven't been using it long enough to express delights over how it's brightened my skin but I will give you a few choice details about it and why I'm loving it so far.

The formula is Korres is free of parabens, sulfates, synthetic dyes, and many other harmful ingredients this alone could prove a key for those wanting to indulge in a healthy skin care product. I must say that although it's recommended for normal to dry skin I felt the formula was incredibly rich which leads me to recommend it for dryness but only as a night cream for those with normal skin as it could be a bit too much moisture for such a skin type.

It's quite a heavy moisturizer but still manages to feel very light and absorbs easily without a greasy, oily feel as many thicker moisturizers are known for. Right now my skin simply hates it because it's so humid out and I need something very light to keep the oily parts of my face in check. However, come Winter my skin will rejoice at such a hydrating formula. It has a pleasant fresh floral scent but I'm so terribly disappointed it wasn't scented like rose hehe! I adore rose scented skin care.






Overall, with it's inexpensive price tag ($32), large size, and natural formula it could prove a winner for many. For me I'll be loving it all through Winter when my dry flaky skin makes a guest starring appearance. The value of it's size and it's hydrating formula make me loves it long time. It does contain an SPF 6 but I didn't mention that above as it's not equate sun protection in my opinion but than again you're talking to the girl who wears SPF 95 or more.

Likey very much!

Good one Korres, as always an impressive skin care item.

What are some of your favs from Korres?

Do share!

Don't forget 30% Off at www.korresusa.com using promo code MUSE

Pop Beauty Cat Eyes Eye Liner Review and Swatches

More babblings about the elusive cat eye that the Muse has been trying to perfect for Fall. In my quest for obtaining the perfect cat eye I've been trying my hand at liquid liners and of course epically failing but try I will!

To make my life easier I found Pop Beauty Cat Eyes Eye Liner. Could this be the key to my success at creating a great cat eye?


Jump for it!

Meet Pop Beauty Cat Eyes Eye Liner the solution to your cat eye dilemma. This square cut liner supposedly makes it easy to complete a cat eye. But does it?

Ok let's see....

KATE makes a square cut eye liner as well so it's pretty much the same concept. The liner is considerably thicker than what you'd normally want to use to line eyes. As we are always looking for a thin, precise point to line this is a unique thicker size, slanted, and square cut. It's design is supposed to make the "flicking" involved in a cat eye easier. First off it does a fine job of creating a thick, dramatically lined look. The formula is creamy and glides fairly well across the lash line without skipping. I like the way the square cut fits the contour of my eye.

Now it's the flicking part that confuses me. The square cut is supposed to make the flick or upwards slant that's associated with a cat eye easier. However, I had a hard time with it. Although the drama of a thicker line makes my eyes look very nice, I'm unable to pull off the slant upwards towards the outer corner of my eye without creating a messy thick line. I think the square cut and the thickness of the liner creates a rather messy line that looks nothing like a cat eye.












Overall, the product is a fine liner for achieving a bolder, thicker lined eye look but in regards to making a cat eye easier, I had a little trouble in that department. I won't blame the liner as it could be I just stink at perfecting the look but I did think the thickness presented a little problem.

What do you think?

Thicker, square cut liner for cat eye lining?

Yay or Nay?

Share it!