Budget Mascara Alert: Avon SuperFULL Midnight Mascara

Hey chicas!

Budget friendly mascara alert here with the new Avon SuperFULL Midnight Mascara. Don't you dare tell Armani but this stuff works almost as good as Eyes To Kill....shhhhh our secret k?


Check it after the jump!

Avon has a brand new mascara for $4.99 that's pretty impressive. Honestly, there isn't a whole lot of special about it. It's a regular inky black formula and a plastic straight line applicator. See? Not really special.




However, it performs like a super star.

I'm unsure if it's the applicator or the formula but it's promise of longer lashes rings true. It doesn't offer much in the ways of volume but it creates really great lenght and curl. The applicator fits the contour of my eye nicely and grasps all the lashes in one go. It doesn't smudge, flake, and wears all day. I find the best results are when lashes are curled prior to use.

Overall, it's pretty impressive for a $5 buck mascara. If you're not willing to dish out a pretty penny for the new Armani mascara I say try this. Works almost as good, for serious.




Loving it!

Muse Approval for purchase.

Beauty on a Budget: Biore Skin Preservation Review

Too old for acne? Occasionally get a blemish here and there? Want a skincare regime that's affordable and meant for your 30 something skin?

The new Biore Skin Preservation Collection is a new line of skin care created exclusively for those of us who are well out of our teens and settling into a some what normal skin time.

This actually fits right in with my skin as is. My skin is pretty normal, no break outs or acne as I'm a bit too old for those days. It's dry in certain areas, a bit uneven at time, even dull, and of course it suffers on a rare occasion with a pimple or two. It's in between skin which is exactly what the new Biore Collection caters too!

Jump ahead for a peep at the new collection!

Although the Muse normally relies on Lush and as of late H20+ as her skin care of choice she's quite a fan of Biore and thinks they make great items at an affordable price. If you're wanting a skin care line with an inexpensive price tag to address issues such as fine lines, uneven skin tone, blackheads, etc.....but you aren't of an age where your skin is completely out of a wack ala your teen years this new collection should suit. The new line consists of several items for moisturizing, exfoliating, and cleansing your skin.

One item that was particularly interesting is the Biore Self Preservation Dual Fusion Moisturize + SPF 30 ($15). Hmmm SPF 30 in a drugstore brand? Coolness. This dual phase moisturizer hydrates as it defends against UVA and UVB. The packaging is actually a dual pump which evenly distributes sun protection and moisturizer. For something that contains SPF it's incredibly lightweight and non greasy.




Biore Self Preservation Clean Things Up ($7) is a gel cleanser which is incredibly gentle on the skin. Some Biore cleansers have dried me out in the past but this is quite gentle and washes clean away. This fresh scented cleanser starts out as a gel and gently lathers up on your face rinsing away dirt and grime.


Biore Self Preservation Even Smoother ($15) is a smooth exfoliating scrub to gentle buff away dry skin and reveal brighter, even skin.


Biore Self Preservation Hard Day's Night ($15) is a night time moisturizer for alleviating dryness and dullness. It's quite lightweight for an night cream but it manages to absorb easily and leaves my skin nice and fresh come morning. I haven't noticed any difference in dullness but I've only been using for a week so far.


Biore Self Preservation See the Future Eye Cream ($15) is the newest eye cream in the Biore line. This sports a straight tip applicator quite like the Prescriptives Wrinkle Treatment that was recently released. The tip allows for precise application of the cream. Supposedly it brightens dark circles, fights fine lines, and battles puffiness. I haven't used it as of yet as I'm busy testing a new eye cream but I'm quite curious how well it will do combating my under eye woes! I wish more eye creams sported an applicator like this as I'm a victim of using way too much eye cream sometimes.




Overall, the entire Biore Skin Preservation line is a tad higher when compared to other Biore products however drugstore's always have sales and these particularly pieces are a tad more posh taking the SPF and the likes into consideration. If you're seeking a good quality skincare with a decent price tag I'm always one for recommending Biore.

The entire collection is available now at your local drugstore.

Visit www.biore.com for further info.

I know ALL of you use Biore!

Tell me what are some of your favs?

Mine are of course the Nose Strips!

Beauty on a Budget: Dove Body Wash with NutriumMoisture Review

Craving deep moisture to hydrate tired, dry skin? Dove has a brand new line of highly moisturizing body washes in three formulas to keep skin healthy and happy on a budget price!

Take a peep after the jump!

If you're not wanting to dish out $15-$20 dollars on body wash you can indulge in the fresh scented Dove Body Wash with NutriumMoisture. These highly moisturizing body washes lather up like a dream giving skin a much needed dose of hydration and moisture to keep you smooth and silky.

The washes come in three formulas for dry skin, sensitive skin, and even a formula for exfoliating tired skin and getting it glowing again.

Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash is ideal for normal to dry skin that needs an extra dose of moisture. This rich moisturizing cream body wash creates mounds of hydrating lather to get skin silky smooth!




Dove Gentle Exfoliating Body Wash contains moisture beads for gentle exfoliating as it hydrates.






Dove Sensitive Skin Body Wash is ideal for those with sensitive skin that need a healthy boost of hydration from a body wash that's gentle on their sensitive skin.




The new Dove Body Wash with NutriumMoisture is available now at your local drugstore. Prices range from $2.99-$4.99 which is a great deal as they are incredibly large size. If you're not keen on spending alot on a shower gel these fit the bill for your beauty budget. Get super silky skin without making your wallet cry. The Muse is digging 'em as it's like using a rich moisturizing cream in my shower, my dry skin likey!

Beauty on a Budget Pedicure: True Blue Spa

Bath and Body Works True Blue Spa Collection is on sale at the moment for 2 for $20 so it's a rather ideal time to stock up on favs for your feets. Here's a few items to try out for getting a beauty on a budget pedicure without leaving your house!

Check 'em after the jump!

Fill a bowl with warm water and sprinkle some True Blue Spa Footloose & Fancy Fizz Bubbly Foot Bath in it. Slip your feet inside for a super fizzy spa-like bath for tired toes. Aloe and refreshing natural extracts sooth your skin and while it moisturizes. Get your tired feet, calm and happy again after a soothing soak with this fizzy treatment!


After your soak follow up by scrubbing dry and cracked heals with True Blue Spa Toe the Line Smoothing Foot Scrub. This scrub takes care of tootsies that have long been neglected with powdered walnut shells and contains a deodorizing agent as well!


True Blue Spa Heel of Approval Cracked Heal Treatment is a highly moisturizing salve for rough heels (and elbows too if you want!). It's filled with glycolic acid to get dry, rough skin back to better shape. Shea butter helps to smooth and moisturize skin.


Now get your favorite polish and paint your toes!

Beauty on a Budget: Avon Color Trend Lip Duo Lipstick & Lip Gloss Review and Swatches

Avon is keeping it cheap and cute with it's new Avon Color Trend Lip Duo Lipstick & Lip Gloss. This dual sided lip gadget has a lipstick on end and a gloss on the other, sweet the Muse loves techy beauty finds!

Click ahead to hear my thoughts.

This little guy is available in four separate shades for a mere $3.25 each. These aren't a big size but they have just enough product for toting around with you for quickie touch ups. The novelty is the dual-end design which lets you smooth on a nourishing lip color and top it with a shiny gloss.

The lipstick side of the product is quite sheer and subtle where as the gloss is decently pigmented. You'd think this would be reversed with the lipstick sporting the richer pigmentation but it does manage to work as the lipstick acts more as a balm and a prep for lips prior to gloss application.






The color I tried Pink Fizz Duo which has a gloss that's lilac pink is color and a frosty baby pink shade of lipstick.


Neither product is flavored so those who aren't a fan of scented, flavored lip products will be relieved. The texture of both the gloss and the lipstick is nicely moisturizing for it's beauty budget price tag.

Overall, Avon Color Trend Lip Duo Lipstick & Lip Gloss is a rather cute, inexpensive beauty find for throwing into your bag for touch ups on the go or if you have a bit of an oral fixation and always find yourself applying and reapplying balms or gloss this should appeal.

Likey!

Available now from Avon.

Milani Eye Tech Liquid Eye Liner Review

So I'm a complete an idiot when it comes to liquid liner. I'm ok with pencils and I'm alright with potted liners but really I'm pressing it to say I'm good with either. As hard as I try getting a single straight line proves impossible sometimes.

Now liquid liner that's just a big mess waiting to happen as far as I'm concerned. I tried one or two here and there but I honestly do not have that steady of a hand to take full advantage. For the most part liquid liner is most definitely off my must have list.

Until now....

The Muse could possibly change her tune especially when it's made this easy with the new Milani Eye Tech Liquid Eye Liner.

Check it after the jump!

Well wow, there may be hope for me still. Milani has introduced a brand new liquid eye liner to their line up and with it's inexpensive price and precise point I could still yet become some sort of master wizard eye liner wielding pro.




Count me impressed and that's saying something as I suck with liquid liner. I'm talking hot mess all over my eye. I really don't know why I can't get it on right but it just ends up turning into one big disaster anytime I try. I remember in high school being terribly jealous of this girl in my first period class, Angela, who had this incredible cat eye she wore each and every day but of course the Muse could not begin to dupe such a look. I've tried with cheap and I've tried with expensive but to no avail has lining my eyes with liquid ever become some easy task.

Milani Eye Tech Liquid Eye Liner is an absolute gem of a product. With a sharp, thin pen point this is a quick stroke and go liner. Your first line will be your last as there isn't any tugging or relining required. The product is pigmented enough to work with a single stroke to get an even, flawless line across your lash line minus any drama. Part of it's appeal is the precise point which gives an even, straight line with each and every use, no skipping at all!






The formula is waterproof and smudge proof for long wear even in the heat and sun. The small size makes it ideal to tote around for touch ups or to thicken the line for evening wear after work.

It's probably one of the best liquid liners I've come across to date and makes me quite happy that I can finally attempt to use one without the normal chaos that comes along with liquids. Yay for the endless cat eyes I'll be attempting this Fall, thanks Milani.

Loving you Milani Eye Tech Liquid Liner.

Total Muse Approval for purchase.



Milani Eye Tech Liquid Liner is available in three shades at your local CVS or online at www.milanicosmetics.com

Easier lining experience ever!

L'Oreal Extra-Volume Collagen Mascara Review

I'm almost positive L'oreal Extra-Volume Collagen Mascara isn't going to change my cosmetic life any time soon but it's decent enough for a $6.99 mascara...likey budget right?


Check it after the review!

Many of my friends aren't as heavily into makeup as I am and some that do like (but not love) makeup think that a throw away drugstore mascara is the ideal solution to not spending $20-$30 on a high street brand. It's understandable especially if you're as anal as I am about germs. I won't touch mascara after 3 to 4 months simply because I'm worried about what's breeding inside the tube so it seems sensible to head to the drugstore to score mascara as that way we aren't shelling out ridiculous amounts of cash for something we'll toss out anyway within in a few months.

I'm not of the mentality that cheaper is better even in cases of mascara. I do so love a good brand name mascara that sets me back $20 or more dollars as I see good, solid results with said product. Am I alone? Maybe.

If you happen to fall into the "I don't want to spend more than $10 bucks on a mascara" group you can try out L'Oreal Extra-Volume Collagen Mascara for around $7 bucks and call it a day. Like I said it's not going to change your cosmetic life but it's inexpensive and it does what it says to some extent.

The plus side of the formula is it's richly pigmented and truly black. I love mascara that's really rich and deep black it's the perfect companion to a smoky eye. This sells me right off the bat in regards to that. It promises 12x's your normal lash length...ummm not really. It does a decent job of lengthening but nothing that has me jumping up and down shouting, "Yes!" while doing a fist pump. For the most part the finished results are very natural, softer, fuller curls. If that's your look you'll love this. The brush applicator makes mascara application a snap as it glides on to lashes perfectly while lengthening and plumping. I don't see dramatic curl results with this but it does wear well without smudging or flaking.








Overall, it's noting I got too hyped over but it's decent enough for the price. I'm not a fan of the "natural" lash look and prefer a more dramatic look so that could be one reason I'm not thrilled. If you like your lashes to look fuller and longer while still remaining very natural this might very well be a great one to try. For the price it really can't break the bank to give it a whirl.

Have you tried L'Oreal Extra-Volume Collagen Mascara?

Loves it?

Leaves it?

Tell the Muse!

Back to School Beauty: Herbal Essences Tousle Me Softly Collection Review

Gosh I imagine some of you are preparing to head back to school soon or will be shortly! Lucky you. I remember my days at school quite fondly, fun, fun. As you begin preparations to pack up for college you'll notice plenty of cosmetics, hair and skin care goodies launching new lines to tempt and tease you at check out. You obviously need to wash your hair while away at school...ok, I'll be fair...some of us don't bother washing while we're at school especially laundry nor do we sleep or eat anything that doesn't come from a vending machine, it's cool, we've all been there. However, budget friendly options are available so at the very least let's try to keep our hair squeaky clean.

Herbal Essences Tousle Me Softly Collection is a new line of products designed to work together to achieve a touchable tousled look. Believe me I TRY so hard to gain this look it's not even funny. Stiff, crunchy hair is OUT, soft, tousled locks are so IN.


Check out the brand new Herbal Essences Tousle Me Softly Collect below (it's budget friendly too).

If you're a fan of Herbal Essences you'll be happy to know the entire line is quite budget friendly with a $2.99 price tag (aside from the finishing cream marked at a reasonable $5.49 for a large jar). So if you're looking to snag some hair care to tote away with you to school or you're in need of soft, tousled curls that aren't going to cost you a ton of cash check out some of these options!

Herbal Essences Tousle Me Softly Shampoo and Conditioner $2.99
Cleanses hair without stripping and smells super fresh and pretty too!


Herbal Essences Tousle Me Softly Mousse $2.99
A lightweight mousse to hold curls without that icky stuff, crunchy feel!


Herbal Essences Tousle Me Softly Hair Spray $2.99
Keeps hair in place minus stickiness!


Herbal Essences Tousle Me Softly Spray Gel $2.99
Perfect for styling damp hair to set a style in a snap.


Herbal Essences Tousle Me Softly Finishing Cream $5.49
My favorite of the products. This is a soft conditioning cream for wet hair that makes your tresses oh so soft and scented pretty.


You know the Muse, she's normally a Lush fan for life but I can be occasionally tempted to the dark side to indulge in cheap drugstore hair care goodies. Herbal Essences Tousle Me Softly Collection is particularly good for someone like me who avoids hair dryers like the plague. The products can all be used on my wet hair to create soft, frizz-free curls that are gently tousled and pretty. For $2.99 it's not going to change your hair's life but it sure will attempt to!

Herbal Essences Tousle Me Softly Collection is available now at your local drugstore.

Stay tuned for more back to school beauty buys in upcoming posts.