Musings of a Muse

A Blog of Musings from a Cosmetic Whore

Aug 18, 2009

Dior Addict Lip Glow Review and Swatches

The Muse thinks it's safe to say Summer is finally here. The humidity is crazy awesome outside my office window and I'm loving it. Although I shouldn't talk so loudly as I believe it's going to rain tomorrow. WTH?

Which brings me to today's review. Looking for that light Summer balm that moisturizers your lips with just a hint of color? One that'll follow you through the Fall with just a touch of pink to flatter your dramatic, bolder looks for the season?




Jump ahead for it!

You need Dior Addict Lip Glow in your life chicas. It's a moisturizing balm packaged in the standard Dior Addict Lip Stick packaging with a pale pink case. It's packaging alone will make you weep in fits of girlish joy me thinks.

What is it?

It's a sweet little moisturizing balm that's pink in color but pretty much transparent until it hits your lips. One applied it reacts with your body temperature to create a perfect shade of pink customized just for you!

Golly, must be my girlhood memories of yesteryear that makes this so appealing. Reminds me of mood lipstick which was all the rage when I was 11 or 12 years old. The balm itself is a moisturizing balm nothing glossy, shiny, sticky, or tacky here...it's simply a balm that smooths onto lips in a nice, even glide. It leaves behind a nice kiss of pink that's completely flattering for all skin tones.








Ahh those lazy days of makeup are always in order when the humidity is out in full force and what better way to take advantage than applying a quick swipe of flattering pink to lips with Dior Addict Lip Glow and maybe a pinch of pink cheek stain for a natural, fresh faced makeup look!


Likey!

Well worth a purchase and Muse Approved.



Did you haul Dior Addict Lip Glow yet?

Loving it?

Tell the Muse!

P.S. A little clear gloss on top makes this pop!

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Aug 6, 2009

Dior Diorskin Extreme Fix Review


Before there was MAC Prep and Prime Transparent Finishing Powder, before Make Up For Ever HD Powder, there was Dior Diorskin Extreme Fix. In the Spring of 2008 Dior quietly released this interesting little powder as a Nordies Exclusive. It quickly became the must have item in the makeup world but has since disappeared from shelves within the US. If you look really hard you'll probably come across this but I've only seen it in Europe and Asia as a general catalog item as part of the Dior standard collection.

Jump ahead for a peep at this powder and a review.

I've had this powder since February 2008 and it's taken me this long to get down to the nitty gritty of reviewing it.

What is it?

A long lasting setting powder for foundation. It's the same concept as many HD transparent powders you see on the market today. The powder has a silicon base which is supposed to bullet proof foundation and make it last longer. Question, of course, does it work?

I'd like to discuss the formula briefly prior to getting into further details. I will say that the powder is superior to other transparent powders on the market today. It's very silky and has a certain thickness about it I haven't seen in powder before. It smooths onto skin beautifully, doesn't leave a behind a white cast, and is a breathable layer of foundation protection. Although white in color for the most part the powder is transparent once applied.






As of late I forgo foundations in favor of BB creams for the most part. I find BB creams do not need to be set prior with powder as they last considerably longer than any cream or liquid foundation I already have. Even with my normal foundation routine I normally forgo powder since my skin is typically dry and an extra layer of powder flakes up, looks cakey, or just ages my skin. Diorskin Extreme Fix is very lightweight so it absorbs fairly easily without caking or flaking. I haven't really noticed it extending the wear of my foundation but than again not many products do (even really good primer). However, I will say I like the airbrushed finish the powder gives my face. If you have fine lines, uneven skin tone, or just need a powder that gives an ethereal glow to your skin this does just that.

Overall, I'm happy to have added it to my collection but I do admit I don't use it much. You can probably find a cheap alternative but if you're a Dior fan I imagine you'll want to add it to your collection. I will say out of all my transparent powders this is a favorite and I feel the formula is considerably better than any I've tried prior to this that are available in the US (not speaking for the Asian beauty market).

All in all it's a very nice powder and I really should utilize it more as maybe I'll fall in love with it as that has yet to happen.

Anyone a fan?

Have it in your beauty train case?

Love it?

Tell the Muse!

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Jul 22, 2009

Wants It: Dior Crème Abricot Fortifying Cream For Nails

Ahh Dior I love when you take little forays into the unknown. Your new Dior Creme Abricot Fortifying Cream for Nails tickles me.


Jump ahead for a peep!

Created circa 1963, Dior Crème Abricot Fortifying Cream For Nails ($23) is a rich, creamy salve that norishes and conditions cuticles. Indeed, I can use all the help I can get in that department. The cream encourages nail growth, strengh, and conditions cuticles.

I've never been so tempted to take care of my nails before...but Dior can change my mind!

Likey!

Wants please.

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May 28, 2009

Dior Bronze Lumières D'or Face And Lip Palette


Since I'm happily prancing around lately telling the world how great bronzer is, who knew the bronzer bug would bite me, I'm happy to relate to you that Dior Bronze Lumières D'or Face And Lip Palette is on my wishy list!

Oh how pretty you are Miss Dior! I wants you for my very own.

Featuring a dual side of gold and bronze press powder and a golden lip gloss this fairly screams my name. I love the idea of topping bronzer with a hit of golden shimmer and this takes care of all that in one simple compact love, love, love it!

Wants it rather badly!

Anyone haul it?

Go on, make me jealous!

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May 11, 2009

Most Wanted Beauty

The Muse's list of wants is every growing! She can think of a few items she's gagging to add to her stash.


Check it below!


With it's smudge free, waterproof formula this Muse can get excited about Make Up For Ever Aqua Black Waterproof Cream Eye Shadow. Plus doesn't it look like the blackest, black liner you ever did see?


I can't stress the overwhelming feeling of want when it comes to Dior Addict Lip Glow. Just a touch of customized lip color? Yes, please.


Sephora Cooling Cover Stick conceals plus preps and primes lids for shadows for $12 bucks. Not a bad deal! The Muse wants to take it for a spin as she does with almost all concealers she meets up with!


I feel the love for Guerlain Summer 2009, need I say much more?


Splish, Splash! I want Philosophy Apricots and Cream in my shower this Summer!


One tends to forget about MAC Creation Hues but not when they smell like roses! The Muse sniffed this overlooked fragrance for the first time this weekend and fell in lust! Wants it!


Tried one, now I need them all! Bobbi Brown Sheer Gloss=love.

These are a few of my Most Wanted Beauty items of the moment. Share a few of yours in the comment box!

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Apr 29, 2009

Beauty Reflections: Summer Collections 2008


Step back in time with the Muse and re-visit with some of what was happening in Summer 2008.

Bobbi Brown taught this Muse a thing or two about the benefits of combining pink with beautiful bronzes to create a killer Summer look! Check out the Muse's review of the Bobbi Brown Bronzed Pink Collection from 2008.


Much excitement was afoot when the Muse discovered the new Stila Kitten goodies but sadly they did so disappointed. Gather round and listen to a tale of Stila Kitten Silk Shimmer Gloss and Stila Kitten Silk Eye Shadow Wash.


MAC Solar Bits were somehow easy to forget after the Muse originally purchased them and you'll understand why after reading my review!


What was the deal with Too Faced Mineral Water? Find out by reading my review.


Bless Be! The KATE Summer Collection 2008 was absolutely a joy for this Muse! She was partial to her favorite shadows being released in three new shades. Japan never looked so good.


Urban Decay taught the Muse how to love bronzer! Check out her review of the Urban Decay Summer Collection 2008 after this jump.


Please MAC won't your bring back Volcanic Ash this Summer?


Small but lovely was the Majorca Majolica Summer Collection 2008.


Vincent Long Liquid Shadow had a Muse crying nay! Check out her review on these shadows introduced in the Summer of '08.


Addict? Sure definately an addiction when it comes to the Dior Addict Ultra Gloss Reflect shades that were released last year. Loves 'em!


Cooling off with Etude House Aqua Sherbet Skincare was easy especially since it smelled so pretty and looked equally gorgeous.


Hope you had fun clicking through some of Summer 2008. Maybe you came across a few reviews you missed from last year or discovered something new.

The Muse is a wonderin'.....

What's your favorite releases from last Summer?

Share 'em with me!

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Apr 16, 2009

WANTS IT: Dior Addict Lip Glow Color Reviver Balm

Say hello to my new little friend!


Dior Addict Lip Glow Color Balm! Wants it!

What is it? It's a sheer lip balm that responds to the color chemistry of your lips to a create a uniquely "you" shade of lip color! Oh my I likey you so much Dior for creating this!

We've been through all the color changing glosses we can get through but I deem this one cool...hmmm maybe I'm bias because it has Dior printed on it? Whatever, I wants it, like yesterday.

Whatta ya think?

Loves it?

Leaves it?

Tell your Muse!

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Mar 31, 2009

Dior Bronze Harmonie de Blush Review

Wanna meet the new love of my life?

Meet Dior Bronze Harmonie de Blush an absolutely essential item for Summer.






Combining equal parts blush with a beautiful bronzer and you'll end up with the perfect shade of gorgeous! Dior Bronze Harmonie de Blush is the ideal product for people like myself who really don't like bronzers. The powder combines the richness of bronzer but with just the right touches of peach to create a warm shade of blush that's bound to flatter any skin tone.

The blush is housed in the new standard Dior compact which they have currently embraced for a majority of the line. This isn't the traditional blue shade though, it's a deep brown shade. Quite pretty and practical so you're not worried about scratching up the palette or not wanting to use it because it's too gorgeous.




Inside you'll find a beautiful quilted design on the powder. The design has the Dior logo which isn't easy rubbed off after a few times using the powder, that's always a plus as I adore designs on my palettes. The design has equals parts blush versus bronzer so you can use the shades separate or together. I prefer using the shades together as it creates the perfect glow on my cheeks but if you prefer you can use the shades separate. The bronzer can be used to give cheeks a glow or to contour your face where as the blush part can be used to cast a peachy glow on your cheeks. The powder does have a fine shimmer overlay but it quickly rubs away after first use so you're left with a silky satin finish.









I'm happy to report that the Dior Bronze Harmonie de Blush is available in two shades, both of which are available in the US. Traditionally, Dior releases items in two shades but the US only ever gets the one color selection. I was pleased that this time around both shades are available within the US.

So far I've only tried Coral Riviera but I'll be purchasing the second shade Rose Brazilia shortly as I was deeply impressed with how well Coral Riviera performs. I think the bronzer is the ideal solution for anyone afraid of bronzers or who doesn't like using a bronzer as it gives a perfect glow to face and cheeks. I think it also prevents those with a heavier hand, like myself, from using too much product. As I find if I use a bronzer powder and follow up with a blush I overdo the amount I'm using. When I use the Dior Bronze Harmonie de Blush I get the perfect ratio of blush and bronzer. The powder will work for just about any skin tone but I think it's particularly a great addition to a fair or medium skin tone as it's a good color combo that doesn't appear too orange, too muddy, or too brown on a lighter skin tone. After I used the blush I thought it made me look like I used NARS Orgasm on my cheeks but with more pop and just the right amount of a sunny peachy glow. Loves it!








Who would love this?

  • Anyone who hates bronzers!
  • Anyone with a lighter skin tone that has always wanted to use a bronzer but was scared to!
  • Those who want a sunny, peachy glow on their cheeks!
  • Anyone who doesn't want to use a bronzer and a blush but prefers one product that can perform both functions in one swipe of your brush.

Dior Bronze Harmonie de Blush is my ideal Summer bronzer and I absolutely love it. I look forward to trying the other shade in the collection shortly and bringing you a review of it. I can't recommend this enough and give it my highest Muse Approval for purchase.


Overall, the blush is simplicity at it's best and makes using bronzer a snap! I love the overall look of the product on my cheeks and feel like it's a perfect addition to your Summer makeup wardrobe.

Likey!

Tried it?

Wanting to?

Tell the Muse!

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