Musings of the Day: Running Low? Restock!

Wanna Muse?

Today's Musings is about replenishing your stock of "things I use everyday". You know what I mean...you reach for 'em daily, like mascara, foundation, primer, etc....

I recently had to make a list of items I was running low on so now is a perfect time to Muse about what I need and hear what you're running out of and need to replace.

Check it after the jump!

I placed this HUGE crazy order for BB Creams with a very dear reader and friend (thanks Bora) and inside was many BB Creams I hadn't tried or had to replenish as I ran out...yes, I do run out of BB Creams, crazy right? I use 'em so often that I run out a fair bit so it was a rather good excuse to get some others as well which I hadn't tried.

On top of that I am also hitting pan on Benefit Lemon Aid ummm totally can't live with out it, it's like the air I breath. Also running low on Urban Decay Primer Potion so lucky I snagged some during the Friends and Family Event but dude what the hell? It didn't have the new applicator....does the large version not have it yet?

Aside from that I'm good to rock and roll. No mascara, powder, or base makeup refills needed here nor any color cosmetics. Just the basics I listed.

How about you?

What are you running low on?

Tell the Muse!

WANTS IT: Urban Decay Book of Shadows Volume II

You'd think after creating something so incredibly good like the Book of Shadows that Urban Decay didn't have any tricks up it's sleeves. Honestly, what could possibly top that incredible palette? I know when I got mine I was doing back flips across my foyer as it was too gorgeous for mere words.

Well....

Urban Decay decided to top that.



Jump ahead for the deets!

Urban Decay Book of Shadows Volume 2 this is where it's at baby. If the original Urban Decay Book of Shadows was incredibly awesome this palette falls into the "oh my god" amazing category. With two 24/7 Eye Pencils, Primer Potion, and 8 brand new, limited edition shades of shadow exclusive to this palette obviously Urban Decay has topped the original Book of Shadows with a great new palette, WANT!


Inside you'll find existing Urban Decay Eye Shadow favorites Sellout, Gunmetal, Ectasty, Midnight Cowboy Rides Again, Twice Baked, Half Baked, Flipside, and YDK.

But the real killer?

The new LE shades!

You'll get AC/DC (deep eggplant shimmer), Nylon (champagne sparkler), Mushroom (taupey-gunmetal), Sphynx (pink sparkle/shimmer), Jinx (bright blue shimmer), Homegrown (bright green shimmer), Misdemeanor (deep teal sparkle), and Perversion (matte black).

The palette is covered in pearly white with a purple foil design! It flips open to reveal a generous mirror framed in exotic peacock feathers. Hiding behind the secret doors is a mini look book. Incredible! The Muse thinks the mini look book is probably one of the greatest things about the palette as it's a full photo booklet containing photos of Urban Decay's model, Daniela, using the palette in various looks. I'm always looking for inspiration when creating a look and this book will make it a snap!

Need I say more?

It's been topped!

Urban Decay Book of Shadows Volume II the Muse WANTS IT!

It's available now for $48 at Urban Decay.

I know many of you have already begun asking for a review and swatches, I'm working on it and will bring it to you shortly!

Do share...

Are you wanting this?

Loving it?

Tell the Muse!

Urban Decay 30% Off Friends and Family Coupon Code

It's here, it's here! Time for Urban Decay Friends and Family Event! And just in time for back to school too.

Use promo code FNFF1 to get 30% off your total order! w00t!

Go haul and share what you get in the comment box, the Muse is all nosy about those kinds of things.

SHOP!

Fall Nude Lips: Urban Decay Naked Lipstick FOTD

I expressed my delight over the brand new Urban Decay Lipstick for Fall 2009 in Naked in a review recently. Naked is such a flattering shade of nude pink that will pair up beautifully well with a dramatic eye look or in my case a pink look!

Jump ahead for a peep!

For my look below I used a bit of Jill Stuart blush, Bobbi Brown Sparkle Eye Shadow in Ballet, and Urban Decay Lipstick in Naked topped with a clear gloss from Philosophy. The look is fairly simple and innocent. As you can see Naked pairs up very nicely with a no nonsense, less than dramatic eye look but it'll go along just as well with a bolder look that requires a nude lip look that won't take away from the eyes. I'm normally not one for loving nude shades of lipstick but I fell in love with Naked almost instantly on swatch. It's one the most flattering shades of nude pink I've come across and doesn't have a mod look but more of a dewy finish that makes my lips look very natural.






By the way my fresh skin can be blamed on Skin79 BB Cream!

What do you think?

Lover of Urban Decay Naked Lipstick?

Tell it!

Best Value: Urban Decay Box of Potions

Indulge in all of Urban Decay's newest primers for $65 with the new Urban Decay Box of Potions.

This has to be the best value I've ever seen as it contains all full size products that are almost 50% off retail if you purchase them together (purchased separate you'd paid $114)!

You get:
Urban Decay Complexion Primer Potion Brightening
Urban Decay Complexion Primer Potion Pore Perfecting
Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion
Urban Decay Eyelash Primer Potion
Urban Decay Lip Primer Potion SPF 15

If you've been yearning to indulge in all of the new potions from Urban Decay here's your chance.

The Urban Decay Box of Potions is available now from Sephora.

Urban Decay Skyscraper Multi-Benefit Mascara Review

Urban Decay I likey your new Skyscraper Multi-Benefit Mascara but please can we has the waterproof version now?

Urban Decay Skyscraper Multi-Benefit Mascara is a new twist on the old Skyscraper mascara but with a new applicator and plenty of other awesome features. Buying mascara nowadays is alot like buying a new car you get all the bells and whistles with this model! Lengthen, strengthen, separating, curling, brightening, and thickening formula phew...see? Multi-benefits is good.

Check the review ahead!

I must say I'm not in love with the fact that Urban Decay Skyscraper Multi-Benefit Mascara isn't waterproof. I'm very good about not touching my eye area at all when I have makeup in place however I must have been really tired one night and rubbed a fair bit on my eyes. Thankfully I looked in the mirror really quickly because I was looking all kinds of scary. The mascara ended up smearing every which from Sunday yak!

The good news is it wears long without fading or smudging through out the day just don't touch it dears or you could fall victim to my drama. Used in conjunction with the new Urban Decay Eyelash Primer Potion and you can get some seriously long lashes that go on forever and a day.

The formula is a little iffy so take out proper time and patience to apply because you can and WILL end up with a hot mess of gooey lashes if you aren't careful during application. The formula is thick and messy but the applicator makes up for this by combing through the mascara with good even strokes so you end up with proper long lashes minus a mess, just remember slow and gentle wins this race. The formula is thick as I mentioned so sadly the mascara doesn't keep curl as well as I like since it weights lashes down however with primer in place it creates very long, very full, very fat lashes. The applicator is a straight edge plastic with tiny spikes to grip lashes for pulling upwards and out.




On it's own I don't think it's my ideal mascara but when paired with the new mascara primer I must say it creates a very nice lash look. The photos below are just the mascara and later tonight I have a scheduled post of the new Bobbi Brown Ivy League Collection where I am using the primer potion combined with the mascara and you'll notice how incredibly full and false like my lashes look.


Overall, I could use a waterproof formula and perhaps a bit of rework on the extra thick formula but I have absolutely no complaints with the results after my lashes are primed correctly, love that look, just not impressed with the mascara on it's own.

Anyone try?

Loves it?

Tell the Muse!

Urban Decay Lip Primer Potion Review

I can't be the only one alive that runs across a shade of lipstick or gloss that just doesn't apply correctly. I find that darker shades are incredibly difficult to apply sometimes and end up feathering, or smudging, or just ending up everywhere around my mouth just not on my lips. On these days I seriously need something to prep my lips to accept bolder shades something that creates a barrier before my slightly damp lips and the darker shade of lippie I'm applying. Something that helps the application to go smoother.

In comes Urban Decay Lip Primer Potion to save the day!

Loves it!

Click for the full review.

Although Urban Decay Lip Primer Potion is meant as a primer to allow lipstick to stay around a little longer without fading or feathering I think the true joy of the product is how it aids in application. Prepping lips prior to with this primer will allow for a smoother, even finish. I find it's especially helpful for darker shades which always apply very messy for me.




The formula is a soft, smooth, velvet finish which doesn't dry lips out but builds an invisible barrier that sets the foundation for lipstick. The formula also has a moisturizing blend of vitamins and an SPF 15.

With lipstick I noticed a few more hours of wear however with gloss I didn't notice too much difference from my normal wear. Truly for me the real joy of the product is as I mentioned above, easy of application for bolder, darker shades of lipstick. The product also manages to slightly "white" out pigmented lips to allow colors to be truer.

I'm really loving this at the moment and think it's rather an ingenious product. I haven't really been privy to many lip primers in the past but this will happily become part of my daily makeup regime.

Loves it!

Total Muse Approval for purchase.



Works a treat and keeps my lipstick wearing long and fresh all day plus makes application a snap!

Steal It: Urban Decay Best of Urban Sets

Mondays are soooo dull. Especially after a really long weekend. That's why I love sitting down to sort through tweets, e-mail, and my RSS to see what's going on around the Internet after being away from my computer for a bit.

The best part is when I sort through and found a cool steal and deal. Retail therapy makes Monday all the better.

Today I was sorting through tweets and noticed that the Urban Decay Best of Urban Sets are $15.99!


W00t score for a blue Monday!

Click it to hear the deets!

The sets were $32 bucks during the Holiday season but Urban Decay has axed 'em to a mere $15.99.

Each set includes a full size Urban Decay Heavy Metal Glitter Liner and Eyeshadow plus an Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Pencil and Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion in mini size. Considering shadows are $16 each and liners are $18 you'll be getting the entire set for the price of one eye shadow. Sweet!




I reviewed the Urban Decay Best of Urban Baked Set a few months ago if you'd like do click the enclosed link to see swatches, an fotd, and my review.

The sets are on sale now at Urban Decay so grab 'em while the grabbing is good.

Urban Decay Eyelash Primer Potion Review

Urban Decay is in no way new to the eye primer world but this is the first time they have introduced one on it's own and not paired up with a mascara. You remember don't you? Urban Decay Lingerie & Galoshes for Lashes!

Take the idea behind that duo, break it up, and you'll end up with the best part with the new Urban Decay Eyelash Primer Potion. Loves it!

Click it for the review.

Magically make lashes thicker, longer, and stronger with this heavily fiber based mascara primer. Tiny fibers in the formula band together to cling to lashes and strengthen while prepping for mascara. The results? Longer, thicker lashes!

This paraben-free lash primer comes housed in pretty lilac tube with a long, straight edge brush for application. Application can prove tricky at first as it does have a tendency to clump lashes together but with proper care and patience you'll reap the rewards once mascara is applied on top. I normally hate fiber mascaras and primers because they give me an irritating lash in your eye feeling but luckily I experienced none of that with this. Lashes are pulled upwards and out and turned white (but no worries once your mascara is on no one will be the wiser) with little fibers. After applying mascara on top you'll notice lashes are thicker and juicy (I just needed an excuse to use "juicy" in a post ha!).




I took three photos of my lashes to show the difference between a bare lash, using the primer, and just using mascara. I think you can see a noticeable different in my lashes with the primer in place. Hope you find these helpful!






My lashes are a good length and aren't prone to breakage so I'm unsure about stubbier, small lashes and how they will react to this. If you like heavily fibered primers this should appeal. If you already have long lashes and want even longer ones this should do the job well.

I really liked this and it's one of the better lash primers I've used. Urban Decay Eyelash Primer Potion is Muse Approved for purchase.



Likey!

Urban Decay Complexion Pore Perfecting Primer Review

This season Urban Decay has brought out a slew of various primers including ones for lips, eyes, and face. Recently, I reviewed the Urban Decay Complexion Brightening Primer for you. Do see that review if you have dry or combination skin minus pores as it's more suitable than the one I'm about to tell you about.

Jump ahead to hear more about Urban Decay Complexion Pore Perfecting Primer.

I'm not the best person to review Urban Decay Complexion Pore Perfecting Primer for you as my skin is drier and I'm not prone to large pores however since I'm such a Urban Decay fan girl I thought I'd try my hand at it.




The formula of this particular primer differs considerably when compared to the brightening version as it sports a velvety smooth feel that dries down to a powdery silicon finish. This should do well at filling pores and keeping oily skin well in check. It's ideal for oily skin but anyone who wants a smoother working canvas for makeup will also adore it.

Although I do not have larger pores or oily skin (at the moment anyway wait until we get some real heat and my face will be plenty oily) it does make my face smoother and eases the way for foundation. It works pretty great with all foundation types (believe me I've tried it on all formulas of foundation just for the sake of saying I did) I thought it performed best with liquid and cream as it allows these bases to blend very smoothly, evenly, and it feels as if the foundation doesn't absorb completely into my skin but rather sits above it and on top of the primer. This is always a good thing since upon contact with my skin, within hours, my foundation tends to either turn ashy, gray, or just oxidizes.




It seems like it would ideally fill pores and smooth out skin as it sports the same feeling, formula, and texture of most popular silicon based primers but without causing that irritating itchy feeling or pilling on my skin.

I do like the brightening version better for my skin type I can't deny that this is equally good and I'm happy to have added them both to my beauty arsenal.

Anyone try yet?

Loves it?

Tell the Muse!

Or stop back soon when you have had a whirl with it...dying to hear your thoughts!

Urban Decay Summer Collection 2009: Urban Decay Minx Eye Shadow Reviwew and Swatches

Urban Decay Eye Shadow in Minx is one of two shadows exclusively available at Sephora right now for the Urban Decay Summer Collection. I recently brought you a review and swatches of the other shadow release, Ecstasy, which is a lovely purple.

Today I thought I'd muse some about Urban Decay Minx Eye Shadow as it's my favorite of the two shades!

Click it for the details, swatches, and a babble or two!

I can't say there isn't a time I am not excited about a shadow release from Urban Decay. They are a true love and I have practically all the shades, ridiculous I know but I love them so!










Urban Decay Eye Shadow in Minx is a love. If you like aquas, sea greens, and teals this should appeal. Minx is beautiful teal with tons of silver sparkle. It has a slightly green cast that makes the shade morph into a little bit more than your average everyday teal.






I think this one is a winner and worthy of a pick up!

Loves it!

Anyone haul it?

Wanting to?

Tell the Muse!

Urban Decay Surreal Skin Cream to Powder Foundation Review

I suspect many of you may be excited about the brand new Urban Decay Surreal Skin Cream to Powder Foundation. Upon first seeing it I was pretty excited myself. My first foundation and the foundation that remained with me for many years prior to my experimenting with different formulas was in fact a cream. Becoming deeply attached to my cream foundation over the years it was of course very exciting to see one of my favorite brands releasing a cream compact foundation.


Jump ahead for a peep at the new Urban Decay Surreal Skin Cream to Powder Foundation.

I will in fact express my disappointment this isn't cream foundation but a cream to powder. I love cream foundation however I'll begrudgingly admit, in all my years of using it, it doesn't wear as long as I'd like. I'll also add that one thing about cream is the fact it doesn't oxidize on my skin.

Anyway....cream to powder doesn't hold too much appeal for a dry skin girl like myself as powder always holds a great danger of flaking up on my skin, aging me, and just making me look washed up.

Urban Decay Surreal Skin Cream to Powder Foundation impressed. That's say alot considering how I normally don't like this style of foundation or powder in general for that matter.

The foundation comes housed in the slick translucent purple compact that UD has embraced lately with many of it's new compact releases such as their blotting powder. Goth fans shall rejoice at the purple color and graphic designs of which include a small dagger, skulls, and spiders. For those of you that aren't in touch with your goth side you'll still enjoy whipping this out of your purse for touch ups on the fly. The compact is a chunky dual chamber compartment compact which houses the foundation and a mirror on top and a brush applicator on the bottom.


Mmm yes I said brush. Surprised? I was. I expected a sponge applicator but a brush it is kids. The brush is a half moon and large in size. Bristles are slightly scratchy and I'm unsure if I'm ever going to grow accustom to brushing on a cream foundation. You see...I'm normally a finger girl and apply foundation as such. It's rare I use a sponge or brush for foundation application, to tell me otherwise is like trying to break a dog into trying new tricks. I will say the idea of applying a cream to powder is logical as the brush sweeps the cream into place and blends it nicely but I do think it needs a little pat and rub here and there from my finger to get it in place.










Now the formula....

The formula is possibly the most interesting one I've come across in regards to cream that converts to powder. I've tried a few and have always either had too powdery a finish or not a powder finish at all. This almost instantly, upon contact with your skin, turns quickly to a powder. It's buttery to the touch at first and quickly turns into a velvety smooth finish. So far I quite like it. I admit I've ditched the brush and have been applying with a sponge as I feel like I get a more even finish.










Some things you should know.....

I think it should work quite nicely with oily skin. Do prep alot prior to use. If your skin isn't properly prepped you'll feel like you have a mask on and the foundation will settle on your skin in a most undesirable way, believe me I know as I tried it on unprepped skin and proceeded to look terrible. Be sure your skin is nicely moisturized prior to use also apply primer as it creates a nice working canvas for the makeup.

The foundation wears for around 4 hours on me before I need a touch up but I can stretch this wear with proper priming to around 5 hours. One thing that delights me is how easy it is to retouch up as it's as simple as applying powder. Sweep on with the brush or smooth on with your sponge, 1, 2, 3 retouch! I really loved how the foundation managed to stay fresh as well without oxidizing or turning gray, ashy on my skin.

Overall, Urban Decay Surreal Skin Cream to Powder should appeal to anyone that's a fan of cream to powder finishes. The foundation has the potential to become a great product for Urban Decay as much of their Surreal Skin collection is quite good. The range of shades available should appeal as their appears to be a shade that suits everyone.

Urban Decay Surreal Skin Cream to Powder Foundation is available now from Urban Decay and later this month at Sephora.

For your chance to win an Urban Decay Surreal Skin Compact for yourself please see this link!

Anyone indulging?

Indulged already?

What do you think?