As you know, MAC is set to release it’s brand new Prime Focus Collection on August 18 (just in time to get skin flawless for back to school) and the collection features four shades of their new MAC Prep + Prime Fortified Skin Enhancer SPF 35.

Here’s a few swatches with a review that will follow soon!

I haven’t dabbled with these outside of a swatch but I will say they are extra creamy and hydrating or at least they feel that way. The swatches here are of Recharge (bronze-y orange) and Neutralize (pale, buttery yellow).

Sadly, MAC fails to include details on the packaging describing which shades should be used for specific problems. Considering one shade is called Neutralize I assume it’s meant for redness however it also appears like a shade I could use to even out skin tone. As for Recharge I’d assume that was for brightening up dull skin but the duller orange color….mmm…well..not so sure now…

Must research more but these could prove a winner as they have a nice SPF level which doesn’t muck about with the lovely formula and texture of the product.

More testing is required….

Review soon!

Thoughts?

The post MAC Prep + Prime Fortified Skin Enhancer SPF 35 Mini Review, Swatches, Photos appeared first on Musings of a Muse.

Remember my original post about the L’occitane Makeup Collection? At the time this was news that had hit British shores but I’m now happy to report its very much alive and kicking on US shores and in stores too!

Anyone seeing it yet at their local L’occitane?

Jump!

I played with the collection last night and must say its quite delightful, very affordable, and has a few lovely pieces that are sure to please. L’occitane En Provence Peony Makeup Collection appears to have been released to keep the new L’occitane Peony Eau de Toilette company. I’m hopeful to makeup line will evolve if its successful and have extra pieces added on in the future. At the moment you can indulge in eyeshadow, lipstick, gloss, and face powders in an array of softer shades. L’occitane created a nifty little widget which allows you to select your skin type and the look you’re going for (day or night) and it’ll suggest various products from the new Peony Makeup Collection that will look suitable on your skin type. Check it out at usa.loccitane.com its kinda a fun experience.

Without further commentary for me here are a few great pictures of the new makeup collection!

L’occitane En Provence Blush Like a Peony Lip & Cheek Tinted Water was one thing I didn’t have the pleasure of seeing. I’m always up for cheek stains and this was intriguing!

The lipstick and glosses are $14 each, blushes and shadows $16, and face powders $28. I thought the lip products very reasonable priced as well as the blushes and shadows but the face powders are a tiny bit high but the design is so pretty you might disregard the price tag.

Some of the face powders and shadows won’t appeal to everyone since they run towards pastels and the formula a tad chalky but I need to explore further.

Anyone check L’occitane En Provence Peony Makeup Collection yet?

What are your first impressions?

Do you think its something you’ll be indulging in this Spring?

Do share!

Available now from usa.loccitane.com

The post L’occitane En Provence Peony Makeup Collection appeared first on Musings of a Muse.

How’s everyone today? Monday blue’sing like me? I did have one highlight to my Monday morning. I’ve been catching up on the Adventure Calender on BBC since I missed a few days with it being the weekend and all. Sadly, I can’t take full advantage of any videos they post since you do have to be in England to view, boo, hiss, rant! Anyway….on the 11th Day of Christmas they posted David and The Proclaimers. Lucky enough some fan posted up the video on youTube so the rest of the world could enjoy it.

And I give to you, the Doctor, making a complete arse of himself.

Have you ever in your life seen David so excited? Not I. I got a grip on the fact that he was a HUGE Proclaimers fan when he was on Graham Norton sometime last year but this goes above and beyond doesn’t it? The fact that he’s wearing his straight line pants and geeky tie totally cracks me up, as in not only is David a fan boy but so is the Doctor.

Oh vey. The Adventure Calender needs to pump out more like this. Maybe on the 25th they can gift us with Friday Night Project episode, now that would be HAWT!

As the end of time draws nearer I imagine I’ll shed a tear or two, at least it’ll be memorable!

Anyway….’nuff geekin’.

How about some makeup?

Anyone see the new MAC collections hitting the shelves shortly? I know I’m on it like white on rice!

Jump for my Musings on MAC All Ages, All Races, All Sexes!

I guess in some aspects MAC All Ages, All Races, All Sexes is somewhat like last year’s release of MAC BBR.

Here’s the deets!

• MAC Lipsticks

Myself – Creamy pale yellow beige (Lustre) (LE)

Equality – Light mid tone mauve with pearlized pigments (Lustre) (LE)

Empowered – Creamy mid tone neutral brown (Satin) (LE)

5N – Sheer plum brown (Lustre) (LE) (Repromote from N Collection)

• MAC Lipglass

Glamour for all – Sheer pale baby pink with pearlized pigments (LE)

Spirit & Soul – Frosted dark cool brown (LE)

Liqueur – Frosted mid tone pink brown (LE) (Repromote from Cult of Cherry)

Naked Frost – Sheer taupe with silver pearlized pigments (LE) (Repromote)

• MAC Eye Shadows

All Races – Cool light mauve taupe (Matte) (LE)

Cross-Cultural – Dark yellow brown (Matte) (LE)

Banshee – Warm taupe with frost and sparkle (Lustre) (Repromote from Rebel Rock)

Showstopper – Deep blackened brown (Matte) (Repromote from Icon: Diana Ross)

• MAC Pigment

Universal Mix – Sparkly white gold (LE)

Rich Life – Dark cool brown with silver pearlized pigments (LE)

• MAC Impeccable Brow Pencil

Blonde – Pale yellow brown

Dirty Blonde – Cool light brown

Taupe – Mid-tone taupe

Black – Blackened dark neutral brown

• MAC Penultimate Brow Marker

Universal – Sheer netural brown

• MAC Brow Set

Mink – (LE) (Repromote)

Clear – (Permanent)

• MAC Brows

Lingering – Soft taupe brown (Permanent)

Spiked – Rich brunette (Permanent)

• MAC Beauty Powder Blush

Personal Style – Light mauve taupe (LE)

All’s Good – Cool deep rose (LE)

• MAC Blot Powder/Pressed

Medium

Deep dark

Very unlike me but I must say I’m lemming most of this collection. I really like what browns and warmer shades do for my eyes lately so I imagine I’ll be hauling many of the shadows in this collection. I’m also liking the looks of the lipglass and beauty powders. Pretty impressed with the new style of pigments as well. The collection looks like it’ll be universally flattering for a warm, elegant work look.

What do you think?

Worthy of a haul?

What’s your MAC All Ages, All Races, All Sexes wish list looking like?

Love or Leave?

Share it!

Available from MAC January 7th, 2010.

The post MAC All Ages, All Races, All Sexes Photos & First Impressions appeared first on Musings of a Muse.

Jump for it!

MAC Lipstick

• Spiced Tea (Warm Bronzed Brown)
• Warm Me Up Creamy (Mid-Tone Neutral Pink)
• Siss (Muted Golden Beige)

MAC Lipglass

• 2N (Creamy Neutral Yellow Pink)
• Feeling Dreamy (Pale Neutral Pink)
• Light That Fire (Burnt Coral with Pearl)
• 3N (Neutral Brown with Gold and Pink Pearl)

MAC Shadesticks

• Cuddle (Frosted Light Golden Yellow)
• Nurture (Frosted Peach Beige)
• Warm and Cozy (Burnt Amber with Red and Gold Pearl)

MAC Eyeshadow

• Cuddle (Frosted Light Golden Yellow)
• Nurture (Frosted Peach Beige)
• Warm and Cozy (Burnt Amber with Red and Gold Pearl)
• Relaxed (Frosted Dark Chocolate Brown)

MAC Mineralized Skinfinish

• By Candlelight (Golden Pink)
• Comfort (Golden Bronze)

MAC Nail Lacquer

• Blissed Out (Creamy Light Nude)
• Dim the Lights (Creamy Dark Chocolate)

MAC Tinted Lip Conditioner

• Close for Comfort (Pinkish Brown)
• Feelin’ Good (Light Beige)

Also releasing…

• MAC Lip Conditioner Tube and Stick
• MAC Mineralized All Over Lotion
• MAC Care Blends Essential Oils

Looks like a damn fine line up of product! I know I’m excited about the Shadesticks and MSF.

How about you?

Loving MAC Warm & Cozy?

Any must haves?

Tell the Muse!

Source

The post MAC Warm & Cozy Product Pictures & First Impressions appeared first on Musings of a Muse.

Jump ahead to see pics of the Tsumori Chisato for Shu Uemura Planet Cat Palette.

There isn’t doubt in the Muse’s mind that the Tsumori Chisato for Shu Uemura has some incredible offerings particularly package wise. The packaging is sincerely adorable on each and every piece. The Planet Cat Palette is particularly kawaii featuring a silver glittery compact with a black cat who has one eye that’s a rhinestone.

In regards to design I’m very pleased with the palette however the contents aren’t as popular with me as the packaging. I love the blush as it’s a gorgeous shade of peachy glow goodness but please keep in mind I’m at the stage of just holding the palette close to my heart and haven’t yet swatched anything as of yet. The one thing that was slightly disappointing was the mismatch of colors in the shadows. It’s made up of a large portion of silver shadow, a smaller black shade which could be used for a liner, and a copper penny bronze also small in size.

Taking into consideration the black and silver I’d say you can get a lovely smoky eye look from the palette but I did find the coppery shade a tad strange. Also included are a creamy highlighter and a black gel liner. I admit I’m normally not particularly creative with combing colors and such but I will say that I thought the entire palette was a mix of colors that didn’t seem to go well together. It was almost as if they paired warm and cool tones in one palette. Interesting but I’d rather they focus on one idea or look.

At $65 it’s a little costly but if you’re a collector I imagine that could be consider chump change. I am glad I got the additional 20% Off via Sephora Friends and Family when hauling as it made the $65 seem a little lighter. It’s such a unique piece I didn’t mine the high cost and generally Shu is pretty expensive regardless. Still unsure if I’d recommend it as a haul or just a pretty little bauble to collect but I’m loving it none the less.

Anyone haul from Planet Cat?

What are your thoughts if you did or even if you didn’t?

Tell the Muse!

Disclosure: The following item was purchased by me for review purposes (and because I like flinging my money at makeup products of any kind) on Musings of a Muse. For further information please see my FTC Guidelines or my Disclosure/Disclaimer posts.

The post Shu Uemura Tsumori Chisato for Shu Uemura Planet Cat Palette Review, Photos, and First Impressions appeared first on Musings of a Muse.

Honestly, I adore the idea of Twilight makeup. Hey, this is part of being a geek that never grew up. The idea of cosmetics themed around a favorite book of mine is always in style. Personally, I’m waiting for the WoW or Doctor Who cosmetic line but I’ll settle for Twilight if I must.

Jump ahead for more of my initial thoughts on Twilight Beauty.

The Muse bets any amount of money that you are wondering if she’ll indulge in some Twilight Beauty. To answer your question quickly without having to torture you too much through the babbling ahead I’ll say yes. If you want to hear me rant to do read ahead, if you’d rather just leave it at yes and wait for my reviews stop reading now.

Ahhh so you’re still here.

Here’s the deal. I’m very grumpy that they launched the site and are taking pre-orders for about 50% of the makeup. I’m an instant gratification kinda girl I am not wanting to wait until October for makeup k? If you don’t have it in stock please don’t proceed to flaunt it at me, make me want it, but tell me I have to wait until the end of October to have. Not cool guys not cool.

That’s my first rant…read more.

Ok, so I’m about to rant a little more here. Brace yourself.

I’m disappointed.

I’m kinda disappointed in most of the line. As I told you in a previous post it’s split into two collections which are Luna and Volturi. Hmmm who loves the Volturi? Anyone a fan? Yea well not loving that idea but ok. I guess the basic concept is lighter vs darker and more goth. However, I don’t see too many differences between the two collections anyway so I do believe they should have just left it at “Twilight Beauty” forget the entire Luna and Volturi concept.

Here’s the low down…it breaks my heart to be so brutally honest….absolutely nothing in the collection is a must have in my humblest opinion. Nothing stands out or shouts at me to buy it. I am a tad disappointed that it wasn’t something that wow’ed me. I honestly do not have a better idea for the collection but I just don’t like it as is either. Aside from the lipstick nothing else really grabs me as a must have and my total cart is made up of four items costing around $83…..The Twilight Beauty Blushing Creme has some of my attention but it honestly looks to sheer in the photos but it’s in my cart as I’m curious. I did see one color of Twilight Beauty Lip Gloss that appeals and one shade of Twilight Beauty Staining Balm. However, I can’t really see anything special or unique about any of the items on offer. I’m particularly disappointed in the packaging which isn’t quite living up to my idea of Twilight, dare I say it looks cheap?

What are your thoughts?

Twilight Beauty Yay or Nay?

So far my list consists of the following:

• Twilight Beauty Staining Lip Balm in Rapture (Maybe Blush too)
• Twilight Beauty Blushing Creme in Swoon
• Twilight Beauty Lip Gloss in Butterfly Kisses (Maybe Myth as well)
• Twilight Beauty Gleam Metallic Mascara in Panther

What’s your list looking like?

Indulging?

Share it!

Image Source

The post Twilight Beauty Website Launches: First Impressions of the Line appeared first on Musings of a Muse.

The last of the trio in the MAC Make-Up Art is the Fall As Seen By Marilyn Minter. This collection includes MAC Pigments, MAC Reflects Glitter, and MAC Glitter. As much as I adore pigment I’m not particularly excited about this release as I do believe I’ve overdosed on plenty of piggies and glitter to last me a full life time.

Click ahead to muse about the brand new MAC Push the Edge Pigment!

The Muse’s initial impression of MAC Pigment in Push the Edge was, “whoa that’s a dupe of Entremauve”. Turns out that’s a nay. Although quite similar (so much so you can skip Push the Edge if you already own Entremauve) they are have a subtle little difference. Push the Edge is a deep set royal purple as is Entremauve but the difference is Entremauve is a tiny bit deeper in color and has a subtle bit of golden shimmer. Aside from this they pretty much swatch almost identical.

This leads me to believe that Push the Edge may very well suffer the same faith. I do so wish I could create some incredibly purple smoky eye look but I fear I don’t have the talent to take on such a bold look.

Are you lemming Push the Edge?

What sort of look would you create using it?

Do share!

The post Product Musings: MAC Push the Edge Pigment Swatches MAC Make-Up Art Fall As Seen By Marilyn Minter appeared first on Musings of a Muse.

As part of the MAC Make-Up Art Cosmetics Collection the Maria Kalman for MAC Collection is made up of six shades of shadow and five shades of MAC Technakohl. Unconventional for Fall? For sure. Beautiful? No doubt.

Check it after the jump!

I have a very small stash of goodies from this collection that I’ve swatched for you and will give you a very brief babble about. This collection cries the Muse’s name as it’s filled with beautiful, fun shades. It’s not typically Fall but it’ll be nice to stash away for when Spring arrives next year!

I have two of the six shadows to show you and I’ll be quite excited to see the rest upon their release. The shades I have are Crest the Wave and Maria’s Mood. Crest the Wave is a rich buttery yellow with a frost finish and Maria’s Mood is a blue pink with a satin finish. Out of the two Crest the Wave has the best pigmentation but I’m not fond of the frost finish, regardless the shade is truly lovely. Maria’s Mood is a vast disappointment as it has a very sheer color payoff plus it’s a good deal chalky and almost matte in finish.

Her collection will be available in September from MAC with the other three in the MAC Make-Up Art series.

What do you think of fun shades for Fall?

Loving this?

Haulin’?

Tell the Muse!

The post Sneak Peek: MAC Make-Up Art Cosmetics Fall As Seen By Maria Kalman Review and Swatches appeared first on Musings of a Muse.

One of the three collections is the Richard Phillips for MAC Collection. Richard Phillips is an expert photo-retoucher and creates lush seven-foot tall oil paintings of men and women based on photographs he cuts out of magazines. His collection is the largest of the three color stories releasing and includes three shadow quads, various lipstick and lipglasses, and blushes covering lips, cheeks, and eyes.

Jump ahead for a small peek at a few pieces!

The Muse was treated to an early sneak peek of the Richard Phillips for MAC, MAC Make-Up Art Cosmetics Fall 2009 Collection and will give you a few pictures of the items she has available right now. Most of the items I received were very simple and would make for a stunning Fall nude look.

I’ll be indulging in all of the MAC quads but the one I have to show you today is the MAC Eye Shadow Quad in Notoriety. Notoriety contains Skintone 1 (light white pink), Skintone 2 (dirty gold), Notoriety (brown with golden pearl), and Rich & Earthy (coral bronze). The quad is surprisingly gorgeous in it’s simplicity and I’m looking forward to creating a warm, nude Fall look with it.

Anyone hyped about this collection?

Haulin’ hard?

Haulin’ small?

Tell the Muse!

This post will be updated with swatch photos shortly.

The post Sneak Peek: Richard Phillips for MAC MAC Make-Up Art Cosmetics Fall 2009 Review and Swatches appeared first on Musings of a Muse.

Jump ahead for my first impressions and review of a few Illamasqua Eye Shadows I got to test out this week!

I’ve read a few reviews comparing Illamasqua to MAC but for myself personally I think they are considerably different brands. Packaging, pigmentation, and price are a just a few things that set Illamasqua apart from MAC.

For the most part my adventures in Illamasqua Eye Shadow has so far been a tad on the disappointing side since I’m not a matte girl. The formula of the shadows is weak in pigmentation and a tad on the chalky side. I haven’t applied on my eye as of yet but so far they prove difficult to blend just on my arm. The swatches I did take had to be built up with several swipes. I did take note that wet or applied with a base they seem brighter and more intense but without they aren’t anywhere in the same vicinity as the pigmentation of a MAC eye shadow. Colors appear buildable which redeems the fact that at first swatch you aren’t going to jump up and down in delight at how pigmented the eye shadow is. I tried two shadows out so far which were Moan and CanCan. Moan is an olive green and CanCan is a pretty violet.

So far I can’t say that Illamasqua would replace MAC for me. I expected more for the price tag and was a tad shocked I wasn’t doing cartwheels around the room as it’s been very hyped up by makeup lovers far and wide so I did think I’d fit right into that groove. I do have to try these on my eye before making my final decision. So far I’m not too impressed but I will reserve judgment as I plan on purchasing a few of the shimmer finishes for myself because my current review could be a bit bias since matte really isn’t my medium of choice and I don’t have the skills to work with it.

So far Illamasqua won’t take over MAC for me as the price is higher and the pigmentation so far isn’t nearly as up to par. But we shall see….I need to explore and test further. If matte is your finish of choice you’ll be thrilled with a majority of the offerings from the line. In a sea of shadows dominated by various finishes, matte is a unique offering in the makeup world especially a collection of cosmetics that caters to such a finish.

Have you tried Illamasqua Eye Shadow?

Do you love them?

Tell the Muse!

The post First Impressions: Illamasqua Eye Shadow Review and Swatches appeared first on Musings of a Muse.

Few fun facts about my eyes…

I have a few fine lines, dark circles nothing dramatic but they are there if I don’t get proper rest, plus some puffiness. Mainly I’ve been looking for an eye cream for ages to rid myself of puffiness that’s one of my great concerns as I tend to wake up puffy. I’ve tried all the normal tips and tricks to get the puffiness down but to no avail, still puffy.

The good news is the cream is inexpensive and does a fairly good job of moisturizing my dry under eye area without causing milia. Richer creams have been known to create a milia problem for me but thankfully I’ve seen none of that with this. It’s a very basic eye cream that moisturizes but offers little else. I could also be jumping the gun here as I’ve only used it a few weeks so I may need to wait a little longer to see any long term results. I’m one for instant gratification and want to see visible results with one application but that’s a tad unfair.

Overall, C.O. Bigelow Triple Task Eye Treatment works nicely enough offering moisture where it’s needed but not much else…so far anyway. I’ll revisit this in a few weeks and update you on the process but I suspect not much will change. Honestly, it’s not all bad at all and quite a good moisturizing eye cream for it’s price tag which I can definitely appreciate.

Have you tried this?

Love it?

Would you be willing to try?

What’s your HG eye cream?

Tell the Muse!

The post C.O. Bigelow Triple Task Eye Treatment Review appeared first on Musings of a Muse.

The Muse is hauling more of what was released shortly but this is what she has so far to show you. Just a bit of makeup porn to tide you over until I do my full review!

Two shadows from the collection, Vibrant Grape and Bright Future, are definately just the pop I’m talking about. Bright Future is a loud, buttery yellow and Vibrant Grape is a stunning purple.

What do you think so far?

Have you hauled Style Warriors yet?

What did you get?

Share it!

The post First Impressions: MAC Style Warriors Review, First Impressions, Product Photos appeared first on Musings of a Muse.

With plenty of golds and bronze on the menu MAC Naked Honey is most definitely Summer-worthy cosmetic goodness. It is a small amount of color in this collection thought and most of the release concentrating on plenty of interesting body care items such as shower gels, lotions, potions, etc….

I did a quickie look yesterday using three items from the MAC Naked Honey launch that I got to test out. So far I like what I see. I tried out MAC High-light Powder in Golden Nectar, MAC Lipglass in Buzz, and MAC Eye Shadow in Creme de Miel.

Two MAC High-Light Powders are being released, Golden Nectar being the darker shade of the two. Regardless if it’s dark or not it was flattering on me. You can easily double this up as a contouring tool if you desire and even a bronzer if you want. It’s a deep, bronze shade with a hint of golden shimmer. Sadly thought the golden shimmer is only an over spray and for the most part the powder did apply matte to my cheeks. This wasn’t necessarily a bad thing as I did like the way it looked on. I used it as a blush/bronzer combo on my cheeks in the below picture.

Wanting Naked Honey?

Maybe you’re lemming Style Warriors more?

Tell the Muse!

The post Sneak Peek: MAC Naked Honey Collection Review, Swatches, and First Impressions appeared first on Musings of a Muse.

Click below for it!

As I mentioned I’m quite a fan of the FaceFront Cosmetics Cheek UP Blush. They make a mighty fine mineral blush plus the colors are unique and different compared to other e-tailer blush companies around which has me going back again and again as they release new shades. I can’t begin to say enough good things about these blushes and I highly rec nabbing some. The two I got this time around were Frawn Prawn and I’m Faunally Yours. Frawn Prawn is a nice hot bubblegum pink shade with a tiny hint of a shimmer where as I’m Faunally Yours is sheer true pink. Out of the two I’m Fanually Yours was a fast favorite. At first glance I was super worried this was going to be too sheer but turns out it’s a fantastic dupe for NARS Angelika (right down to the shimmer). It gives my cheeks a delightful pinch of pink that I’m loving for a fresher look. Both shades are nice and pigmented. I’m quite happy with the two. These are $16 USD each for a healthy amount (12g).

Anyone try FaceFront Cosmetics?

Loves ’em?

Leaves ’em?

Tell the Muse!

The post FaceFront Cosmetics Review appeared first on Musings of a Muse.