I simply adore Sugar’s new Sweet Cheeks Baked Blush!

I seen these while browsing Sephora’s website recently and I couldn’t resist picking up both shades available. They did a truly amazing job with these and I hope to see more colors added in the future!

Each generous size compact contains one baked blush that has two shades of color. You can use the shades together or seperate to create various looks! I personally liked the effect of swirling my brush around both shades to create a deep blush shade that can be applied sheer or built up to create a popping look on your cheeks! I deem these suitable and pure perfection for those with darker skin tones! The two shades available are Cupcake and Gingerbread. Cupcake is more of a frosty pink shimmering finish and not pigmented to work alone as a blush but more as a highlighter and Gingerbread, my personal favorite, is a beautiful combination of copper and cranberry. Gingerbread creates a beautiful peach glow on my cheeks that’s absolutely stunning. For once in my life I’m not obsessed with having paler skin, I’m actually wishing I had more of a deeper skin tone as I think these would be amazingly flattering on dark tones.

Left hand swatch shows what the colors look like blended together, Right hand side displays colors separate.

Left hand swatch shows what the colors look like blended together, Right hand side displays colors separate.

Normally baked cosmetic products do not have the best color payoff however Gingerbread happens to have amazing color payoff and I personally think multitasking the compact as an eyeshadow would be awesome. Both shades compliment each other brilliantly so why not get your money’s worth and use it on your face and cheeks! The formula is silky and smooth, blends wonderfully well, and has just the right amount of shimmer to create a beautiful glow. These are $24 USD and since the compacts are pretty generous in size I’d say well worth the price.

I like that Sugar was thinking out side the Fall Collection Look box and created colors that are unique and completely flattering for the cooler weather.

Sugar Sweet Cheeks Baked Blush, particularly Gingerbread, is definately Muse Approved for purchase!

See more of Sugar’s Fall Sketchbook by visiting the Sugar Website.

Are these on your Fall wish list?

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I’ve always wanted to be French and fabulous.

Sadly, I’m neither.

Where did I go wrong do you think?

Fortunately for me I can have fabulous French cosmetics from Darphin Paris.

I know how much you guys love hearing about beauty from abroad brands and in this case you may have never heard of Darphin prior to this. You can thank your Muse later for introducing you to awesome brands from abroad!

Today, I’ll be reviewing for you Darphin’s newest shade of lip gloss for the Fall season entitled Illusion. Illusion is a opalescent shimmering pink shade that has a mod, nude finish that flattering on bare lips or with a touch of lip stain to create a rather lovely and natural lip look.

Darphin Lip Gloss in Illusion is one of those shades you’d deem suitable for a popping eye look. When you’re not wanting to take away from a more dramatic eye look with a vibrant lip look, Illusion offers a beautiful nude finish that’s stunning in it’s simplicity. The applicator is a sponge tip and considerably smaller than normal sponge tip applicators which makes for nice precise application of the gloss. The formula isn’t sticky or tacky but manages to have a nice, long wear. The packaging on the gloss and many of Darphin’s makeup collection is retro chic which totally appeals to my vintage side.

To further advance my career as a fabulously, fashionista French woman (I wish) I can pop a Les Anis de Flavigny in my mouth and go for the full French effect. When I opened this package today I couldn’t help but smile. I haven’t had a tin of Les Anis de Flavigny in at least two years. A friend of mine that lived in France (next door to Johnny Depp….I’m kidding, I’m kidding!) used to send me tins of these every time she sent a package over and they were simply lovely! If you’ve never been to France I highly suggest grabbing a tin, you’ll be magically whisked away to Paris in no time at all! I recommend Coffee, those are my fav but of course you might want to go with Rose flavor to match the mint to your gloss! You know how much the Muse loves to match!

For my look below I used Darphin Lipgloss in Illusion on my bare lips. Instead of doing a vibrant eye look I used softer shades on both my eyes and cheeks to compliment the simplicity of the gloss!

You can purchase Darphin Lip Gloss in Illusion for $22 USD at the Darphin website. Lucky for us they ship within the US! CLICK!

While you’re visiting Darphine do check out the Darphin Blush Sensation Compact, so Muse-like! Darphin Ideal Fluid Concealer looks particularly lovely as well hmmm we might have to add this one to our concealer line up for review! What do you think?

Love Darphin?

Favorite French brands?

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Other glosses you may love…..

Shiseido Maquillage Neo Climax Lip Review

Jelly Pong Pong Lip Cushion Review

Aube Gloss Frutina Review

Tarte Double Dose Lip Gloss Review

Mally Beauty City Chick Nude Lip Kit Review

DuWop Moon Venom Lip Gloss Review

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Jill Stuart’s Illuminance for Fall was rather tempting this year. It’s been quite a while since I indulged in any of Jill Stuart’s offerings but I must admit that this year the eye palettes had a special place in my heart!

MuseTV Presents: Jill Stuart Illuminance

As I mentioned in my video I was really tempted to purchase all five of the Jill Stuart Illuminance Eye Palettes but I ended up asking for three in total. Sadly, the LE palette was sold out but I am somewhat thankful that happened because it doesn’t appear as lovely as I had imagined after viewing pics of it on various blogs.

I’ve been much more reserved with my purchases lately and I settled on a total of two eye palettes and one blush for this collection.

One of the first things I noticed about this particular collection is the fact that both the eye palettes and the blush compact have had a slight revamp in packaging. Jill Stuart eye palettes normally have a smooth mirror finish in this case the compact has a slightly raised floral motif that I really think adds a little something extra and special to each palette. I’m hopeful they’ll keep this style of packaging as new palettes are released. The new powder blush compacts also have a brand new design with beautiful lace overlay and the brush handle now sports a rather cute “J” initial charm. These small yet pretty touches really made the packaging even more girlish and more princess-like than it’s predecessors.

Old Jill Stuart Eye Palettes Versus New

Old Jill Stuart Blush Compact Versus New

I’m not the biggest fan of Jill Stuart’s compact blushes (it goes without saying what a big fan I am of the loose powder blushes though!) but I adore the packaging and when I seen the new colors I had to have at least one. The shimmering gold spray on top of the powder (which quickly disappears with one swipe of your blush) was definately a key selling point for me. Although in the end this shimmer quickly disappears it still had me hopeful that the powder would actually have a fine mill of glitter straight through. Sadly, that’s not the case. The color I got was Gold Illuminance which is made up of cream, bright pink, and two shades of peach. The effect of the powder is a peachy glow do to the dominate peach shades in the palette. Color payoff isn’t
fantastic but it’s decent and pretty.

With Flash

Without Flash

The two eye palettes I got were Jewel Dress and Brocade Gold. I am tempted to revisit the collection and get the other two palettes but for now I’m playing good girl as I’m hopeful Christmas will bring somthing particularly wonderful. Brocade Gold is my favorite of the two colors for the Fall. The shades are a stunning array of golds, peaches, bronze, and taupe. Jewel Dress contains more Summer friendly colors featuring hues of pinks, lilac, and taupe. The palettes contain a healthy amount of shimmery, glittery overspray that pretty much follows straight through to the shadow. Pigmentation is medium but can easily built up in intensity leaving behind a beautiful shimmery eye look.

With Flash

Without Flash

With Flash

Without Flash

Although all the colors are easily duped or replicated from past palettes I was still thrilled to pieces with this collection. The colors seemed deeper, more vibrant, and some had faint unique touches that weren’t completely identical to past shades. I particularly loved the eye palettes in this collection!

I’m very happy I did indulge and I wasn’t disappointed in the least! I highly recommend nabbing these if you have the means! I’m Muse Approving the Jill Stuart Illuminance Fall Collection for purchase!

The Muse loves it!

Love Jill Stuart?

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Excited about Jill Stuart’s US Debut?

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MuseTV: Spotlight on the Muse’s Jill Stuart Collection

Jill Stuart’s US Debut

Further Information on Jill Stuart Illuminance Collection

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Jill Stuart Christmas Coffret Review

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As far as the Muse is concerned Lush can do no wrong. I love all their products and haven’t run across a single one that I didn’t simply adore (except those that have patchouli in ’em! The Muse no likey the scent of patchouli!). However, their new Emotibombs are definately on my not to be loved list (and possibly waste of money list).

Recently, I blogged about all the lovely and wonderful items that Lush Cosmetics recently rolled out and one item I was pretty excited about trying out were the new Emotibombs. Emotibombs are Lush’s solution to having an in shower bath bomb experience. These little bombs are placed at the foot of your tube and as you shower the water streaming down on them allows the bomb to fizz up and release it’s scent engulfing you in a gorgeous fragrant steam.

Sounds brilliant right?

Sadly, these fail in all aspects. It breaks my heart to give anything Lush makes a poor review but truly these were a big disappointment for me.

I got a few of these and so far I’ve tried out two which were Up You Gets and Sex in the Shower. Both smell really great out of the bag and each has a nice strong scent however that scent does not carry it’s way to your shower sadly. Up You Gets has a rather strong, bright, lemon, lime cocktail that’s really quite wonderful and Sex in the Shower smells pretty much like Lush Ginger Perfume, Soap, and Dusting Powder (if you’re familiar with Ginger you know how this smells). The scent is difficult to describe but it’s been said to smell like old lady, personally I adore it and it’s my signature scent. It’s warm, spicy, and very sophisticated.

Lush Sex in the shower Emotibomb

Lush Up You Gets Emotibomb

My first use with an Emotibomb was quite a disappointment do to my own stupidity. I mistakenly placed the bomb directly in the shower’s spray which causes it to fizz within seconds and disappear. In the time it was fizzing away quickly I got absolutely no scent from it however I blame this on myself. I assumed that the bomb had the ability to last longer when under the spray of the shower. Some of Lush’s bombs, such as Happy Pill, last quite a while during a bath and I automatically assumed that Emotibombs would have the same staying power. I felt like I wasted a few dollars down the drain after using it this way.

My second use with the product I got a bit smarter and place it towards the back of my shower. This time it worked beautifully well and fizzed for the full 15-20 minutes that I was in the shower. I got some scent from it however the scent was so light that it was a sore disappointment.

I have a few more of these to get through but until they improve the formula and make the scent a bit heavier I doubt I’ll indulge in further Emotibombs. I can’t believe this but for once I’m very disappointed with a Lush product.

The Muse didn’t like Emotibombs at all and can’t recommend them. It’s wasteful to begin with having them go down the drain and it’s even worst they barely have fragrance.

Mmmm..definately not a good purchase!

Tried these?

Love ’em?

Hated ’em like the Muse?

Tell me all about it!

Lush Solid Perfume Review

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Lush Curly Wurly Shampoo Review

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Lush Rub Rub Rub Shower Gel Review

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If you’re looking for a warm, simple, inexpensive look for Fall might I suggest having a look at by Jillian Dempsey for Avon Retro Charm.

Although I’m a self confessed Avon hater I do admit that many of the collections they have released over the course of the last year have been really great, in particular those designed by Jillian Dempsey.

The collection consists of several items to make up a great face look for Fall. My favorite item is the Avon Retro Rouge which is available in two shades. The blush is a wonderfully pigmented cheek color that’s silky and long wearing. The blush comes in two shade selections and is available for $7.99 USD each. Each blush has a beautiful floral design which remains in place after swiping your blush across it! Bonus points for a great design that allows you to enjoy the cute floral design without completely erasing it after application! The color selection I have is Vintage Shimmer which is a warm peach shade. Although it contains “shimmer” in the name the blush itself remains a matte, silky finish.

To pair up with my warm, peachy shade of blush I choose a Avon True Color Eyeshadow in Apricot which is a golden peach shade that has a very slight shimmer but creates a very natural, smooth finish that’s flattering with warm blushes.

Finally to complete my look I used Avon Ultra Color Rich Lipstick in Charming Rose. The name is slightly misleading as the finish on this is a warm, metallic coral. Again, paired up with a warmer blush and shadow this color looks simply stunning!

I was really pleased with the look I created using these products and highly recommend picking some of this collection up. My entire look minus foundation, mascara, etc….was $13.73 USD to create. $2.49 USD for my shadow, $7.99 USD for my blush, and my lipstick was $3.25 USD.

Creating a stunning look for Fall for under $15 USD is definately Muse Approved.

I liked this collection alot. Color pay off was excellent, design and packaging was elegant, and my finished look was beautifully warm and Fall-like!

If you’re not particularly eager to shell out $25 USD for NARS Super Orgasm after reading my recent review I’d highly suggest nabbing this blush as a great replacement item!

Do check out Jillian Dempsey for Avon’s Retro Charm Collection to keep your beauty nice and budgeted!

Want this collection?

Picked some up already?

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Find more Budget Beauty finds by clicking through my past reviews!

Physicians Formula Multi-Colored Pressed Powder Review

Clean Perfume Twice as Clean Gift Set

NYX Mosaic Powder Blush Review

mark Glossblossom Ripening Lip Tint Review

Victoria’s Secret Beauty Rush Sparkling Eyeshadow Review

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