Nars Kalahari duo

 

My visit to the Nars concession was fruitful (from the number of Nars reviews of LM coming up!).

Amongst my purchases was Kalahari, a gorgeous eyeshadow duo. 

Same formulation as other Nars eyeshadows- buttery, soft, pretty long lasting (longer with primer) etc but in two warm toned shades that don't look like much on the stand (where pitted against other beautiful, eye-catchingly neutral duos like All About Eve and Isolde vying for attention), but are simply divine on the lid. 

The taupe shade in the duo is a mix of taupe/champagne shimmer/mink/antique bronze (I can't think of the word...#bloggerproblems), and the other is a warm yet cool brown with rose gold & champagne shimmers running through it. I can't get enough of these two when worn together, and my Naked 2 palette, though I love it dearly, has been temporarily put out of work. 

Kalahari is part of the permanent line, and is £25. 

Nars Yamal

 

 

This beauty was released with the Nars Autumn collection and I believe is limited edition. (me & my limited edition products right? Gosh)
I can see this either being a total hit and being sold out everywhere, or being totally overlooked. Yamal is a muted, milk chocolate brown colour, perfect for giving the eyes some definition, or simply as an all-over-and-go shade. The only comparison I can make to this is the Natural Collection eyeshadow in Milk Chocolate, but the loose colour similarity is where the likeness ends. Yamal is lighter, buttery soft to touch and with a tonne of pigmentation to boot. Packaging wise, it's standard the standard Nars deal (gorgeous to look at, but the rubberised material gets mucky very quickly). Nars eyeshadows are impeccably high quality, and next to the blushes, are Nars' best known products, and this reputation is completely deserved.
I openly admit to preferring the texture of Nars eyeshadows to Mac (which I believe is the most common comparison), however. There's a but. But, the eyeshadow single is £18.
Personally I think that it is completely worth it, but the best part of £20 on a single eyeshadow is pretty steep. If you're looking for a muted, natural colour to give some oomph to your eyes (any colour will look amaaaaaazing), then this is your gal.

payday dreaming

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I have a confession. 

I am the queen of wish lists. And furthering that, I am the queen of putting things on wish lists and then when I have the funds, not buying them (but that title's a little too wordy).

This edit however, has truly smitten me. The dress (1) has the raglan-esque sleeves that I've gone crazy about, and lace detailing at the bottom- I'm breathless! (2) is a beautiful peachy nude colour, which seems like it'd satisfy my yearning for a cream blusher. I tried the Stila Convertible Colours, and for some reason they struck me as way too oily and not as light as I'd hoped, so this Aerin offering may just be the answer to my beauty-prayers (they're a thing now). (3) & (5) are both Swarovski, and utterly gorgeous. I have multiple piercings in my ears, and I try to make the bottom pair the 'focus' (if that makes sense!).  Both are pretty pricey, so if I do decide to invest in a pair, it'll be one or t'other and at the moment, the starfish are winning! Lastly, though number (4) on the list are these Clarks leather combat boots. I picked these with Autumn in mind, because who could say no to stomping around in crispy, burnt coloured leaves in mahogany leather booties? Certainly no refusals here!

Laura Mercier Spellound

 

 

Spellbound by name, spellbound by nature. I love this. But, let's rewind and I'll talk you through this Laura Mercier beaut.
The Spellbound Illuminator was released as part of the Spellbound collection a few months ago and by gum is it making waves in the blogosphere. Hailed as "a beautiful face illuminating hybrid product with a soft rose gold shimmer perfect for highlighting", if you aren't knock-kneed by the description, you will be wowed by the product itself.
I'd describe this as a rose gold highlighter, leaning towards a champagne-y hue, slightly comparable to the Watts Up highlighter by benefit (which I love), but less pink and brashly gold. The powder feels a little rough when swatching, but glides onto the skin extremely smoothly. I apply this with the Real Techniques buffing brush (from the Core Collection), and although I like the finish, I'm still very much experimenting with how I'm going to really use this baby. It lasts a fairly long time, I'd say about 7 hours before it's completely gone- but that would be longer with a setting spray, or primer/ foundation underneath.
The packaging is classically sleek Laura Mercier, and at £31, following the theme of "not the cheapest" that my posts seem to be having at the moment, this is undeniably high end. It's also limited edition, which shouldn't have made me want it more, but the idea of these selling out like hot cakes made me a little flustered. It was one of those things where you know you don't need it, but you deperately really want it.
My advice? If this looks up your street, go go go!

l'eau de Chloé

 

Quick disclaimer: I am not a perfume expert. I struggle to describe the taste of ice cream more often than I'd like to admit, so the concept of accurately describing a scent seems somewhat implausible.

According to The Perfume Shop's website, L'eau de Chloe has Heart notes of violet, rose petals & natural rose water, Top notes of grapefruit, cedrat & sweetpeach, and Bottom notes of cedarwood essence, patchouli & amber.

To my nose, this is a light, floral but slightly spicy Spring/ Summer fragrance and I love it. It was released in early 2011 I believe and I kept going to counters and asking for samples which I subsequently wore all Summer last year. When my dad went on holiday, he found this in duty-free and a love affair was officially born between this perfume and I. It's a variation of the original Chloé fragrance which I actually haven't sniffed- but if it shares the same kind of smell, then I will be all over it.
Have you smelt this fragrance? What do you think?

Getting Organised I

 

After months of being an on & off blogger, I decided enough was enough. I love blogging, the whole process is completely enjoyable for me, and being a patchy poster (that is so much fun to say! patchyposterpatchyposter) was just not cutting it. For those of  you new to Lucy Muses (welcome!), I started this blog when I was 15 and knew very little about makeup. Despite this blog changing with my mood, and available free time in the past, this small allotment of cyberspace remains under my supervision after 2 + years, which I think is pretty dang cool. 

So, the above pictures are photographic evidence for you beautiful individuals, that I am being organised. I've spent a fair few hours photographing what I'm intending to review this month and writing down my thoughts on them (sort of like revision notes for beauty products).  I also have a basket, whose purpose is now solely to hold the products I am in the process of blogging about (sneaky peak of what's coming up!). Stay tuned pals- I'm just getting started!

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so I'll stop rambling and leave you at peace with the fact that I am doing some maaaaajor blogging right now. 

The Beauty List I

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Not a long list, but a list nonetheless!

I recently had my hair coloured/ highlighted (post in the works), and was recommended to invest in a colour protecting shampoo / conditioner, to keep the colour vibrant and fresh, so this Paul Mitchell jobby [1] looks like it's worth a try. Not the cheapest out there, but I've read a lot of positive reviews so watch this space!

I've never really displayed any interest in sampling Liz Earle cosmetics, but out of nowhere, I have a deep yearning to try it out and buy into the hype of the skincare guru's make-up line. The first additions, I believe, will be the brow pencil [2] because I am big. on. brows. and the healthy glow cream blush [3], because I remain to this day a cream blush virgin after failing to be wooed by the Stila convertible colours whilst swatching. 

I have never tried the Bumble & Bumble surf spray, but i have read that it is incredibly drying- a similar judgement to the one I made of Toni & Guys casual salt spray, which, if applied at the wrong stage of hair dampness, will result in dry tendrils as opposed to the luscious beachy locks we all are falling over ourselves to achieve. The Sacha Juan [4] offering clocked up on my radar the second that VDM did a review, proclaiming it worthy of it's cult status. £18 is certainly not cheap for a glorified bottle of salt water, but i think i'll happily pay it if I can finally reach a happy medium between not sucking the moisture out of my hair, and bedhead-y waves a la Moss (Kate).

Lastly is the Laura Mercier illuminator [5] from the Spellbound collection. 2 words for you, my lovely readers: l i m i t e d  e d i t i o n. Those two words have initiated crazed purchases from all womankind at some point or another, and this is no exception. I may've already been a little naughty and coaxed my local Space.NK into holding one for me. £31 is not, I repeat, not the amount I'd be looking to spend typically on a highlighter, but it's limited edition, oh-so-splendid and the ultimate rose-gold highlight for my skin tone (wistful swatching has definitely taken place many-a time). It's justifiable. Completely. It's like when you tried to convince your parents to buy you a puppy circa 8 years old....Look at iiiiiiiit*.

*And the highlighter won't urinate incessantly all over the floor. You're welcome. 

Currently reading: Just finished 13 Reasons Why - review? About to move onto Alex Woods Versus the Universe

Lancôme bi-facil makeup remover

 

Bi-Facil is an oil-free facial cleanser and makeup remover, formulated, according to the Lancôme website, with those with sensitive eyes / contact lense wearers in mind. As a contact lense wearer myself, the claims of gently removing even waterproof mascara to leave eyes makeup free and fresh drew me in. I actually didn't intend on buying this, but I begun talking to the MUA on the counter whilst buying the Hypnôse Drama mascara (review to come!) who recommended this.
The product itself is two liquid layers (one dark blue, the other lighter), which, effectiveness aside, looks pretty impressive. The bottle is shaken so the two mix together, and then you use it as you would any other eye makeup remover (on a cotton pad etc). I find this to be extremely effective, taking of waterproof mascara with ease.
As for the sensitive eyes / lense wearer claim, I am pleased to report that it doesn't irritate eyes or cause contacts to tear or move on contact. There is a slight scent (like roses with another scent I can't quite put my finger on) which I'm learning is consistent throughout the Lancôme range (the mascara is also scented).
At £21, this isn't a cheap option for makeup removal, but I am really enjoying using this, and adds a little extra luxe to my evening routine.

Soap & Glory + Garnier

 

For some reason, avoiding my local drugstore has proved near-impossible for me recently! I popped in this morning for a prescription pick-up, and before I could say "offers!" I was visually bombarded with red tags proclaiming a host of "£2 off!"s and "3 for 2!"s. Needless to say, I was drawn in and left with a small, but select bag of goodies.

I've had (and finished) a tub of the Soap & Glory Righteous Butter previously, so the miniature had me sold- it's such a cute size and I think it'll be a life saver in the oncoming colder months. I also opted for the Soap & Glory Hand Maid anti-bac, being a closet clean freak hygiene conservationist (i know, so rock and roll!) and lover of the Soap & Glory scent (fresh, fruity and ever-so-sweet). To complete for 3 for 2 offer, I picked up Soap & Glory Hand Food moisturiser. I once met a girl in her late teens, who had the softest hands I'd ever seen and from that day forth I swore to keep my hands soft and velvet-y... which I'd completely forgotten until my eyes fell upon this little beauty! It smells so. good. I got the 3 for £5, which is definitely a good deal in my eyes. I'll get a lot of use out of all of these, because they are the perfect size to be thrown into your handbag without a second thought when heading out for the day. 

Also, being a total skincare floozie, I was intrigued by Garnier's latest moisturizer offerings. There are 5 in the range, each tailored to a different skin type/ trouble. I went for the Wake Me Up Moisturizer (a.k.a the orange one!), because I don't really suffer with dryness, excess oiliness or no glowiness. The product itself has pretty straightforward packaging (the same design, and smell in fact, as the Garnier BB cream) and a gel consistency which, when rubbed onto the face gives an immediate zing. So far, so good! 

Apprise: August 2013

These updates are going to be a kind of monthly favourites of my existence- a monthly update about the girl behind the blog- beyond all things makeup and fashion.

1. This month has been my, and everyone's, Summer break. I've been working alot, finishing school work and visiting friends and family. Albeit, it's not St Tropez or jet-setting worldwide- but I think 'home summers' are way underrated.
2. As I have had a lot of free time, I've been shopping. Too much. I need to stop putting myself in the way of retail temptation, and spend my time doing other things- like blogging! I've rediscovered my love of blogging, and have attacked blogging with such gusto that I have posts lined up til mid-September. I don't know what happened, I just got carried away!
3. My boyfriend has been away all Summer, and I saw him last night / today before he goes away again for a few weeks. Relationships aren't the be all and end all, but I guess if you find someone who makes you happy, then enjoy that! We curled up on the sofa, splitting a stuffed crust Dominoes (once-in-a-while indulgence much?) and then some Ben & Jerry's (Blondie Brownie &  Dough-ble Whammy), watching the Office US under a duvet. It was quite literally the ultimate cute couple-y thing, I can hardly believe how happy I am! Early days, early days- but we're in a good place. 

friday spending

After this morning, I've come to the conclusion that I have a mild spending problem.

I went to purchase the Laura Mercier Spellbound highlighter in my local Space.NK (the sheer proximity of it being a problematic temptation in itself), and ended up having a really long conversation with the MUA- who was probably the nicest one I've ever come across.
I ended up leaving with the Oribe Apres Beach Spray after realising that my normally beachy waves have been a bit...lacklustre since I had my hair highlighted. I've been living off my Toni & Guy casual salt spray, which is good, but just a little drying- and I was actually looking into buying a tousling spray after seeing Lily's blog post on the Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray. £33 for the can seemed a little excessive, seeing as I've never really been enticed by the thought of buying hair products- but I spritzed a little into my locks in-store and was immediately sold. Hello beach holiday in spray form!
My Space.NK bag that I clutched and smiled about the entire way home also contained the  Lipstick Queen lipstick in Bare Nude (Saint). At £20, again, definitely on the pricier side of lip product proceeding, but nonetheless...just so pretty. I'm forever searching for 'The One' (the nude lipstick kind) that I can just slick on in the mornings and leave happy, and this may just be it. It's 10% pigment, which sounds off-putting right? But it's a gorgeous glossy formula that like a magnificent graduation from tinted lip balm. Perfect shade on my skin anyway!
And yes, I did actually pick up the highlighter, and I'm every bit as infatuated as I expected (it's limited edition- so i recommend everyone run screaming to the nearest Laura Mercier Counter and buy it keep that in mind if on the fence). I also had a mosey over to boots, intending to pick up colour protecting shampoo & conditioner- which I did.
The latest additions to my shower are the John Frieda Everlasting Blonde shampoo,  the Colour Renew Tone-Correcting conditioner, and the Herbal Essences Beautiful Ends hair mask (because i'mma show ma hurrr some lovin'!)

Thursday report I

I find that regular weekly posts (such as llymlrs' weekly sunday portrait etc) are particularly interesting, so I thought I'd try my hand at it!













T a r t a n.
If you couldn't tell by the pattern above, this weeks Thursday report (the first in fact!) centres around tartan. It's less highlands, and more...high fashion (sorry...i had to!)
Like with so many styled that have been revived from a bygone style era (like crop tops, platform shoes and bright hair), tartan appears to be being given a new lease of life. The fall '13 collections from the likes of Versace, Chanel and Vivienne Tam were all heavily leaning towards rebellious and 'punk'.
Unsurprisingly, with this don't-care-punk-wear attitude came tartan, which, to me at least, is quintessentially, punk. Since, it's cropped up in Topshop, River Island and Primark, slowly but surely taking over the racks of our beloved high street stores.
Personally, I love the trend- it reminds me of a tartan skirt I used to have as an 8 year old.

Incorporating it into your wardrobe: 
Easier than you think! Think statement pieces- like trousers, skirt or blazer.  If you're wearing this iconic print, then chances are you're not looking for subtlety. Keep the focus on your tartan piece, and keep everything else simple and chic. I'd advise steering away from equally as loud prints, but the world is your oyster. I'll be pairing my tartan blazer with a plain white tee, dark jeans or a skater skirt, with pixie-punk ankle boots and a bold lip. Or, for a more casual look, cigarette pants, white collared shirt, a camel coloured coat and a tartan scarf with some brogues (Autumn isn't far off, after all!)

What do you think of this trend? Love it, or loathe it?

& all the other boys

It's happened again!
A wild Lucy appeared, tail between legs apologising for, once again, being missing in action- but this time, i have a good reason- I swear.
Alot has shifted in my life recently, which has been extremely exciting and has put me in a really good place emotionally. I've a new boyfriend (maybe more on that in a few months), received a fair amount of good news, had my faith in myself and what I can achieve restored, and somewhere along the way hit puberty all over again.
The last part may confuse you, but I lost a significant amount of weight quite quickly, and due to that, my body seems to have rebooted itself and i've been growing and shrinking like nobody's business (read- clothes too big, bras too small).
I have a post lined up about my new hair (i am ginger no more!), and where I got it done / reviewing the salon, so stay tuned for that!



Currently reading: 13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher