it's not what's under the tree that matters. it's who is gathered around.

Merry Christmas, everyone! If you are reading this right now....I hope you are surrounded by family and friends. Today, I am wishing you and your loved ones a joyful celebration that you will all remember for years to come. Have a wonderful day today. Be sure to eat lots of stuffing, chocolate, and candy canes, watch some holiday movies, and spoil the people you love most. Thank you so much for stopping by and supporting the creation of beauty is art. I really appreciate it.

Speaking of the blog. I will be taking my annual mini-break during this time. So, you can expect to see a new post from me on New Years Day. That is when I will be checking in with you all, doing a bit of reflecting, and welcoming in a shiny new year.

Until then....happy holidays!

Christmas waves a magic wand over the world,

and behold, everything is softer and 

more beautiful.

- Norman Vincent Peale

xo Shannon

all is calm. all is bright.

It is hard to believe....but Christmas Eve-Eve is upon us. That means the big day is just a couple of sleeps away. How does the time always seem to go by so quickly? When I was young, I couldn't wait for Christmas morning to roll around. Now that I am older, I want it to wait a little longer. There is a huge part of me that is desperate to slow things down and hold onto these holiday moments for a little while longer. I want to enjoy the build-up, the magic, and anticipation for as long as possible. It is a time of such bliss! Since it is officially almost Christmas, this post is all about inspiration.

christmas is a time of meaning and traditions.

Can you believe how quickly time is passing? It seems that only yesterday, December was beginning, and now, it is almost Christmas. It is just a few short days away. No matter how much I try to prepare, start early, and get ahead...it seems that time always speeds up around this time of year. That is why I like to stop and think about what really matters. About all the things that fill my heart with warmth. Last year, I started a little notebook where I jotted down all of the wonderful things that happened around the holiday season. It also included a few of my favourite traditions. So today, I wanted to share those traditions with you. These are the things that I love and look forward to each and every year.

my christmas record collection.

Sometimes, people say that I was born in the wrong decade. And sometimes, I think they are right. If only for my love of records and music from decades past. My obsession is largely focused around the 1970s but the 50s and 60s are also fair game. Perhaps it comes as no surprise then that I have built-up a sizable record collection. I have tons of different genres and decades covered! That includes holiday music. There are actually quite a few records floating around my collection that are dedicated to Christmas songs. Some are really old while others are more recent re-prints....but I love them all the same.

my disneyland trip: recap, photos, and experiencing disney during the holidays

It has always been my dream to be at Disney during Christmas. Not on Christmas day (because I love family traditions) but just before, so the place is all lit up and decorated. Despite this being a long-time dream, I never actually thought it would happen. There is just so much to do during this time of year! But somehow....it happened. My mom, sister, and I flew to California to visit Disneyland in December. There were some highlights and some not so spectacular moments, but for the most part, it was a wonderful holiday getaway.

holiday music spotlight: hanson

Hanson is my favourite band. They have been since I was ten years old. Being a fan for twenty years (and counting) means there have been plenty of highlights and stand out moments. Like going to my first concert, meeting Taylor Hanson, and taking the walk on a very snowy afternoon. One early highlight came when they released their first Christmas album, Snowed In, way back in November of 1997.

enjoying the magic of the season.

Christmas is so much more than a day. For me (and many others), it consists of many seasonal events that lead up to one massive celebration. Those smaller moments are actually my favourite part of this time of year. Little things like decorating the tree, drinking a hot chocolate, watching movies, and spending time with family and friends. Or attending a special event, curling up with a good book, or driving around to see all of the glorious light displays. There are so many experiences that add to the enjoyment of the holiday season. This post is dedicated to those special moments that have made me smile over the last several weeks.....

tips to warm up your winter makeup

Winter is here. Just in case you couldn’t tell from the chilly temperatures, holiday traditions, and dry skin! When it comes to fashion and makeup choices, many of us tend to stick to neutrals and cool toned shades during this time of year. In fact, metallics, glitter, and shimmer are totally on trend. This year? It is time to do something different. Instead of sporting wintery makeup looks day after day, warm up your makeup instead. These tips will help you add a little sizzle to your winter beauty routine.

quick and easy holiday makeup looks

The holidays are a great excuse to have fun with makeup. You can go a little darker, a little bolder, and a little more dramatic. Everything from bright red lipstick to glittery gold eyelids and ultra winged liner are welcome. Ready to look your best this holiday season? Whether you are heading to an office Christmas party, a special date night, or are meeting up with old friends.....these quick and easy holiday makeup looks are all you need. They are guaranteed to make you sparkle at each and every special event. 

five christmas movies making me smile this year.

I will happily admit it. My obsession with holiday movies and TV specials continues to grow. I absolutely love watching them....all year round. It doesn't matter if the weather is blazing hot or snow is falling softly outside my window. I will always reach for a Christmas movie! There is just something about them. It doesn't matter what the scenario is or whether things seem impossible and out of reach for the characters. The movie always ends with a heartwarming scene that acts as a reminder that life is beautiful. On that note! Today, I am going to share with you the five holiday movies that are making me smile this year.

review: hanson finally it's christmas tour

Hanson concerts rarely seem to go smoothly for me. The last time I saw them, there were transportation issues. This time? Ticket issues. Their sold-out show at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre was set to start at 8pm...however because it was a seated venue, one of my friends had bought the tickets so we could all sit together. There was traffic. Really bad traffic. She wasn't sure when she was going to get there. And my friend and I were left outside with no physical ticket to get inside. Our friend attempted to transfer the tickets to us to no avail. It required a print out copy rather than an e-ticket on our phones. That led to a bit of desperate begging at the box office. Thankfully, it worked! We got our tickets and were let into the over-crowded venue.

how to save money on beauty products during the holidays

Makeup obsessed? Love to try out new products? I know the feeling. The problem is that being a beauty lover can get pretty costly. Especially if you are the type to pick up the holiday lines from Too Faced, Tarte, and every other Sephora favourite. Being a beauty lover is a wonderful thing…. except when it takes a hit on your finances. Don’t stress this season. There are plenty of ways to save money on products without feeling the pinch that December often brings. Here are a few of my personal favourites.

make it a december to remember.

It's here! For some people, the arrival of this month brings forth feelings of anxiety and stress. It's true that there is a lot to get done....from decorating, shopping, baking, and get togethers with loved ones. But that is what makes the season so grand. Stressful as it may be sometimes. Me personally? I am the type of person who has been eagerly awaiting the arrival of December for ages. My Christmas shopping started way back at the end of summer and I have been making lists, planning, and watching holiday movies all year long. Basically? I am Christmas obsessed. I absolutely love this time of year. Everything about it makes me happy.

review and swatches: the jaclyn hill palette

There was so much hype. Everyone and their mother was obsessing over the Jaclyn Hill palette from Morphe from the moment it launched. And continued to rave about it with each and every re-stock. Not to mention its recent appearance at Ulta stores. Basically....every makeup obsessed person seemed to have this palette or want to have this palette. I fell into the latter category.

highlight series part two: hard candy vs revlon

There is nothing like a stunning highlight to complete your makeup look. It instantly adds a gorgeous glow to the skin....either in a subtle way or in an over-the-top-glitter kind of way. These days? There are a million different highlighting options on the market. That includes everything from high-end highlighting kits (from Becca and Anastasia Beverly Hills) to drugstore offerings. The latter has really branched out lately. More and more brands are releasing their own shimmering highlights. 

highlight series part one: wear highlighter like a pro

Beauty products may come and go…. but highlighter is forever. That glow? That buzzed about skin? Nothing can compare! Which is why every professional makeup artist has at least one or two highlighters in their kit. The same goes for makeup lovers. These days, highlighting products are everywhere. You can pick them up from MAC, Sephora, and even your nearest Wal-Mart store. This is one beauty item that is an absolute must. Especially if you are after beautiful, radiant skin this fall and winter. Looking to add a highlighter to your makeup routine? Everything you need to know is right here.....

but now you're gone....i'm just a daydreamer.

I still remember the first time I laid eyes on him. It was a sleepy Sunday morning and I was flipping through TV channels aimlessly. No one else was awake....so I had the luxury of choosing anything I wanted. There were too many options. Until I landed on a re-run of The Partridge Family, that is. As a fan of 70s television shows, it seemed a logical choice. Plus, I had a vague memory of watching the show with my mom when I was very very young. All was going well and then bam! David Cassidy walked onto the screen. My heart skipped a beat. My breath caught in my throat. By the time he started to sing (in that red velvet jumpsuit), I had fallen, hook, line and sinker. Yes, that was the day that I fell in love with a 70s icon.

wet n wild coloricon loose pigments: yay or nay?

It isn't often that limited edition Wet n Wild products are available where I live. Every once and a while, there will be a small, understated stand with a handful of products. But most of the time? There is very little. Which is a shame, since Wet n Wild is such a standout drugstore brand. They have a ton of fabulous products. In fact, almost everything that I have tried from them has been fantastic quality. Especially their eyeshadows! So of course, when I saw a tiny little stand of limited edition Wet n Wild Halloween themed makeup, I went for it. In addition to the cream face palette that appeared in my Halloween post (it helped me create this Sally-inspired look) there were also a couple of loose pigments to choose from.

zaful review: fashion, makeup, and accessories

It gives me a thrill. Opening up the mailbox to see a package full of new clothes, makeup, and accessories from Zaful. A flurry of questions instantly run through my mind, like: What is inside? Will everything fit? Will I fall in love with it all? That feeling of giddy anticipation essentially sums up my typical experience of online shopping. While I do not enjoy the waiting part (I am someone who struggles with patience), I do enjoy the moment when it arrives. A little while ago, I placed an order with Zaful that included a sweater, sweatshirt, two chokers, and a makeup palette.

shopping my stash: too faced power of makeup palette

Sometimes I forget. I'll fall into a routine of using the same eyeshadow palettes for a while, then mix it up, and fall back into that same habit. The reason for this is pretty simple: I forget what I have. Unless there is a specific idea that has popped into my head, a palette I've remembered, or I actually have time to dig through my collection (for a special occasion rather than a quick-and-easy everyday look), then I am likely to stick to my trusted favourites. As a result? Amazing palettes don't get nearly enough use. One of my resolutions from this past year was to change that. To focus on using more of what I have. Which is how I found myself doing another self-imposed shop my stash challenge.

if you can't stop thinking about it...buy it.

Shopping and travel are two of my favourite pastimes. Every once and a while? Those loves are combined. That happened recently when my mom and I took a shopping bus tour to Eerie, Pennsylvania. We actually took this same trip last year and had such a great time that we decided to go again! Essentially, it is a three-day trip, full of shopping, shopping, and more shopping. Since the holiday season is quickly approaching (can you believe it?!) this seemed like the perfect time to share a little bit of my experience with you all. And hopefully inspire you with your own seasonal shopping. Here goes....

achieving happy and healthy skin.

You’ve heard it before. Taking care of your skin is a must! It is the best way to look beautiful! There is no doubt about it. Proper skincare is important. Which is exactly why magazines publish article after article about the dangers of not washing your face, not using the right products, and so on. (Which only manages to create serious feelings guilt when you leave your makeup on overnight!) Lately, I have been thinking about my own habits. In terms of both nutrition and my regular skincare routine.

kate hudson: love it or leave it?

There are few actresses in Hollywood that are as charismatic as Kate Hudson. She has a way of lighting up the screen. Or red carpet. Or really anywhere she happens to be. It is a rare quality that leave me in awe...and has made her one of my favourite actresses. In addition to loving her on-screen work, her books Pretty Happy and Pretty Fun are both full of positivity, solid life advice, and joy. A little while back, Kate dazzled at the amfAR Inspiration Gala in Beverly Hills. She showed up wearing a black and white dress by David Koma, and reactions have been mixed. On that note! Are you ready for another installment of love it or leave it?

i'm not getting old. i'm getting better.

I love birthdays. While many of my peers cringe at the thought of another year gone by, there are few things I look forward to more than my birthday. I guess I’m a bit of a birthday brat – even now. There’s a reason for it! I have a twin brother, so growing up we always shared our birthday parties, cake, and sometimes even our presents. Once I was old enough to organize my own birthday celebrations, I went full force. I invited every single one of my friends out to dinner, organized themed get togethers, and spent the entire month of October in blissful anticipation. It felt good to celebrate my birthday my way.

review: gosh long lasting eye liner pen

Everyone has that one makeup product. You know, that total must-have. The one product that goes with you when you travel, is tossed into your beauty bag, and is a key part of each and every look you create. For some, that is lipstick. Others are obsessed with mascara. Me? My obsession is eyeliner. Always always eyeliner. This is the perfect way to add definition to the eyes and transform an ordinary makeup look into something spectacular. Recently, I was able to try out a few new eyeliner pens from Gosh Cosmetics. Are they good? Bad? Somewhere in between? It is time to find out.

designer spotlight: celebrating betsey johnson

We all have that one designer. The one you simply cannot get enough of. The one you keep up with, follow on Instagram, and anxiously await new designs from. For me, that designer is and has always been, Betsey Johnson. Her fun personality matches her equally fun, bold, and creative designs. She is an icon in her own right. With over forty-five years in the industry, there is no denying her talent. With such an incredible career and legacy behind her…. it is time to take a step back and celebrate all things Betsey.

where there is no imagination there is no horror.

Are you a fan of Halloween? I definitely am. There has always been this wonderful anticipation surrounding this time of year. When I was younger, it was all related to choosing the perfect costume, going to the elementary school dance, and going out trick or treating. Now that I am older, my Halloween typically consists of scary movies and bite-sized candy. In the past, I would always try to go out and do something special but either the plans never properly materialize or the evening would be a colossal letdown. So, a laid-back (but Halloween themed) movie night has become my ideal way to celebrate the holiday.

review: christina aguilera perfume

Though there are many things that interest me, music and fragrances are pretty high up on the list. There is something about the way a song or artist can connect with you....and describe how your emotions with ease. The same can be said with perfume. One whiff can take you to another place or describe your current mood. They transport you. They make you feel. Which is why it seems fitting that so many musicians have created their own fragrances over the years. Though there are many different examples in my perfume collection....the most recent is from Christina Aguilera.

this music is a place to hide.

It did not go according to plan. The way I had envisioned my Hanson concert experience was somewhat different than the reality of the day. In my mind, I had planned to spend ages getting ready, go down to participate in the walk (where Hanson and a group of their fans walk one mile to raise awareness and funds for HIV/AIDS and poverty in Africa), and then see an awesome show. Well....the latter happened. Everything else was sort of all over the place.

happy birthday to me.

Happy birthday to me! That is right...today is my birthday. Even though I am no longer a child, this day never ceases to make me excited. I look forward to spending time with people I love, hearing from friends, and of course, eating cake. Most of my day will be spent relaxing and then this evening it will be a dinner with my immediate family. In the past there have been themed nights out and get togethers planned but this year it will be pretty low-key. And for the most part, I am okay with that. There is still a double date to look forward to (my husband and I are having a Bob Ross themed night with a couple of our friends), and attending a drag show with my sister.

beginner series: how to wear colourful eyeliner

Fall is officially here…. which means there are plenty of exciting makeup trends to try. Just because the weather is getting chilly and everyone seems to be embracing a dark and vampy style doesn't mean you have to say so long to colour. Have fun with it and stand out all season long. That's right! It is possible to wear colourful eyeliner, showcase your personality, and live vibrantly - even as a beginner. This guide will show you how to get started. 

#OOTD: AAA Girls Drag Show

There are some nights that are beyond memorable. They are special. That is the best way to describe my experience seeing the AAA Girls recently. In case you don't know already....the AAA Girls are made up of Alaska, Willam, and Courtney Act. They are drag queens who were all featured on various seasons of RuPaul's Drag Race. (Alaksa, my personal favourite, actually went on to win All Stars 2.) They came to Toronto on their Access All Areas tour a few weeks ago, so my sister and I jumped at the chance to see these incredible performers take the stage.

new in: zara, hot topic, and bluenotes.

Oh, shopping. How I have missed you. As you may know if you have been reading my blog for any period of time....it has been one of my resolutions to do less shopping. And I have. Though, I do still indulge every once and a while! And boy, did I need to. It had been a strange few days and I was feeling pretty emotional. Everything was off balance and my mind was not in the best place. Thankfully, my mom and I had a mini shopping trip planned. We went to the mall to find a birthday gift for my dad and check out some of the stores. It was such a fun day and it managed to get my mind off of things. If that wasn't enough, my husband and I did some discount shopping the day before. It was definitely a weekend of worthy of a shopaholic.

brand love: clinique (moisture surge collection + gift bag goodies)

As hard as it is to believe.....winter is not too far away. I know, I know! It's a scary though. Right now the fall weather is starting to kick in and the temperatures are dropping fast. For me, that means one thing: dry skin. This is something I deal with on a regular basis but once the fall and winter months arrive, it becomes so much worse. That means I really need to be proactive when it comes to skin care. All I can say is thank goodness for Clinique! This is easily one of my favourite brands, thanks to their Moisture Surge line of products.

these are a few of my favourite things.

Every once and a while, it is important to stop and look around you. To focus on the wonderful things in your life and just take a moment to be grateful. This is something I am trying to more of lately. I think social media has intensified this need to buy more, more, more, just to keep up with everyone else. Don't get me wrong....I love a good haul post! And I love to shop. But at the same time, it is important that we don't get so caught up in hoarding new things that we forget how blessed we already are. That is what inspired this post. I decided to go through pictures and look around my apartment - to show you what I have been loving lately. Each thing on this list fills my life with joy.

do-it-yourself recipes for beauty and skin care.

Feel like changing up your beauty routine? There are so many ways to go about it. For some, that might mean picking up a new face wash or using a different mascara. For others? It is all about putting your skills to the test. DIY doesn’t just relate to home improvements. The term can also be applied to your skin, beauty, and hair care. Why should you do-it-yourself this season? Making your own beauty products can save you money and ensure that only natural products are used. Try out one of these recipes and get ready to change your beauty routine for the better.

review: rimmel insa-flawless

At this point, it feels like I have tried just about every primer and perfecting cream there is to try. There are ones I like, ones I don't like, and ones that fall in the middle. After a certain point, new offerings fail to interest me. Which is why I was surprised to find myself gravitating towards the new Rimmel London Insta Flawless Perfecting Radiant Skin Tint. Right off the bat, it seemed like a newer version of the Maybelline BB Cream (that I used to wear as a base underneath my foundation for a fuller coverage look). Would this be different? Better? Worse? For whatever reason....I had to find out.

how to makeover your closet this fall.

Every closet could use a makeover every now and again. Every so often it is a good idea to weed out old pieces you don’t wear anymore. Like that trendy top that seems out of place or a t-shirt that is totally worn out. From there you can donate, trade, or toss. Simple, right? Just don't forget about your actual closet. It tends to get neglected, which is why this season, it is time to make it over. These ideas will help you get organized and beautify your space.

current obsession: annabelle chrome cream eyeshadow

Ever have one of those moments? You know, when a makeup product walks into your life and instantly becomes a must-have? That happened to me recently. On a whim, I picked up the Annabelle Chrome Creamy Single Eyeshadow in the shade Gold. There was a small display of these chrome shadows on an end that I passed while walking through my local drugstore and I thought...what the heck. There were a few shades to choose from but the gold seemed like the one I would use most often. So, I took it home to try out this creamy shadow for myself.

mini mall haul.

Shopping is one of my favourite pastimes. Yet it has become a source of stress and panic for me in the last little while. Why? I have been trying very hard to buy less and use more of what I own. That includes makeup, clothes, DVDs, and everything else in my life. Because of that.....I find myself worrying on the odd instance that I visit the mall or go on a shopping trip. I constantly ask myself: Do I need it? Will I use it? Should I be spending money? Ahh, how I miss the days of spending my paychecks without a care in the world.

review: maybelline the city mini palette (downtown sunrise)

It has been a while since a drugstore eyeshadow palette caught my eye. In all honestly, there hasn't been a whole lot out there lately. Most of the newer makeup products are lip-centric....but really....how many liquid lipsticks does a girl really need? Needless to say, it was refreshing to see a few new mini eyeshadow palettes out from Maybelline. I particularly liked the fact that they had a clear theme and packaging that was eye-catching and exciting. Which is why I decided to take the plunge and give the Downtown Sunrise mini palette a try.

versatile blogger award.

Sometimes? It feels nice to be appreciated. I started the creation of beauty is art. six years ago and have written about an awful lot of topics since then. From makeup to fashion to music to lifestyle, travel, personal events, and so much more. Versatile is certainly a good word to describe my little corner of the Internet! Which is why I was so excited and grateful to be nominated for the Versatile Blogger Award by P&P Style. (Thank you so much!) Her blog is amazing and is all about fashion - so be sure to check it out.

first impressions: fenty beauty by rihanna

It has been a while since a new makeup line has created a massive amount of buzz. For the last while, Sephora has been full of the same old brands with their usual offerings of beauty products and skin care items. While there is always tons to choose from....there hasn't been anything super exciting in a while. I'm talking line-ups, crowds, and tons of anticipation. Until Fenty Beauty arrived, that is. The new makeup brand, created by Rihanna, is shaking up the beauty industry.

jennifer lawrence: love it or leave it?

Whenever a film festival takes place, there is one constant: fabulous red carpet looks. It doesn't matter what genre the movie is, who is starring, or where the festival takes place. There is always something new and exciting to see at the premiere. Recently, TIFF (the Toronto International Film Festival) took over the city. There were A-listers popping up all over the place! Including Jennifer Lawrence. Her controversial new movie, mother! is easily one of the most buzzed about films in quite a while. It is causing division among fans and reviewers alike...which only creates more buzz.

beginner series: three common beauty mistakes to avoid

We have all done it. Made beauty mistakes, that is. When it comes to makeup application, no one is perfect their first time out…or second…. or even the third. It takes time to learn what works and what doesn’t. For some, this learning curve can be frustrating. Don’t give up! Everyone falls into issues, problems, and complications at one point or another. The most important thing is to learn from them and improve your skill level.

review: eyeko london (eye do liquid eyeliner)

It has been a while. Several years ago, I tried out a couple of products from Eyeko London and loved them. They were fabulous! Only snag? I couldn't seem to find them to re-purchase. So somehow, time went on, and I sort of forgot about the brand altogether. Then my mom managed to score a couple of their products in a recent subscription box and passed along the pen eyeliner. Lucky me!

Hair Week: Easy Fall Hairstyles

Love fall? It’s hard not to. Though the days are getting chillier....there is still so much to do. There are days to spend with friends, evenings to be on the town, and cute layered looks to wear. It is important to look and feel your best every step of the way. That means gorgeous hairstyles that will take you from day to night. You want something chic, simple, and effortless, right? These easy fall are guaranteed to glam up any and all looks.

five fabulous fall nail polish shades.

Does it even count as fall without a fresh coat of polish? One of the best ways to welcome in the season is to add a little colour to your nails. Not only will it look great - but it will inspire you to embrace fall fashion. That is why I decided to dig through my nail polish collection to show you a few of my favourite summer shades. Pick them up at your local drugstore or choose a similar colour from your own collection for fabulous fall-ready nails.

how often should you clean your makeup brushes?

A girl can never have too many makeup brushes. Or at least, that is what I thought. Until I actually sat down to clean them all. It took forever. I stood at my bathroom sink, surrounded by crease brushes, fan brushes, stippling brushes, and foundation brushes in every shape size and colour imaginable. It was then that I realized: I probably should clean these more often.

enjoying fun end-of-summer activities.

If you live in the GTA, there are traditional ways to celebrate the end of summer. Namely, the CNE, a concert, and a Blue Jays game. I was able to check all three off of my annual to-do list recently. My mom and I spent a day at the Canadian National Exhibition (also lovingly referred to as The Ex), went to a concert with a good friend I hadn't seen in a while, and spent an evening at a baseball game with my husband and a couple of friends. All of these activities were different but equally fun. It was certainly a fond farewell to the warm (but often rainy) summer season. Which is why I wanted to highlight these experiences on the creation of beauty is art. Here goes....