dealing with negativity on social media

Social media has been weighing me down lately. What started as a fun way to connect to others has become a breeding ground for hatred and self destructive tendencies. Not long ago, I was exposed to the dark side of being a blogger and YouTuber. Sure, I've gotten the odd troll comment, nasty message, or strange remark. It happens. But for the most part, I have been pretty lucky. The large majority of my experiences online have been positive. Until they weren't.

creative DIY makeup storage ideas

Makeup is everywhere. The countertop is loaded with beauty products, foundation, eyeshadow palettes, and false lashes. Despite my best efforts to stay organized…. there is a full-blown makeup catastrophe taking place in my bathroom. Sound familiar? Storing makeup is no easy feat. You want everything to look nice but still be accessible. Talk about a challenge!

kylie cosmetics: in love with the koko (review and swatches)

Some people love the Kardashians. Others, not so much. Me? I adore them. Especially Khloe Kardashian. She has an outgoing personality and is never afraid to tell it like it is. As someone who has always been shy and struggled with verbal communication....I really admire those traits. The fact that Khloe has such a dynamic sense of style is just icing on the cake. In the past, I have tried a few things from Kylie Cosmetics and most recently, I added the In Love With the Koo Liquid Lip Kollection into my makeup collection.

the blogger tag.

What is it about Internet tags? They are always so much fun to do. Whether I am answering the questions myself or reading someone else's....they are a blast. Which is what inspired my post for today. I stumbled upon a post from Steph's World and thought it would be fun to take part in "The Blogger Tag." The questions range from blog related to personal, preferences, beauty, and more. If you are interested in taking part, please do. I would love to read your answers! Now, to get down to business.....

new in: nail polish (revlon and sally hansen)

Painting your nails can be a therapeutic experience. Anytime I have had a rough week or even a challenging day, I reach for the nearest bottle of nail polish. Why? It has the ability to comfort and distract my mind. From the calming process itself (my inner zen is channeled every time I focus on those neat, even strokes) to the colour selection....it is a chance to step away from the stresses of everyday life. It gives me the opportunity to pamper my emotional spirit.

wet n wild: first impressions (ombre blush + velvet matte lip color)

At heart, I am a drugstore girl. Though I love to mix and match high-end items, much of my makeup collection comes from brands like Cover Girl, Maybelline, Rimmel, Hard Candy, and Wet n Wild. The latter is one of my absolutely favourites. (In case you couldn't tell from the many, many, many times it has been featured on this blog over the years.) Most of their products are remarkable in terms of both quality and price...which helps the brand stand out with ease. Two of the latest items in my collection are the Ombre Blush in the shade In a Purple Haze and the Velvet Matte Lip Color in the shade Charred Cherry. So, how were they? Impressive? In between? Or total misses?

four blog tips to help you grow your little piece of the internet.

Every blog has its ups and downs. Some people are able to find a niche market and build an audience quickly, while others toil away for years and years with little success. When it comes to being a blogger....it can be a roller coaster ride. You never know quite what to expect. Though there are many different types of bloggers out there (the ones who strive to earn their income from blogging vs ones who do it purely for the enjoyment factor), it is always possible to grow.

Let me just say this: the creation of beauty is art. is not a crazy popular blog. However, it is something I am extremely proud of. I have worked very hard to establish it, expand it, and maintain an audience. This is no easy feat! So, today I wanted to share a few blogger tips with you all. Here are four ways to grow your own little piece of the Internet.

valentine's day outfits for every occasion.

In my experience, Valentine's Day can go one of two ways: totally fabulous or utterly disappointing. Single or spoken for, there can be a lot of pressure to look good, feel a certain way, or partake in specific holiday related activities. That being said, I have always had a weakness for the holiday. An old-fashioned romantic, few things thrill me more than conversation hearts and movies about love. Whether you are going out for a fancy meal, chilling with someone special, or binge watching movies on Netflix, you can look and feel your absolute best. Here are a few outfit suggestions for every occasion.

stunning date night makeup ideas for valentine's day

Tonight is the night. You have a get-together with someone special. (Or someone not so special. Only time will tell!) That means putting on your favourite outfit and spending a little extra time in front of the mirror. That’s right. Tonight is date night! Not sure how you want to do your makeup? Take a deep breath and relax. These stunning makeup ideas will inspire your Valentine’s Day look - and help you feel like your best and most beautiful self.

the best vitamins for beauty.

Do you remember taking your Flintstone vitamin when you were a kid? I sure do. Those cartoon shaped pills had everything we needed to be strong and healthy. These days, it takes a bit more to keep our bodies working the way they should. Especially when it comes to achieving healthy hair, nails, and glowing skin. The truth? You don’t need fancy packaging and celebrity endorsements. All of the essentials are on the shelves of your local drugstore. Let’s take a closer look at the best vitamins for beauty…

review: fenty beauty killawatt freestyle highlighter (ginger binge/moscow mule)

Few makeup brands have been able to compare to Kylie Cosmetics and other Kardashian-brand releases. Until Fenty Beauty by Rihanna came along. Not only did it boast foundation shades for all skin tones (which is sadly, a rare occurrence)....but it had a unique selection of products. Now, it is on track to outsell Kylie, KKW, and even Kat Von D. Talk about making a mark on the cosmetics industry! Since its initial release, I have tried a few products from the Fenty Beauty line, which you may remember from my first impressions post. Since then, I have been desperate to try out more.

inspiration post: makeup, books, quotes, and more.

Inspiration can come from many places. Despite that, I have been feel a little well, uninspired lately. This might have to do with the fact that January is tough....or because I've been under the weather. Whatever the reason, there are days when creativity pours out of me and days where I am tired, grumpy, and unmotivated. Since my inspiration and creativity has been a bit all over the place as of late, I wanted to share a few images, quotes, books, and exercises with you.They have been helping me shift my mindset on those off days. Here are some quick and easy ways to get inspired....

beginner series: make your lip colour last

Has it happened to you? You left the house with perfectly applied lipstick, but by the time you reach mid-day, that stunning red lip has faded into oblivion. Despite all of the long-lasting formulas and 24-hour claims, most lip colours fail to have the staying power we crave. Especially when you add in tasks like eating or drinking! You want your makeup to look picture perfect all day long. Well, it can. These tips will make sure your lip colour lasts all day and all night.