katy kat glam: lip gloss + body glitter review

One of my favourite artists has to be Katy Perry. I love her music, her unique style, and quirky personality. Something else I love? Her collaboration with Cover Girl. It was a couple of years ago that they released the Katy Kat Eye mascara (you can read a review of that here) and since then, it has been product after product. There have been eyeshadow sets, eyeliners, and more recently, Katy Kat Glam sets. These feature two items: a Katy Kat Gloss and a Body Glitter. Though there are different shades to choose from with these sets, the one I will be reviewing today is the gloss in Cantaloupe and glitter in Gold.

easy ways to perfect your brows.

Your makeup is perfect. One look in the mirror and you are thinking, wow, I look good. Your eyes pop, your cheeks are contoured, and your lips are glossy. There is just one thing missing: strong and sexy eyebrows. This is one step many of us have overlooked in the past but your brows actually hold a lot of power. They frame the face and draw even more attention to your gorgeous eyes. The key is to make them look their absolute best - without going over the top. This easy brow guide will help you find out how to score flawless eyebrows day after day.

review: cover girl eyeshadow palettes (TruNaked dazed + sunsets)

Cover Girl was one of the first makeup brands I ever tried. (Not counting the days in my youth when I would dig through my mother's vanity, trying on every shade of pink lipstick I could get my eager little hands on.) My first foray into the beauty aisles saw me leave with a Cover Girl foundation, a tube of Lash Blast mascara, and an individual pan of black eyeshadow. I can still remember how amazing I felt, wearing glittery black shadow all over my lids. The pigmentation was poor and it had a dry, almost chalky consistency, but it was mine and I felt beautiful.

The brand has come a long way sine then. They've replaced their so-so shadows for higher quality alternatives. And more recently? Cover Girl has upped the game even more. I fell in love with their shadows when the TruNaked palettes were released a couple of years ago...and it seems that there is no end in sight for this drugstore staple. Their latest launch includes a range of new and exciting eyeshadow palettes including Dazed and Sunsets.

august favourites (makeup brushes, new camera, and more)

There is this quote I keep thinking about. It says, "Don't ever waste a day. Once time goes by, you can never get it back." This is a philosophy that I have been applying to my life lately. In the past, I would will time away by wanting to speed through the work day or skip past certain activities. Now? My goal is to find something valuable in each and every experience. That mentality has allowed me to learn, grow, and become a more grateful person. So, in the name of gratitude, I wanted to take some time today to show you some of the things that have been making me smile.

love it or leave it? blake lively

Some celebrities are all about fashion. Not just wearing stylish outfits, but taking fashion risks. Blake Lively certainly falls in into that category. Often regarded as one of the best dressed stars out there, it may surprise you to know that she actually doesn't have a stylist. The reason? As she told Elle, it comes down to having control issues. "I just like it. I love design and I love fashion and it's a way to be creative." Quite frankly, I love her attitude. Fashion is a wonderful way to showcase your personality, have fun, and express yourself creatively. That is exactly what Blake did when she stepped out in a neon green suit and a neon knitted top from the Versace Men's Collection. So...is it a love it or a leave it? Let's find out....

denim on denim: dos and don'ts

Denim never goes out of style. This enduring material has made it possible for a casual outfit to look totally fashion forward. From denim jeans to jackets, vests, shirts, shorts, and everything else you can imagine...denim is everywhere. So, it should come as no surprise that one of the hottest fashion trends right now is denim on denim. Wearing multiple denim pieces at once can give you a look that is bold and in your face. Unfortunately, it can also make you look like you fell into a pit of denim fabric. Want to rock the denim on denim trend? You can! With this handy list of dos and don’ts, you can make sure you’re always wearing it right.

review week: physicians formula and annabelle highlights + free samples

Isn't it amazing? Just a few short years ago, highlighters were barely on our makeup radar. Now, a makeup look is simply not complete without a hint of that gorgeous sheen. During my recent makeup shopping haul, there were a couple of new highlights that managed to catch my eye. The first was the Butter Highlighter from Physician's Formula in the shade Pink/Rose. The second is a blue holographic highlighter from Annabelle Cosmetics in the shade Luna.

review week: pixi + dulce candy (cafe con dulce multi-use palette)

Who doesn't love a collaboration? Pixi is a drugstore brand that has long been a popular choice for beauty gurus and makeup lovers alike....and Dulce Candy is a popular YouTuber and influencer. The two teamed up to release the Cafe con Dulce Multi-Use Palette, which offers a blend of glow boosting face products. With twelve shades to choose from, large pans of product, and plenty of shimmer, this is a palette that stands out among other drugstore offerings. So, how does Cafe con Dulce actually perform? And is it worth the $28 price tag? It is time to find out....

review week: NYX total control drop foundation + duo chromatic illuminating powder

NYX is one of the best drugstore brands out there. Since their line launched in Canada, I have written several reviews (like this one on their ombre blushes) and even filmed YouTube videos (like this makeup look featuring their Toronto Palette) highlighting their products. Not all of them have been out-of-this-world-amazing but they have a solid track record with me! So of course, during my visit to the drugstore....I had to make some time to check out the latest offerings from NYX. Though there were many tempting items to choose from, I wound up purchasing the NYX Total Control Control Drop Foundation and a Duo Chromatic Illuminating Powder. How did they perform? Are they worth looking into? Here is everything you need to know.

review week: makeup and beauty haul

Reviewing products is one of my favourite things to do. (Which is why there have been plenty of makeup reviews posted here over the years.) The reason? There is a certain kind of thrill that happens when you try something out for the first time, see how it performs, and share your thoughts. A good review has the power to help consumers and fellow beauty lovers make informed decisions - and spend their hard-earned money wisely. Personally, I love reading and watching reviews from others and am proud to share a few new reviews with you this week on the creation of beauty is art. 

lost your passion? motivational tips and tricks

Sometimes, it is important to slow down. Our society is so focused on getting things done, writing to do lists, and racking up as many accomplishments as possible. After a while, you start to feel bogged down by all the pressure. It can be exhausting when you are constantly trying to do it all and put your best foot forward. It is no wonder an estimated 77% of people experience physical symptoms caused by stress. That doesn't have to be true for you! If you are stressed, tired, and have lost the motivation to do what you really want.....take a deep breath. These tips and tricks will help you re-fuel your passion and live a happier life.

thrift store haul: john denver, the sound of music, and more

One of my favourite places to be? At a thrift store, flipping through dusty old milk crates, searching for buried treasure. Records have long been a part of my life and I love to collect them. (In fact, I even have a record collection video up on my YouTube channel.) Many of my happiest childhood memories involve listening to an album on the record player or watching my Dad meticulously clean an album after it had been played. Music has a way of bringing people together like nothing else in this world...which is probably why it is such an important part of my life.

#OOTD - reba mcentire concert

Concerts are always a thrilling experience. In my lifetime, I have gone to more live shows than I can count (or remember) simply because they take me to my happy place. There is nothing so wonderful as feeling the beat of the music thumping through your body....or losing yourself completely in the lyrics and emotions of a special song. Luckily, I have been able to see a few shows this summer, with more coming up in the months ahead. The most recent show I attended was Reba McEntire. To make the most of the occasion, my hair, makeup, and outfit was full blown country inspired.

make august your best month yet

The countdown is on. Even though we are still in the midst of summer fun....the sad reality is that fall is just around the corner. It is August already! If the thought of scattered leaves and morning frost leaves you feeling a little depressed, there’s a one solution: make the most of summer! With several weeks left of summertime bliss, it is possible to make the last few weeks of sunshine both memorable and action packed.