12 days of Christmas (Winterlicious Questions) - Day 12

Merry Christmas! If you are reading this right now, my hope is you are having a wonderful celebration with the people that matter most. Christmas is such a special time. It is full of beautiful traditions, loved ones, and a sense of joy that cannot fully be expressed by words. Enjoy every little moment of the peace, hope, and happiness that only Christmas can bring. On that note! This is the last day in the Winterlicious Questions countdown and it is all about holiday plans.

12 days of Christmas (Winterlicious Questions) - Day 11

Christmas Eve is here again. This day is always so special. In fact, it is my favourite day of the year. While Christmas Day is always super exciting....the build up is often the best part. Plus, so many wonderful family traditions actually take place on Christmas Eve rather than Christmas Day. So for me, this is the absolute best time of the entire year. I always head over to my parents house to bake and watch holiday movies. We do any last minute things that need to be done, prepped, or set up for the next day. Then it is pizza for dinner and driving around to see all of the beautiful Christmas lights. I get that warm fuzzy feeling in the pit of my stomach just thinking about it! Here is hoping your Christmas Eve is just as magical. In case you missed it, check out the list of Winterlicious Questions. Now, onto the latest question: what is at the top of my Christmas list?

12 days of Christmas (Winterlicious Questions) - Day 10

Happy Christmas Eve-Eve! That's right, we are so close to Christmas now. It's still hard to wrap my head around how quickly time is flying by. Fingers crossed you are feeling ready for all the festivities in the days ahead. There are just a few days left in the Winterlicious Questions countdown to Christmas I've been doing lately. So stay tuned to see the rest of the posts in this advent inspired series. Next up is a spotlight on my favourite Christmas decoration for the year. This one is definitely super sentimental, so keep reading to find out what it is.

12 days of Christmas (Winterlicious Questions) - Day 9

The countdown continues! It is the last weekend before the big day so it has been full of family time and lots of last minute details. Planning, prepping, and putting the finishing touches on everything. I've also spent a bit of time baking this weekend after being inspired by a cookie recipe post that I stumbled across on Facebook. There is nothing better than tasty treats this time of year! Which happens to tie in perfectly with today's Winterlicious Questions. (For the record, I will continue answering one a day until the 25th of December.) It is time to find out what my favourite holiday food or treat is...

12 days of Christmas (Winterlicious Questions) - Day 8

There are just a few days left until Christmas Day. What a strange thought! I wish there was a way to slow down time somehow, so I could really pause and enjoy all the magical little moments. That is one thing I really enjoy about these countdown to Christmas posts. It allows me to stop and reflect. To really focus on some of my favourite aspects of the holiday season. On that note! In case you missed my first post, here are all of the Winterlicious Questions I will be answering every day until the 25th of December. The latest is my favourite Christmas or holiday song.

12 days of Christmas (Winterlicious Questions) - Day 7

This year, I have given myself a challenge. To watch every single Christmas movie in my movie collection before the New Year. Shouldn't be that hard, right? Wrong! I have close to two hundred Christmas cartoons, TV specials, and movies lining my shelves. These are movies and holiday specials I love to watch throughout the year because, well, I am completely Christmas obsessed. That makes today's Winterlicious question especially difficult: what is my all time favourite Christmas movie. (In case you missed my first post, check out the Winterlicious Questions that I will be answering every day until the 25th of December.) So, what is it? Which movie tops the massive list of holiday movies that I love? Keep reading to find out....

12 days of Christmas (Winterlicious Questions) - Day 6

Life has definitely been busy lately. There are all sorts of seasonal activities keeping me busy. From
dinners with friends to movie marathons with the family and shopping trips with my husband....there just isn't a dull moment these days! Here is hoping your days are equally as full, but in the best possible way. In case you missed my first post, check out the Winterlicious Questions that I will be answering every day until the 25th of December. For Day Six in this countdown to Christmas, the focus is on holiday beverages.

12 days of Christmas (Winterlicious Questions) - Day 5

One week. There is just one week until Christmas! Each and every year, I do my best to slow down and enjoy this oh-so-magical time of year. I aim to get things done early so I don't feel so rushed when it comes down to crunch time. Yet, despite all of my prepping and planning...it seems there is always so much to squeeze in at the last minute. Here is hoping you are spending the last week before Christmas resting, relaxing, and making happy memories. Are you ready for Day Five? In case you missed my first post, check out the Winterlicious Questions that I will be answering every day until the 25th of December. Today's post is all about winter scents.

12 days of Christmas (Winterlicious Questions) - Day 4

How is your holiday shaping up so far? As much as I love Christmas....I always feel like the lead up to the big day is the best part. I love spending time listening to music, watching holiday movies, catching up with friends, and enjoying special seasonal traditions. Are you ready for Day Four of my countdown to Christmas? If you missed my first post, check out the Winterlicious Questions. Today is all about accessories - and there are a couple of new pieces that have absolutely been making me smile lately. Keep reading to find out what they are.

12 days of Christmas (Winterlicious Questions) - Day 3

It's hard to believe how quickly Christmas is coming up. My days lately have been filled with all of those little last minute tasks. Wrapping presents, baking cookies, making arrangements, and of course, spending time with loved ones. Already it is Day Three of my countdown to Christmas. If you missed my first post, check out the Winterlicious Questions that I will be answering every day until the 25th of December. Today's is all about holiday inspired fashion.

12 days of Christmas (Winterlicious Questions) - Day 2

Day two is here in the countdown to Christmas. In case you missed my first post, check out the Winterlicious Questions that I will be answering every day until the 25th of December. The first day was all about winter nails but today is focused on lip products. Which is something that I am exceptionally passionate about. The right lipstick look can take an ordinary holiday look to a whole new level of fabulous. So without further ado, it is time to answer the latest question in this holiday themed advent.

12 days of Christmas (Winterlicious Questions) - Day 1

It is my favourite time of year. Officially! Though I tend to get into the holiday spirit early (watching festive movies well before the first frost)....during the final stretch of December, no one can mock my Christmas obsession. Though this is often a hectic and busy few weeks, I wanted to do something special for the creation of beauty is art. So, here is the 12 Days of Christmas Celebration! I found these Winterlicious Questions online and for the next twelve days, I will be answering one winter or Christmas themed question per day. Take a peek at the full list of questions below and find out what day one has in store....

boxing day: saving money and surviving the post-holiday rush

Boxing Day. Those words can bring immense joy (if you plan to partake in the tradition) or immense fear (if you work in retail). This holiday has brought in waves of shoppers to stores all across the city. Every December 26^th, discounted holiday merchandise and seasonal items go on sale across Canada. That means savvy shoppers can save money if they shop smart. Are you planning to score some Boxing Day deals this year? Find out how to save money – and survive the post-holiday rush by prepping and planning ahead of time. 

sephora #lipstories frosted kisses review + lipstick try on video

Lipstick is powerful. Inspirational. Exciting. The right shade has the ability to transform your makeup look and your mood.The quote, "If you're sad, add more lipstick, and attack," has always stuck with me. The reason? It is so true. The right shade of lipstick somehow makes you feel like a superhero, ready to take on the world. Or at least that's how it makes me feel. I tend to hold my head up a little higher and walk with more confidence when my lipstick is on point. Maybe that is why I was so enamored with the Sephora Frosted Kisses #lipstories set. The holiday collection comes with six shades in all - and adorable seasonal packaging as well. Take a peek at the shades and find out if the formula is impressive or a total letdown.

does it work?? ole henriksen lucky pucker lip scrub + mini nivea rant

Cold. Dry. Snowy. Those are just a few of the words used to describe this time of year. Though the official first day of winter isn't until the 21st....tell that to the weather! Where I live, we have already had blizzards, snow storms, and temperatures in the minuses. My skin is dry to begin with, so the winter months mean one thing: I have to be extra proactive with my skin and lip care routines. Lately, I've been using the Ole Henriksen Lucky Pucker Lip Scrub from Sephora to remove dry patches and keep my pout pretty and plump. Find out how it's been working so far - and read my mini rant on the new Nivea Essential Care lip balm formula.

#FOTD feat. morphe 39S such a gem artistry eyeshadow palette

Morphe has been getting a lot of love on the creation of beauty is art. lately. Though I don't have a ton of their products in my makeup collection (a handful of palettes) the ones that I do have tend to be products I reach for again and again. Most recently, I reviewed the Morphe collaboration with Jeffree Star. Today? I will be showing you the 39S Such a Gem Artistry Eyeshadow Palette. This larger than life palette includes thirty two eyeshadow shades and seven silk toppers to add an extra pop of sparkle and shine to your makeup look. The holiday season is in full swing....so I decided to create something sparkly and seasonal for this recent #FOTD.

review: carli bybel x anastasia beverly hills eyeshadow palette

Anastasia Beverly Hills has had an awful lot of hits and the occasional misstep. For the most part, this high end brand is known for richly pigmented eyeshadow shades and warm, wearable colours. (Not to mention their best-selling brow products.) In the past, I have tried a handful of their eyeshadow palettes, and more recently, the Carli Bybel eyeshadow palette. This limited edition set is cruelty free, gluten free, and has fourteen shades to work with. How do they perform? Is this palette a must have? Keep reading to find out all the beauty-related details.

high end mascara face off (laura mercier vs benefit)

My favourite mascara is no secret. In fact, I've been pretty vocal about my obsession for Cover Girl's The Super Sizer mascara, both here and on my YouTube channel. The reason is simple: it works. That drugstore product adds tons of length, volume, and drama to the lashes. Since it is a holy grail product for me, I rarely think to try other mascaras on the market. I simply don't need to. That being said, during a Sephora VIB event a while back, two mascara samples were included in the goodie bag. One was from Laura Mercier and the other from Benefit. Find out how they perform and which one is worth the splurge...

welcome december + tips to save money on holiday shopping

December. A month of joy, happiness, and finishing what you started. This is my favourite month in the entire year because it is full of excitement and hope. There is always a lot going on (sometimes it feels like too much but in the best possible way) and lots of looking forward to Christmas celebrations. This is the perfect time to meet up with friends, hang out with family, and make memories that will last. However you choose to spend the last month of 2019....remember to make it count. Finish off any last-minute resolutions on your list, start looking ahead to your goals for 2020, celebrate the season with loved ones, and focus on what matters most. To welcome in this oh-so-fabulous month, here are a couple of my favourite December-related quotes and some holiday shopping tips to help you save money.

too faced christmas cookie house party collection (review part two)

The Christmas Cookie House Party collection from Too Faced has an awful lot going on. It includes three mini products, a face palette, and two different eyeshadow palettes. Which is why my review is broken up into two different parts. My last post focused on reviewing the mini products, the face palette, and the glitter eyeshadow palette. (You can read those reviews here.) Today is all about digging into that large breakaway eyeshadow palette. It has twenty eyeshadows in a variety of finishes...and lots of holiday glitz. Take a look inside, see swatches, and check out a recent makeup look created with the eyeshadows and a Gingerbread Man liquid lipstick from Too Faced.

too faced christmas cookie house party collection (review part one)

Every year I wonder how they will do it. How will Too Faced top their holiday collection from the year before? It always seems impossible... and yet their latest release has managed to surpass last year's stellar Christmas Dreams collection. Shocking! At this point, I should probably expect the holiday collections to be excellent. Each year, Too Faced releases makeup that is festive, fun, ultra glittery and still warm and wearable. The limited edition Christmas Cookie House Party set includes a wide array of products with a fabulous theme and creative packaging. Want to take a peek inside? See what the set includes? This is part one of a two part product review. Find out what is included in this holiday release and how a handful of products perform.

discount shopping trip (experience + mini makeup haul)

It is something of a tradition. For the last four years, my mom and I have taken a bus trip to Eerie, Pennsylvania. This mini getaway has become the unofficial start of the holiday season for us! Not only is there lots of Christmas shopping on the trip itself but we tend to start the process of decorating, wrapping gifts, and holiday-movie-watching shortly after we return home. Last year, the trip did not go exactly as planned. An unexpected snow storm left our bus stranded - and our rescue bus wound up getting stuck in the snow as well. (Read all about that adventure here.) This year was far more successful, weather wise. Keep reading to find out how this years trip went - and take a peek at a few of the items that came home with me.

too faced review (gingerbread bronzed and kissed)

When it comes to holiday makeup, Too Faced is the absolute best. Few brands even come close to competing with the glitz, glitter, and festive feels. Last year, I fell head over heels for their Christmas Dreams holiday set. This year? I've been testing and trying their latest seasonal items. First up in this little review series is the Gingerbread Bronzed & Kissed. This bronzer and lipstick set includes a makeup bag, bronzer, and lipstick...all themed around gingerbread. Makeup and gingerbread? Sign me up. Gingerbread is one of my all-time favourite things about the holiday season. So anything gingerbread themed and scented is totally up my alley. Want to know how this set performs? Wondering if this set is worth splurging on this holiday season? Here is everything you need to know.

new in: real techniques brushes + makeup tools

Having a solid set of makeup tools is essential. The right brush (or brush set) makes it possible to create a wide array of fabulous looks. From everyday to a glamorous night out...the tools you have on hand can make the task super simple or somewhat frustrating. When it comes to brushes, everyone has their own preferences. For me? I am all about Real Techniques. In my opinion, this is the absolute best brand for the price. The brushes are affordable, the quality is impressive, and the brushes last for ages before needing to be replaced. In fact, according to an old blog post here on the creation of beauty is art. I purchased my first set of Real Techniques brushes back in 2012. Though I have added several to my collection since then...I've still been using those original brushes daily. And they still work perfectly! Despite the fact that the bristles are intact and the brushes work well, I decided to add some newer brush sets into the mix. Here is a peek at two Real Techniques brush sets and a brush holder from Urban Butterfly.

charmed aroma review: once upon a time fairy tale ring collection

It has become a bit of an addiction. Last year for Christmas, a friend gifted me a Charmed Aroma candle. It came in a pink velvet case with a fluffy pink pom pom charm on top. Inside was a stunning pink ring that always makes me feel beautiful when I wear it. (Check out that review and the ring inside the candle in my first Charmed Aroma post.) Since then, there have been several more of these candles - and accessories - in my life. From holiday designs to earring sets....there is something so thrilling about a fabulous scented candle and a surprise accessory. As both a candle lover and an accessories fanatic, this is a brand that is right up my alley. Most recently, I picked up the Once Upon a Time candle from the Fairytale Ring Collection. All of the example rings looked beautiful (and fairy tales make me happy in general) so I decided to take the plunge. How was the candle? And what ring design was inside? Here is everything you need to know about my latest Charmed Aroma experience.

three reasons to start your resolutions now

The holiday season is a time of indulgence. There are peppermint lattes, gingerbread cookies, Christmas cakes, and chocolates lurking around every corner. (And at every seasonal party!) Not to mention overspending and all of those extra trips to the grocery store. While the holiday season is undoubtedly a time to relax and enjoy life…. many of us tend to overdo it. Which is why those New Years Resolutions always come at the perfect time. Here’s an idea as we approach the holiday season: start your New Years Resolutions now! Sound crazy? Think it's too early to start thinking about resolutions? Here are a few of the most important reasons to begin your resolutions well before January 1st rolls around.

testing out high end beauty samples ...again!

It seems like there have been a lot of Sephora trips in my life lately. This is partly because I have a serious obsession with beauty products and partly because a new Sephora location opened up nearby. Which is both a blessing and a curse. Recently, I added a few new items to my makeup collection (more on those items in future blog posts) and since it was a special VIB Rouge event, there was a goodie bag included with the purchase. Which products were included? How did they perform? Are they worth purchasing? Here is a breakdown of some recent high end beauty samples from Sephora - and whether or not they are worth splurging on the full sized product.

morphe x jeffree star artistry palette (demo and video review)

Since the Conspiracy Collection sold out almost immediately...I am trying to enjoy my Morphe x Jeffree Star Artistry palette just a little bit more. It seems like it will be the only Jeffree makeup I have for a little while at least! Though my fingers are crossed that there will be a re-stock sometime soon, this gives me the opportunity to really dig into this Jeffree collaboration before adding something new to my collection. (Yes, that is me attempting to be positive.) Yesterday I shared a review and a couple of makeup looks using the Morphe x Jeffree Star Artistry Eyeshadow palette. Today? I want to share a couple of videos that will show you the palette a little bit more in depth.

morphe x jeffree star eyeshadow palette (review and makeup looks)

Jeffree Star has been on everyone's mind lately. Thanks to his ultra successful series with Shane Dawson and the recent release of the Conspiracy Collection, it seems Jeffree is reaching new heights in the beauty community. Plus, there is his latest collaboration with Morphe. It includes a brush set, liquid lipstick sets, a setting spray, and an eyeshadow palette. Being the eyeshadow junkie that I am...when I saw the collection at my local Sephora, I knew that palette had to be mind. So, is it good? Bad? In between? Here is everything you need to know about how the Morphe x Jeffree Star palette performs and the different looks you can create.

review: essie celebrating moments nail polish (congrats)

Some moments are about celebration. When certain milestones happen in life, people have their own unique ways of celebrating them. It might include a dinner out with friends or a full day of family time. It might mean splurging on a designer handbag or adding a sparkly piece of jewellery to your collection. For me? It all comes down to beauty products. When I was promoted at work a few months back, my husband picked up a nail polish from Essie. It was part of their Celebrating Moments collection. The collection included shades like Birthday Girl, Mani Thanks, Nailed It!, Sheer Luck, and The Best-Est. The name of the nail polish shade my husband bought for me was Congrats! It is a sparkly confetti glitter nail polish shade - and it certainly stands out. Find out how Celebrate looks, the quality of the formula, and most importantly how long it lasts.

warm fall makeup look (feat. bh cosmetics it's my raye raye palette)

It's rare that an ultra affordable makeup palette takes your breath away. Takes over your day-to-day looks. Replaces comparable high-end and luxury products. However, that is exactly what happened when I picked up the bh Cosmetics "It's My Raye Raye" palette. It included contouring products, blinding highlights (some of the best I have ever tried), and a selection of warm eyeshadow shades. The obsession was immediate. Which explains why I have been reaching for this palette pretty consistently in recent months. Even if I'm not using the eyeshadow shades...those highlighting products are absolute must-wears. Today, I wanted to share a few of my thoughts on this palette and highlight a recent warm fall makeup look created using the products included in the set.

good american denim review + #OOTD

Since the launch of Good American denim a few years ago (where the brand made a whopping million dollars in a single day)....I have been dreaming of these jeans. I wondered what they were like. How the materials would hold up. What the styles would look like in person. Despite all of my wondering, it seemed I would never have the answers. Why? Good American was not sold in Canada. Though you could order items online, it seemed like too much of a gamble for such expensive pieces. I wouldn't be able to try them on ahead of time to get an idea of sizing - and returns would be complicated. Not to mention the ultra high price point once the US price was converted into Canadian dollars. Yikes! Luckily, the brand recently launched in Canada. And even more luckily for me, I received a pair of Good American jeans for my birthday. Here is a full review and a recent #OOTD featuring the brand.

revlon highlighting palette (rose glow highlight review)

One thing I am not in need of? Highlighting products. There are plenty filling up my existing makeup collection. From high end to drugstore and even dollar store finds....there is no shortage of ways to make the skin glow. These days, fantastic highlighting products are easier and easier to find. Whether you are searching for a subtle shine or want a full blown glittery sparkle, there are products (at all price points) to consider. More recently, I picked up the Revlon Highlighting Palette in the shade 020 Rose Glow. The reason? It was at a steeply discounted price and I was curious about how it would perform. So...here is everything you need to know about this drugstore highlight.

love it or leave it? paris hilton

It just wouldn't be a love it or leave it? without a little Paris Hilton. Though there have been many celebrities featured in this series, one of my favourite style icons has to be Paris. Her outfits are (almost always) on point. Plus, her looks tend to have lots of personality and are thoughtful about accessories. Recently, the iconic star stepped out in an all black ensemble. Was it good? Bad? In between? It is time to find out in the latest installment of love it or leave it?

double, double, toil and trouble.

It is just one day away. Yes, tomorrow is Halloween. Though my favourite holiday will always be Christmas....all holidays excite me at least a little bit. There is something so thrilling about it. People are usually in a good mood, make time to have fun, and tap into their inner child. For at least a little while. This year, Halloween falls on a Thursday night so my plans are somewhat limited. That doesn't mean I won't be celebrating, though. After work, I have cleared my schedule for a mini movie marathon. There are plenty of fantastic Halloween themed movies that I have been enjoying this month. However, there are a few that I will be watching (or re-watching) on the day itself.  What are they? And what are a few of my other seasonal favourites? Here is a little list to inspire your movie choices this Halloween.

tarte rainforest of the sea trio (review + makeup look)

It was different. Unusual. The Rainforest of the Sea Foil Finger Paint set from Tarte stood out among the aisles of products...and for good reason. Not only were the colours bold and shimmery but the packaging was pure glitz and glitter. Since all of these qualities are right up my alley, I was intrigued to say the least. There were three different options. One was warm and golden, the other a combination of warm red and a cool white shimmer, and the last...a galactic inspired trio. The latter is the one I chose to test and try. Lunar is a trio that includes three shades, Tidal (a blue glitter), Shooting Star (a shimmery silver), and Moon Rise (a shimmery champagne). How did the trio perform? What was the unique formula actually like? Here is everything you need to know about this high end product.

testing out new shampoo (ogx + nicole guerriero)

This hasn't happened in a while. A long, while. A few months back....I ran out of shampoo. This was pretty shocking. Especially considering I tend to have a mini stock pile on hand. For a few days, I wound up using my husbands shampoo and whatever samples I had floating around. Thankfully, I wound up finding some limited edition shampoos on clearance. They were from the OGX collaboration with beauty YouTuber, Nicole Guerriero. This clearance bin find was exciting for a couple of reasons. One: I used to watch Nicole's channel all the time. She was actually one of the first beauty channels I ever subscribed to. Two: the line was holiday themed and I am a total Christmas addict. There were both shampoos and conditioners but seeing as I was still fully stocked on conditioner, I opted to pick up one of each shampoo. How do they smell? Do they work well? Would I buy another product from the brand? Here is everything you need to know....

birthday post + sephora birthday gift (mini review)

Some people loathe birthdays. Dread them, even. Not me! For as long as I can remember, I have eagerly looked forward to my birthday. October 24th has always felt like a special day in my world. Not only is it my my birthday but it is also my brothers birthday as well. (Yes, I am a twin.) Since it is so important to me and my family....it is extra important to celebrate, enjoy, and make special memories. Which is why today I am in full celebration mode. How will I celebrate? And what was my birthday gift from Sephora this year? Keep reading to find out.

easy fall desserts guaranteed to wow

Is your stomach rumbling? The fall season seems that have that effect on people. Coffee shops are full of pumpkin spice everything and tasty baked goods line cafe windows. Yes, this time of year is certainly tied to its delicious desserts. Maybe more so than changing leaves and rainy days. So, be honest. Have you ever wanted to make something scrumptious and seasonal? Something so tasty that your mouth will water? It's easier than you think. Baking something fabulous doesn’t have to be time consuming or challenging. Just choose your recipes wisely. These easy fall desserts will inspire and satisfy your sweet tooth.

good? bad? hard candy fragrance mist set review

Did I need another fragrance mist set? Absolutely not. Did I buy another fragrance mist set? You bet. While I realize that my perfume collection is extensive (and more than any one person technically requires)...there is something so alluring about scents. They are magical. Meaningful. Memorable. I can still remember wearing certain perfumes for this special occasion or that exciting event. So many of my memories are tied to my shelves of perfume. That makes it especially challenging to pass by some new and potentially thrilling scents. A little while ago, I stumbled upon this fragrance mist set from Hard Candy. There were four bottles for a mere $10. How could I possibly pass up the chance to fall head over heels in love with a gorgeous new scent? If you are curious about this set, then keep reading. Here is everything you need to know.

everyday makeup look feat. the balm magnetic personality palette

Some days are all about colour, glitter, and pizzazz. Other days are better suited to neutrals and straight forward makeup looks. Typically, I save the glitz and glamour for nights out and special events. Then the warm neutrals and subtle smokey looks are my everyday, going to work, running errands go-tos. A little while back, I stumbled upon the Magnetic Personality eyeshadow palette from theBalm. This is a brand that I've noticed popping up more and more where I live. From mini displays at the drugstore to discount stores like Winners and Marshalls....theBalm is taking over.

combat dry skin this fall

Spectacular. That is the best way to describe the fall season. It is full of natural beauty and plenty of wonder. The downside? The change in temperature can be hard on your skin. Cooler temperatures often cause issues like dryness, flakes, and itching. Not how most of us imagine a fun-filled season! Thankfully there are a number of ways to keep your skin looking and feeling hydrated. Keep reading to find out how you can combat dry skin this fall.

#FOTD featuring sephora #lipstories (margs matte lipstick)

Sometimes, inspiration for a makeup look just pops into your head. Other times, a particular product inspires the look. Recently, the lipstick shade Margs entered my life. It was a shade so different, so unique, and so unlike anything else in my makeup collection that it became impossible not to be inspired. Though I do own a few green lipstick shades (you can check out one of them here)....this was a completely different kind of green. It was swampy, moss-like, and matte. Not to mention, ultra affordable. The tube of lipstick set me back a mere $10. Not bad for a unique lipstick shade. Want to see it in action? Find out how the product performs? Then keep reading....

elizabeth and james perfume review (nirvana french grey)

Perfume is one of my many passions. There is something special about it. The elegant bottles....scents that can highlight your mood....or accent your personality....ahh, bliss! At the moment, I have a rather large perfume collection. I love having a wide variety of scents to choose from (to suit every occasion) but I also love all of the different bottles. Some are truly unique, beautiful, and inspired. Though I do not need more perfume in my collection, every now and then, it is hard to say no. Especially when a fragrance seems to sweep you off your feet. That is exactly what happened when I smelled the Elizabeth and James perfume, Nirvana French Grey.

review: dominique cosmetics (rustic glam eyeshadow palette)

It was love at first shadow. While wandering the aisles of Sephora with a friend one afternoon....it caught my eye. The eyeshadow shade, Desert Queen, that is. It is a soft, peachy, almost orange colour. Warm, bold, and yet still effortlessly wearable. The colour was everything I didn't know I was looking for. That shade is the reason the Rustic Glam palette from Dominique Cosmetics entered my life. Though the rest of the colours in the palette looked beautiful and were also compelling....Desert Queen made me positively giddy. Ready to take a peek inside? See what Desert Queen actually looks like? Here is everything you need to know about this high end eyeshadow palette.

avoid getting sick this fall

Sniff. Cough. Sneeze. Those are the sounds you can expect to hear as the fall season continues. Getting sick is pretty common during this time of year. Especially as we make the transition from summer sunshine to chilly days and wet weather. It can be tricky to avoid catching a cold or the flu virus. Maybe someone at work gets sick and it spreads around the office. Or perhaps a family member has brought something home. It seems there is no avoiding it once someone you know falls ill. Guess what? You can. Here are some of the most effective ways to avoid getting sick this fall.

fake jeffree star cosmetics palette (rant + review)

I have always wondered what it would be like to try something from Jeffree Star Cosmetics. There are so many YouTubers that rave about the quality of the products. Especially the liquid lipsticks and highlights...in addition to some standout palettes from the brand. (Like the Blue Bloods palette, which I debated on in a previous post.) Of course, I was excited when a company approached me with the opportunity to try out something from their wholesale makeup website. I selected a Jeffree Star Cosmetics palette, assuming it was overstock or an older release that was no longer available on the official website. Wrong. It was fake, fake, fake. I will not name names, but perhaps be wary of wholesale makeup websites based in China. Not only did the palette take months to arrive but it was fake as fake can be. Today, I wanted to show you the palette, let you know how it performed, and break down the many signs that proved it was inauthentic.

new in: kendall + kylie accessories (purse and shoes)

At this point it should come as no surprise that I am a big fan of the Kardashian/Jenner family. Over the years, I have dedicated more than a handful of blog posts and YouTube videos to this ultra famous family. From makeup tutorials to product reviews and fashion posts...there are so many ways to get inspired by Khloe, Kim, Kourtney, Kendall, and Kylie. Since I am such a huge fan, it was especially exciting to stumble upon a few pieces from the Kendall + Kylie line. (At a discount, no less.) Of course, I simply had to have them. Curious to see what the items are? Not to worry: all will be revealed. Keep reading to check out my new shoes and purse from the Kendall + Kylie fashion line.

katy kat matte lipsticks (2 shades + 2 mini reviews)

Makeup and music always seem to go hand in hand. Especially these days, with so many celebrities keen to endorse beauty related products. Katy Perry is just one example. She teamed up with Cover Girl a few years ago....and since then, a handful of Katy Kat products have made their way into my makeup collection. There have been the Pearl Lipsticks, the mascara, and the Katy Kat Glosses. Not to mention the line of Katy Kat Matte lipstick shades. Though there are quite a few that I've been using....a couple of new shades entered my life recently, thanks to a beauty bag from Shoppers Drug Mart. (You can check out that post here.) The lipstick colours are Magenta Minx and Cat Call. Want to see how they look? Find out how they perform? Keep reading....

twenty questions book tag

Books are my passion. Reading them, writing them, collecting them.....books are my everything. Lately, I have been extra focused on a resolution I made for myself at the beginning of the year. It was to read twenty fiction and twenty non-fiction books by the time 2019 comes to a close. I've already surpassed my non-fiction goal (thanks to oodles of biographies and educational books) and am six away from my reaching my fiction goal. I know I can do it! But to keep myself feeling motivated, I wanted to do a twenty questions book tag that I found online. So, without further ado, here goes.