Friday, December 25, 2020

christmas advent - day twelve

Merry Christmas! Wishing you and your loved ones all the very best. This year hasn't been the easiest, but at least there was always plenty of love to go around. That is especially true today. Here is hoping that however you celebrate (and whoever you are able to celebrate with) that your day is filled with blessings and hope. On another note! Today is the last day in the Christmas advent that has been happening here on the creation of beauty is art. recently. (In case you missed those posts, be sure to check out day one here.) This question is of course, about Christmas favourites.

Thursday, December 24, 2020

christmas advent - day eleven

Christmas Eve is here again. Though Christmas Day is always special...my favourite day of the year is Christmas Eve. It is a time of togetherness and tradition. At this point, all of the decorations have been put out and the wrapping has been completed. That means one thing: baking. Christmas Eve is definitely a time of preparation. My mom and I usually spend the day baking and decorating cookies, making rice krispie squares, and decorating a gingerbread house. Then we watch some of our favourite Christmas movies, "Christmas with the Kranks," "Christmas Vacation," and "Just Friends." They have all become Christmas Eve traditions. Speaking of traditions, the latest question in the Christmas advent relates to a tradition that makes me smile. 

Wednesday, December 23, 2020

christmas advent - day ten

It's Christmas Eve-Eve! This is one of my favourite days of the year. Partly because it is so close to Christmas and partly because I love to spend this day doing special holiday things at home. Like baking cookies, movie marathons, and time spent with my husband. There is always so much magic in the air on this day. It's like the excitement and joy is practically bursting out of every room. There are twinkling lights, colourful decorations, and the smell of freshly baked cookies lingering in the air. Bliss! Are you ready for a little more holiday cheer? Here is day ten of the Christmas advent on the creation of beauty is art. 

Tuesday, December 22, 2020

christmas advent - day nine

There is so much to be excited about. In just a few short days, Christmas will be here. That means it is time to pull out those ugly Christmas sweaters, toss on some reindeer slippers and play festive music as much as possible. Do whatever you need to do to feel festive this week! Speaking of feeling festive...the Christmas advent continues. This is day nine of twelve in this holiday blog series. The latest mini post on the creation of beauty is art. is all about excitement and the holiday season. 

Monday, December 21, 2020

christmas advent - day eight

Fingers crossed all of your seasonal preparations are going well. And that you've been able to make time for special memories! There isn't much time left before the festivities are well underway. That makes the next few days extra important. It's time to watch those classic Christmas movies and bake those delicious seasonal cookies. Here on the creation of beauty is art. the mini blog advent is continuing on. This is day eight of twelve and it is all about wrapping.

Sunday, December 20, 2020

christmas advent - day seven

It is the last weekend before Christmas. Hard to believe! Though most of the major things have been done already (like decorating and wrapping gifts) it feels like there is still a lot to check off the to do list. Like baking, holiday video calls with friends, and the last minute preparations. Even though the Christmas season tends to be hectic at times...it is always worth it in the end. Here on the creation of beauty is art. it is officially day seven of the Christmas advent. So far, there have been questions about traditions and places to celebrate. Today? It is all about music.

Saturday, December 19, 2020

christmas advent - day six

Normally, this is the time during the holiday season where I am madly dashing to the store to pick up any last-minute odds and ends. Things like chocolates and extra gift bags. This year? There is none of that. Thanks to the pandemic, the bulk of my shopping was done online a very long time ago. Those odds and ends have either been purchased already or will have to do without. Yes, it is certainly a little bit different this year. But there is still plenty of magic and wonder to experience. Ready for the latest advent question? Keep reading and be sure to share your answer in the comment section.

Friday, December 18, 2020

christmas advent - day five


One more week! There is just one week left until the big day arrives. This is both exciting and a little bit scary. As much as I love Christmas...I always want to hold onto it for as long as possible. If there were a way to slow down the last few weeks in December, that would be wonderful. I want more time to watch holiday movies and drink hot chocolate while that buzz of excitement and anticipation lingers in the air. It's a magical feeling. One that I would love to hold onto for just a little bit longer. On another note, this is day five of my Christmas advent here on the creation of beauty is art. Today's mini blog post is all about shopping. (Something that is always near and dear to my heart.) Keep reading to find out the question and be sure to share your own answer in the comment section below.

Thursday, December 17, 2020

christmas advent - day four

It's hard to wrap my head around how quickly the holiday season is going by. Though Christmas Day makes me extremely happy....I always love the build up best. The holiday movies, the lights, and the special memories that happen along the way are always so special. Which is why the creation of beauty is art. has turned all-Christmas-all-the-time lately. Are you ready for day four of the Christmas advent? Keep reading to find out the holiday themed question for today. 

Wednesday, December 16, 2020

christmas advent - day three

The Christmas advent is fully underway here on the creation of beauty is art. In case you missed my last two posts, I will be doing mini blog posts to celebrate the 12 days of Christmas. It is a countdown of sorts and also an excuse for me to share some of my memories and favourites. Ready to find out what the question is for day three? Here goes...

Tuesday, December 15, 2020

christmas advent - day two

Are you ready? It is time for day two of the Christmas advent here on the creation of beauty is art. In case you missed my post from yesterday (feel free to check it out here if you did), there will mini posts from now until Christmas Day. Each post will be answering a different Christmas themed question. The questions may have to do with seasonal traditions, current favourites, or even holiday music. Want to find out the question for today? Here is day two of my Christmas advent.

Monday, December 14, 2020

christmas advent - day one

The countdown is officially on. There are only 12 more days until Christmas! In honour of my favourite time of year....the creation of beauty is art. will be transformed into an advent of sorts over the next little while. Every day, there will be a mini post that answers a Christmas themed question. It might have to do with movies, traditions, memories, or even holiday beauty. Ready to kick things off? Here is day one of my Christmas advent. 

Sunday, December 13, 2020

rank and review: past too faced holiday releases


The holiday season makes me happy. As does makeup. Combine the two together and it is a match made in heaven! No wonder Too Faced has become my favourite high-end brand over the years. They are the absolute best at holiday themed releases. In fact, some of my earlier Sephora purchases happened to be Too Faced holiday palettes. Like the Joy To The Girls palette, which was released way back in 2013. They have come a long way since then. Each and every year, it seems that Too Faced finds a new way to embrace the season and do something extra special. Today? It is time to look back at releases from the past. Yes, this a rank and review of past Too Faced holiday releases. How do they compare to one another? And which one reigns supreme? Here is everything you need to know about these oh-so-special seasonal items.

Friday, December 11, 2020

holiday favourites 2020 (movies, books, and more!)

Every holiday season is a little bit different. Though there are some seasonal staples that never go out of style (like my favourite Christmas albums and classic Christmas movies)…there are also various favourites that change from year to year. Like a new decoration or a certain candle scent. Those little things define the holiday season just as much as those tried and true traditions. Though it's hard to believe, Christmas Day is just two weeks away. Time has certainly been flying lately! Looking for a little seasonal inspiration? Curious about my seasonal must-haves? Here are some of my holiday favourites for 2020. There are movies, books, and so much more.

Wednesday, December 9, 2020

my top 3 favourite candace cameron bure christmas movies

Christmas movies mean a lot to me. They are an essential part of the holiday season and my annual traditions! I love nothing more than curling up with a seasonal movie (or two) and letting everything else fade away. My holiday movie collection is massive and I am always looking for new and exciting things to watch once December hits. Thankfully, Hallmark Channel always releases a ton of festive films. Though I don't watch all of them, I certainly do my best. When it comes to Hallmark movies with Candace Cameron Bure, I never miss one. I am such a huge fan of hers. From Full House to Fuller House, movies, magazines articles, and books...Candace Cameron Bure has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. Find out what my top 3 favourite Candace Cameron Bure Christmas movies are and check out a super simple Candace inspired makeup look. 

Monday, December 7, 2020

new in: holiday accessories + my christmas jewellery collection


The holiday season is special. Though some people prefer to add in subtle pops of red and green around this time of year...my approach is a little bit different. I am an ugly-Christmas-sweater-and-sequined-elf-slipper kind of girl. So of course, my accessories are totally over the top in December as well. Which is why this post is all about holiday accessories. Take a peek at some new additions and a YouTube video that features my entire Christmas jewellery collection. 

Saturday, December 5, 2020

christmas music reviews (2020 edition)

The holiday season is fully underway. What could be more thrilling? How about a handful of new musical releases from some of the best and brightest? This year, there have been an awful lot of Christmas themed albums hitting the shelves. As an avid music lover and Christmas fanatic...this has been extra exciting for me. Especially since so many of my favourite artists were responsible for these seasonal albums. Wondering which ones are worth looking into? Are you ready to add something special to your holiday music collection? Then keep on reading. Here are some Christmas music reviews for Carrie Underwood, Dolly Parton, Meghan Trainor, and Jamie Cullum. 

Thursday, December 3, 2020

review: too faced cinnamon bear holiday set

One thing that Too Faced does right? Holiday releases. Year after year, they raise the bar on adorable themes and wearable colours. At this point....it just doesn't feel like the Christmas season without this high-end brand. 2020 has been an interesting year, to say the least, but one thing remains constant: Too Faced rules the holiday makeup scene. They launched several new holiday sets, including the Foxy Neutrals and Unbearably Glam Makeup Set. The one that stole my heart? The Cinnamon Bear Limited Edition Collection. It includes an eyeshadow set with a blush, a liquid lipstick, and a themed makeup bag. Want to take a look inside? Find out how these products perform? Here is a full review of this oh-so-themed holiday release.

Tuesday, December 1, 2020

leave a little sparkle wherever you go.

December is here. In some ways, it feels like it has taken a very long time to get to this month. In other ways, it's difficult to believe that this is the last month in 2020. Time is a strange thing...and this has been especially true recently. One thing that always remains constant? December is thrilling. It is a time of hope and renewal. It is a month where optimism is the norm and traditions are cherished. Though each time of year has its own blessings, December will always shine brightest in my eyes. There is so much to look forward to: snowfall, seasonal movies, moments with family, and the belief that everything will turn out right. To welcome in my favourite month, here is a healthy dose of inspiration....plus a look at my new favourite pair of sneakers. They are certainly well suited to the fabulous and unforgettable month of December. 

Sunday, November 29, 2020

coca cola x morphe eyeshadow palette (review + video)

Coca Cola is one of the most recognizable and well-known brands in the world. So, when I stumbled across a Coca Cola themed eyeshadow palette? There was no question. It needed to come home with me. Not only was the concept itself intriguing but it was also a collaboration with Morphe (a brand that has been part of my makeup collection for quite a while). I couldn't wait to put the themed colours to the test. Curious about this unexpected release? Want to see inside? Keep reading for a full review, video, and makeup look featuring the Coca Cola x Morphe Eyeshadow Palette. 

Friday, November 27, 2020

simple glitter makeup look feat. lise watier eye collection

Glitter is always a good idea. That is something that I have said time and time again...because it's true! Glitter has a way of making everything more beautiful. It adds an unexpected dose of fun to whatever it encounters. When it comes to makeup and beauty products, glitter is even more fabulous. Though some people prefer matte shades, my world is at least 99% glitter on a good day. Which is why it was extra exciting to be able to test and try a set of five different glitter eyeliners. The Glamorous & Sparkly Eye Collection from Lise Watier was an unexpected and exciting birthday gift. With five different glitters to put to use, it was hard to know where to start. Eventually, I made a decision! Ready to see how it turned out? Here is a recent makeup look that I created using some of the glitters from this oh-so-sparkly set. 

Wednesday, November 25, 2020

review: infiniti premier conair hair dryer

In the middle of blow drying my hair....poof! My beloved Kardashian Beauty hair dryer stopped working. This was upsetting for a few reasons. Partly because half of my hair was still wet and partly because I really loved that hair dryer. It was something I had used for the last five years or so. Then suddenly, it was time to say so long. When it came to choosing a replacement, I was totally clueless. What did I need? What did I want? How much was I willing to spend? In the end, it was the Infiniti Premier hair dryer by Conair that entered my life. Keep reading to find out what the features are and how the hair dryer performed.

Monday, November 23, 2020

pur x barbie collection (mini haul + review)

Barbie has always been a part of my life. Believe it or not, my very first word was "Barbie." Not mom or dad....Barbie. I guess I have always had good taste! There has always been something about this iconic doll. She could do absolutely anything she set her mind to. Barbie could be a veterinarian, teacher, astronaut, singer, artist. You name it, she could do it. Growing up, I loved everything about her. I loved her positive attitude in the commercials and cartoons. I loved her fabulous sense of style. I loved that she seemed to be able to take on the world! To me, Barbie represented confidence, intelligence, and poise. That's the magical thing about Barbie. She can mean so many different things to so many different people. So, when I was given a few items from the Pur x Barbie collection for my birthday last month, it was beyond exciting. Everything was pink, sparkly, and fabulous. Ready to find out more? Here is a mini haul and review of the items.

Saturday, November 21, 2020

five minute face feat. drugstore + high end products

There is nothing better than the luxury of time. Those moments when your schedule is clear and you have a significant portion of the day to do whatever you want. Sometimes, I spend moments like that writing or writing and other times, I spend moments like that creating a fabulous makeup look. Unfortunately, not all days allow for free time. In fact, most of them have been pretty full lately. So as much as I love spending as long as I want playing with my favourite beauty products...a quick five minute face is sometimes all that there is time for. Recently, I needed to pull together a makeup look that was quick, easy, and still a little glam. So I used some tried and true products and a small neutral palette that I hadn't reached for in a while. Ready to take a closer look at the items used? And see the results of that five minute face? Here is a super simple makeup look that included both drugstore and high end products. 

Thursday, November 19, 2020

cold weather skincare guide

Life moves fast these days. It seems like only yesterday, the sun was shining and the air conditioner was on full blast. Now? Temperatures are dropping at a rapid pace and Christmas decorations are starting to pop up in stores. While it’s easy to get excited about the upcoming holiday season, there are some major drawbacks to consider. Like the fact that cold weather and indoor heating can wreak havoc on your skin. Before you stress yourself out....take a deep breath and relax. All you need to do is change up your skincare routine. Say goodbye to dryness, flaky patches, and irritated skin this season. These tips and tricks will keep you looking beautiful from head to toe. Ready to get started? Here is your cold weather skincare guide.

Tuesday, November 17, 2020

too faced: salted caramel eyeshadow palette (review)


Whoever said, "Good things come in small packages," must have been talking about the new Too Faced Salted Caramel eyeshadow palette. This limited edition mini-palette has it all. Fabulous scent? Check. Gorgeous colours? Check. Stellar formula? Check. Once again, Too Faced has managed to effortlessly blend fun and fabulousness together. If you've been curious about this salty and sweet 8-pan eyeshadow palette, keep reading for a full review, swatches, and a makeup look.

Sunday, November 15, 2020

my favourite fall palettes + current favourites video


Eyeshadow palettes always excite. Even a not-so-great palette is exciting to test and try. Though there are plenty of makeup must-haves and everyday essentials...eyeshadow is the fun stuff. It is like the sprinkles on top of a perfectly iced birthday cake! Over the years, I have tried many eyeshadow palettes. Some have been incredible and others totally fell flat. Thankfully, there have been more hits than misses. Especially when it comes to those warm, fall inspired colours. Now that the season is fully underway, it is time to shine a light on a few of my favourite fall palettes. 

Friday, November 13, 2020

using my sephora points (mini haul feat. nars and clinique)


How many points?! It was only recently that I discovered my Sephora account had racked up tons of unredeemed points. Since it is rare that I actually leave the house these days (thanks to the pandemic)…when I visited an actual Sephora location, I redeemed 600 Sephora Beauty Insider points. It seemed like the most logical decision. Why not score some bonus products to test and try? Lucky for me, there were a few exciting items to choose from. The first was a 100 point item from NARS and the second was a 500 point set from Clinique. Not a bad way to redeem some points that had just been sitting there. Ready to take a closer look at the items and find out how they performed? Here is a mini haul featuring some high end items.

Wednesday, November 11, 2020

harry potter hufflepuff candle (charmed aroma: review + reveal)

Are you a Harry Potter fan? The books and movies have been a part of my life for years and years. I still vividly remember attending book release parties and midnight screenings. Oh, youth! Even though I am older (and possibly wiser)…Harry Potter is still a significant part of my life. I love to re-read the books every once and a while and the movies always make me smile. Plus, I have the Monster Book of Monsters and a replica wand on display in my home office. Needless to say, Harry Potter is something I never outgrew. Which explains my more recent purchase from Charmed Aroma. It is a Hufflepuff themed candle with a necklace inside. Now, this isn't my first time purchasing a Harry Potter themed item from the brand. Their cauldron candle revealed a sparkly potion bottle ring that I reviewed here. Want to find out what was inside the Hufflepuff candle? Keep reading for a Charmed Aroma review and reveal. 

Monday, November 9, 2020

2 looks 1 palette: one/size visionary eyeshadow palette

One/Size is a relatively new makeup brand. It launched in mid-summer and has since released a small handful of products. One of those items is the Visionary Eyeshadow Palette. This isn't something that I was certain about at first, but I took the plunge. Thank goodness! This is an eyeshadow palette that has some seriously unexpected takes on neutral shades. Along with a bold blue shade to mix things up. (You can take a closer look at the palette and read my full review here.) Since I have been making good use of this eyeshadow palette lately...it only made sense to do a 2 looks 1 palette post dedicated to it. So, here goes! Two looks created using the One/Size Visionary Eyeshadow Palette.

Saturday, November 7, 2020

review: sephora birthday gift (milk cosmetics)


One Sephora-related perk? Birthday gifts. Each year, Beauty Insiders are given the choice between a couple of small sets during their birthday month. This year, there was a hair care set and a skin care set...but makeup will always have my heart. So, I chose a few sample products from Milk Makeup. This isn't a brand that I have a ton of experience with (minus a sample of their highlight in the shade Turnt. It recently made an appearance on my early fall favourites list) so I was curious to find out more. Ready to dive into this Milk Makeup set from Sephora? Here goes....

Thursday, November 5, 2020

love it or leave it? gabrielle union


These days, it is much harder to be stylish. Especially as a celebrity! There aren't as many reasons to go out anymore. No premieres, no photoshoots, and no reason to get your glam on. Despite that, stars like Gabrielle Union are still finding ways to shine. She recently stepped out for dinner in West Hollywood wearing lots and lots of animal prints. Since fashion is something that I have been missing lately (thanks pandemic for making most days ultra casual) it seemed only right to feature this look in a love it or leave it? post. So...let's take a peek at this glamorous evening look and decide if it is love or a leave.

Tuesday, November 3, 2020

clinique sample review + everyday makeup look


Honestly? Clinique makes me happy. Not only do they have a wide range of skin care products to choose from (even ones that are specifically designed for dry skin) but they have an awful lot of makeup items as well. Every now and then, Clinique will offer various samples with purchase. Since I was in need of a hand cream...this worked out well. This time? There were six samples and a colouful makeup bag included with the hand cream. On that note...if you're curious about the Deep Comfort Hand and Cuticle Cream, be sure to check out my review post from last week. Now? It is all about the samples. Find out which beauty samples performed well and which ones fell flat. 

Sunday, November 1, 2020

one/size visionary eyeshadow palette (review + swatches)


Honestly? I wasn't sure about One/Size. At first, it was exciting to hear that Patrick Starrr had started his own makeup line. After all, I've been watching his channel for quite a while and have one of his collections with Mac in my makeup collection. (Take a peek at that review and makeup look here.) Part of me really wanted to support the brand. The other part of me wasn't totally sure about the first round of releases. One/Size initially introduced makeup wipes and a makeup removing spray. Not exactly thrilling. Shortly after, they announced additional products, like eyeliners and liquid eyeshadows. Though those items looked nice enough.... I still wasn't sold. Then the eyeshadow palette launched. I saw photos of it online and was a little underwhelmed. A neutral palette with a pop of blue. Eh! It wasn't until Patrick Starrr posted a YouTube video with live swatches from the Visionary Eyeshadow Palette that I began to change my mind. The colours appeared to be a little more unique when swatched. There was something about it that made me wonder. Could this be a different take on a neutrals palette? Would it be a noteworthy addition to my day-to-day routine? Get ready to find out. Here is everything you need to know about the One/Size Visionary Eyeshadow Palette. 

Friday, October 30, 2020

plan an at home halloween party + spooky movie suggestions


Halloween can be described in a lot of ways. Scary. Thrilling. Exciting. However you sum up this spooky seasonal event, the most important thing to do is make it memorable. Often, Halloween is celebrated with elaborate parties overloaded with friends and family members in full costumes. There are often nights out at fully decorated clubs or bars with themed beverages. Or local ghost tours. Or special events at theme parks. Or pumpkin walks. Yes, there are many ways to celebrate Halloween as an adult. This year? Things are definitely different. Many of those traditional seasonal events have been altered, downsized, or cancelled. That doesn't mean you have to throw in the towel. There is one safe and festive way to celebrate all things Halloween: throw yourself an at home party. Here are some party planning suggestions and a few spooky movies.

Wednesday, October 28, 2020

clinique deep comfort hand and cuticle cream + sample haul


Clinique is a consistent part of my skincare routine. Especially their Moisture Surge line of products. They work well and are suitable for sensitive skin. Though there are plenty of Clinique must-haves in my beauty room, one item was missing: hand lotion. Thanks to everything going on in the world....my hands have become ultra dry due to extra hand washing, constant use of sanitizer, and heavy-duty cleaning products. My skin is already dry to begin with, so needless to say, my hands were in rough shape! Thankfully, the Clinique Deep Comfort Hand and Cuticle Cream entered my life. Find out how it performs and check out seven different Clinique skincare and beauty samples that were included as a gift with purchase.

Monday, October 26, 2020

full face using paris hilton cosmetics


Paris Hilton has been part of popular culture for decades. She managed to turn a famous family name into a string of successful business ventures. From reality television shows to movies, music, an ultra successful perfume line, profitable DJ career, and of even a line of skin care and makeup products. This heiress never slows down! More recently, she showcased the woman behind the brand in a well-received YouTube documentary titled, "This is Paris." Currently, the documentary has over fifteen million views and has garnered a significant amount of buzz. (In case you missed it, be sure to check out the documentary here.) It is no secret that I am a fan of Paris Hilton. Her style and beauty-related ventures have been documented and reviewed here on the creation of beauty is art. countless times. Today? I wanted to use a few of my favourite Paris Hilton Cosmetics items to create a dusty rose inspired makeup look. Here is a breakdown of the products used and a peek at the end result.

Saturday, October 24, 2020

aging is not lost youth but a new stage of opportunity and strength.


Happy birthday to me! This is always an exciting day in the calendar year for me. Even after all these years, my birthday still makes me feel like a rock star. It is something that I always look forward to. This year? Things are...well....different. On one hand, there is the global pandemic. That means no seeing friends, no dinners out, no going to movies or heading to a special event. On the other hand, one of my closest friends is actually getting married today. And I am a bridesmaid. Though the details of the event have changed significantly (an extremely paired down guest list and social distancing measures in place) the wedding will still be taking place today. That means my birthday will be unusual all around. Typically, I would have separate plans with my husband, family, and friends in the days surrounding my birthday. Maybe next year.

Friday, October 23, 2020

fall fashion inspiration (flannel + warm green)


The fastest way to sum up fall fashion? Flannel. It is both stylish and enduring. There is a reason flannel designs continue to line store shelves year after year. Not only is it a total classic but flannel is also extremely versatile. It can be the focal point of an outfit or it can be incorporated into stylish autumn accessories. Flannel can have a simple and understated colour palette or boast lots of bold shades. Looking for a fun way to embrace flannel in your next seasonal outfit? Then get inspired with the outfit shown above. It checks off all the boxes when it comes to fall must-haves. Here is a breakdown of each item and how you can add similar styles to your next look.

Wednesday, October 21, 2020

review: eye woke up like this gold foil eye mask


Does your skin need a little TLC? Face masks are a quick and easy way to feel pampered. Every now and then, I like to set aside my to-do list and reach for a good mask. Those ten to fifteen minutes are the ultimate reset button. Not only does a face mask encourage me to stop and relax for a second but it also gives my skin a little extra care. Recently, I decided to try the Eye Woke Up Like This Gold Foil Eye Mask from sf. This eye mask had a whole list of promises...and I was eager to see if any of them were actually true. Since quarantine began way back in March, skin care is something that has been on my mind more than usual. So it only made sense to put this eye mask to the test. Find out how it looks and performs - and if it is worth trying.

Monday, October 19, 2020

fall makeup look (featuring morphe + lime crime)


Every leaf speaks bliss to me. That quote has always made me smile but this year, it seems even more accurate. I am embracing all things fall! The leaves changing colour, the crisp morning air, oversized sweaters, and of course, autumn colours. Those colours aren't just impacting my current wardrobe. They have also been inspiring a lot of my recent makeup looks. There is something about the warmth that makes me smile. Recently, I dug out a few favourites from my makeup collection (along with a few forgotten favourites) to put together a makeup look that screamed fall. Want to see how it turned out? Take a peek at some of the products used? Here is my latest fall makeup look...

Saturday, October 17, 2020

what i've been watching, reading, and listening to (fall edition)


There are many things to love about fall. That includes staying indoors, curling up with a fuzzy blanket, and enjoying lots of entertainment. Whether it is a television show, movie, book, or music....it all adds up to make a perfectly memorable season. In between writing and working, I have been doing my best to make time for entertainment this fall. It is the best possible way to relax and unwind. So on that note! Today's post will be dedicated to a few of the things I've been watching, reading, and listening to lately. There are some older items on this list along with some recent obsessions and even a few new releases. So without further ado, here are some of my recent entertainment picks.


Thursday, October 15, 2020

new in: butterfly belt bag + zebra print purse


New purses haven't exactly been on my radar lately. Partly because there hasn't been anywhere to go shopping and partly because there hasn't been anywhere to go in general. The last several months have been unusual, to say the least. Instead of trips to the mall, dinners with friends, seasonal events, and everything in between...things have mostly been quiet and focused. And that means less of a need for things like new accessories. That being said, recently my mom gifted me a couple of practical purses for this new normal we are living in. One was a butterfly belt bag (perfect for hands free trips to the grocery store or for those morning walks) and the other was a small zebra print purse (made from material that was easy to wipe down and disinfect). Who said staying safe meant sacrificing style? These have certainly been welcome additions to my life and my wardrobe. Ready to see them up close? It is time to take a better look at my latest accessories.

Tuesday, October 13, 2020

miley cyrus midnight sky inspired makeup look


It was love at first listen. Every now and again, a song manages to sweep me away. Suddenly, all of the stresses and strains of the day melt away and I am totally transfixed. That is what happened with the latest Miley Cyrus song, "Midnight Sky." I loved everything about it. The song. The message. The music video. The makeup. It is a true musical masterpiece! Something that stood out to me while watching the bold and colourful music video for this song was the unexpected makeup. The combination of purple and red was unusual in the best possible way. It added to the strong, no apologies vibe that the song offered. The glitter on the eyes was just the icing on the cake! Immediately, I knew that I wanted to recreate the look for myself. It had everything on my must-have list: lots of glitter and a bold lipstick shade. Want to see how it turned out? Find out which products were used? Here is my Miley Cyrus "Midnight Sky" inspired makeup look.

Sunday, October 11, 2020

accessories obsession: swarovski ring + enchanted disney necklace


I was supposed to be in Walt Disney World this month. Two weeks from now, my husband and I would've been on our way to sunny Florida for a fabulous vacation and to celebrate the wedding of one of my dear friends. Unfortunately....everything in the world has changed. Who knows when we will be able to take our fabulous Disney vacation? It has been hard to accept the reality that so many of the wonderful things that were planned are either on pause or cancelled altogether. But at least we are healthy at the moment. That is the most important thing! Since our Disney vacation is now a no-go, my parents were kind enough to treat me to some special accessories to keep the Disney magic alive. One is a key necklace from the Enchanted Disney collection and the other is a rose gold ring from Swarovski that isn't really Disney related but makes me feel like a princess. Today, I wanted to show you those pieces. They are absolutely beautiful and have been making me smile.

Friday, October 9, 2020

review: physicians formula the perfect matcha (3-in-1 beauty water)


Sometimes, a little skin care goes a long way. Especially now. With the weather starting to shift, it has become extra important to focus on skin care. Wondering why? The recent drop in temperatures means one thing and one thing only: dry skin is coming. As someone with dry skin to begin with, the fall and winter months can be especially challenging for my particular skin type. That means not only is it important to establish (and maintain) a product routine but it also means it is vital to reach for items that work effectively. Enter Physicians Formula The Perfect Matcha 3-in-1 Beauty Water. It claims to tone, hydrate, and set makeup. Does it? Here is everything you need to know about this drugstore skin care product.

Wednesday, October 7, 2020

early fall favourites (books, candles, nails, and makeup)


Sometimes, the little things matter most. That is certainly true these days! It is the small joys in life that make me happiest lately. Especially since the world has changed so much in the last six or seven months. It seems that everything is upside down....but at least there are small comforts. Like the beginning of fall, the return of sweater weather, and a few recent favourites. As you can see from the picture above, lots of things are bringing me comfort at the moment. There are books, decor pieces, scented candles, nail polish strips, and shimmery beauty items. Ready to find out more about these early fall comforts? Here is everything you need to know about these recent favourites.

Monday, October 5, 2020

top five favourite: fall perfumes


Two things I love? Fall and perfume. Now that the weather is getting chillier and the temperatures are starting to drop....there are certain fragrances that have been calling my name more than ever. Ones that are a little warmer and bolder. During the summer months, I tend to use light, fresh, and fruity kind of fragrances but when the fall season hits? It calls for something decidedly different. Though there are many different bottles of perfume in my collection (you can take a peek at my perfume collection here) five of them really stood out. So, here they are. These are my top five favourite fall perfumes.

Saturday, October 3, 2020

affordable must-have: essence eyebrow designer brow pencil


Believe it or not, shopping isn't something that has taken up a lot of my time lately. With the world the way it is...my goal is always to stay inside and stay safe as much as possible. That means less time is spent window shopping. Or even picking up necessities. That being said, I was down to the last inch of my previous eyebrow pencil. It was a must-have kind of scenario. So, my husband and I popped out to pick up a few needed items from the drugstore. Including a new brow pencil. I wasn't exactly sure what brand to choose from, since my previous favourite wasn't sold at that particular location. On a whim, I grabbed the Eyebrow Designer Brow Pencil from Essence. Why that product? Why that brow pencil? Quite frankly, it was cheap. The pencil cost less than $3 CDN. If I wasn't able to grab a product that I knew and loved...it made sense to choose the cheapest item until I was able to get my hands on those old favourites. Turns out? This is my new favourite brow pencil. 

Thursday, October 1, 2020

#FOTD: warm glam + beauty favourites


Going out and being social? Not so much. That certainly isn't something I have been doing a lot of in the last six months or so. In fact, I've been inside almost all of the time. Apart from visiting my immediate family and picking up groceries, that is. However, last month my friend had a socially distanced bachelorette party. It was in a backyard, we all stayed away from each other, wore masks except for when we were eating or drinking, and did everything humanly possible to stay safe. Despite all of the precautions, it was still a little unnerving for me. Like I said...leaving the house isn't something I've been doing a whole lot of. But it was a special occasion and it was important for me to be there and to support my friend. Especially since her wedding experience has undergone so much change due to the pandemic. It was a memorable afternoon, for sure. Want to see the makeup look I put together for the event? Here is a warm glam #FOTD featuring some beloved beauty items.