Thursday, April 30, 2020

unusual ways to wear floral print


The easiest way to sum up spring style? Floral print. Year after year…. it takes over runway shows, designer collections, and shopping malls. It is the one seasonal staple that you can count on. It may change and adapt over time but it will never go out of style. Are you sick of wearing floral print the same way? Over and over again? You are not alone. Fashion lovers from around the globe are ready for something new. It is time to put a fresh spin on this spring must have. Get started now. Try these unusual ways to wear floral print.

Tuesday, April 28, 2020

trying out wet n wild workout inspired makeup


Workout inspired makeup? From Wet n Wild? Needless to say, this nabbed my attention. Wet n Wild has long been one of my favourite drugstore brands. In fact, I've been reviewing their products for years and years. In terms of quality, Wet n Wild has seriously stellar products for ridiculously affordable prices. Though not every item is a winner....there have been several standouts over the years. So of course, the Wet n Wild Pump line intrigued me. It included dozens of athletic friendly releases that were both workout inspired and portable, making them stylish and easy to take to the gym. There were a lot of options. So I narrowed it down to one palette, a blush stick, and two lip balms. Keep reading to find out how everything performed and whether these products were actually workout proof.


Sunday, April 26, 2020

workout and sweat proof hairstyles to try


How are you enjoying the sunshine so far? The weather this season has been more good than bad. So take advantage of the beautiful scenery, the blue skies, and the picturesque skylines. It is time to get out there and work up a sweat! Worried about the logistics? You are not alone. When it comes to hair, it can be difficult to keep it tied back and tamed during a workout. There is nothing more frustrating than pieces of hair awkwardly sticking to your face or being temporarily blinded by your long locks during a 60 second plank. Never fear! These workout – and sweat – proof hairstyles will make sure your next outdoor adventure is a success from start to finish.

Friday, April 24, 2020

review: smashbox always on cream to matte lipstick (self worth it)


No more lipsticks. That has been a personal goal of mine for a while now. Largely because I have more than enough lip products to use and enjoy. For the most part, I've been doing fairly well steering clear of unnecessary lipstick purchases. (For the most part. I still slip up every now and again!) However, there was one item that I was more than willing to break my self-imposed goal for. While browsing through my Instagram feed there was a shade that instantly caught my eye. I knew it had to become a part of my life and makeup collection. What was it? Smashbox Always On Cream to Matte Lipstick in the shade Self Worth It. This is a classic pink lipstick colour with a unique cream to matte formula.

Wednesday, April 22, 2020

four tips to get (and stay) organized this spring


Be honest. Have you started spring cleaning yet? This time of year is synonymous with elbow grease, de-cluttering, and starting fresh…but many of us put off the tradition for as long as humanly possible. (Despite all of the hours, days, and weeks many of us spent in quarantine.) Stop procrastinating! Getting and staying organized is easier than you think. With a bit of planning and creativity, your space will make even the biggest neat freak jealous. Just keep these handy tips and tricks in mind.

Monday, April 20, 2020

good? bad? paris hilton duo mascara set


Oh, Paris Hilton Cosmetics. I have such a love affair with this brand. Though not every product is a winner...there have been an awful lot of stellar releases. Especially when you consider the prices. Typically, items range from $3-15, which is more than reasonable. I love that Paris Hilton has focused on releasing products that are fun, flashy, and affordable. Since everyone seems to know that I adore Paris Hilton (there was even a Paris Hilton theme week here on the creation of beauty is art.)....often Paris Hilton Cosmetics items are given to me for birthdays, holidays, and sometimes just because. I was gifted the Duo Mascara set several months back. It included two different mascaras, the Lengthening Mascara and the Volumizing Mascara. Immediately, I was intrigued by the set. How did it perform? Was it good? Bad? In between? Here is everything you need to know.

Saturday, April 18, 2020

review: physicians formula murumuru butter (brazilian pout lip kit)


Every once and a while, a beauty item leaves a serious mark. Last year, Physicians Formula released their Butter Collection x Casey Holmes collaboration. (You can read my full review of that collection here.) In that collection, there was a Murumuru Butter Lipstick in the shade Pop the Bubbly. That Butter Lipstick totally flipped the script. The formula was so incredible that the drugstore lipstick became my go-to during the spring and summer months. Not long ago, I stumbled across a Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter lip set. The Brazilian Pout Kit offered a lip mask as well as three different lipstick shades. Given how much of an impact Pop the Bubbly had on my makeup routine....it was impossible to pass up this drugstore set. Are these shades as fabulous as the original? Was this lip set worth adding to my collection? Keep reading for a full review of the products along with a YouTube try on video.


Thursday, April 16, 2020

everyday makeup tutorial feat. catrice x eman eyeshadow palette


Life has been slower lately. Though the reasons behind this pause are scary and unnerving...my goal has been to make the most of every day. To spend this time catching up on my endless to do lists. To create. To relax. To enjoy my life. Though I am desperately missing my family and friends, all I can do is continue on in the best spirits possible. Recently, a new eyeshadow palette entered my collection. It has been sitting around for a little while. However it is only now in this time of pause that I have actually had time to put it to use. Curious about the Catrice x EMAN eyeshadow palette? A full review will be shared here in the very near future. For now, here is a simple everyday makeup tutorial featuring the palette. It is perfect for running those essential errands or perking up those at-home days.

Tuesday, April 14, 2020

indoor workouts (fitness tips + my current routine)


Before there were orders to stay indoors, to social distance, and to isolate....my schedule largely consisted of work and the gym. Things have certainly changed. There is a part of me that misses working out at the gym. Though truthfully, I have always been a home workout kind of gal. I am extremely familiar with the work of Jane Fonda, Jillian Michaels, Bob Harper, GymRa, Fitness Blender, and a number of other exercise enthusiasts. (For some DVD suggestions be sure to check out my top five favourite workouts.) So while there is a part of me missing my gym time, this has also given me the chance to re-commit myself to at home fitness. This might be a bit of an adjustment for some. However, it is also a wonderful opportunity to make the most of the space you have. Here are a few indoor workout tips as well as some information about my current fitness routine.


Sunday, April 12, 2020

easter is meant to be a symbol of hope, renewal, and new life.


Easter has always been one of my favourite holidays. And that is saying something, because I love holidays. All of them. A lot. In my family, Easter has always been about having fun and spending time together. We open our baskets (full of goodies, small gifts, and chocolate) and watch lots of themed movies. Then we usually play games, do some baking, and eat a fabulous dinner. Those traditions never fail to make me smile. I love spending time with my family - and that is especially true during the holidays. We always make special memories and celebrate in style. This year, things have been really up in the air. Will we be able to celebrate together? Will the world still be in shut down mode? Turns out.....we will not be celebrating together and the world still is in shut down mode. With that in mind, it has been difficult to fully commit myself to celebration mode. However, I am trying very hard to focus on things that make me happy. Like Easter.

Friday, April 10, 2020

current fashion obsession: neubyrne


Is anyone else watching Making the Cut? This Amazon exclusive show features the long overdue reunion of former Project Runway duo, Tim Gunn and Heidi Klum. As a lover of reality television, competition shows, and anything to do with fashion...this was instantly added to my watch list. The show itself is unique in a lot of ways. For starters, unlike many other fashion television programs, there is a massive budget for Making the Cut. Not only is it set in Paris but there is a one million dollar prize! Additionally, the judging panel is impressive and the designers have seamstresses to work on their pieces overnight. All in all, it is an enjoyable watch thus far. There are many talented designers featured on the show. However, the designer that instantly grabbed my attention was Martha Gottwald. Her aesthetic was all about sequins, sparkle, volume, bows, and well, everything! It was definitely a more is more situation. And I was living for it. That led me to take a closer look at her brand, Neubyrne. It did not disappoint. The brand is just as colourful and exciting as I hoped.

Wednesday, April 8, 2020

jaclyn hill x morphe palette volume II (review + swatches)


Shortly before stores started shutting down and social distancing became a necessity...I purchased the Jaclyn Hill x Morphe palette from Sephora. It was likely my last purchase for the next little while. With the world so uncertain, it makes sense to dig into what I already have in my collection. To stop looking for more and keep my eyes focused on what is in my home. That being said, my Jaclyn Hill x Morphe Volume II Eyeshadow Palette has been getting an awful lot of use lately. (In case you missed it, click here to see the first makeup look I created using this recent release.) It is a colourful palette that offers a wide range of bright and bold shades. Ready to take a peek inside? See different makeup looks and swatches? Here goes....

Monday, April 6, 2020

review: biossance the clean (re)set


My skin care routine has always fairly simple. Clean and moisturize. However, over the years I have become more focused on stepping up my skin care game. Using different serums, oils, and anti-aging products, for instance. For the most part, this has gone well, but there haven't been a whole lot of products that have wowed me. Products that have been worthy of repurchasing. Sure I have a handful of skin care items that are essentials to me. As for the extras? I am still on the hunt for those must-haves. Several months back, I used some Sephora points to test out a few Biossance skin care products. Here is a closer look inside the Beauty Insider set as well as a review of each product.

Saturday, April 4, 2020

beginner series: four essential blush shades


It can be a little overwhelming. Using makeup for the first time can be both thrilling and totally terrifying. What colours are best? Which brands work well? There are so many questions and finding the answers often feels impossible. Don't worry! That is what this beginner series is all about. If you are just dipping your toes into the wonderful world of makeup, you might have some questions about blush shades. There are plenty of individual blush pans lining the shelves and just as many blush palettes. What do you actually need? Here are four essential blush shades that will cover your bases. From neutral looks to evening wear and everything in between.

Thursday, April 2, 2020

spring: a lovely reminder of how beautiful change can be


This has been an unusual spring so far. Normally at this point, I am joyfully making plans, going to concerts, and pulling out my seasonal wardrobe. This year? I am inside. All the time. It has been quite the adjustment. Though I have been staying in good spirits overall - and have been ultra focused on being productive during this time - it has certainly made the start of the season feel a little underwhelming. That's okay. Things can only get better from here on out. Which is why I wanted to celebrate all things spring. This is a time of rebirth and renewal...and I think we could all use a bit of that. It doesn't matter if you are stuck inside, are going into work each day, or are looking forward to all the wonder a new season brings. We all need a little inspiration! So here are some springtime photos to brighten your day.