monochromatic makeup: warm peach (feat. drugstore and high end)

The pandemic drags on and on....and my makeup routine has changed significantly as a result. Before the pandemic, I had a handful of quick and easy looks ready to go that were suitable for work. (I would let my creativity take over when it came time for blog posts, videos, or nights out.) Now that I am working from home? It gives me a bit more freedom to experiment and have fun. I like to take a bit of time out of each day to dig through my makeup collection and reach for products that need a little love. Maybe something I haven't reached for in ages or something in particular that calls to me. Honestly? It has been a lot of fun to use and enjoy even more of my makeup collection. 

disney week: current disney+ favourites

There are an awful lot of streaming services out there. More than any one person could possibly want or need. Though there are far too many in my own home (five currently...ack!) certain streaming services are must-haves. For me, those non-negotiable streaming services are Netflix and Disney+. The latter has it all. There are classic Disney cartoons and full-length movies. There are also iconic Disney Channel Original Movies. Not to mention lots and lots of original material. Though I haven't had as much time as I would like lately to narrow down my continue watching list....there are a few things that have made me smile lately. On that note, here are some of my current Disney+ favourites. 

disney week: makeup nostalgia (storylook eyeshadow palettes)

Declutters happen. Beauty products don't last forever and every now and then, it is important to look through your collection and move on from anything that is well past its prime. Despite all of the declutters that have taken place within my own collection...certain nostalgic eyeshadow palettes remain. Like the Sephora Storylook Eyeshadow Palettes themed around Cinderella and Ariel. According to my very old blog posts about them....one was released in early 2013 and one was released in early 2014. Though they haven't been used in years and years, I cannot seem to part with these Disney-themed products. Ready to take a trip down memory lane? The latest post in this Disney theme week is all about these beloved palettes. 

disney week: disney inspired purses (new in)

Disney week continues here on the creation of beauty is art. Yesterday was all about a Beauty and the Beast themed Charmed Aroma candle. The latest theme week post is all about Disney-themed purses. Though there are many different purses in my collection (in various shapes, sizes and colours)...there is something extra special about something Disney themed or Disney inspired. It can add an undeniable dose of magic to any and all outfits. There are several Disney purses already in my life. For instance, the red and white polka dot purse my husband bought for me on our honeymoon in Walt Disney World and the Bread and Butterfly shaped purse inspired by Alice in Wonderland. In the last several months, two more Disney inspired purses have been added to that collection. This is all thanks to my mom, who has fallen in love with online shopping, and has spoiled me with some fabulous Disney items. They make me smile and make me hopeful for the future. Maybe one day, I will have a chance to wear them on a Disney vacation or even to the movie theatre. A girl can dream! Here are the the two new purses...

disney week: beauty and the beast (charmed aroma review + reveal)

Disney has been in my life for as long as I can remember. Early childhood memories include singing along to The Little Mermaid cassette tape, staying active with Mousercise, and watching Mickey Mouse cartoons on an old-school movie viewer. (In case you don't remember the latter, definitely check out this video for a healthy dose of wonder.) Over the years, Disney has continued to be an important part of my life. From the movies to the TV shows, music, and theme parks....Disney adds a healthy dose of magic to each and every day. Which is why it it Disney Week here on the creation of beauty is art. That's right! All week long, there will be lots and lots of different Disney related posts. The first one is a Charmed Aroma review and reveal, which features a fabulous Beauty and the Beast themed candle.

testing out a charcoal skin care set

One of my beauty-related resolutions for the year had to do with skin care . It is true what they say: Consistency is key. However, consistency is often an area where I struggle. That is why skin care sets and kits are always really useful. Having a handful of different products to reach for can really simplify the process. A while back, my husband gifted me a charcoal skin care set. It included a number of different skin care products: face masks, a cleanser, and even wipes. Keep reading to find out more about the products included in this set and how each one of them actually performed. 

2 looks 1 palette: too faced watermelon slice palette

It is no secret. If you read my last blog post about the Too Faced Watermelon Slice Palette, you already know that I am head over heels in love with this fabulously fruity release. The breakaway palette includes three face products as well as eight eyeshadow shades in a variety of finishes. The theme is an awful lot of fun and the quality is impressive. Lately, I have been putting this palette to good use. So....I wanted to share a few different looks. That's right, it is time for a 2 looks 1 palette post. One makeup look is neutral and suitable for those every day events. The other look is a little more colourful. 

too faced watermelon slice palette (review)

Everyone has preferences when it comes to beauty products. Some love matte foundations and others love dewy finishes. Some obsess over brows while others crave a bold statement lip colour. When it comes to my own makeup preferences...Too Faced is at the top of the list. There is just something about the brand that makes me smile. From whimsical themes to scented products and over-the-top shimmery eyeshadow shades, there is a lot to love. One recent obsession? The Too Faced Watermelon Slice Palette. This breakaway set includes a selection of both face products and eyeshadows. 

sephora sample review (skin care and perfume)

Sephora visits are rare these days. Not just stepping foot into a store (which seems like a distant memory at this point) but even ordering online. Since the start of the pandemic, my shopping habits have decreased significantly. This is because my shopping habits are more in line with the Ariana Grande lyric: I see it, I like it, I want it, I got it. If I don't actually see something...I don't want it. Since I am not exactly seeking out anything in particular, this has curbed my shopping habit. Though, a few months ago, I did place an order with Sephora for some essentials and one additional item. Along with that order came a few samples. So, I thought that I would share some mini reviews on the included items. 

shop my stash: too faced life's a festival eyeshadow palette

Makeup is self expression. It is art. It is creativity. Lately? Makeup is also one of the few things that makes me feel normal. At this point, it has been a year and two months since my entire world turned upside down. No more seeing friends, no more travel, shopping trips, movies, concerts...nothing. I am someone that prefers to stay in. So, the fact that I am feeling stir crazy says an awful lot at this point. The pandemic fatigue is real! Thankfully, there is always makeup. This is one of the best parts of my day. I like to spend the morning working, do a workout before lunch, shower, eat, do my makeup, and then continue on with work. The makeup part is my favourite. Since I'm not going anywhere or seeing anyone, each makeup look is just for me. I can reach for different palettes and random products. I can get creative or do something simple and neutral. It is the best possible stress reliever. More recently, I decided to reach for one of my all-time favourite eyeshadow palettes. 

skin care love: oh k! face masks (sleep mask + mood mask)

Being home more often means that there is a little extra time to focus on skin care. This has definitely been a good thing! I've been trying to make use of some different face masks in my collection. Like the Oh K! Nourishing Overnight Hydration Sleep Mask with Hyaluronic Acid and the Oh K! Purifying Colour Change Mood Mask with Uplifting Grapefruit Oil. Both are from the same brand but are extremely different in terms of the scent, texture, and overall experience. Want to learn a little bit more about these Oh K! products? Keep reading for all the details on these Korean skin care items. 

wet n wild cosmic collision eyeshadow palette (review)

Wet n Wild is a drugstore brand that stands out. There have been some misses over the years (like their workout inspired line of products) but there have also been a lot of incredible products. Their eyeshadow sets are especially impressive. That includes trios, quads, and palettes of all sizes! Without a doubt, Wet n Wild has the best eyeshadow formula at the drugstore. The pigmentation level is fantastic, the texture is buttery soft, and the shadows are easy to blend. Just take the Cosmic Collision release as an example. It offers a wide variety of colours and finishes...and it is ultra affordable. 

does it work?? precision beauty retinol forehead mask

Forehead wrinkles. Ahh...how I loathe them! While most people develop wrinkles and lines over time, my forehead has had lines on it for as long as I can remember. Kids at school would scrunch up their foreheads and the lines would disappear as soon as they stopped. Mine didn't disappear. They were always visible. I don't know if the forehead lines are the result of my dry skin or genetics...but it is something that I have been self-conscious about for a very long time. Over the years, I have tried an awful lot. Moisturizers, lotions, serums, and everything in between. Nothing seems to make a significant or noticeable difference in the appearance of those forehead lines. No matter what I seem to do, they remain. 

love it or leave it? nicky hilton rothschild

Over the years, there have been numerous posts on the creation of beauty is art. dedicated to Paris Hilton. Thanks to her bold style and countless business ventures...there has been an awful lot to write about! But her sister, Nicky Hilton Rothschild is equally stylish and well-known. Recently, she was seen out on a coffee run in New York City wearing an eye-catching outfit. It immediately caught my attention thanks to the print and accessories. Was it a love it or leave it? Keep reading to find out. 

review: hard candy x marilyn monroe (silver screen palette)

It was a little over a year ago when the Hard Candy x Marilyn Monroe collection launched. I can still remember the excitement! I wanted absolutely everything. The packaging was adorable and the theme really stood out at the drugstore. Back then, several items were added to my shopping cart. (Take a look at them here.) What I didn't know then was that it would be a very long time before I set foot in another store. That was actually the last day that I was out and about before things shut down due to COVID-19. So, when I think about the Hard Candy x Marilyn Monroe collection...it is a little bittersweet for me. It reminds me of a time when life used to be normal. Recently, I was able to try out the Hard Candy x Marilyn Monroe Silver Screen Eyeshadow Palette from the line. Keep reading to find out how this drugstore palette performs.

current favourite: paris hilton perfume (passport south beach)

Scents are powerful. Meaningful. Inspirational. There are some in my collection that are saved for special occasions, some that have special memories and some that are ideal for everyday wear. When it comes to Paris Hilton fragrances....there is a little bit of everything. "With Love" is a special occasion kind of scent. "Tease" has special memories. And the "Passport" line is more than suitable for everyday wear. Speaking of the "Passport" line of perfumes! One of my current favourites is South Beach. This is something that has been in my collection for years. It was originally released in 2010 and has been a fan favourite ever since.