nail polish review: essie have a ball collection (part one)

Some nail polishes are better than others. In the past, some of the polishes in my collection have exceeded expectations and others have fallen flat. Looking for a nail polish brand that is both reliable and impressive? Then there is one name to remember: Essie. This is a nail polish brand that I have tried a handful of times in the past (my last review was from the Celebrating Moments collection) and have consistently enjoyed. Recently, the 6-Piece Have a Ball Collection was sent to me to review and enjoy. Since there are so many polishes to test and try...this is going to be a three part series. Each post will highlight and review two different nail polishes from the collection. Part one is all about Love-All Game and Have a Ball. 

morphe x coca cola 1971 unity collection (mini reviews + haul)

If you ask me...there was something special about the 70s. Despite everything that was happening in the world, there was this beautiful sense of hope that could not be denied. There was a belief that activism, positivity and kindness could truly make a difference. Sometimes, I wish there was more hope in the world today. Though, it is understandably difficult to be hopeful with more immediate access to news (both good and bad) and the constant barrage of opinions (both good and bad) on social media. Perhaps the latest collaboration from Morphe x Coca Cola can act as a reminder that there is always room for a little optimism. The 1971 Unity Collection states that it is intended to be "a look at the past and a glimpse into the future with warmth, togetherness, and a hopeful spirit." Talk about makeup with meaning! Recently, this collection has been in heavy rotation. It has been wonderful to test and try these different products, like the eyeshadow palette, brushes, lip glosses, and mascara. Here are mini reviews of each of the different items in this Morphe x Coca Cola Collection. 

new in: pink kate spade bow wallet

My favourite designers tend to have a little more fun with fashion. I think I will always lean towards brands like Betsey Johnson and Kate Spade. I believe that clothes and accessories should be whimsical and express different parts of your personality. Kate Spade certainly does this with ease. The brand constantly has a mixture of elegant basics and perfectly themed pieces. (This Kate Spade cat-inspired purse is a wonderful example of how brands can create luxury items that are still adorable.) Recently, the Kate Spade wallet that I have had for many many years started to look a little rough and worn down. So I actually purchased a Betsey Johnson wallet as a replacement. It was a wristlet wallet with a dark floral pattern. Gorgeous! I was all set to make the switch when my mom gifted me a new Kate Spade wallet. As you can see from the photograph above, it is absolutely beautiful. 

revolution forever dynamic tranquil eyeshadow palette (review)

On my recent list of loves? The Revolution Forever Dynamic Tranquil Eyeshadow Palette. It is a fairly small palette in terms of the actual size but it includes eight different eyeshadow shades...many of which pack an awful lot of punch. This is actually the second Forever Dynamic eyeshadow palette from Revolution that I have tried lately. Not too long ago, the Ambient palette made its way into my makeup collection and it was loaded with pink and purple shades. Meanwhile, the Tranquil palette has a combination of blues and greens to choose from. Ready to take a look inside? See how these drugstore eyeshadows perform? Here is everything you need to know about the Revolution Forever Dynamic Tranquil Eyeshadow Palette. 

mini drugstore haul (reviews and video)

Sometimes, those unexpected stops off at the drugstore manage to be a little more expensive than planned. Especially when a leisurely stroll through the beauty aisle is involved. You know how it is....pop in for some essentials and walk out with a whole lot of non-essential (but fun) items. That is how this mini drugstore haul came to be. It includes some new nail polish as well as some makeup items, perfume, and there are even some samples thrown into the mix. Ready to take a peek at everything? Here is a video haul as well as some drugstore product reviews. 

currently loving: ari by ariana grande perfume

Perfume is the easiest pick-me-up there is. Having a tough day? Is it raining outside? Need a little self care but have an endless to do list to take care of? A quick spritz of a special scent can immediately lift your spirits and make everything seem a little sunnier. It is amazing how the right scent can totally turn things around. Smell is linked to emotions, memory, and creativity...and that makes each and every perfume in your collection incredibly powerful. Personally, I love having lots of different scents to choose from. Sometimes, I choose something light and refreshing. Other times, it is something musky and rich. For the days where I am looking for something fruity and feminine? ARI by Ariana Grande is a must. Lately, I have been totally obsessing over this fabulous fragrance. 

love it or leave it? margot robbie

It's hard to believe that movie theatres are open and the box office is slowly (very slowly) starting to recover from shutdowns and low attendance. However, new movies are being released and red carpet events are back. Case in point? Margot Robbie at the premiere of The Suicide Squad. Now, not everyone loves superhero movies but there is something undoubtedly special about Margot Robbie. She has been in so many wonderful television shows and movies (my personal favourite will always be Pan Am) over the years. The most recent is of course, The Suicide Squad, as the iconic Harley Quinn. At the premiere of the movie, Margot certain turned heads thanks to her unexpected outfit. So...is it a love it or leave it?

glamping tips for your next camping getaway

Travel used to be a somewhat regular part of my life. It may not have involved super expensive international vacations but there was usually room for a bus tour, a weekend getaway, or a week off somewhere special. The pandemic changed everything. Travel was suddenly over and done with. Sadly, we had a Walt Disney World vacation booked and largely paid for. My husband and I had to try to chase down refunds for airline tickets...and lose out on some non-refundable expenses. Though it will likely be a long time until we do any significant travel that involves airplanes or a different country, we do have a vacation planned. In fact, by the time you are reading this, we will be at a cottage with my immediate family for the week. It isn't far away and provided the opportunity to get away from it all without being unsafe. So, with that in mind, I wanted to share a few glamping tips just in case you will also be camping or cottaging this summer. 

favourite summer sunglasses + summer tag video

The ultimate summer accessory? Sunglasses. They are an absolute must. Not only do sunglasses keep your eyes safe and protected from the sun...but they can also elevate your seasonal outfit in an instant. It is no secret that sunglasses are one of my all-time favourite accessories (take a peek at my sunglasses collection video from several years back as an example). I love how transformative they can be! The different shapes, colours, patterns, and details can completely turn an outfit around. Plus, it is always fun to select just the right pair. Ahh...bliss! Now that summer is in full swing, my sunglasses collection has been getting an awful lot of use. My husband and I have been trying to go out for walks throughout the week and sometimes throwing on the perfect pair of sunglasses makes me feel like a million bucks. Whether we are headed out for a walk or are on our way to the nearby grocery store, sunglasses have the ability of boosting my mood. Ready to see a couple of my current favourite pairs? Here are some sunnies that I have been loving lately. 

inspired by: avril lavigne (fashion + makeup)

I remember how it used to be.  Smudged black eye makeup and stealing ties from my dad's closet. Vans and Converse sneakers. Baggy jeans that dragged on the ground behind me. Those were the days! If you couldn't tell from some of my more recent posts, I've been feeling rather nostalgic lately. It might have something to do with the ongoing COVID 19 pandemic. So much has changed... and I find myself looking back to simpler times. Lately, I have been listening to a lot of different albums (music is always my coping mechanism) and some of the standouts were from Avril Lavigne. 

I've been a fan of Avril since the release of "Complicated" back in 2002. (How has it been that long?!) Over the years, I have purchased all of her albums, used to dress pretty exclusively in her Abbey Dawn clothing line, and have even seen her in concert. Since I've been spending so much time looking back and enjoying Avril's music, I thought I would do something a little bit different here on the creation of beauty is art. Today, I am going to attempt to recreate an Avril inspired makeup look and put together an old school Avril inspired outfit. Ready to check out some Avril Lavigne inspired style? Here goes...

beginner series: how to perfect the five minute face

There is always so much to do. So much to check off of that never-ending to do list. While it may be nice to spend an hour and a half leisurely applying each and every beauty product...sometimes the clock is ticking. Maybe you need to run out to handle some errands or a last-minute Zoom call was scheduled. Perhaps you overslept and only have a few minutes before you need to head to the office. Whatever the reason may be, it is always possible to pull together a super quick and easy five minute face. Here are some tips and tricks to ensure that the process of getting ready is as enjoyable and seamless as possible.  

focus on fashion with sculptshe

Sometimes, the perfect outfit needs a little something extra. What is worn underneath your favourite dress, skirt, or blouse can dramatically alter the overall appearance. Certain undergarments (especially ones that are ill fitting) can negatively affect the shape and silhouette of a garment. No more! There are many different ways to ensure that your next fashion forward look is fabulous from head to toe. For instance, shapewear is one option to consider. It is a quick and easy way to achieve a smooth and streamlined finish. Thankfully, when it comes to those must-have pieces, Sculptshe has got you covered. This online retailer makes it easy to create a well-rounded wardrobe. 

bronzer review (too faced bare it all bronzer) + makeup look

The summer season always favours bronze makeup looks. This year? Too Face released a memorable line of warm and wearable products thanks to the adorable teddy bear theme. A couple of months ago, the Teddy Bare Eyeshadow Palette was reviewed here on the creation of beauty is art. Now it is time to take a closer look at the Bare It All Bronzer in the shade Honey Bun Glow. Is it a must have for those last days of summer? Or is it just another bronzer? Keep reading to find out! Here is a full review and makeup look (plus a video tutorial) featuring this high end item.

ranking recent face and eye masks

These days, face and eye masks are an essential part of my skin care routine. They leave my skin feeling pampered and pretty...but they also remind me to focus on self care at the end of a long hard day. The latter is especially important! Several masks have been sitting in my beauty room lately and I have dutifully been working to put them to use. Some are under eye masks, some are face masks and some even have animal inspired designs. Ready to dive into some of the loves, leaves, and so-so products? Here is a ranking of some of the recent face and eye masks that I have been using.

new in: kendall + kylie hair accessories

My hair has been anything but beautiful lately. After a year and a half without a haircut (thanks to the pandemic and lots of safety concerns) it is downright unmanageable. Currently? My thick hair is heavy, bulky, and shapeless. It refuses to straighten completely and also refuses to hold any sort of style for long. Thankfully, there are two pieces of good news. The first? I have a hair appointment booked. I could not be more excited to have my hair look somewhat decent. Or at the very least, for my hair to be thinned a little bit. Though I am still a little nervous about heading into the salon, a haircut is long overdue. The second piece of good news? New hair accessories! These items have really been helping out my lackluster hair recently. Ready to take a closer look at the Kendall + Kylie eight piece hair accessories set? Here is everything that was included....

review: makeup by mario (master metals eyeshadow palette)

Makeup by Mario has been an important part of my makeup routine lately. Eyeshadows that shimmer and shine have always made me happy...but the Master Metallics Eyeshadow Palette and the Master Metals Eyeshadow Palette have really raised the bar. Especially the latter! The Master Metals Eyeshadow Palette may look like just another eyeshadow palette, but it is anything but ordinary. This is a unique and versatile product that can be used in many different ways. Plus, the shade selection is top notch. Ready to find out more about this high end item? Here is everything you need to know about this unforgettable palette.

fashion deja vu: 90s everything

What is it about 90s fashion? Accessories? Makeup? Outfits? Despite the fact that several decades have passed...styles from the 1990s are back and better than ever before. More and more television shows and movies are set in the 90s. Several new musical artists have a distinctly 90s sound. There is just something about the decade that cannot be overlooked. Perhaps it is because this was the last decade before social media took over. Or maybe it has something to do with the adventurous designs that graced magazine covers, runways, and department stores. Whatever the reason, the 90s are an enduring decade. Which explains why Good American released their Good 90s collection earlier this year.