pros and cons: paris hilton cosmetics mascaras

Shopping hasn't exactly been possible for me lately. Why? Where I live, there have been various levels of lockdowns and capacity limits since 2022 began. Not to mention the fact that I generally try to avoid leaving the house due to COVID-19 concerns. In fact, the last time I went shopping in a store was in mid-December. At that time, there were a few items that were purchased for others and a few for myself...but I am only just starting to put them to good use. Take the Platinum Doll Mascara Set from Paris Hilton Cosmetics as an example. It was found at Winners for a mere $7.99. Three mascaras for less than $8? It was worth a shot. Want to find out how these mascaras performed? Here are some pros and cons for each of the mascaras. 

too faced: christmas in the city (christmas in los angeles palette)

There is nothing like a little Too Faced to make the winter season a little more bearable. The winter weather has really arrived where I live. Some days are ultra snowy and some days are ridiculously cold. As for me? I am staying inside as much as humanly possible. Just because I am in full hibernation mode doesn't mean my makeup collection is sitting unused. Far from it! One of my favourite parts of the day is when I take a little time to experiment with different beauty products. More recently, I have been getting acquainted with the Christmas In The City collection from Too Faced. This particular set included a blush palette, mini mascara, and two eyeshadow palettes. (In case you missed my review of the Christmas In Paris Eyeshadow Palette, check out that review here.) Ready to find out how the Christmas In Los Angeles Eyeshadow Palette performed? Here is everything you need to know about this seasonal release...

too faced: christmas in the city (christmas in paris palette)

Ready to take another look at the Christmas In The City set from Too Faced? In case you missed it, the first post was all about the blush palette and mascara included in the set. Today? It is all about eyeshadow. There were two eyeshadow palettes: Christmas in Los Angeles and Christmas in Paris. To start, it is time to look at the City of Love. The Christmas In Paris Eyeshadow Palette includes twelve eyeshadow shades and has a combination of finishes. Not to mention a stunning design! If you are a fan of Too Faced products or are familiar with the brand, this release is definitely in line with what they do best. Curious? Want to take a look inside? Here is everything you need to know about the limited edition holiday release...

too faced: christmas in the city (makeup collection + blush review)

When I was young...my Christmas list always felt so important. It wasn't necessarily the items on the list that were important, but the sense of hope, excitement, and holiday magic associated with them. Receiving exactly what I had asked for, what I had wished for, always felt like a blissful dream come true. It made me feel special and seen. Perhaps that is silly to admit, but whether it was a magazine with JTT on the cover, new clothes for my favourite doll, or a Barbie playset, unwrapping that one special gift was the highest high I could imagine as a child. Things have certainly shifted over the years! These days, I am thrilled to receive literally anything. I recognize how blessed I am that family members and friends have taken the time to treat me to something special. Though, I confess, there was one item on my untold wish list this year: the Christmas in the City Limited Edition Makeup Collection from Too Faced. Though the reviews on the collection were so-so, the collection called to me. I wanted it. A lot. But I didn't want to purchase it for myself, just in case someone had thought to gift it to me for Christmas. Lucky for me, someone did. Over the next few days, there will be a full review of each item included in the set. 

winter skin care week: favourite winter products

Certain products are better suited to certain times of the year. Currently? There are several winter friendly items that have been in regular rotation. To finish off winter skin care week here on the creation of beauty is art. it only made sense to highlight some of those products. That includes some must-have skin care and even a little bit of makeup. Ready to take a look at a few of the standouts? Here are some of my current favourite winter products. 

winter skin care week: how often should you exfoliate in winter?

There is no doubt about it: exfoliating is an absolute must. Especially in the winter. Depending on where you live, the winter season may be on the chilly side. When the temperatures start to drop, the humidity drops, too...which means there is less moisture in the air. The end result? Dry and flaky skin. While exfoliating is a good idea year-round, it is especially important during this time of year. Exfoliation removes dead skin cells, which not only makes your skin look better, but also ensures that your foundation applies with ease. For healthier and happier skin, exfoliation is essential. But how often should it be done? 

winter skin care week: holiday themed hand cream + face masks

It is probably obvious by now, but I love a good theme. Not only is this winter skin care week on the creation of beauty is art. (the latest theme week) but when it comes to holiday sets, I am all in. Themed beauty products make me happy! Which is why it was so thrilling to be treated to some Christmas themed skin care products recently. My husband gave me a holiday themed hand cream set as well as a holiday themed face mask set for Christmas....and I have been putting it all to the test. 

winter skin care week: seasonal skin care tips

The winter season can be summed up in a single word: dry. The cool temperatures outside can cause your scalp to be flaky, your hair to become limp and damaged, and your skin to feel tight and uncomfortable. There is nothing worse. If you are tired of living with dryness winter after winter…you don't have to deal with it anymore. This season, it is time to say goodbye to dry once and for all. That's right...there are many different ways to ditch the winter blues and feel more comfortable this season.

rude cosmetics: holiday cheer eyeliner and blush set

 I love holiday sets. Not only are they wonderfully themed...but they also give you the chance to test out different beauty products. This season, leaving my house was a rare occurrence. Even for holiday shopping! I only went out a handful of times in early December to purchase some extra Christmas gifts. One of those little excursions included a stop off at one of my favourite places: Winners. This is essentially a discounted store that has lots of beauty products, clothing, accessories, and home goods. You never know what you will find there. While I did purchase some items for loved ones, there was also a holiday set from Rude Cosmetics that caught my eye. I'd never heard of the brand before, but the packaging was cute and the price point was affordable. Let's take a closer look at the Holiday Cheer Eyeliner & Blush Set....

current obsession: bath & body works (mini reviews)

What could be better than Bath & Body Works? Not much, if you ask me. There is something about the brand that makes me smile. The wonderful scents, the adorable packaging, and the cute themes create an unforgettable experience. I always feel a little happier and a little brighter when I use Bath & Body Works products. Which is often! I love the candles, soaps, lotions, and everything in between. Recently, I was ridiculously spoiled by one of my friends. For Christmas, she gave me lots and lots and lots of products from Bath & Body Works. I was overwhelmed and excited. Ready to take a closer look at the items? Find out how they compare to other Bath & Body Works products? Here is everything you need to know...

holiday wrap up: hard candy (the secret stash set)

It is difficult to resist Hard Candy. Especially when their holiday sets are released. Not only are they often sparkly and winter themed...but they are also ultra affordable. Need an example? The Secret Stash set cost $4.99 CDN and included three different beauty products. It was the perfect way to treat myself in the weeks leading up to Christmas. It was early December and I was at the store with my parents. We were trying to finish our holiday shopping ahead of time so we could avoid stores in the latter part of the month. While we were there, a few Hard Candy items caught my eye. Since they were so budget friendly and it was my last chance to be out and about for a while, they were added to my cart. One of those items was of course, The Secret Stash set. It included several different Hard Candy products that I was eager to put to the test. 

holiday wrap up: harry potter advent calendar (review + reveal)

Any Harry Potter fans out there? I remember reading the first Harry Potter book when I was in elementary school. And then the second. They were compelling and immediately stood out from other books at the school library. The characters were interesting and there was this whole other world to imagine and explore. Several years later, the movies started to come out and the Harry Potter mania reached another level. Over the years, I have attended midnight movie screenings and book release parties. I have stayed up late reading page after page. I have purchased Harry Potter memorabilia, have attended Harry Potter themed events and theme parks....and that is only the tip of the iceberg. It really is such an important part of my life. I am always grateful for all of the magic and joy that the series has created. Which is why I was so thrilled when my husband surprised me with a 25 day Harry Potter Holiday Magic Official Advent Calendar. 

holiday wrap up: charmed aroma christmas candles

Even though it is January...my mind is still back in December. Yes, a new year has started, but holiday decorations remain in my home and Christmas movies continue to play on my TV. This is because I like to slowly (very slowly) ease out of holiday mode. The first half of January is typically spent listening to Christmas music, enjoying the lights, and saying so long to the happiest season of all. So, be prepared: there will be some holiday wrap up themed posts here on the creation of beauty is art. over the next several days. The latest holiday wrap up post is all about Christmas candles from Charmed Aroma. Ready to see what the candles look like? Find out what was inside each one? Here is a review and reveal...holiday style. 

holiday wrap up: festive photos and seasonal highlights

Just as quickly as the holiday season arrived...it ended. This is such a bittersweet time of year! On one hand, there is so much to be thankful for. The start of a new year is always a little bit exciting, after all. On the other hand, it is hard to say goodbye to all of the Christmas festivities. There are no more advent calendars to open each morning and there are no more Christmas songs on the radio. It leaves me wishing that I could redo the month of December and experience all of the magic one more time. I suppose that is the reason for all of the holiday wrap up posts that will be featured on the creation of beauty is art. over the next little while. This is truly the perfect opportunity to look back on all of those wonderful seasonal moments. Today, I will be sharing some festive photos and seasonal highlights. Here is hoping my holiday highlights remind you of your own.

planner review: fringe 2022 weekly and monthly agenda

When it comes to planners...it takes time to find the perfect one. The last few years, the ban.do planner has been my must-have. It checks off all of the boxes and then some. It is a substantial size, has rings down the side, comes with art and colouring pages, stickers, note pages, and has lots of room to write down my daily to-do list. I love absolutely everything about it. Except how difficult it can be to find. Last year, my husband ended up paying a lot for the planner and even more for shipping. What used to be easily accessible was suddenly not so accessible. Which is why I decided to branch out a little bit. I was open to using a different planner, as long as it still checked off the boxes. That is how the Fringe 2022 Weekly and Monthly Agenda came into the picture. It was similar enough and ridiculously accessible. Not to mention affordable. Let's take a closer look...