my experience at the world of barbie event.

Though it is still difficult for me to be out and about in the world...my family continues to encourage me to leave the house every now and then. This time? It was the lure of Barbie that encouraged me to head outside. Not too far away, the World of Barbie exhibit was available for fans of all ages to live their Barbie fantasy. There was a full-sized model of the Barbie Dreamhouse and camper van as well as life size Barbie doll boxes, a Barbie space shuttle, and more. It was certainly a feast for the eyes! For as long as I can remember, this iconic doll has been a part of my life. (My first word was "Barbie.") I admired her incredible house, undeniable eye for fashion, and the fact that she could be literally anything. Given my history with the doll, it was hard to resist a Barbie themed event. Ready to find out how it was? Take a peek at all of the recreations? Keep reading...

does it work?? sally hansen nail polish (good. kind. pure.)

When it comes to nail polish, certain brands stand out. Essie. OPI. Sally Hansen. The latter is my personal favourite. There are a lot of really excellent Sally Hansen products, from the Miracle Gel line to the Insta-Dry line and everything in between. Today? It is time to take a look at a newer formula from the brand: Good. Kind. Pure. This vegan nail polish was certainly intriguing. Out of all the nail polishes I have tried over the years (and there have been many nail polishes in my life) this was the first time I recall seeing a vegan polish. So...does it work?? Here is everything you need to know about this new line from Sally Hansen. 

kim chic chic beauty: teddy kim boyfriend (review + #FOTD)

It is all Kim Chi Chic Beauty all the time around here these days. I have been making the absolute most of the products lately. Just like the Girlfriend version, the Teddy Kim Boyfriend Eye and Cheek Palette comes in an adorable teddy bear shape. It is sturdy enough to stand up on its own and can be customized with the included stickers. Unlike the other version, this has some really bright and colourful eyeshadows hidden away inside. (Which is definitely what I would expect from a drag queen makeup line!) I love that both of the palettes from this line have distinct colour stories. Ready to see what this palette actually looks like? How I decorated it? A recent #FOTD? Keep reading for all the details on this oh-so-cute eye and cheek palette. 

kim chic chic beauty: teddy kim girlfriend (review + #FOTD)

It is time for a little more Kim Chi Chic Beauty! My last post included a mini haul of some items from the brand and also a review of the High Key Gloss in the shade Natural. Today? It is all about the Girlfriend Eye and Cheek Palette. This is described as a merch and makeup hybrid, because it is literally shaped like a pink teddy bear and can stand on its own. There is also makeup tucked away inside. Such a cute idea and absolutely adorable to have on display. Bonus? The Teddy Kim set comes with stickers so you can personalize your own bear. It is a great way to feel like a kid again and get creative. Clearly, the packaging is outstanding...but what about what is on the inside? It is time to take a look at the eye and cheek products.

kim chi chic beauty (mini haul + high key gloss review)

RuPaul's Drag Race has introduced the world to many talented drag performers. Over the years, some have stood out to me more than others. My all-time favourite is Alaska, but another performer that is high on my list is Kim Chi from Season 8 of RuPaul's Drag Race. I immediately fell in love with her incredible makeup skills. Kim Chi is ridiculously talented and has continued to gain popularity post-show. Especially since Kim Chi Chic Beauty launched back in 2019. Good news for Canadian fans and beauty lovers: the beauty brand is finally available in Canada. Many of the products can be found on the Shoppers Drug Mart website. Which is exactly how this mini haul of Kim Chi Chic Beauty came to be. 

review: harry potter love potion candle (charmed aroma)

Harry Potter has been a constant in my life. I have such wonderful memories of lining up for book releases and midnight screenings of the movies. Of staying up too late reading and re-reading the books. Of relaxing on a Sunday afternoon with my favourite Harry Potter film. Though the author is not someone I support any longer, I still love the Harry Potter world. (It is hard to believe that someone who wrote about love and understanding could be so...well...you know.) The stories were about good versus evil, confronting your fears, and doing the right thing. They were about friendship, found family, and love. It makes sense that these stories have connected with so many readers and viewers around the world. Since Harry Potter is still an important part of my life, it was hard to resist the latest Charmed Aroma release: a Love Potion Candle. 

rediscovered foundation: maybelline dream matte mousse

Talk about a flashback. It had been years since I last saw the Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse on a drugstore shelf. Then, suddenly, there is was, as if no time had passed at all. Immediately, I was reminded of life before. Of girls nights out, of my old fast food job, and university classes. This product certainly sparked a lot of nostalgia. So, of course, it only made sense to give it another try. Would it be just like the Dream Matte Mousse I used to know? Would it actually work well? I had to find out. If you're curious about this old-school drugstore product from Maybelline, keep reading for all the details.

love it or leave it? olivia wilde

There is something thrilling about red carpet style. Whether it is a movie premiere or a press conference, celebrities certainly know how to inspire and turn heads. Case in point? Olivia Wilde at the Venice Film Festival press conference for her latest film, "Don't Worry Darling." Though there has been an awful lot of buzz about this movie, some good and some not-so-good, I am interested in seeing the film. There aren't nearly enough female directors out there. (According to a Forbes article, only 12% of directors working on the top 100 grossing films in 2021 were women.) So, this movie is on my radar. While reading some of the highlights from the press conference with the cast, I was immediately struck by Olivia Wilde's outfit, which was shown in the article. That gorgeous green colour. Wow! After seeing the entire look, it was clear that this was the perfect candidate for another love it or leave it? post here on the creation of beauty is art. Let's take a closer look at this press conference style...

does it work?? honest beauty (makeup remover wipes)

There are full skin care routine nights...and there are makeup remover wipe nights. Sometimes, my mind is clear, focused, and I am determined to take good care of my skin. Other times, I am so exhausted that it takes all my remaining energy to drag a makeup wipe across my face. Over the years, I've tried quite a few different makeup wipes from an assortment of brands. (I've even tried reusable makeup wipes, which are always nice to have on hand.) Though there are some that I like more than others, I wouldn't exactly say that I am brand loyal. It comes down to whatever is on sale. Recently, a sample of the Honest Beauty Makeup Remover Wipes was given to me. It was perfect timing, since I was low on makeup wipes. So, does it work?? Here is everything you need to know about the Honest Beauty Makeup Remover Wipes with Grape Seed and Olive Oils. 

charmed aroma: review and reveal (alice in wonderland)

Over the last few years, there have been several Charmed Aroma posts here on the creation of beauty is art. My friend introduced me to these accessory candles and it was love at first light! Ready for another review and reveal? The latest is an Alice in Wonderland themed candle. It is no secret that I am a Disney fanatic. Though there were many cartoons that I loved growing up, but Alice in Wonderland was always a favourite. I loved Alice, her world, and my personal favourite, the glasses bird. There were so many fantastic characters! So, it was especially thrilling to light this Alice in Wonderland themed candle. Ready to see what was inside? Here is everything you need to know about this Charmed Aroma release.

revisited review: morphe x coca cola awe together artistry palette

Sometimes, it is nice to look back instead of looking forward. Even though photographs of the latest holiday makeup collections have been released recently (Really! Brands like Too Faced and Benefit have already shared images of their Christmas collections for the year)....it is nice to focus on the products that are already in my collection. One of my resolutions was to buy less makeup and use more of what I already own. Which is why it only makes sense to do a little revisited review here on the creation of beauty is art. The Morphe x Coca Cola Awe Together Artistry Palette is a favourite of mine. I have used it many, many, many times over the last year. Since this is a standout product and is still available on the Sephora website, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to share my thoughts on this stellar 1971 themed eyeshadow palette.

pros and cons: rimmel wonder extension mascara

Ready for a little more drugstore? Today, it is time to take a look at a mascara from Rimmel. I'll be honest...this brand makes me ultra nostalgic. That is because it is one of the first makeup brands that I ever used. There was this eyeshadow that looked like the Union Jack and I was obsessed. (Take a trip down memory lane with me by checking out a very old blog post here.) I used that little eyeshadow set consistently, along with plenty of other Rimmel products. In fact, my go-to foundation for many years was from Rimmel, before it was discontinued. This is one makeup brand that has been part of my life for a very long time. Now? It is time to find out how the Wonder Extension Mascara from Rimmel performs. 

review: maybelline lifter gloss (lip gloss with hyaluronic acid)

Oh, how I have missed Maybelline. This is a brand that I used to buy from on a pretty regular basis, but then the pandemic happened. I stopped leaving the house as often and that meant there were only very occasional stops off at the drugstore. However, the Lifter Gloss was recently recommended to me. It has been described as a dupe for the Gloss Bomb. Of course, this makes it intriguing. A drugstore version of a beloved high-end product? It was worth a shot. So, the Maybelline Lifter Gloss with Hyaluronic Acid came home with me. There were several different shades to choose from, but 020 Sun really stood out to me. Ready to find out how this drugstore lip gloss performs? Here are all the details...

revisited television obsession: hidden palms

It was the spring and summer of 2007. For one night a week, my life revolved around the latest CW television show, Hidden Palms. It was love at first watch. I mean, total obsession. After watching the pilot episode for the first time, I knew this was a show that I would want to watch again and again. So, I recorded the episodes onto VHS. After all, there was Taylor Handley, Amber Heard, and Gail O'Grady. The cast was stellar and the premise was right up my alley. The show focused on a group of teenagers and their families...but it had a mystery element to it as well. There were plenty of secrets and scandals to uncover in Palm Springs. Unfortunately, the series only lasted for eight episodes and was cancelled due to low ratings. The truth? There are many shows I have loved over the years that did not have a lengthy run time. However, each left a lasting impression. Hidden Palms is proof of that. Fifteen years later, my obsession has been rekindled once more. 

september tries its best to have us forget summer.

There is something special about the month of September. It holds so much promise. There are the last moments of the summer season to enjoy as well as the earliest moments of the fall season. It represents endings and beginnings in the best possible way. Even though the fall season doesn't officially begin until September 22nd, once this month rolls around, my mind immediately shifts to autumn mode. This is probably because summer is my least favourite season. I know most people adore summer, but my favourite times of year are: fall, winter, spring, and summer. In that order! I love sweater weather, family traditions, and the cooler temperatures that are often associated with the fall season. Since fall is quickly approaching, it made sense to celebrate the start of the new season with some September inspirations and a few fall tag questions...