look to the skies, listen for sleigh bells...

Merry Christmas! It is difficult to believe that the day has arrived already. Though the holiday season is always busy, this year, things have been especially hectic since my loved ones have been under the weather recently. It delayed all of the decorating, wrapping, and baking that normally takes place at my parents house throughout the month of December. Ultimately, everything became rushed and last minute...which took a bit of the fun out of the season. Despite all of that, I did my best to make Christmas as special and magical as possible. (There have been lots of movies and Christmas carols.) I hope that your holiday season has been wonderful and exciting. And I hope your Christmas Day is everything you imagined it would be. 

#FOTD: mera inspired makeup + why i'm seeing the new aquaman

Am I a superhero kind of person? Not really. I've seen my fair share of superhero movies over the years, because my husband enjoys them and because some of them are decent. (I like the Guardians of the Galaxy movies and the occasional Spiderman film.) But despite that, I am not exactly a fan. So, it felt kind of strange to purchase movie tickets a month in advance for the opening night of Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. Truth be told, I only watched the first Aquaman movie very recently...and I only watched it because I am currently working my way through the filmography of Amber Heard. Despite not totally loving superhero movies, it was important to me to see the new Aquaman movie right away, to support a recognized survivor of domestic violence - a survivor who faced one of the most horrific smear campaigns in modern history. I will always stand with survivors, publicly, privately, and even when I head to the movie theatre. Though I have known about Amber for many years, thanks to my obsession with the 00s television show, Hidden Palms, I didn't become a fan until more recently. First, I supported her simply because it was the right thing to do. (Disagree? Read the Amber Heard Open Letter signed by literally hundreds of domestic violence experts and feminist organizations, read the UK judgement, where her ex husband was found to be a wife beater, or look at the mountain of evidence in her favour.) However, as time passed, I became a fan of her as a person thanks to her long history of charitable endeavors, her outspoken stance against injustice, and her dedication to standing with survivors. I also became a fan of a lot of her work on television and in movies. So, for me, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom was a movie I needed to see on opening night. It was only right. Going in, I knew that I wanted to create Mera inspired makeup.

life lately (holiday decorations, cookies, seasonal outings, and more)

Life has certainly been busy lately. I suppose that is always the way around Christmas time. There is so much to get done...there are so many activities...and of course, there are so many holiday specials to watch! This season has been a bit different. Unfortunately, some of my loved ones have been under the weather. (COVID strikes again.) That has put a damper on the season - and has made all of the decorating, wrapping, and baking at my family home feel very last minute and thrown together. Normally, we do things bit by bit over the month of December, but we really have had to just do our best with the time remaining. The next couple of days are sure to be hectic, as we desperately make up for lost time. In the meantime, I am taking a moment to pause and look back at a few seasonal highlights. This month, there have been trips to the mall, advent calendars, holiday movie nights (my husband and I went to see The Grinch and The Polar Express in theatres), gift drop offs to friends, and drives around to look at all of the Christmas lights. Even though this holiday season hasn't been exactly what I imagined, I am doing my best to focus on the good. So, here are some pictures of my decorations, some sweet treats, and even some holiday themed makeup brushes that I have been using recently. Keep reading for some seasonal inspiration...

holiday obsession: perennial pictures cartoons

It was February 2020 and I was stuck in bed with a terrible cold. I remember that I had called in sick to work for a few days and was feeling especially miserable and restless. (I never could have predicted how much life would change just a few weeks later, when the COVID-19 lockdowns happened and toilet paper became the most sought after item in town.) While resting in bed, surrounded by tissues, I scrolled through different streaming platforms for Christmas cartoons in an effort to cheer myself up. Enter Perennial Pictures. On Amazon Prime, I found a cartoon called Up On The Housetop from 1993. It filled me with an indescribable sense of joy and safety. I felt better than I had in days. Next, there was a recommendation for another cartoon from the same company, then another, and another. Soon, I was looking up the Perennial Pictures website to make sure I didn't miss one single moment of animated bliss. I watched everything I could get my hands on...and then watched it all again.

review: rare beauty blush and glow four piece mini set

Rare Beauty is not a brand that I have tried a lot from, but everything that I have tried so far has been stellar. Something I love about the holiday season is the fact that there are normally different sets released. This year, the brand had the Blush & Glow Four Piece Mini Set available. It came with two liquid blushes and two liquid luminizers. Since my previous experience with those products was positive (check out the Selena's Faves set review here)...I decided to treat myself to this holiday set. 

what i've been reading (christmas edition)

There has been a lot of seasonal reading taking place lately. Truth be told, I always have a stack of books waiting to be read, but a few books were set aside specifically for this time of year. Some of the books in the pile were thrifted and some were brand new...but all were ready to make the holiday season feel a little more magical. Ready to find out more about the Christmas themed books that I have been reading lately? Here is everything you need to know about these seasonal stories. 

revisited review: too faced christmas bake shoppe makeup collection

It just wouldn't be Christmas without a little Too Faced holiday makeup. This year, I was gifted the new Let It Snow Globes Makeup Collection ahead of Christmas, and those mini palettes are currently being put to the test. (Expect a full review of that collection early in the new year. It will be one of my first posts after the holiday festivities.) Something else that has been in heavy rotation lately? The Too Faced holiday release from last year, the Christmas Bake Shoppe Makeup Collection. There were two posts dedicated to that set on the creation of beauty is art. (See them here and here). At the time, those palettes made me very happy indeed. Do they still? It is time for a revisited review of the Christmas Bake Shoppe Makeup Collection. 

seasonal favourites for 2023.

This is my favourite time of year. Even though there are endless lists of things to do (decorating, catching up with friends, mailing holiday cards, baking, cleaning, and more importantly, watching lots and lots of Christmas movies)...there is also a lot of joy. When I start to feel overwhelmed trying to balance it all, seasonal favourites to remind me how much this time of year means. They bring me back to a place of wonder and delight. Though there have been a lot of holiday-related items making me smile recently, from classic movies to songs on the radio...here are a few of the standout seasonal favourites for 2023.

current obsession: seasonal nail polish colours

Sometimes, the right nail polish can make all the difference. Especially during the holiday season when there is so much to see, do, and explore. After all, there are often dinners with friends and family, shopping excursions, twinkling lights to see, and hot chocolates to drink. It only makes sense to have fabulous nails for each and every seasonal moment. Though I am not super skilled when it comes to nail art or anything like that...there are some fabulous nail polishes in my collection that make life a little bit brighter during this time of year. Ready to see some of the standouts? Maybe you have something similar in your nail polish collection or are looking for a little inspiration this month. Either way, there is lots to love about fabulous nail polishes. 

five favourite obscure christmas cartoons.

In previous years, there have been several posts dedicated to obscure Christmas movies, specials, and cartoons here on the creation of beauty is art. The reason is simple. I love them...a lot. Though the more popular holiday movies and specials make me smile, there is something extra thrilling about discovering media that is lesser known. Something new-to-me. Something I might have missed before. I used to find all sorts of random Christmas movies at the dollar store and at different thrift stores. This year, I have managed to find some hidden gems on free streaming platforms. I absolutely love free streaming sites, because it is often possible to find lesser known media from the 80s, 90s, and 00s. How exciting! Today, I wanted to share five of my favourite obscure Christmas cartoons. Each one has been adding to the magic of the holiday season this year. 

#FOTD: cool winter makeup look

Brr! The temperatures are dropping a little more with each day that passes. It is definitely starting to feel like the holiday season now that it is chilly and damp outside. Though there hasn't been as much snow this year compared to past years (it is early in the month though, so anything is possible) it still feels cold and wintery. The last post here on the creation of beauty is art. featured a makeup look that was warm and inspired by the idea of curling up by the fireplace. Now? It is all about ice and frost. Ready for a creation that is seasonally inspired? This recent #FOTD is all about a cool winter makeup look.

warm winter makeup look feat. kylie cosmetics canadian kiss

Oh, the weather outside is frightful, but the fire is so delightful....Is it obvious that I have been listening to Christmas music non-stop recently? Between records, CDs, cassettes, and the radio, something is playing Christmas music at all times. My house is essentially my own personal North Pole at this point. While listening to "Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!" the idea popped into my head to do an icy winter makeup look and a warm fireplace inspired look to mirror the iconic opening line from the song. Since warm makeup looks are in my comfort zone, it made sense to start there. Especially since I had a couple of lip products from Kylie Cosmetics to put to good use. It is time to feel festive with this seasonal makeup look.

welcome december + nyx ultimate flamingo frost review

Ahh...somehow December is here again. Part of me is thrilled (snow and advent calendars and holiday movies) and part of me is sad (because this month always seems to pass too quickly). I wish there was a way to slow things down and savor every single moment of the holiday season. After all, it can be difficult to sandwich in the magic between work and other responsibilities! Despite the challenges, making time for holiday magic is something that I am focused on this month. Even when it comes to my makeup routine. This month, even my beauty products are holiday themed. Take the NYX Ultimate Flamingo Frost Shadow Palette as an example. Talk about festive! To kickstart the last month of the year, it is time to review a seasonal eyeshadow palette from NYX. Keep reading to find out how the Ultimate Flamingo Frost Shadow Palette performs. 

a little grey hair is a small price to pay for wisdom.

I remember the first time I noticed a grey hair. That shining piece of silver stood out against a sea of brown. At the time, I was more confused than anything else. It couldn't be...could it? I was in my early 20s back then and grey hair had not occurred to me. After all, I was busy trying to figure out who I was, what I wanted, and how I envisioned my life. It was too soon for grey! Only it wasn't. Since then, the grey hairs have multiplied. I am now watching them take over. One day, in the not-so-distant future, I will make the decision to start dying my hair. To cover the greys. To hold onto the brown in some way. However, I haven't been able to take that leap yet. I am trying to hold onto my natural colour for as long as I can. For as long as I have it. 

elf x i heart revolution collection (palette + highlight review)

The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear. I remember the first time my family watched the movie, Elf. It was love at first watch for me. (In fact, as I write this blog post, I am wearing a Buddy the Elf sweatshirt.) In the years since, it has become one of my main comfort movies. I watch it randomly throughout the year and even more often during the holiday season. So, when I found some items from the Elf x I Heart Revolution collection...it was a must. Since I have a serious weakness for eyeshadows and highlighters (they are some of my most used products) it only made sense to add a little Christmas cheer to my makeup routine with those items. Here is everything you need to know about these seasonal products. 

testing out the bebe born to glow 10 color glow palette

Did I need another face palette? No. Not at all. Not one bit. Despite that...the Bebe Born to Glow 10 Color Glow Palette was a little too tempting for my makeup obsessed self to resist. The palette above was another shopping trip find at one of the discount stores we stopped in. For just $7.99 USD all ten of those tempting cheek products were mine. Curious about this warm and wearable palette? Here is everything you need to know about the Bebe Born to Glow 10 Color Glow Palette. 

does it work?? testing peanuts x wet n wild multi-stick set

Christmas time is here. Happiness and cheer. Fun for all that children call their favourite time of year. Peanuts and the holiday season have long gone hand in hand, thanks to the iconic Christmas special, "A Charlie Brown Christmas." So, it is no surprise that makeup brands would want to release Peanuts themed products during the holiday season. Last year, Wet n Wild did just that, with a collection that included blush palettes, beauty blenders, and all sorts of other themed items. At that time, I was able to find the Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown Eyeshadow Palette. (That eyeshadow palette has been in heavy rotation for the past year.) When I was in the United States recently on a shopping trip, I came across another Peanuts x Wet n Wild product. This time, it was the What Christmas Is All About 3-Piece Multi-Stick Set.  Does it work?? It is time to find out. 

shopping trip highlights + lauren conrad mini haul

It has been a while. There were several years back to back to back when my mom and I took a shopping trip to Erie, Pennsylvania. It was a tradition of sorts for a little while. Then the pandemic happened. Well, this year, we decided to venture back out and see how the shopping was in Erie once more. We took a bus shopping tour recently to check some items off of our holiday shopping list. It included some stops off at a mall, outlets, and lots of other stores. Keep reading to find out how the mini getaway was and to take a peek at a small Lauren Conrad collection items that I purchased at Kohls. 

#FOTD: cool and warm makeup look feat. fmg glimmer eyeshadow

My obsession with cool toned eyeshadows continues. One example? The Cool, Whatever Eyeshadow Palette from Kara Beauty. It is a forever favourite. More recently, the FMG Glimmer Eyeshadow Quad in Vixen has been checking the boxes as well. It has cool toned blue-greys, a silver, and a cool brown...all wonderful colours to have some fun with. Ready to see this #FOTD? Take a look at the Vixen eyeshadow quad? Keep reading for a mini review and a recent makeup look using this product.

review: lauren conrad beauty products (part two)

It is time for even more Lauren Conrad Beauty reviews here on the creation of beauty is art. This time, the focus is on The Eyeshadow Palette named The Sunrise Palette. The last post was all about cheek and lip products, but since eyeshadows are my weakness, it was impossible to overlook the eyeshadow palette that was available for a steep discount. To be honest, my expectations were low, because I know that Lauren loves a neutral eye look, but this small but mighty eyeshadow palette has become one of my all-time favourite neutral palettes. The looks that it can create consistently make me feel more confident. Ready to take a look inside? Here is everything you need to know about this Lauren Conrad Beauty product. 

review: lauren conrad beauty products (part one)

There is nothing more millennial than shows like Laguna Beach and The Hills. Those television shows were absolute must watches at the time - and always make for a good rewatch. I have been a fan of Lauren Conrad since those shows aired. I have long loved her classic style. Since her time on reality television, Lauren has released multiple books and still has a fashion/accessory line at Kohls. A couple of years back, she also launched Lauren Conrad Beauty. However, at some point, it seems that the brand was discontinued without an official explanation. That is how some of the products from the line made their way into my life. Though I had paid attention to the initial launch, purchasing makeup online is not my favourite, especially since there are normally high shipping costs to Canada. But when I found some products from Lauren Conrad Beauty at a discount store...it was a no brainer. Ready to take a closer look at these products? Here is part one of the review. 

kim kardashian fleur fatale (perfume review)

My perfume shelf has become quite full over the years. There is something so special about scents...about beautiful bottles filled with memories and promise. One whiff of an old perfume can remind you of who you used to be. Of memories with loved ones. Of important experiences. One whiff of a new perfume can fill you with hope for what is to come. Maybe that is why different perfumes make me so happy. They are kind of like the story of my life told through scent. A little while back, the Kim Kardashian Fleur Fatale was at my local Winners. Though I had not smelled it before, it was worth the risk, because I am a huge fan of the Kardashians. In fact, there are many Kim Kardashian perfumes in my collection already. (My all-time favourite is Gold.) So...how was Fleur Fatale? And how does it compare to other fragrances in my existing perfume collection? 

review: hard candy look pro! eyeshadow palette in santorini nights

It seems that I can find makeup just about anywhere. Even at a duty free shop. The Hard Candy Look Pro! Eyeshadow Palette in Santorini Nights was at a duty free store that I visited for a mere $5 CDN. As someone who loves Hard Candy products (but isn't always able to find them) it was exciting to see an eyeshadow palette from the brand at all let alone for such a low price. With fifteen different shades and lots of vibrant colours....there was a lot to love right off the bat. So, how does the Santorini Nights palette perform? Here is everything you need to know about this Look Pro! Eyeshadow Palette from Hard Candy.

letting go of my favourite band: why i no longer support hanson.

Many years of my life were defined by one band: Hanson. In elementary school and high school, my peers bullied me relentlessly for wearing Hanson t-shirts to class. Despite their continued cruelty…I refused to stop wearing those t-shirts. After all, wearing my Hanson shirts made me feel better about myself. I felt safer. More confident. More like me. In the decades that followed, the band continued to be an important part of my life. I made friends while waiting in line for general admission concerts. I skipped school to wait outside radio stations. I went to television tapings, autograph signings, and lots and lots of live shows. I bought every piece of merchandise that I could get my hands on (or afford at the time) and I was a member of their official fan club for years. When I was selected to be the fan club reporter for their String Theory show, it was a dream come true. Being able to meet my favourite band, talk to them, and have a photo taken, was the number one item on my bucket list. To this day, that experience is one of my personal highlights. Unfortunately, that experience is also bittersweet. 

what i've been watching lately (television and movies)

Whenever life is busy or hectic or overwhelming....I turn to television and movies. I have always felt comforted by those moments of escape. By the different stories, characters, and worlds that are only a click away. The last several weeks have been a bit full thanks to different family events, a planned weekend trip, responsibilities at home (I have weighed down my schedule by attempting to deep clean the apartment ahead of holiday decoration time), work, writing goals, and a million other to do list items. My solution? Play different television shows and movies in the background. Even right now, as I am writing this blog post, there is a movie playing in the background to keep me company. (For the record, it is Christmas Vacation. Even though it is technically early November, it might as well be December 25th in my mind. I am in full blown Christmas mode.) So, I thought it made sense to do a little update and share some of the things that have been on my watch list lately. 

current obsession: ariana grande cloud pink perfume

There is something about Ariana Grande perfumes. Not only do they look aesthetically pleasing sitting on my perfume shelf, but the scents tend to be sweet, warm, and ideal for everyday wear. Though there are some that are used more than others (shout out to thank u, next, R.E.M., Cloud, and Mod Vanilla) all of her perfumes are stellar. Most recently, Cloud Pink was released, which is described by the brand as empowering and optimistic. It is supposed to be "inspired by a confidence that reveals both beauty and strength, no matter the storm." The inspiration is certainly powerful...but how does this perfume smell? And how does it compare to other Ariana Grande releases? Here is everything you need to know about Cloud Pink.

taylor swift (the eras tour concert movie experience + outfit)

Time won't fly. It's like I'm paralyzed by it. I'd like to be my old self again, but I'm still trying to find it. Taylor Swift is more popular than ever, with millions of adoring fans around the world, a sold-out tour, and a new concert movie raking in more than $130 million dollars in the early weeks of its release. As a long time fan, it is exciting and somewhat strange to see her popularity continue to soar. Each time I think things can't get any bigger...they do. Recently, my oldest friend took me to see the Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour concert movie at our local theater to celebrate my birthday and our mutual love of Taylor Swift. We both decided to dress in different "eras" inspired outfits to make the most of the occasion since we were unable to snag tickets to her shows in Toronto. (We tried!) So, this post is all about the outfit, the makeup, and the overall movie experience. 

my favourite halloween accessories.

Happy Halloween! Today is all about candy, costumes, spooky sounds, and themed movies. There are many different ways to celebrate the holiday, so however you choose to spend this Halloween, here is hoping it is a day (and night) to remember. Truth be told, this Halloween season has been a lot of fun for me. My husband and I went to two different Pumpkin Inferno events earlier in the month and visited a Halloween drive-thru light show recently. I also decorated my apartment very thoughtfully (I wanted to make sure each and every item that was out made me happy and represented the magic of spooky season) and watched lots and lots of different movies and cartoons. This has without a doubt been my best Halloween season ever. So...I wanted to share some of the seasonal accessories that have been adding to all of the wonder over the last month or so. 

fall nail look + sally hansen nail polish review

Some nail polish colours just call to me. Especially when those colours remind me of the fall season. Though the Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Pride polish, shown above, was part of the Pride collection released during the summer...it has been sitting in my nail polish drawer waiting for the arrival of autumn. Now that we are approaching the end of October (how did that happen?!) the polish has been in heavy rotation lately. Ready to find out how it performs? Take a look at a quick and easy fall nail look? 

movie review: in the fire

What is evil? The new American-Italian independent film, "In The Fire," boldly poses that question to its audience. On the surface, the movie is about Martin Marquez, a young boy who appears to have inexplicable abilities. He has been blamed for every wrong thing that has happened in the area since his birth, from locusts to plagues to weather to deaths and even issues with crops. Though the people in town seem certain that Martin is possessed by the devil, an American Doctor, Grace Burnham, believes that Martin has a medical condition that can be understood and managed. It is here that the theme of science versus religion is introduced in the film. Grace sees Martin as a human being. Someone to be treated with respect and understanding. Someone to believe in. The townspeople see Martin as a source of evil and someone to be exterminated. 

review: sephora birthday gift (glow recipe)

Happy Birthday to me! I have long been a birthday brat. Since I am a twin, sharing my birthday always came with the territory. Once I was old enough to do things independently, I started to plan themed dinners and nights out with my friends around the time of my birthday. I loved it. I loved having a birthday celebration that was all my own - while still doing dinner with my family on my actual birthday. Things have changed in more recent years. I stopped wanting to plan things. I stopped wanting to go out. I stopped being as much of a birthday brat. Now? What I really want to do is take a day off of work, watch lots of movies in bed, and have dinner with my immediate family. Maybe it is a sign that I am getting older...or maybe everyone else just got busier and it became harder to plan things. Whatever the reason, my birthday is less of an over-the-top celebration now and more of a laid back day with cake. Though I certainly miss the fun experiences, cake and family is always a good thing. Since today is my birthday, it only seemed right to review the birthday gift that I received from Sephora. It included two sample sized products from Glow Recipe. This is a brand that I have heard a lot about but have never tried. It was nice to put a couple of their products to the test. Ready to find out how these performed? Whether I would purchase anything from the brand? 

disney villains eyeshadow palette (#fotd and review part three)

It is time for the third and final post related to the Disney Villain Swivel Shadow Palette from Townley. This themed eyeshadow palette is dedicated to different Disney characters (Maleficent, Ursula, and The Evil Queen) and features a wide variety of colours and finishes. Now? It is time to take a look at The Evil Queen section. Like most Disney Villains, she scared me as a child, especially on the Snow White ride that used to be at Walt Disney World. (A version of the ride is still in Disneyland, for the record.) Her intensity, her jealousy, and her desire to be first no matter what was more than a little terrifying. If nothing else, The Evil Queen taught me that being beautiful on the inside is more important than being beautiful on the outside. Ready to take a look at the final section of the Disney Villain Swivel Shadow Palette? Keep reading for swatches and a #FOTD....

disney villains eyeshadow palette (#fotd and review part two)

Another day, another Disney Villain. In case you missed my last blog post, it was dedicated to the Disney Villain Swivel Shadow Palette from Townley. This was an eyeshadow palette that I found for about $10 USD while on a day trip to the US and have finally been making the most of. After all, this month is all about darkness, spooky things, and even a bit of horror. I have certainly been doing what I can to make the most of the Halloween season and this swivel palette has been making that a whole lot easier. The last post was dedicated to the Maleficent portion of this eyeshadow palette. (Check that out here if you missed the previous post.) Now? It is time to take a look at what the Ursula section of this layered release has to offer.

disney villains eyeshadow palette (#fotd and review part one)

I've always been a Disney Princess kind of girl. Growing up, it was Princesses good and Villains bad. Though I certainly would not consider myself a Disney Villain enthusiast (so many of them are downright evil and mean)...this is the ideal time of year to embrace a little darkness. After all, spooky season is well underway. This Disney Villain Swivel Shadow Palette from Townley has three different layers and each one is dedicated to a different villain. There are matte, shimmer, and glitter shades to choose from in each layer. This first post will include a mini review of the packaging and theme. It will also include a full review of the Maleficent layer and a #FOTD. Over the next few days, there will be reviews and makeup looks focused on the Ursula and The Evil Queen palettes included in this set. Ready for a bit of spooky fun? It is time to check out this unusual palette.

brown lipstick mini reviews (kvd, smashbox, and morphe)

What is it about brown lipstick? It seems that I cannot get enough. It is no secret that I am obsessed with a lot of 90s trends and all things nostalgic...so perhaps that is one of the reasons that brown lipstick has become an absolute staple in my makeup collection lately. Between the 90s inspiration and the recent popularity of the latte makeup look, it seems that many are obsessing over brown lipstick at the moment. At least I am in good company! Over the last little while, I have been on the hunt for the perfect brown lipstick. I wanted something warm but still easy to wear. Did I find it? No, but it has certainly been fun putting a few different lipsticks to the test. Keep reading for a few mini reviews of KVD, Smashbox, and Morphe products.

what i've been watching this spooky season

It is hard to believe there are only a few weeks left of spooky season. Halloween is slowly creeping closer...which means right now is the perfect time to watch lots and lots of movies. Over the last month or so, there have been all sorts of Halloween and horror films playing in my home. Sometimes, the movies are on in the background while I work. Other times, they are a treat at the end of the day. (Nothing too scary before bed, though, otherwise, I will have nightmares about being terrorized by horror icons like Michael Myers and Chucky.) Want to know what I have been watching lately? Are you looking for a few seasonal movie recommendations to add to your watch list? Here are some of the movies that I've been watching this spooky season.

does it work?? billion dollar beauty liquid eyeliner

Travel can be fun...but it can also be stressful. Especially when it comes to packing. Full confession: I am terrible at it. My husband normally asks me whether I remembered to pack certain items, like makeup wipes or toothpaste or contact solution. Despite his best efforts to assist me, I am always forgetting something essential. Recently, my husband and I went on a little weekend getaway, and I managed to forget eyeliner. Eyeliner! My must have beauty item! It was a disaster, so we had to find a suitable (and affordable) temporary option. I found a two-pack of the Billion Dollar Beauty Liquid Eyeliner. So...does it work??

#FOTD: fall makeup look feat. luxe legacy eyeshadow palette

When it comes to the fall season...I am all in. Even on days when a sweater is not the most realistic choice, sweaters are still my must-have fashion item for this time of year. I just love the cozy feeling that only autumn can bring. In fact, I feel more and more like myself lately. Since I love this time of year so much, a lot of my fashion, accessory, and makeup choices have been very fall focused over the last several weeks. I'm talking warm colours and spooky vibes! No wonder my current favourite eyeshadow palette is the Luxe Legacy Eyeshadow Palette from Jaclyn Cosmetics. This was another Winners find that I simply could not miss. It was a little pricier than other offerings at the store ($25 CDN) but considering the palette is being sold for $49 USD on the Jaclyn Cosmetics website, it was still heavily discounted. The gorgeous neutrals and warm fall colours were too fabulous to resist. Ready to take a peek at this fall inspired #FOTD? Want to find out which eyeshadow shades stood out in the Luxe Legacy Eyeshadow Palette? Keep reading for a mini review and a fall makeup look featuring the Luxe Legacy palette.

theme week: 2000s (iconic 00s music, movies, and television shows)

There was a lot to love about the 2000s when it came to media. Looking back, there was some seriously incredible music that came out at that time, not to mention movies and television shows. No wonder many of my favourites seem to be from that era. For the last 2000s theme week post here on the creation of beauty is art. it only seemed right to honour some of those releases. Keep reading for some of my personal favourites as well as some other iconic highlights from the decade. 

theme week: 2000s (totally 2000s pink sunglasses palette)

Another day...another 2000s inspired makeup post here on the creation of beauty is art. This theme week is focused on all things 00s and this palette from BH Cosmetics is certainly inspired by the decade. The Totally 2000s Pink Sunglasses 9 Color Shadow Palette is themed and colourful. Find out how it performs and how it compares to the Totally 2000s Blue Fur palette. 

theme week: 2000s (totally 2000s blue fur eyeshadow palette)

2000s week continues here on the creation of beauty is art. The last post was all about fashion trends...and the next two posts will be dedicated to makeup. Several months back, there were a couple of BH Cosmetics eyeshadow palettes available at Winners for $6 CDN. With a 2000s inspired theme, these were impossible to resist. The first palette is the Totally 2000s Blue Fur 9 Color Shadow Palette. Ready to find out how this eyeshadow palette performs? Here is everything you need to know.

theme week: 2000s (my favourite y2k trends)

It is time for another theme week here on the creation of beauty is art. This time? It is all about the 2000s. Yes, it is time to focus on Y2K fashion, makeup, and pop culture. This is certainly a time that makes me nostalgic, though I confess that it is a bit odd to me that young people today are obsessed with the styles that were part of my teenage years. That being said, it is nice to find cute 00s inspired pieces whenever I am out and about. It was certainly a time of bold fashion....which is why the first themed post this week is dedicated to some of my favourite Y2K trends. See if any of your favourites are on the list. 

does it work?? clarins water lip stain in red water

I used to love a good lip stain. There was a period of time where the Benefit Bene-Tint was my everything. I used it all the time and purchased all sorts of different colours. The stains worked on the lips and the cheeks....and I loved having a makeup product that I knew would stay put. To this day, I enjoy a good lip stain, because it means I don't have to worry about product moving or transferring. It is a low maintenance kind of product and that can be really appealing. That being said, I haven't purchased a tint from Benefit in many years now. There is no reason exactly. I suppose as lots and lots of other products were added to my collection, it just sort of slipped my mind to do a repurchase. (Though now that I am thinking about it...I absolutely just browsed the Benefit website to see what colours were available. Oops!) A little while back, I received a sample of the Clarins Water Lip Stain. I can't quite remember where this sample came from, but nonetheless, it has been waiting for me to put to good use. Finally, I have been able to test out the Water Lip Stain for myself and see how it compares to previous tints that I have tried. Ready to find out if it works? If it is similar or better than the Bene-Tint? Keep reading...

current obsession: betsey johnson back to school inspired earrings

One thing I do not miss? Being in school. Though several friends are currently enrolled in classes and have had to readjust to "back to school" life, thankfully, I do not. Though education is extremely important (and it is necessary to continue to learn throughout your life)...my school days are over as far as I can tell. I have long since graduated from university and have achieved what I plan to achieve academically. The truth? School was never my favourite place. I was bullied in elementary school and high school. I was mostly ignored and uncomfortable in university. Oh, and I hated the early mornings and the long commute. There were a few friends who made life better, but school in general was not a positive experience for me. I actually love that those days are behind me. That being said, a pair of back to school inspired earrings from Betsey Johnson caught my eye recently. At this point, it is clear that I have a serious weakness for anything and everything Betsey Johnson. She just has a way of making the world seem a little bit brighter. It is time to take a closer look at these back to school inspired earrings.

when will it stop being cool to be quietly misunderstood?

There are far too many pictures saved on my computer. Some are fashion editorials that I like, some are of people that I admire, and some are just random inspiration photos. Whenever I am feeling low...in need of a little reminder that there is beauty in the world...I like to look at those photos. It is a nice way to remember that beauty can exist even in a society that often feels dark, cruel, and hateful. In case anyone out there is feeling a little out of sorts today or is struggling to see the good, here are are some inspiration photos. I hope they lift your spirits or at least act as a reminder that you are not alone. 

testing out a sephora lip product + mini sample review

There was a little bit left on a Sephora gift card in my wallet. Though I had intended to use it on a Rare Beauty liquid blush, the blushes are often out of stock in store. Tired of waiting, impulsively, I placed an online order for a lipstick. Since I have been really into cool toned makeup looks lately...I was looking for a cool toned lipstick to pair with my beloved Kara Beauty eyeshadow palette. A quick search on the Sephora website led me to a few different options. Ultimately, the Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain Liquid Lipstick was added to my cart. The shade Pretty Beige was described as a matte taupe. Since my gift card covered the $20 CDN cost, it was an impulsive decision, but one that I felt pretty good about. I was also able to add two samples to my order. I chose the Glossier Stretch Fluid Foundation sample set and the Huda Beauty Faux Filter Luminous Matte Liquid Concealer sample set. I wanted to know how the foundation and concealer would perform. Samples are a great way to find out whether the formula works for me...and if it is something that I want to purchase a full-sized version of in the future. Ready to take a look at the Sephora lipstick? The samples? Here is a makeup look and some mini reviews. 

early fall favourites (makeup, music, beauty products, and more)

Tomorrow might be the first official day of fall, but I have been in fall mode for the last several weeks. I'm talking seasonal decorations, cozy sweaters, and Halloweentown in the DVD player. The pumpkin scented wall plug ins are already on full blast in my home! In honour of this oh-so-special time of year...it made sense to share some of my early fall favourites. These are all of the things that have been assisting me with the transition from a hot and sticky summer to a crisp and clear autumn. 

fall fashion trends (2023)

Fall is an exciting season for a lot of reasons. For starters, the cooler temperatures are always a relief after a hot and muggy summer. Then there is the fashion to consider. Once the fall season rolls around, I am usually a plaid button down and cozy sweater kind of person...but there are all sorts of exciting seasonal trends to enjoy as well. These can be bold and exciting or a little more practical. It all depends. Ready to check out some of the fall fashion trends for 2023? Here are a few favourites.

my favourite eyebrow products

I have always had a difficult relationship with my eyebrows. When I was younger, my grandmother told me my eyebrows were "strong" and urged me never to pluck them. Unlike the other girls in my classes, my eyebrows were bushy, large, and out of control. I felt so ashamed of them. (Especially when the ultra thin brow trend was around.) Eventually, I did pluck my unruly brows, but to this day, that shame lingers just below the surface. Even plucked and polished...my eyebrows don't match. I learned this after booking an appointment to have them waxed once. The woman at the salon told me that one eyebrow was shorter than the other and one had more hair than the other. Her comments were probably meant to be harmless, but I remember feeling that familiar sting of shame. And I never went back to get my eyebrows waxed. I was too embarrassed. So, when it comes to brow products, having things that work well and make me feel semi-confident is everything. It's why I tend to use the same things on my eyebrows over and over again. On that note, here are my favourite eyebrow products. 

currently loving: clinique samples

Clinique is a must-have brand for me. Their Moisture Surge line has saved my skin many times over the years. This is especially true when the colder months arrive. The Moisture Surge lotion always becomes an essential part of my daily routine around that time. (Not to mention the Deep Comfort Hand and Cuticle Cream!) Every now and then, it is possible to score extra Clinique items with the purchase of a full-sized product. Those are the best times to stock up. Ready to see what products were included with my last purchase? Here are some mini reviews of a few Clinique skin care and beauty items.