Every once and a while, a loved one sees a beauty product that I might like and treats me to it for no reason at all. It always makes me feel special to be thought of in that way. (And new makeup is always fun.) That is what happened recently with The Roaring 20's Indulgence Eyeshadow Palette from Rude Cosmetics. This is a brand that I have had some positive experiences with in the past. The colour stories tend to be really interesting. So, it was a treat to test out a 1920s inspired release.
Happy Halloween! This holiday can be celebrated in many different ways. For some, Halloween is something that is celebrated only as a child through trick or treating and school parties. For others, the celebrations continue into adulthood with costumes, candy, and decorations in the home. There is no right or wrong way to celebrate. What matters most is that the experience is fun and enjoyable. I hope that whatever you have planned, it is a Halloween to remember for all the right reasons.
One of my favourite ways to celebrate the holidays? Movies. Seasonal stories can make a holiday come to life in an even more meaningful way. For example, during the Christmas season, I often choose movies with themes of love, understanding, and kindness. When it comes to Halloween, just about anything goes. I love family friendly creatures and characters, over the top camp, thrillers, and classic horror films. A little bit of everything manages to make spooky season memorable. Looking for a little inspiration? Here are some of the movies (and miniseries) that I have been watching to celebrate spooky season...
There is something special about birthdays. Though some people prefer not to celebrate them fully...my birthday has always been a day that I love. The way that I celebrate has shifted and changed over the years (moving from themed parties as a child to dinners with friends as a young adult to laid back celebrations with family in more recent years) but my love of birthdays still remains. This year, the plan is to sleep in, watch The Stand miniseries, and then have dinner with my immediate family. Laid back, but fun. My birthday is today, but there have been a few pre-birthday celebrations related to makeup, music, and travel.
This is an unplanned blog post. For the last fourteen years, the creation of beauty is art. has been my little corner of the internet. A place where I could share and create. A place where I could write freely and connect with others. This is the first time in fourteen years that I have considered packing it all in. The reason? A website, mansafashion.com has been stealing my content. Not just my words, but the pictures I have taken of products, and even pictures of me. I feel violated and angry. I feel powerless. I have tried to contact WordPress about this situation, but according to them, even though the website is "powered by WordPress," it is not a WordPress site. So, there is nothing they can do. I have also contacted someone else about what can be done. However, at this point, it is hard to be hopeful. I recognize that things are passed around and shared on the internet, but to steal every word, every picture, every thought, and stamp a fake name on it? I feel like someone has stolen my voice.
I have a request...could you please leave a comment on any of the 106 posts of mine that were blatantly stolen by manasfashion.com and ask them to remove the stolen posts? I know it is a long shot, but I don't know what else to do. Please.
These are the stolen posts, under the name Viktoria Arnold: https://mansafashion.com/author/viktoria-arnold
And to whoever is stealing my content and posting it....have the day that you deserve.
There is something special about seasonal scents. Truth be told, fall and winter have become my favourite times of year for a whole lot of reasons....including the various holidays. When out and about, there was this Spooky Aroma Oils set that caught my eye at Winners. It was not something that I planned on purchasing, but after looking at the different essential oil blends, the Halloween themed scents seemed like an ideal addition. I love candles, wall plug-ins, essential oils, room sprays, perfumes, and well, all things scented. It just makes the home feel extra special. Ready to find out what was included in the Spooky Aroma Oils set from DW Home? Here is everything you need to know about this seasonal essential oil release.
Happy Thanksgiving! Depending on where you are located in the world, this post will either be right on time, early, or totally irrelevant...but here is hoping that you will take a little time to be grateful today anyway. 2025 has been a difficult year, and at times, it has been hard to see the light. That is the reason that I have decided to create a little Thanksgiving post here on the creation of beauty is art. It is important to remember all that I have and all there is to look forward to. Here are some Thanksgiving themed movies and specials that are making me smile and five random things that I am grateful for this year.
If left alone in a Spirit Halloween store for too long, my bill could easily be hundreds and hundreds of dollars. There is so much to see and enjoy! I love Halloween decorations, themed clothes, and many beloved seasonal franchises. This is why my husband is normally present when I make my annual visit. He is able to remind me that our home only has so much room available. Even though there were a million other items that I would have loved to take home (like Halloween themed blankets, Hocus Pocus home decor items, and everything Trick 'r Treat), three items were deemed essential seasonal additions.
October is such a fun month. There are still several weeks until Halloween arrives, but my home is in full blown spooky mode. Decorations are everywhere, pumpkin scented candles are lit regularly, my Halloween themed t-shirts are in rotation, horror movies are playing on my television, and my makeup is a little more dramatic than usual. Check out this recent #FOTD.
When the first images were released for The Life of a Showgirl album from Taylor Swift, the excitement was immediate. I loved the theme and could not wait to hear more about the music. Eventually, it was announced that there would be The Official Release Party of a Showgirl, a movie experience to celebrate the album - and it would be only available for three days. I tried to purchase a set of tickets for myself and my oldest friend in the world, but the movie theater website crashed and I was unsuccessful. Luckily, my friend continued to check back and was able to obtain two tickets in a theater a few cities over. Ready to hear about The Official Release Party of a Showgirl experience? Keep reading for a mini review and a themed makeup look.
Concerts can be so much fun. Though not all concerts result in a positive experience (there are many factors to consider, from transportation to the crowd) it is wonderful when everything feels right. That is what happened during the Aqua concert my husband and I attended recently. Keep reading for a review and a peek at the colourful makeup look created for the occasion.
Do you follow seasonal fashion trends? Are you looking for something interesting to refresh your current wardrobe? Each season, there are different trends seen on and off the runways. While not all of them may speak to your own personal style, there might be one or two that are appealing. On that note, here are a few of my favourite fashion trends for fall 2025.
At last, the first day of fall has arrived. Though my apartment is already decorated (for both fall and Halloween) and sweaters have been an essential part of my daily routine for the last several weeks, it is only now that autumn has officially started. That means now it is possible to enjoy pumpkin spice flavors without guilt. It is the ideal time to take photographs of the leaves changing colour and to start on that seasonal to-do list. To start this fall theme week, here are some early fall favourites.
There have been Sephora gift cards burning a hole in my wallet for months and months and months. Despite this, there hasn't been anything that really caught my eye. (Or if it did, the product didn't seem to be in stock.) When the Rare Beauty perfume, Rare Eau de Parfum, was released, it was a no brainer. I love perfume, Rare Beauty products, and Selena Gomez. Unfortunately, it was harder to use my Sephora gift cards than anticipated. The perfume was sold out online and in every store that I visited. In fact, even the tester bottle was completely empty. When my mom was out and about, she happened to find one of the layering balms and purchased it for me. Finally, I was able to find one of the travel sized versions of the Rare Eau de Parfum and used some gift cards to add it to my collection. Keep reading for a review of the perfume and one of the layering balms.
There are so many mascaras out there. Finding ones that stand out can involve a little trial and error. Ever since my favourite mascara was discontinued, there have been a handful of others involved in my makeup routine. The one that I have been reaching for most often is the Lash Without Limits Mascara from Essence. However, there are a few others that have been put to the test as well thanks to a Costco set that my parents purchased for me. It included three different L'Oreal mascaras.
I cannot be trusted in thrift stores, antique stores, or anywhere that sells music, movies, and books. This is clear based on the shopping that I did during the recent cottage trip with my family. Though the cottage is still not my favourite place to be (unfamiliar location, nature, mosquitos, and all the rest) there are usually some good finds at the various stores nearby. Sadly, my favourite store, Kicking Cowgirl Designs closed down, but there were still some fun items that were brought home.
Reunited and it feels so good. It has been a very long time since I saw the Color Tattoo cream eyeshadow from Maybelline available to purchase. Though the line may not be discontinued, it hasn't been at any drugstore near me in years and years. In fact, it wasn't the drugstore that allowed me to rediscover this beloved beauty product. While on the cottage trip with my family, we drove into one of the nearby towns and ended up browsing a Winners store. There were these clear zipped bags with an assortment of different drugstore products inside. As I looked through the different options, the Color Tattoo caught my eye. It was an immediate purchase. I was so excited, especially because the colour was my old favourite, Tough As Taupe.
Black nail polish, a worn out My Chemical Romance hoodie, and tens of thousands of fans. Ahh...bliss. Right before my husband and I went to join my family at a rented cottage, we spent the evening seeing one of my all-time favourite bands: My Chemical Romance. I first started listening to them back in my university days and have been a huge fan ever since. When the Long Live The Black Parade tour was first announced, it was a no brainer to look into concert tickets. Though the prices were high (thanks to dynamic pricing), the decision was made to treat myself to a set of terrible seats in an absolutely massive venue. Logical? Perhaps not, but The Black Parade is my favourite album from MCR, and all logic seemed to disappear. Was it worth the price? Did the show meet my expectations? Keep reading for a mini concert review and makeup look.
It is always interesting to see what colours will be popular when a new season rolls around. During a trip to a nearby shopping mall recently, there were all sorts of burgundy pieces lining store windows. From fast fashion to higher end brands, there was burgundy all over the place. I can understand why. It is a beautiful colour that fits in well with the fall season. Given the popularity of this colour, it seemed only right to look through my makeup collection and create a #FOTD that highlighted this warm seasonal shade. Ready to take a look? Here is a #FOTD featuring some items from my makeup collection.
It's the most wonderful time of the year. Okay, it isn't the holiday season yet, but the first of the "ber" months (September, October, November, and December) has finally arrived. I could not be more thrilled. Though summer is still holding strong with warm weather and sunshine, it does my heart good to know that sweater weather and brightly coloured leaves are just around the corner. Fall is such a special time of year - and my appreciation for it continues to grow as time passes. I love the cooler temperatures, the grey overcast days, cozy blankets, and pumpkin spice everything. To welcome in the month of September properly, this post is dedicated to some seasonal affirmations and tag questions. Make it a September to remember...
It is time for a little end of the summer break. Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic, my family has booked a cottage at the end of the season for a week or so. It is not usually in the same place but in the same general area. Going to the cottage is not my favourite thing to do (I like being on my computer, watching Netflix, and being in the comfort of my home...and I dislike bugs, nature, and the unfamiliar) but given the events of this year so far, it might be nice to spend some dedicated time with my family. Here is hoping the week will be a positive one with lots of fun memories. This post is just to let you all know that the creation of beauty is art. will be on pause this week while I am away, but there will be new posts next week as usual.
What do you have planned for this week? Will you do any end of summer travelling?
Glossier is an ultra popular brand, but to be honest, the only thing I really know about them is that there was a collaboration with Olivia Rodrigo. Oh, and I was able to test out a sample of their foundation a few years back. Beyond that, the brand is a bit of a mystery to me. I am not opposed to trying different items from Glossier, but I haven't felt compelled to run out to Sephora to fill my basket with their products either. Lucky for me, my sister passed along the Ultralip High Shine Lipstick in the shade Ember. Keep reading for a first impressions review that talks about all the essentials: packaging, colour, and comfort.
In a perfect world, it would be possible to read all the time. It is one of my favourite things to do, but sometimes, it can be difficult to make time for this passion. (Or as much time as I would like.) Reading is something that I have been prioritizing a lot more this year. Instead of winding down at the end of the day with a television show or movie, it is an evening curled up with a good book that feels right. I have been re-reading a beloved series from my younger years, but also have been reading an assortment of other books. Some of my recent reads include mysteries, thrillers, and so much more. Take a look...
When it comes to makeup, skin care, and beauty products, my loved ones spoil me from time to time. They might pass along something that was included in a subscription box or spoil me with a product that they saw while out and about. That is what happened recently when a loved one gifted me the Aqua Bomb Jelly Cleanser from Belif. I have tried the popular moisturizer from this brand, but not the cleanser, so it was a nice treat to put it to the test. Keep reading for all of the pros and cons.
Sometimes, it is fun to get inspired by different red carpet looks. There always seem to be premieres and special events where celebrities wear outfits that are more expensive than my entire wardrobe combined. Though the outfits are not necessarily pieces that I would like to wear myself...the designs are often bold, creative, and a little out there. Definitely a feast for the eyes! Are you in need of a little inspiration? Here are some examples of celebrity fashion that I have been loving lately.
Eyeshadow, blush, and lipstick get an awful lot of attention here on the creation of beauty is art. I love being able to play with different colours and finishes. Whether the intended makeup look is bright, neutral, or vampy...colour products can bring it all to life. However, there are all sorts of essential items that are worn no matter what colour products happen to be used. I'm talking face products, eyebrow products, and all the rest. Here are some of my tried and tested everyday beauty items.
Concerts can be an awful lot of fun. Unfortunately, the price of concert tickets seems to increase dramatically year over year, so it is necessary for me to be a little choosy. When I heard that Debbie Gibson was playing a show not too far from me...it was a must. I have been a fan of Debbie since I was a little kid and still have her cassette tapes in my collection. I was originally looking for tickets in the back section of the venue (because of the cost) but my husband surprised me with floor seats. I decided to use an 80s inspired eyeshadow palette, pull out my hair waver, and create a look that was fitting for an evening with an 80s pop icon. This blog post is all about the makeup look that was created - and some of the concert highlights.
I love holidays and loathe summer. Perhaps that is the reason the Summerween trend has been making me smile lately. It adds a little bit of what I love (holidays and spooky season) into something that I do not (scorching temperatures and mosquitos). Originally from the animated series, Gravity Falls, Summerween has become a summer trend for all. It is essentially a summer version of Halloween. Think skeleton inflatables in the swimming pool, carving a "Jack-O-Melon" instead of a Jack-O-Lantern, and chilled pumpkin flavoured beverages. Keep reading to find out how I have been enjoying this fun twist on a fall holiday.
Over the years, many Christmas themed movies have been highlighted on the creation of beauty is art. My collection grows and I continue to watch these movies, cartoons, and holiday specials over and over throughout the year. Lately, I have been giving extra thought to why these movies mean so much to me. The world is often cruel, dark, and selfish. It is a place where people lie, cheat, steal, and harm. In Christmas movies, selfish people become generous and giving. Liars become honest. Harmful people learn to be better and make amends for their past actions. The world is so rarely like this...so when I watch a Christmas movie, it is the ultimate escape from the way things tend to be. I can pretend for a little while that good wins out, that kindness matters, and that miracles happen. On that note, to celebrate Christmas In July this year, it seemed right to focus on some new-to-me holiday movie reviews. My husband found all sorts of discounted Christmas movies for sale and asked me a very dangerous question: Do you want any? Of course, the answer was yes. Keep reading for all sorts of mini movie reviews.
Christmas In July is officially celebrated on July 25th, but thanks to an unexpected holiday release from Bath & Body Works, there are going to be two Christmas In July posts this year on the creation of beauty is art. My husband and I were out running errands a few weeks back and saw that Bath & Body Works was having a semi-annual sale. I love Bath & Body Works products (everything smells so good) but normally stock up in the fall and winter because the seasonal scents are my preference. We decided to walk through just to browse...but then found there were all sorts of Christmas In July themed items available.
Life has been busy lately. Busy, but fun. Most of the time, my preference is for life to be slow and steady....quiet and calm. However, it has been nice to mix things up a bit in recent weeks. (Though the idea of slow, steady, quiet, and calm sounds appealing again, as there is a need to recharge after so much social activity.) In a short span, I've been able to see a movie with a friend, spend a few hours shopping with my parents, go to a concert, and visit Ottawa for a couple of days. With so much happening in the last little while, it seemed appropriate to share a few of those highlights in this life lately post.
It seems my current music obsession is one that many others have as well. Recently, the global girl group, KATSEYE, announced a number of tour dates in the fall. I tried my best to purchase one ticket for the show nearest me during the presale...and found that I was number 21,380 in the Ticketmaster queue for a venue that holds 5,000. Thankfully, my luck was much better during the general sale and I happened to refresh at the exact right moment. I will be seeing KATSEYE this fall! Even though I will be at the very back of the venue, I am so exited to be able to attend. In the meantime, their new album, Beautiful Chaos will be keeping me entertained. Since the KATSEYE releases come with all sorts of fun extras, it seemed only right to share some of the items that were included in my version of the Beautiful Chaos album and talk about the newly released music.
The post-Walt Disney World blues have been extreme this time around. After a visit to the most magical place on Earth, it is common for me to feel a little sad adjusting back to the real world. However, knowing there will not be a return trip for several years really got me in my feelings. That is how I found myself searching for Walt Disney World inspired scents on Etsy shortly after returning back home. Enter the Main Street Melts Candle Co. The company has all sorts of Disney inspired items, including candles, melts, room sprays, and oils. Since I have a diffuser that has been neglected in recent months, it seemed wise to focus on some of the available oils. Though there were many that caught my eye (and many that will be ordered in the future) my first order included ten different essential oil blends. It took about twenty three days for the oils to arrive, which was not too bad, and everything was well packed. Each essential oil bottle has a cute Disney inspired label and there is a generous amount of oil provided. Keep reading for a mini review of each Main Street Melts Candle Co. item in my order.
