palette fail: almay the complete look

Sometimes, an item is just too good to be true. Take Almay's The Complete Look palette as an example. It included six eyeshadow shades, four lip products, and a blush. Best of all? It was on sale for just $5. I couldn't understand why they were so eager to clear this particular set from their stock...but now I know. At a glance, this set had it all. You really could create a complete look with just one palette. If it worked well, this would be a wonderful set for travel or to toss into your purse. There were so many possibilities! Except for one small detail: the quality was seriously lacking.

reading habits tag + six books on my to-read list

Reading is one of my oldest loves. Many of my most cherished childhood memories involve a book of some sort. In my teenage years, books became my safe place. To this day, reading is a huge part of who I am. Books help me learn, explore, and imagine. After seeing a reading habits post from the wonderful Amanda Mercuri (which you can read here), I knew immediately it was time to do a book related post here on the creation of beauty is art. For today's post, it is books, books, and more books. That's right. I'll be answering questions from the reading habits tag as well as showing you a few of the books on my to-read list.

too faced razzle dazzle berry eyeshadow palette (review + swatches)

It's rare but it happens. Every now and again, a makeup item takes your breath away. That is the best possible way I can describe my reaction to the Too Faced Razzle Dazzle Berry eyeshadow palette. It was part of the Tutti Frutti line of products, which you can check out here. Quite frankly, this product launch had eluded me. For one reason or another, I hadn't actually heard about the Tutti Frutti products at all and was surprised to see a handful of them during a visit to Ulta several months back. On a whim, this small palette was added to my basket. And I am so glad it was! Interested in trying this for yourself? Want to know what to expect? Here is my full review, complete with swatches and a finished makeup look.

beginner series: foundations for every skin type

Winter weather is harsh. That alone can wreak havoc on your skin, making it difficult to keep your foundation looking flawless. The solution? Get a new foundation. Just because you have normal to oily skin during the summer months doesn’t necessarily mean you'll have the same skin type during fall, spring, or those chilly winter months. Whether you’ve been seeing flakes or tons of shine, take a deep breath. You simply need to switch up your foundation to make sure it suits your current skin type. Don’t know which brands to choose or what to look for? This guide will help you find the right foundation for your needs. 

celebrating four years on youtube.

Wow! The expression time flies really rings true when it comes to my YouTube channel. This week marks the four year anniversary of my very first video. Since then, I have filmed, edited, and posted 184 videos (on topics including makeup reviews, tutorials, fashion look books, motivational tips, and even workout related videos). I've also been fortunate enough to reach over 100, 000 video views. Considering my biggest fear was that no one would ever watch what I created....that milestone is especially significant. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to anyone that has ever watched or supported my channel. I hope you know how much it means to me! Today, I wanted to celebrate the last four years - and take a look back at some of my favourite videos.

new in: accessories from betsey johnson + nina ricci

Accessories are always in style. I don't know quite what it is about accessories, but they always seem to make me smile. It amazes me how the right bracelet or set of earrings can transform a look. One moment you are sweet and simple and the next, edgy and over the top. Though I have been trying to be a little more selective about the accessories added into my collection (because quite frankly, my accessories collection is a little full)....there are a few new items that I have been enjoying lately.

happy valentines day + tips to look stylish this valentines day

Happy Valentine's Day! I have always loved holidays. There is something special about all of the wonderful seasonal events. Whether it is a birthday, Christmas, or Valentine's Day....there seems to be a lovely kind of magic in the air. When it comes to this particular holiday, there are plenty of exciting ways to celebrate. You can share a dinner date with a significant other, go to a movie with a good friend, hang out with family members, or shower yourself with lots and lots of self love. Whatever you choose to do today, have fun. Throw on some pink lipstick, eat heart shaped candies, and always remember to smile. After all, this is a day of love and celebration.

And the sunlight clasps the earth 

   And the moonbeams kiss the sea: 

What is all this sweet work worth 

   If thou kiss not me? 

- Percy Bysshe Shelley (Love's Philosophy)

take your valentine's day makeup from day to night

Do you want your Valentine’s Day makeup to look sweet or sultry? Well, how about a little bit of both. The most romantic day of the year is quickly approaching. That means it is time to whip out the chocolate hearts, choose an adorable singing card, and start thinking about your Valentine’s Day makeup. It doesn’t matter if you are attached or single. You can still have fun with your makeup this February 14th. The best place to begin is with a simple but sweet daytime look. From there, you can transform it into something dramatic, sultry, and perfectly suited to a special night on the town. Are you ready to get started? Then let’s go....

ariana grande CLOUD eau de parfum (review)

Out of all the starlets making a splash on the charts these days, Ariana Grande certainly stands out. Her last two singles went straight to number one and she recently released another perfume. Cloud is described as an "uplifting scent that imbues a thoughtful, artistic expression of positivity and happiness." That is one really long way of saying this scent is bright and sweet! Before the holidays, I tested out this particular perfume and instantly fell in love with the bottle and fragrance. Though I immediately loved it, the price was as bit steep. So I was extremely grateful to be given a bottle of Cloud for Christmas. This is something I have been using a lot lately....so I decided to do a proper review here on the creation of beauty is art. 

bath & body works winter haul

What is it about Bath & Body Works? The brightly lit store is always so alluring, with the colourful bottles, sweet smells, and sales galore. No wonder there are so many lotions, sprays and scrubs in my bathroom! I've been pretty good about steering clear of this beloved store lately. The reason? I'm on a mission to finish up the items I have rather than endlessly stocking up on more. That being said...Christmas happened. Over the holidays, my husband treated me to some new Bath & Body Works goodies. We went to the store together and I chose the scents and items that caught my eye. Then on Christmas morning, I got to relive the magic. Ready to see what I chose? Here is my winter haul from Bath & Body Works......

review: morphe eyeshadow palette (35M boss mood)

Morphe is a brand that every makeup lover with an Internet connection has heard about. They've made a name for themselves by teaming up with countless YouTubers and beauty gurus, offering coupon codes, and keeping prices reasonable. While there are people out there who buy anything and everything Morphe....I prefer to shop in person rather than online. So, when the opportunities have arisen (like at IMATS and on Ulta shopping trips) I've been more than a little eager to try out some of the products for myself. More recently, I was able to do this at Sephora. The brand has launched select items at the popular makeup store. That includes the 35M Boss Mood palette. With a price tag of around $30, this palette was fairly affordable, and I had a gift card burning a hole in my pocket. Want to purchase the palette for yourself? Find out more about the shades? Here is everything you need to know....

love it or leave it? celine dion

Celine Dion knows how to make a statement. Whether she is singing, performing, or heading to an event....this iconic star always commands attention. Recently, Celine wowed at Paris Fashion Week with an over the top ensemble that screamed living legend. There is no doubt this Fashion Week look snagged headlines but was it for the right reasons? This edition of love it or leave it? will decide.

simple ways to stay active in winter

Yikes! It sure got cold fast. Isn’t that always the way? One minute we are certain that this will be a mild winter with barely any snow. The next? The front lawn is white and you are desperately searching for that extra pair of gloves. This time of year is associated with many wonderful things. Like making time for friends, family, and treating yourself to warm foods. Missing from that list is physical activity. It is believed that most people give up on their New Years Resolutions by January 12th. Well, that day has come and gone, which means many of us have forgotten about strict diet plans, have skipped sweat sessions at the gym, and are staying indoors as much as possible. That doesn't have to happen to you! Here are some super simple ways to stay active in winter.