pros and cons: smoke out eyeshadow palette from hard candy

It has been a while. Though Hard Candy is known for having a constant stream of new releases...things seem to have slowed down recently. In fact, apart from a couple of holiday releases, it has been radio silent on the Hard Candy front. At least in all of the places I've shopped. Then suddenly, there it was. A new palette. One full of green and glitter. Right off the bat, there was intrigue. Partly because it is difficult for me to talk away from a good palette, and partly because a friend of mine had spoken highly of the Hard Candy Look Pro! palettes in recent months. After work on a grey, gloomy day, I added the Hard Candy Look Pro! Eyeshadow Palette in Smoke Out to my shopping cart. The thought of all those glittering greens instantly perked up my mood. Keep reading to find out whether this new release is worth considering.

hong kong makeup review (eyeshadow, blush, and lipstick)

I am not someone who likes surprises. In fact, I am all about planning, preparation, and being in control. (Well, as much as anyone can be in control.) However, small unexpected surprises can absolutely make my day. Like sunshine on my walk home or my husband making something special for dinner. Those positive little surprises are always exciting. Recently, a friend of mine sent me some makeup in the mail for no reason at all. Just because. I was so touched by the gesture and was thrilled to receive a gorgeous handmade card as well. Making it all even more thrilling? This unexpected package came all the way from Hong Kong. It was overwhelming in the best possible way.

love it or leave it? sarah hyland

Award season is fully upon us. These days, you don't have to wait long for over the top red carpet dresses and best dressed lists. It is a beautiful (and often inspiring) time for fashion lovers. Recently, the 26th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards or SAG awards took place in Los Angeles. It was definitely a who's-who of celebrities. One star that made a splash on the red carpet this year? Sarah Hyland. The "Modern Family" actress stepped out in a dramatic dress that has caused quite the stir. Is the dress good? Bad? Find out in the latest edition of love it or leave it?

98 degrees concert + niagara falls weekend

Niagara Falls seems to reel me back in time and time again. This summer, I visited the city twice and returned once again this past weekend. (Spoiler alert: I have plans to visit again next month!) Though the summer months were all about recreation and time with friends...this winter it is all about concerts. Music is a huge part of my life and has been for as long as I can recall. Over the years, there have been many musicians, bands, and artists that have impacted my life. One of those bands? 98 degrees. I've been a fan of theirs for so long and have seen Nick Lachey in concert and was able to see 98 degrees open for another band a few years back. However, this was the first time I was going to see 98 degrees and only 98 degrees.

five makeup related shows to watch on netflix

Ahh, Netflix. We have a complicated relationship. On one hand, they recently cancelled my favourite television show (Fuller House, I hardly knew you....) and on the other hand, they offer access to more television shows, movies, and original programming than I will ever be able to watch. One of the benefits of this streaming service? There are plenty of beauty related programs to binge watch and enjoy. From makeover shows to documentaries and reality television favourites, there is no shortage of makeup related offerings. Here are five shows makeup enthusiasts may want to add to their Netflix watch list.

current obsession: kate spade rose gold glitter purse

All that glitters! Honestly, few things on this earth are better than glitter and rose gold. Toss in a little Kate Spade and a massive discounted price and life is truly blissful. For many years, I have dreamed of owning a Kate Spade purse of my very own. One of my dear friends always has one on her arm. My sister has several that she absolutely adores. Me? I just hadn't been able to splurge on a Kate Spade bag of my very own. Until fairly recently. This glittery rose gold purse (officially dubbed the Kate Spade Glitter Joeley Tote Bag) caught my eye instantly. The price tag absolutely did not. It was just too much money to spend on myself. As luck would have it? The purse would enter my life once again a few months later. When I was on a shopping trip to the United States, we stopped off at an outlet mall. There was the bag, massively discounted, with an additional 20% off of the massively discounted price. Suddenly my dream purse was well within budget. Score! Keep reading to take a closer look at the bag and find out whether it lived up to my high-end expectations.

kardashian/jenner week (KKW beauty eyeshadow palette review)

I had no intention of buying KKW Beauty. In fact, I went into Ulta dead set and determined to buy as much Kylie Cosmetics as I was realistically able to. It wasn't that KKW didn't interest me. It was more that I had given myself a budget and I really wanted to try out products from Kylie Cosmetics. A lot of them. However, one eyeshadow palette from the KKW line took my breath away. The colours were warm and bold. Swatching them in the store only further impressed. There was no doubt about it: the Sooo Fire Eyeshadow Palette was coming home with me. Ready to take a peek? See what was so impressive about this product? As part of Kardashian/Jenner week here on the creation of beauty is art. I am finishing out this particular theme week with a full review of the Sooo Fire palette.

kardashian/jenner week (kylie cosmetics eyeshadow palette review)

Out of everything in my Kylie Cosmetics haul, the eyeshadow palette peaked my curiosity most. Probably because of my complete and total obsession with eyeshadow. Though eyeliner and mascara are makeup essentials...eyeshadow has long been my creative outlet. Needless to say, the Kylie Holiday Eyeshadow Palette was right up my alley. Sparkle, shimmer, and warm, wearable eyeshadow shades? In soft pink packaging? Sign me up! To continue with Kardashian/Jenner week here on the creation of beauty is art. it is time to review, swatch, and wear this alluring holiday palette.

kardashian/jenner week (kylie cosmetics holiday set review)

It is no secret that the Kardashians and Jenners are on my radar. They have been featured many times on my blog and YouTube channel over the years. Thanks to their always on trend style and bold makeup looks (like this one, inspired by Kim Kardashian's Snapchat)...they are many beauty enthusiasts dream come true. Which is why it only makes sense that it is Kardashian/Jenner week here on the creation of beauty is art. My last post was a Kylie Cosmetics and KKW Beauty haul and a review of two mini liquid lipsticks. Today, it is all about the Kylie Holiday Try It Kit. Find out what is inside, how the product perform, and what items stand out from the rest.

kardashian/jenner week (haul post + mini liquid lipstick review)

It was a thrilling moment. Walking into an Ulta Beauty store and seeing a massive display of Kylie Cosmetics and KKW Beauty, that is. Though this may be a common experience for many, there are no Ulta Beauty stores in Canada. (Not yet, anyway. Last year they announced a move to Canada was in the works.) During a visit to the United States several months back, I made a very important stop at Ulta. It was a necessity. My mission was to browse the selection of Kardashian and Jenner branded makeup - and bring as much of it home as possible. It was an overwhelming and exciting experience...and it made me wish I had a larger shopping budget. This week on the creation of beauty is art. I'll be reviewing all of the Kylie Cosmetics and KKW Beauty products that have been added to my makeup collection. So keep your eyes peeled for lots of makeup and reviews in the next several days. To start, I'll be sharing my Ulta Beauty haul and reviewing a couple of mini liquid lipsticks.

20/20 reading challenge + recent reads

Reading is one of my favourite things to do. It has been for as long as I can remember. Despite this, it can be difficult to find space for this beloved pastime. You know the drill. Life gets busy (thanks to work, responsibilities at home, and all the other necessities of everyday life) and the things you love most seem to fall by the wayside. That is why one of my New Year's Resolutions last year was to read more. A lot more. So, I created the 20/20 Reading Challenge. What is it? Did I succeed? And what did I read? Here is everything you need to know.

tips to eat healthier this winter

Brr! It sure is cold out there. The worst part? It seems to be getting colder by the minute. The winds have picked up and we have had more than a handful of snowfalls. Yes, we are smack dab in the middle of winter. Which is why so many of us tend to stay indoors. Free time is often spent watching endless Netflix marathons rather than heading outdoors to deal with the elements. During those streaming marathons? There may be some unhealthy comfort foods sitting nearby. (It’s okay. This happens to the best of us. Especially during the winter months.) If all of the binge-watching and binge-eating is making you feel kind of blah, don't worry. All you need to do is mix things up. Here are a few different ways to eat healthier this winter.

holiday wrap up: beauty advent review (makeup revolution)

Beauty advents are always a good idea. Okay, maybe not always. (Just check out YouTuber Alexandria Ryan's advent calendar reviews for proof of that.) However, the surprise element makes advent calendars of all types an exciting addition to the holiday season. This year, I was gifted a calendar from Makeup Revolution. Since my experience with the brand is limited to The Emily Edit palettes (if you missed them, be sure to check out my reviews of The Wants palette and The Needs palette here on the creation of beauty is art.)....I was excited to try out other items from their line. The advent calendar included a variety of products. There were highlights, strobe creams, lipsticks, and more. Take a peek inside and see which items stood out.

holiday highlights (musicals, christmas tours, traditions, and more)

The New Years is always exciting...but sometimes, there is a hint of longing for days passed. More specifically, all of those special holiday moments. The lead-in to Christmas is always my favourite part. Calendars are full of dinner plans, family gatherings, holiday-themed events, movie nights, and well, lots of other special occasions. It is hard not to miss all of the magic and wonder. Which is exactly why I wanted to take a little bit of time to look back at some of those holiday memories. This season was just as busy as always. In the best possible way! I was able to see a Christmas musical, take a holiday castle tour, enjoy a day of shopping and traditions with my husband, see movies, decorate, wrap gifts, spend time with friends, and so much more. So without further ado, here are a few of my favourite holiday highlights.

fashionable winter workout wear.

I always find it easier to work out in the winter. Sure, bikini season is long over….but the temperatures outside are perfect for a good run. Plus, most of us spend an awful lot more time indoors during the chillier months. That means crunches, squats, and weight lifting. Sure, outdoor activities are easier to do during those perfect summer days, but there is plenty to do both inside and outside in wintertime, too. It just means tweaking your workout routine.

Since I tend to workout more regularly in the wintertime, I thought it was time to talk workout wear. When the weather is nice, I tend to stick with a pair of shorts and a breathable tank top. This time of year? It’s a little bit different. Rather than choosing whatever won’t get in the way, it is important to think about warmth. Especially if you plan to go for a jog or do some power walking outside. It’s essential to find a balance between staying warm and not sweating to death. Thankfully, there are an awful lot of great workout clothes that can help. These are some of my favourites…..

every day is the best day in the year.

Happy New Year! 2019 is over and a fresh, shiny new year has just begun. It is hard to believe, but 2020 is officially underway. This is a beautiful time of renewal and hope. Whether you are someone who enjoys setting New Years Resolutions or someone who absolutely loathes them...enjoy this chance to start again. Pause, reflect on the year that has passed, and think about what you hope to see, do, and accomplish in the months ahead. Today, I am doing exactly that! I have spent time looking back at my list of goals for 2019....and an awful lot of them were either completed or significant progress was made. This makes me happy. There were makeup-related goals, fitness goals, blogging goals, reading goals, and a handful of personal goals as well. All in all, I think I did a pretty decent job of working on them. In the year ahead? I hope to take those goals one step further.