essence bronzed this way eyeshadow palette (review)

Affordable products make me happy. Especially when they are nicely themed and work well. Though there is always something thrilling about a trip to Sephora or some high-end makeup purchase...there are some truly incredible offerings at the drugstore as well. As a beauty enthusiast, I love to try a little bit of everything. That includes higher end items, drugstore items, and even dollar store items. It is always fun to see what works, what doesn't, and what falls somewhere in between. When it comes to the Bronzed This Way Eyeshadow Palette from Essence? Well, there is an awful lot to love. 

tweety bird candle (charmed aroma review + reveal)

Charmed Aroma candles make me happy for many reasons. In addition to the adorable packaging, the candle scents, and the themes...there are also gorgeous accessories tucked inside each candle as well. As someone who loves both candles and jewellery, this is a match made in heaven. One of my friends first introduced me to the brand in 2019 (you can check out my first Charmed Aroma review here) and it has been full steam ahead ever since then. I've enjoyed candles of all shapes and sizes and have been able to incorporate lots of beautiful pieces into my accessories collection. There is a lot to love! The latest Charmed Aroma review and reveal is all about Tweety Bird. Yes, this beloved Looney Tunes character has been given the candle treatment. Ready to find out more? Keep reading for a full review and a peek at the themed accessory inside.

testing out jlo beauty skin care products

Skin care has become more popular than ever. The pandemic shifted an awful lot of beauty habits, and there is now a renewed desire to focus on pampering the skin. With that came several different celebrity skin care lines...including J Lo Beauty. (Check out my first review on the brand here.) Being a fan of Jennifer Lopez, it was only a matter of time before a product or two was incorporated into my regular skin care routine. Over the holidays, this J Lo Beauty set was gifted to me and I have been using it ever since! The set included two different products: That Blockbuster Wonder Cream and That J Lo Glow Serum. Wondering how these items perform? Here are some mini reviews of both J Lo Beauty products.

review: nyx money heist color palette

The watch list on my Netflix account is out of control. One example? I went to start the new season of The Circle...only to discover that I never finished the last season of The Circle. Oops. It is difficult to stay on top of everything. Especially since there are so many different streaming services these days. Honestly? I love television shows and movies an awful lot. If it were up to me, I would watch things all day every day, but alas, there are always other things that need to be done. Hopefully one day soon, I will be able to whittle down my list and watch another show that I have long been meaning to tackle: Money Heist. I've heard incredible things about it and very much want to watch. Until that time, I will have to satisfy my curiosity with the Money Heist Color Palette from NYX. My husband treated me to this, because he knew that the eyeshadow shades were ones that would get a lot of use from me. He was right! I have been putting this nine-shadow palette to the test and the colours are definitely in my wheelhouse. Ready to take a look inside? Here is everything you need to know about this drugstore release. 

bath & body works haul (may 2022)

It is no secret that I love Bath & Body Works products a lot. An awful lot. During the pandemic shut downs, I was desperately missing the foaming hand soaps from the brand. I ran out and wasn't comfortable heading to the mall to buy more for quite some time. Thankfully, in the last six months or so, I've been able to stock up on the foaming hand soaps and was even gifted an assortment of Bath & Body Works items over the holidays. Recently, a standalone Bath & Body Works store opened not too far from where I live. That meant that I was able to stock up on a few more items without having to deal with mall crowds and a lot of people. In fact, the store was essentially empty when I visited. Though there was an awful lot that I wanted to take home with me, I focused on filling in some of the gaps instead. The end result? A little Bath & Body Works haul. 

current obsession: bh cosmetics optimistic AF eyeshadow palette

Optimism isn't necessarily my go-to mood. Especially over the last few years. There are days when I feel like sunshine and rainbows....and there are days when I feel like rain clouds and thunderstorms. It is probably because there are so many unknowns still! Going out isn't something that is comfortable for me currently, but it is something that I am trying to wrap my head around. Despite everything, I keep hoping for wonderful spring and summer memories. Maybe I am more optimistic than I realize. Speaking of optimism, the Optimistic AF eyeshadow palette from BH Cosmetics has been high up on my list of loves lately. Not only is there a beautiful colour story, but the palette acts as a reminder to find the joy in life. Even amidst all of the uncertainty. Ready to take a peek at this affordable product? Keep reading to check out a healthy dose of seasonal colours.

love it or leave it? ashlee simpson

There has been a lot of Ashlee Simpson music playing in my home recently. I have always loved her, but lately, her music has been even more of a must. Not only is her voice incredible, but her songs are fantastic and take me back in the best possible way. Her style has always been iconic. When I was younger, I wanted my hair like hers, my makeup like hers, and my style to be just like hers. So it only makes sense to focus on Ashlee for the latest edition of love it or leave it? Check out her latest look...

updated review: hard candy glamoflauge pro full coverage concealer

Emily Noel first introduced me to the Glamoflauge concealer from Hard Candy in 2014. I've been watching her YouTube videos for at least ten years now and continue to trust her reviews to this day. Why? She is always right. The Glamoflauge concealer is just one such example. It is without a doubt the most full coverage concealer at the drugstore. Not to mention the fact that it is ultra affordable! This is a product that I have been using on a regular basis since that introduction back in 2014. More recently, this iconic drugstore product has had a bit of a makeover. So, it only made sense to do an updated review here on the creation of beauty is art. Here is everything you need to know about this must-have concealer. 

#FOTD + mini review (milani gilded terra eyeshadow palette)

It has been a while. In the past, Milani products were an essential part of my everyday makeup routine. The blushes? Incredible. The eyeshadows? Beautiful. The brow products? Easy to use and effective. And yet...it has been a few years since anything new from Milani has been added to my makeup collection. There is no specific reason for this. Other blushes have been used, different eyeshadows have been on my radar, and new favourites have replaced old favourites. It happens! While at the drugstore recently, the Gilded Terra Eyeshadow Palette from Milani caught my eye. Described as a hyper-pigmented eyeshadow palette with a combination of dusty rose shades, earthy neutrals, and serene shades of sage...it was hard to resist. The cost was fairly high for a drugstore palette ($27 CDN) but temptation got the best of me! Ready to see this palette in action? Find out what it can do? It is time for a #FOTD look and a mini review of this drugstore release. 

new in: john denver merchandise

John Denver takes me to another place entirely. Though life can feel stressful, overwhelming, and hectic at times...his music makes the world seem peaceful and safe. Suddenly, I am understood. Suddenly, everything is going to be okay. I have been a fan of John Denver for a very long time, but several years back, his music became an essential part of my being. It brought fuzzy things into focus. It gave me hope, purpose, and comfort. Needless to say, my record player (or CD player or iPod or whatever else) is often playing his music! Perhaps this is why my husband decided to treat me to a few items from the John Denver online store. I had sent him a link to a hat that caught my eye and he ended up purchasing the hat as well as a few other things he thought I would like. It was such a sweet gesture and his thoughtfulness made these already special items feel extra special. Ready to take a closer look at this John Denver merchandise? Keep reading...

positive affirmations to start the month off right

May is no ordinary month. Named after the Greek goddess, Maia, this month is all about flowers in bloom, warmer weather, and new beginnings. Maybe last month felt challenging or you have a bit of anxiety about the days ahead. This is the perfect time to refocus your mind. Positive affirmations are one way to do just that! Affirmations are positive statements, which are said either aloud or in your head. These statements make it possible to overcome limiting beliefs, can shift your mindset, boost your mood, and increase confidence levels. With a new month just beginning, it is more important than ever to welcome in the positive. Ready to start the month off right? Here are some positive affirmations to incorporate into each and every May day. 

l'oreal air volume mega mascara (first impressions video + review)

I am no stranger to drugstore mascaras. Though I have tried many different mascaras over the years...my all-time favourite comes from the drugstore. Expensive price points don't necessarily mean better products! Recently, I had the opportunity to test out a mascara from L'Oreal and was excited to put it to good use. The L'Oreal Air Volume Mega Mascara boasted a light and airy formula and dramatic results. What could be better than that? With warmer weather on the way, something that was ultra lightweight sounded ideal. Curious about how this affordable mascara performed? Keep reading for a first impressions review on my YouTube channel followed by a full review of the mascara. 

review: ciate london watermelon burst setting spray

Setting sprays can be difficult. There are so many out there, but not all of them perform well. For every Urban Decay All Nighter or Morphe Set and Refresh Mist, there are dozens of setting sprays that falls flat. Either there is an odd chemical scent or the product does not actually help makeup stay in place. Finding something that works for you (and your skin type) can be a long and grueling process. Over the years, there are a handful of setting sprays that have made my must-have list. The two mentioned already and the Too Faced Hangover 3-in-1 Setting Spray. Now? It is time to give another setting spray a try. One of my friends gifted me the Ciate London Watermelon Burst setting spray. Since my previous experiences with Ciate London have been pretty positive in the past...I had high hopes that this would be another win. Keep reading to find out how it performed.

kylie skin + kylie cosmetics (mini haul)

Ever since Kylie Cosmetics and Kylie Skin officially launched in Canada, I have been putting the products to good use. The skincare items are included in my daily routine and the makeup products are used on a semi-regular basis. The reason? There is a lot to love about this brand. Not only am I a massive fan of the Kardashians/Jenners in general, but I love the millennial pink aesthetic and many of the products that I have tried. When it was time to repurchase some must-have skin care items from the line, it only made sense to add something extra. There was also a free gift thrown into the mix. Ready to take a closer look at this mini haul? Here are a few items from Kylie Skin and Kylie Cosmetics...

testing out a dollar store highlight (la colors glow time)

There is nothing so thrilling as a trip to Sephora. When that black and white striped bag is overloaded with goodies....well, it is an undeniably exciting experience. Despite this, affordable makeup is always my preference. I love drugstore items and even dollar store items every now and again! There is something so wonderful about beauty products that are both affordable and accessible. I believe everyone should be able to find items that suit their preferences and budget. Which is why the L.A. Colors Highlight seemed worth testing and trying for the creation of beauty is art. It cost a mere $1.25 CDN at the dollar store. 

violet voss: sweet violet eyeshadow palette (review + video)

When it comes to springtime makeup looks...Violet Voss is an absolute must. This brand has released many colourful eyeshadows shades over the years and each one manages to excel in the pigmentation department. Case in point? The Violet Sunset palette that was reviewed here on the creation of beauty is art. Now, it is time for another Violet Voss review. If you've been curious about the Sweet Violet eyeshadow palette, then keep reading for all the details.

inspired by netflix: get organized with the home edit

Anyone else watching "Get Organized with The Home Edit" on Netflix? When the first season premiered, it was quickly added to my watch list. Before I knew it, Clea and Joanna had reorganized closets, kitchens, bedrooms, and everything in between. Recently, the second season was added to the streaming service. This time, the professional organizers weren't heading to random storage stores for containers...they had created their own. Well, it only took a quick online search to find out where the containers were being sold. And that is how my spring cleaning started this year. 

easter highlights (decorations, baked goods, accessories)

Ahh...this time of year is undeniably special. There is something so rejuvenating about the sunnier days, the springtime colours, and of course, the holidays. As I mentioned in my last post, Easter is one of my favourite holidays. This year, it was spent with my loved ones at home...which is my favourite way to celebrate. My husband and I did Easter baskets for one another, then I spent the day with my immediate family, and my husband joined us for a homecooked meal. There were lots of highlights, like watching classic holiday movies together and baking lots of delicious seasonal treats. Ready to take a peek into my Easter holiday? See how it was celebrated? Here are some holiday highlights...

easter is about more than candy. it's about peace, love, and family.

Happy Easter weekend! This is always such a joyful time of year. The sun seems to shine brighter, the world feels more colourful, and there is an overwhelming sense of hope. Spring has arrived and so has one of my favourite holidays. Easter makes me think of chocolate, playing games with my family, and my favourite seasonal cartoons. There are so many ways to celebrate this time of year. For me, it is all about being with family and making memories. Normally, my family celebrates on Sunday, so I am very much looking forward to tomorrow. For now, it is time to answer some Easter-related questions.

friends week: #FOTD feat. friends x revolution makeup products

I love makeup and I love watching Friends. So, when Revolution released their Friends inspired collection in late 2021, it was immediately of interest. The packaging was beyond cute and the products turned out to be stellar. (In case you missed it, you can read my review of the collection here.) I have been using these items fairly regularly since then and more recently used them to create a simple little #FOTD look. It was just a regular day at home, so the look wasn't anything crazy or over the top, but I love that this colourful eyeshadow palette can be used to create something bold and colourful or a little more subdued. Need a reminder of what the palette looks like? Take a look at this #FOTD? Here goes...

friends week: charmed aroma review and reveal (friends necklace)

Friends is without a doubt, one of the most beloved sitcoms of all time. It has left a lasting impression on television audiences and continues to inspire millions of people around the world. There is something so special about this show! It is comforting, warm, and still hilarious. Since it is theme week here on the creation of beauty is art. it is time to continue on with lots of Friends themed content. Today, it is all about the Friends Necklace Collection from Charmed Aroma. Ready to take a closer look at the candle itself and the accessory hidden away inside? Keep reading for the latest review and reveal.

friends week: introduction + new friends items

It is time for another theme week on the creation of beauty is art. This time? It is all about the television show, Friends. This iconic show has been part of my life for a very long time and remains one of my favourites. Over the holiday season, my friends gifted me some fabulous themed items, and so it only made sense to write about them here. Friends Week will start off with a peek inside a themed planner and notebook, then there will be a Charmed Aroma review and reveal post, and a makeup look that puts the Revolution x Friends collection to good use. Ready to get started? To find out what these television themed products are like? The first themed post is all about a Friends inspired notebook and planner. 

current obsession: happy face everything

In middle school, happy faces were considered to be ridiculously cool. And they were everywhere! On necklaces, keychains, t-shirts, mood rings...everywhere. At that time, my collection of happy face inspired items started. I remember that at one point, my room had happy face containers, an array of happy face necklaces, rings, stick on earrings, shirts, patches, pins, and stuffed animals. I loved happy faces a lot. Over the years, many of those items were tucked away or donated. (Though the holiday-inspired happy face stuffed animals have remained and come out for various holidays.) Imagine my surprise and delight when happy faces - and all things 90s - came back in style. It reminded of how much I loved all of those adorable yellow happy faces in my youth. Lately, I have been embracing the past and have welcomed a few new happy face items into my life. 

review + makeup look: huda beauty amethyst obsessions

Though there are far too many eyeshadows in my makeup collection...it is always wonderful to test and try out new ones. Over the holidays, my loved ones gifted me lots and lots of beauty products, and I continue to put them to good use. (And review them here on the creation of beauty is art.) The latest? Amethyst Obsessions from Huda Beauty. When it comes to Huda Beauty, my experiences with the brand have been somewhat mixed. For instance, the Warm Brown Obsessions palette was an absolute super star, but then the Mercury Retrograde was kind of lackluster and inconsistent, despite stellar reviews from beauty gurus and makeup lovers alike. All in all, the brand has been pretty impressive, and has a lot of really beautiful colour stories to choose from. Curious about whether the Amethyst Obsessions palette was a winner or if it fell flat? Here is everything you need to know about this colourful release from Huda Beauty. 

makeup brush review: morphe (mickey and friends)

Disney is a significant part of my life. I grew up in a Disney household and much of my childhood was spent watching Walt Disney cartoons on VHS, reading Disney books, playing with Disney toys, and eventually, visiting Disney theme parks. As an adult, my love of all things Disney has remained. There is something so special about the characters. Of course, since makeup is another passion of mine, it only makes sense that the latest Morphe collection would be of interest. The Mickey & Friends Truth Be Bold 6-Piece Brush Set seemed to have it all: cute packaging and iconic characters. Ready to take a closer look at this brush set? Here is everything you need to know about this Disney inspired collection...

#OOTD: cowgirl inspired outfit and accessories

There is something about cowgirl inspired fashion that I love. Ever since visiting the store, Kicking Cowgirl Designs, last summer....my obsession with the country music style has grown. Of course, I do listen to some country music, though pop music is admittedly my favourite. But icons like Reba McEntire will always inspire me. Her albums take me to a place that few manage to! So, when it came time to pull together a country inspired outfit, there simply needed to be a Reba shirt thrown into the mix. Ready for a breakdown of this recent cowgirl inspired #OOTD? Here goes....

too faced: palm springs dreams cocktail party eye shadow palette

Some people like beauty products that look sleek and sophisticated. As for me? I love items that are fun and whimsical. Life can be serious...but makeup doesn't need to be. Perhaps that is why I love Too Faced so much. All of their releases are colourful and have a cute theme. They are fun! Makeup is a form of creative expression, but it is also a stress reliever for me. I absolutely love the process of creating a look, and when the products are downright adorable, that just makes the process even better. Not too long ago, the Palm Springs Dreams Cocktail Party Eye Shadow Palette was at Winners. Since I love both Too Faced and discount prices, it was a match made in heaven. For only $25 CDN, it was possible to try this wonderfully themed release. 

virtual event: mocktails, makeup, and a movie (2022)

Special events are difficult these days. It is hard to know what the right move is. Should it be in person? Online? A mix of the two? Last year, the Mocktails, Makeup, and a Movie event was virtual and it remained virtual this year. Though it made sense to keep it online...I have to admit that I did miss the in person experience. Previously, there were makeup demonstrations, raffles, games, snacks, and a brand new movie to watch at the theatre. (You can read more about that here.) It was more of an experience. At home? You definitely have to put in a little extra work to make it feel like an event. That being said, there were some highlights and lots and lots of beauty items to test and try. Ready to hear more about the event? Keep reading...

review and reveal: charmed aroma harry potter (hogwarts express)

There are many things in the world that bring me joy. Harry Potter is one example! I have so many wonderful memories of reading the books, watching the movies, collecting memorabilia, and attending themed events. Harry Potter has been a significant part of my life for a very long time. So, even though the Hogwarts Express Candle from Charmed Aroma was expensive at $60 CDN...it was something that I could not resist. It was one of those love-at-first-sight moments. Not only would there be a Harry Potter themed necklace inside, but the Hogwarts Express train itself would look perfect on my Harry Potter shelf. (Yes, there is a shelf in my home office dedicated to Harry Potter items.) Without further ado, let's take a closer look at this Harry Potter themed candle and find out what was hidden away inside the Hogwarts Express train.

stay stylish this spring with durafits

Somehow, the spring season has arrived, and with it comes optimism about the future. Many of my friends and family members have started to purchase concert tickets, make plans, and think about travel. (I am far more reluctant, but am trying to be more open to the possibilities.) After two years of staying indoors, many are eager to get out there and do something fun. That means that right now is the perfect time to embrace fashion - and wear all the clothes that have been hanging at the back of the closet. To make the most of those pieces, it is important to give careful consideration to what goes underneath. Need somewhere to start? A little inspiration? DuraFits has a wide selection of items to consider.

spring makeup look feat. violet voss (violet sunset palette)

Spring is here! Though the weather is anything but sunshine and flowers. On the plus side, the temperatures continue to rise, and before long, it will be nice enough to head outside every now and then. The spring season is the ideal time to have a little fun with colourful makeup. Thankfully, there is an eyeshadow palette that has been helping me out with that. Violet Voss is known for their bright and bold shades. (The Care Bears Mini Eyeshadow Palette is a favourite of mine.) They consistently deliver on colour...even in a slightly more neutral palette. The Violet Sunset palette still delivers on lots of bright and bold colours, but balances it out with some warm everyday shades as well. It is the perfect palette to kickstart the spring season.

review and makeup look: nyx shadow and liner set

It is no secret that makeup is a passion of mine. I love to use it, test out different products, and have fun tapping into my creative side. Since it is such an important part of my day-to-day life, my loved ones often treat me to different products. Some are gifted around holidays and some are gifted for no reason at all. The NYX Shadow and Liner Set falls into the latter category. It was such a lovely surprise and completely perked up a more difficult day. Since then, I have been putting this drugstore set from NYX to the test. It included two different items: That's The Point Eyeliner and the Ultimate Eyeshadow Palette. Ready to take a closer look and find out how these products perform? Here are all the details  you need to know.

spring will come and so will happiness.

Phew! We made it. Spring has officially arrived. Some years, part of me wants to hold onto the winter season a little bit longer, and other years, my heart longs for springtime. This year, I am kind of on the fence. On one hand, I like watching the snow fall when I am warm and cozy inside. On the other hand, I miss going on walks with my husband when the weather is nice. I suppose change is inevitable! It is time to tuck away those winter boots for another year and welcome in sunny skies. This spring, I feel a combination of excitement and anxiety. There is excitement that I will be potentially be able to meet with friends in outdoor settings, but there is anxiety about getting back out into the world, even in small ways. I think it will be a significant adjustment for me to really live life again. For the last two years, I have been inside my home almost all of the time. The idea of having outdoor distanced meetings with friends, or going somewhere just because, is overwhelming. If I'm being honest...I am afraid. So, the spring season is a little bittersweet for me, but today, I want to focus on the sweet. On that note! Here are some inspiration photos to welcome in a new season and add a little hope to your day. 

one/size eye popper sparkle vision eyeshadow (review + makeup)

One/Size is a brand that has long intrigued me, thanks to the fact that it was created by YouTuber and makeup artist, Patrick Starrr. Since I've been a fan of his work for many years now, it was only natural that I would also be interested in his makeup line. I'll be honest...the initial products didn't cause me to run off to Sephora. (They were makeup removers.) That being said, the One/Size Visionary Eyeshadow Palette has become a staple in my makeup collection. I reach for it often, because it has unique neutrals, and an incredible formula. Though I love that palette, I haven't tried anything else from the brand. Until now. As you probably know, I love eye makeup the most, so the One/Size Eye Popper Sparkle Vision Eyeshadow was on my wish list. Recently, I was able to put the shade Everything & More to the test. Ready to see what it looks like? Find out how it performs? 

may your blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow.

Happy St. Patrick's Day! This holiday always makes me smile. Not only because all holidays are fun, but because on St. Patrick's Day (many years ago...) my husband and I met for the first time. So, it always makes me sentimental. In the past, we would head to a restaurant to celebrate or we would have a little themed dinner at home. Since the pandemic, our celebrations have been much more low-key, though we still try to make it special. This year? It will be another low-key celebration. Even though restrictions are starting to lift where I live, the idea of going out to a restaurant is totally overwhelming to me at this point. I'm still trying to stay inside as much as possible and limit interactions with others. Maybe one day that will change, but for now, inside it is. That means it is my job to bring St. Patrick's Day into our home. We don't have a lot of decorations, but I put up what we have, and even planned out some St. Patrick's Day makeup. Ready to take a peek at this holiday inspired look? 

ariana grande perfume review: god is a woman

It is no secret that perfume is a love of mine. Over the years, there have been plenty of reviews and favourites lists on the creation of beauty is art. dedicated to different scents. There is just so much to enjoy about perfume! From the stunning bottle designs to the actual fragrances...it all makes me happy. The most recent perfume in my collection? God Is a Woman from Ariana Grande. This was given to me over the holiday season and has been used many times since then. Now, it is time to share my thoughts about the packaging, the bottle design, and the scent itself. Ready to find out more? Here is everything you need to know about the latest perfume from musical phenomenon, Ariana Grande. 

review: morphe x jaclyn hill (divine neutrals eyeshadow palette)

YouTube is a passion of mine. I love watching videos related to makeup, fashion, lifestyle, and even theme parks. (Especially theme parks. I've been watching a ton of theme park related content since the pandemic began. I suppose I am living vicariously!) There are some YouTubers that I love more than others. One that has been on my list of loves for several years is Jaclyn Hill. I actually started watching her videos after falling in love with her original eyeshadow palette with Morphe. Since then, I have tried several different products from her...though I haven't yet tried anything from Jaclyn Cosmetics just yet. One day! For now, I am putting the Morphe x Jaclyn Hill Divine Neutrals Eyeshadow Palette to good use. 

recent self care beauty favourites (february 2022)

When it comes to beauty, the fun stuff always makes me happiest. Blush, eyeshadow, lipstick. Things that are colourful and transformative! The every day items, like moisturizer and hair care stuff never seems to thrill me in the same way. Those are the needs. Fun and colourful makeup? Those are the wants and the wants are always more appealing. Despite this...I have been focused on different aspects of self care lately. Last month, my goal was to make time to pamper myself in small ways. Even though my schedule was busy and my to-do lists were seemingly endless, it was important to prioritize those little moments. Today, I thought that I would share some of my recent self care beauty favourites. 

love it or leave it? zoë kravitz

Red carpet events are always kind of exciting. I love looking at the different outfits the A-listers wear. Some are good, some are bad, and some fall somewhere in the middle....but they are all memorable in their own right. More recently? Zoë Kravitz wore Oscar de la Renta on the red carpet for the premiere of The Batman in New York City. Ready to see this bold red carpet ensemble? This love it or leave it? is dedicated to the ultra talented and stylish Zoë Kravitz.

review and reveal: cinnamon bun bath bomb

I am the first to admit that I do not like cinnamon. At all. Neither does my best friend, which is why she bought me this Cinnamon Bun bath bomb from Charmed Aroma. It was a nod to our mutual dislike of all things cinnamon...and the way the local mall always smells like Cinnabon. On the plus side? I do love Charmed Aroma and the accessories hidden inside of their products. Normally, candles are the must-have item, but this time, there was a Charmed Aroma bath bomb to unveil. Ready to find out what was inside? Then keep reading, because this another Charmed Aroma review and reveal.

rare beauty week: selena's faves set (review and video)

Ready for the last theme week post dedicated to Rare Beauty? Today it is all about the Selena's Faves 4 Piece Mini Set. This set came with four different items from the line, including a Dewy Liquid Blush, Liquid Luminizer, Matte Lip Cream, and the Universal Volumizing Mascara. It is always exciting to test out new beauty products, especially when there are blushes and highlights involved. (I might have a slight obsession with cheek products lately.) Interested in how these items performed? Keep reading for reviews, a makeup look, and a first impressions YouTube video. 

how to make your next makeup look bolder

Sometimes, my makeup falls into a bit of a routine. Quick and easy neutrals on the eyelid, a coat of mascara, and some winged eyeliner. Nothing too over the top. Nothing unexpected. This has especially been true lately, since leaving the house is a rare event. I have found myself sticking to the basics a little too often...and it is time to change that. I am eager to mix things up, embrace colour, and be a little bolder with my makeup looks. Thankfully, there are many different ways to do just that. Are you in the same boat? Here are a few suggestions to make sure your next makeup look is both unexpected and unforgettable. 

rare beauty week: magnetic spirit eyeshadow palette

Rare Beauty Week is fully underway here on the creation of beauty is art. That means it is time to look closer at the Magnetic Spirit Eyeshadow Palette. This palette is a limited edition release that has six jewel-toned shimmers to choose from. According to the brand, it is inspired by the light and energy that surrounds us and the chromatic eyeshadows "let you create endless looks that reflect your true aura." The theme and concept were certainly interesting...but did the shadows perform well? Was the colour story impressive? Here is everything you need to know about this Rare Beauty eyeshadow palette. 

rare beauty week: introduction + mini haul

Rare Beauty initially launched in September 2020...and even though the brand interested me...it wasn't something that I ran out to purchase. Probably because of the pandemic. At that time, leaving the house was not something I was interested in doing and heading to the nearby Sephora was something I could not even fathom. So, it seemed that Rare Beauty had to wait. And it did wait, until fairly recently, when I was gifted a few items from the line over the holiday season. Now? I am ready to dive in headfirst and share reviews, makeup looks, and swatches. Over the next several days, there will be different posts dedicated to the brand. That's right! It is Rare Beauty Week.  I will admit that I am a fan of Selena Gomez and have been for some time. (There was a post about her on the creation of beauty is art. way back in 2011!) That being said, my intention is to review the products from Rare Beauty objectively. Ready to start this theme week off right? Here is a mini haul....

review: revolution (brave spirit eyeshadow palette)

Free makeup is my favourite kind of makeup. A while back, an online order was placed, and a free Revolution eyeshadow palette was added to the order as a promotion. It was definitely a nice surprise! The Brave Spirit Eyeshadow Palette has been sitting around my beauty room for several months...and it was finally time to put it to good use. (I like to wait until inspiration hits or I feel drawn to a palette before I use it.) Though the palette looks fairly simple on the outside, there is an awful lot happening on the inside. Ready to see for yourself? It is time to take a closer look at this drugstore release. 

betsey johnson mini reviews (purse, earrings, and perfume)

Some designers pride themselves on creating pieces that are classic and sophisticated. Other designers just want to enjoy fashion. Betsey Johnson certainly falls into the latter category. My favourite Betsey quote is: "Always have fun with fashion. Dress to entertain yourself." There is so much sadness, fear, and hurt in this world...and I love that her designs are a stark contrast to that. They are a celebration! That is one of the many reasons Betsey Johnson is my favourite fashion designer. I love her aesthetic and the playfulness of her pieces. Since all of my loved ones are well aware of how much Betsey means to me, it is no surprise that I was gifted some Betsey pieces over the holiday season. Lately, those items have been put to good use. Ready to take a look? Here are some current favourites and some mini reviews. 

nyx gimmie super stars matte lip vault (review + lipstick try on)

Lipstick used to be an essential part of every makeup look. Whether it was a matte liquid lipstick, a tinted balm, or a fabulous gloss, there was room for all finishes and colours to thrive! Then the pandemic happened. Everyone started wearing masks and lipstick became unnecessary. After almost two years of wearing lipstick only on rare occasions (for YouTube videos or around my house for no reason at all)...it was time to do a declutter. It hurt to throw away so many beautiful lip products! But it also made me want to be more mindful about the lip products I chose in future. That is why the NYX Gimmie Super Stars! Matte Lip Vault was so appealing. There were twelve mini-matte lipsticks in total...meaning it would be possible to finish each one and enjoy lots of variety. It is time to take a closer look at the NYX Gimmie Super Stars! Matte Lip Vault set. 

my chemical romance inspired makeup and accessories

Emo kid? Me? Absolutely. I was in university when I first discovered My Chemical Romance. Something inside of me shifted when I heard them. Their music made me feel like I was heard, seen, and understood in a way that I never had been before. Suddenly, it felt okay to be me. It felt safe to express the happy parts, the sad parts, the confused parts, and the depressed parts....most of which I had tried to hide away or reject over the years. My Chemical Romance allowed me to accept and embrace my authentic self. Ever since then, their music has been an important part of my life and my story. It has been there for me in good times and in difficult times. Lately, their music has been playing in my apartment on a regular basis. This is partly because the music is phenomenal and partly because a My Chemical Romance earring set has been in heavy rotation lately. Since I have been so inspired by this band over the years (and especially lately) it only seemed right to create an MRC inspired makeup look and to share a mini review of the earring set. First up? The earrings....

recent reads: mysteries, biographies, and self help

There is nothing better than curling up with a good book...though it is not always easy to make the time. Or have the energy! These days, my plate has felt a little more full than usual. There are always times like that, it seems. Slower times are immediately followed by busier times. But somehow, everything always gets done, and there is even room for fun every now and again. Even though life has been busy lately, reading has been on the forefront of my mind. I've been trying to unwind at the end of the night with a chapter of a book instead of scrolling through Instagram or mindlessly watching something on TV. Not only does this help me to sleep better, but it also makes me feel more connected, grounded, and peaceful. Which is why this post is all about some of my recent reads. I thought that I would share some of the books that have been making my life better lately. Some are mystery novels, there is a celebrity biography, and there are even a couple of self help books. 

focus on fashion with sculptshe

There are quite a few things this pandemic has made me miss. Some examples? Dresses. Skirts. Cute clothes. Before the whole world changed, one of my favourite things to do was plan an outfit for a special event, like a dinner with friends or a concert downtown. I would spend ages deciding what to wear. From the makeup to the footwear and everything in between...there was something so exciting about the process. Not only was it fun to be creative, but it also made made me joyfully anticipate that special event. Since the pandemic, most of my time has been spent in sweatpants and pajamas. Now that the world is slowly but surely opening up again...it seems that dresses, skirts, and cute clothes are on the horizon. That means it is time to start thinking about slim shapewear and all the essentials. Not sure where to start? Head on over to the Sculptshe website.