review: kylie cosmetics 24k birthday collection eyeshadow palette

Have you ever bought makeup from a vending machine? Oddly enough...I have. When my family was coming home from Walt Disney World last month, we had a lengthy wait at the airport because of a delayed flight. That meant lots of time to wander around the various shops. And lots of time to consider an expensive makeup purchase. See, there was a Kylie Cosmetics vending machine with all sorts of tempting products. The longer we waited at the airport, the harder it was for me to stay away from that machine. Though there were many items that I wanted to take home (including an airport exclusive lip kit) it was the eyeshadow palette that won out. Though I've been able to try out some smaller eyeshadow palettes from the brand, it was a little too tempting to see a large Kylie Cosmetics palette with 24 eyeshadows: the 24K Birthday Collection Eyeshadow Palette.

thrift store entertainment haul (records, dvds, and cds)

There is a used entertainment store that I have loved for many years. Essentially, people bring in their old records, CDs, movies, and box sets for money or store credit. Then the store turns around and sells those items to people like me. There was one location in the city that I grew up in and thankfully there is another location in a city not too far from where I live now. Despite the fact that it isn't too far away from me...this is not a store that I am able to visit often. The reason? My loved ones do not trust me in there. This is because I am a physical media person. I love CDs, cassettes, DVDs, VHS tapes, records, all of it. Streaming is cool and all, but there is something to be said for actually owning the things you love. (I hate how often things leave streaming services. And the fact that many things I enjoy are not available at all.) Last weekend, my husband allowed me to spend 15 minutes inside the store. Though I didn't have a lot of time to browse, there were so many wonderful items that I was able to find in those 15 minutes. It was a real treasure trove. Ready to take a look? Here is a peek at my thrift store haul.

testing out a dollar store nail polish

Every now and then, it is nice to put a dollar store beauty item to the test. After all, everyone has a different budget to work with. At some points, trips to Sephora are in order, at other times, the drugstore is most appropriate, and at certain times, it is dollar store all the way. Whatever your budget...you deserve to find products that work well and make you feel fabulous. Since this ultra sparkly nail polish from the brand Cairuo caught my eye at the dollar store recently (and it only cost $1.25 CDN) it seemed only right to put this polish to the test and find out how it compares to other more expensive offerings. 

current obsession: cover girl lash blast cleantopia (ultramarine black)

Cover Girl mascaras are impressive. I've tried a handful from the brand that have wowed, including my all-time favourite, The Super Sizer. Most recently, I gave the Lash Blast Cleantopia Mascara in Ultramarine Black a try. It is described as "an intense black mascara shade with a hint of blue for brighter, wide-awake eyes." Talk about an intriguing idea. After all, I am pretty committed to black mascara, but still love the idea of having fun with colour. This particular mascara seemed like the perfect way to check off both boxes. Keep reading for all the information about this unusual drugstore beauty product.

testing out quo lip products (plumping gloss and lipstick)

I've tried a handful of Quo Beauty products over the years. Standouts include their makeup brushes and some of the Pride Collection items. Despite testing out a few items from Quo Beauty in the past, I am not overly familiar with the brand offerings, since items are tried on a rather sporadic basis. However, every now and then, I attend an event or receive different beauty samples with purchase, and am able to try out an assortment of products. More recently, that included some Quo Beauty lip products. Want to find out how these perform? Here are some mini reviews of the Lip Boost Plumping Gloss and Lipstick. 

spring makeup look (feat. care bears eyeshadow palette)

So far, the spring season has been sporadic at best. Some days, there is snow, other days, rain, and then occasionally, there is sunshine scattered throughout the day. Despite the inconsistent weather, the spring season always makes me think of pastel colours and blue skies. Perhaps that is why it seemed like an appropriate time to put the Care Bears Eyeshadow Palette from Taste Beauty to the test. The goal? Create a colourful spring makeup look inspired by the much loved Care Bears. 

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

There has been a lot of time spent in front of the TV lately. I like to have it on in the background while I work, write, and relax. I've never been all that keen on silence and prefer to fill the space with music or something similar. Silence seems to make my brain go and go and go and go....whereas chosen sounds allow me to focus. So I thought that I would share some of the things that I have been watching lately. There are a couple of movies that really wowed and a couple of nostalgic television shows.

2 looks 1 palette: morphe 35a up til dawn artistry palette

Eyeshadow palettes will always be my weakness. Truth be told, there is something about a thoughtful assortment of colours and finishes that excites me. After all, it is with those colours and finishes that I am able to express the inexpressible parts of myself. The right combination of eyeshadow shades can reveal my emotions, fears, desires, and hopes. Those products seem to speak words unspoken. Other makeup items are wonderful, and I love a good blush or lipstick, but eyeshadow is special. It is the heart of every creation. I suppose that is why there are so many eyeshadow palettes in my collection. Each one has the power to inspire and reveal. More recently, the 35A Up 'Til Dawn Artistry Palette from Morphe has been in heavy rotation. I just love all of the grungy greens and warm browns. Here are two makeup looks for the latest 2 looks 1 palette post. 

current favourites: christian siriano and betsey johnson earrings

Every now and then, it is nice to focus on the little things that make life brighter. Like sparkly accessories. Though there are all sorts of accessories that I love and adore...a couple have been standouts lately. For whatever reason, I keep reaching for these earrings over and over again. One pair is from Christian Siriano and the other is from Betsey Johnson. Not only do these items come from some of my all-time favourite fashion designers, but both sets of earrings are ultra sparkly and fun. 

#FOTD: blue and brown look (feat. disney villains palette)

Some days, a makeup look is inspired by an excellent makeup palette. Other days, a makeup look is created to make the most of a disappointing makeup palette. The latter is what happened most recently. I found an adorably themed Disney Villains Eyeshadow Palette a little while ago and was excited to put it to use. Since coming back from my Walt Disney World vacation, my mind has been focused on all things Disney, so it only made sense to reach for this themed palette. Unfortunately, the quality was not there. In fact, this is one of the worst eyeshadow palettes that I have ever used. The colour story is wonderful. The theme? Perfection. The shadows? Downright terrible. At any rate, I did my best to create a semi-colourful #FOTD.

does it work?? londontown kur illuminating nail concealer

There has been a lot of buzz surrounding the Kur Illuminating Nail Concealer from Londontown over the last couple of years. In fact, it sold out over and over again. (It is currently sold out on the Shoppers Drug Mart website but is available on the brand website in a few different shades.) Given the popularity of this Londontown product, it seems this is the ideal choice for the latest does it work?? post here on the creation of beauty is art. How does it perform? Here is everything you need to know...

bunny kisses, easter wishes.

It's a beautiful Easter egg mornin' with a bright coloured Easter egg sky... Happy Easter to all who are celebrating today! This has always been one of my favourite holidays. I love the bunny decorations, the chocolate, the seasonal movies, and the time spent with loved ones. This particular holiday always seems to be so full of hope and optimism. Maybe it is because the sunshine has returned and the spring season is in full bloom. (Or maybe it has to do with the baskets full of jellybeans, chocolate eggs, and other assorted treats.) Whatever the reason, this holiday is always a highlight. Since seasonal movies and television specials are an obsession of mine, it only makes sense to share some of the best Easter movies and specials. 

disney theme week: minnie mouse x revolution palette

I love makeup. I love Disney. Put them together? It is an unbeatable match. When the All Eyes on Minnie Palette from Revolution was at Winners (always Winners...what can I say...I love a good deal) for $9 CDN, it only made sense to add it to my cart. Though I didn't know what the palette would actually look like or what colours were, it was Minnie Mouse inspired, and that was enough. Curious about this face and eye palette? It is time to end this theme week here on the creation of beauty is art. with a Disney inspired makeup review. Here is everything you need to know about the All Eyes on Minnie Palette. 

disney theme week: walt disney world souvenirs

No Walt Disney World trip would be complete without a little shopping. (Or a lot of shopping.) As someone who loves to shop in general and especially loves to shop for themed items...it is difficult to reign myself in at Disney. From the World of Disney store to Main Street USA and everywhere in between, a decent amount of browsing and buying was done. Want to see what souvenirs came home with me? This theme week post is dedicated to all sorts of Walt Disney World memorabilia. 

disney theme week: walt disney world vacation highlights

Though my vacation to Walt Disney World ended a few weeks ago...it is only now that I have been able to sit down and write about the experience. (Trying to catch up on life after a vacation is no joke.) Walt Disney World is my happy place. Though I have visited Disneyland and Disneyland Paris in the past, Walt Disney World is my favourite place on earth. It has a special kind of magic. Maybe I just like being in the Disney bubble, hidden away from all of the hurts and fears in the world. Or maybe it has to do with the four theme parks there are to explore. Whatever the reason, it is clear that Walt Disney World brings me joy. There are Mickey Mouse shaped waffles for breakfast, Mickey Mouse shaped pretzels to snack on, and well, Mickey Mouse shaped everything! To start this Disney theme week off on the right foot, here are some vacation highlights from the getaway...

changing my hair: before and after

A few months back, there was a post here on the creation of beauty is art. about my hair turning grey. I've sort of been mourning the slow loss of my natural hair colour over the last little while. Despite not wanting to make a change, it was time, because the greys had started to overpower all the rest. Today, I wanted to share a before and after (though there was a bit of a sneak peak in my St. Patrick's Day post) and talk about my experience before, during, and after the salon visit. 

spring fashion trends for 2024

Spring is officially here! Normally, I am the kind of person who holds tightly onto the last remaining days of winter, but this year, it feels like a change of season is in order. Yes, it is time for sunshine, flowers, and warmer temperatures. I am looking forward to walks with my husband and even some overdue cleaning tasks. (It just isn't spring without a bit of spring cleaning on the to do list.) Something else that piques my interest? Spring fashion trends for 2024. Here are a few favourites. 

westlife concert experience + happy st. patrick's day

I have loved a lot of bands over the years. Westlife is one of them. As a boyband fan who always looked forward to Brit List (in my adolescence, YTV had a music countdown show called the Hit List, and the Brit List episodes were focused on music videos from popular artists in the UK)...Bryan, Shane, Mark, Kian, and Nicky were an important part of my life. I had posters from imported Top of the Pops magazines that I bought at Chapters. I had every album. I listened to every song over and over again. Though years have passed, their music, old and new, has continued to be a meaningful part of my life. I've spoken here on the creation of beauty is art. in the past about being bullied and feeling like an outsider in my younger years. Back then, music was my safe place...my escape. I suppose it still is. Which is why it was so exciting that Westlife recently embarked on a small North American tour for the first time. It was promoted as a St Patrick's Day Special. Ready to find out how it was? Keep reading...

flowers don't tell. they show.

Spring is just around the corner. In fact, it is only a handful of days away. What a thrill! Normally, winter is my time to shine, because I love grey days and staying indoors. Unfortunately, this particular winter was a little more difficult, as it seemed impossible to shake away those winter blues. Perhaps a change of season will do me good. Lately, I have been thinking a lot about flowers: all of the beautiful colours and fresh starts. Here is a little inspiration as we drift closer and closer to spring.

morphe 35a up til dawn artistry palette (review + makeup look)

Morphe is sold at Sephora in Canada...though I haven't purchased anything from the brand there in some time. The reason? Different Morphe eyeshadow palettes continue to appear at Winners for a fraction of the price. I like makeup and I like makeup at a discounted price. It is a win-win. A little while back, I came across the 35A Up 'Til Dawn Artistry Palette from Morphe for $25 CDN. With 35 different eyeshadow shades to choose from, this was an exciting find. Ready to take a peek inside? Find out how the eyeshadow palette performs? Here is everything you need to know about this beautiful (and discounted) release.

love it or leave it? emma stone (2024 bafta)

Award season means there are always lots of red carpet looks to ooh and ahh over. It is an exciting time for fashion lovers and celebrity enthusiasts alike. Emma Stone recently turned heads at the 2024 BAFTAs, where she won an award for Best Actress thanks to her role in Poor Things. I have to be honest....I did not like Poor Things. At all. Controversial opinion, I suppose, since Emma is receiving tons of praise for the role. My friend and I saw the movie at the theatre on the opening weekend and it was such a terrible experience. I did not like the cinematography at all or the sexualization of the character, particularly in the early portions of the film. I understood what the movie was going for, but to me, it was an unpleasant watch all around. I was thrilled when it ended. I love Emma Stone in general and she was the reason I wanted to see the movie in the first place. Unfortunately, it was not something that I enjoyed. As for her red carpet look, it is time to find out if it is a love it or leave it? 

laughter is timeless, imagination has no age, and dreams are forever.

We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us. By the time this post is live, my adventure is already well underway. So, this is just a brief post to let you know that there will be a mini blog break here on the creation of beauty is art. You can expect to see new posts here next week. Currently, I am on a family vacation in Walt Disney World. This is the first time the whole family has visited there in several years. I am excited, because I love all things Disney, but nervous, because leaving the comfort of my home has become a stressful experience since the pandemic. Fingers crossed the trip will be fabulous and I will return home with lots of fun photos and stories to share. Until then, here is hoping you all have a wonderful week. 

recent non-beauty favourites (movies, books, television shows)

A new month is here...and that thrills me. January and February were both challenging. I had the January blues and that continued on to become the February blues. However, this is the first day of March and spring is right around the corner. There are also some exciting things ahead for me this month. So, I am focusing on all things good, which is why this post is dedicated to recent non-beauty favourites. These are some of the books, movies, and television shows that have brought me joy lately.

review: elf 16 hr camo concealer

Finding a good concealer is difficult. Finding a good concealer to replace an old favourite? Even more difficult. I absolutely adore the Hard Candy Glamoflauge Full Coverage Concealer, but it is becoming harder and harder for me to find. At the stores around me, the Hard Candy displays have either been removed or reduced, and there are rarely a lot of products to choose from. I stock up whenever it is possible to do so, but I never know whether it will or will not be available. Talk about frustrating! My husband suggested I try something from another brand so I have a different option, should the Glamoflauge Full Coverage Concealer not be available. After browsing the displays at the drugstore, it was the Elf 16 Hr Camo Concealer that I decided to purchase. How does it compare? And is it a viable alternative for my beloved Hard Candy concealer? Keep reading to find out...

if only i could stop the world, i'd make this last.

There's a place waiting just for you. It's a special place where your dreams all come true. Many S Club 7 songs impacted my life as a teenager for one reason or another, but "Reach" was a song I turned to when I felt especially misunderstood. High school was rough for me and though I had friends, I was also bullied, mocked, made fun of, and felt deeply uncomfortable in my own skin. The more I was bullied, the less I thought of myself, and the more I longed for escape. S Club 7 was that escape for me. Watching the television shows, the specials, the movies, and listening to the music made me feel like I was part of something...like I had this giant group of friends who would protect and stand up for me. I often imagined S Club 7 walking the halls with me and putting those bullies in their place. I imagined being part of the "club" and feeling confident and happy. Though the band obviously never saved me from the cruelty of the world, their music made me feel much less alone in the midst of it. When the world leaves you feeling blue, you can count on me. I will be there for you. Needless to say, hearing S Club 7 perform "Reach" live (along with many other favourites) was a dream come true. Five members of the band reunited and brought their "Good Times" tour to Meridian Hall in Toronto recently...and the night was everything I hoped it would be. 

r.e.m. beauty week: naughty and iced cheek and lip set

The latest theme week here on the creation of beauty is art. is coming to a close. That's right...this is the last post for r.e.m. beauty week. It is all about the Naughty and Iced Cheek and Lip Set. I love that this set from the brand includes one warm toned product and one cool toned product. There is nothing more exciting than mixing and matching! I always love the contrast. Ready to find out more? Here is everything you need to know about this Limited Edition holiday set.

r.e.m. beauty week: galactic frost metallic eye set

r.e.m. beauty theme week continues here on the creation of beauty is art. The last post was all about the Midnight Shadows Eyeshadow Palette in Smitten Kitten. Today? The focus is on the Limited Edition Galactic Frost Metallic Eye Set. This particular set stood out to me, because it contains three different products. It seemed like an excellent way to test out several products from the brand. Ready to find out what was included? Here is everything you need to know about this limited edition set. 

r.e.m. beauty week (smitten kitten eyeshadow palette)

r.e.m. beauty has officially launched in Canada. This is a brand that is of interest to me, because I really like Ariana Grande. (Both her music and her fragrances.) With products available at certain Shoppers Drug Mart locations, it was time to check out what was on offer. Though an awful lot was tempting...three items came home with me. Two were holiday themed sets and one was an eyeshadow palette. This week on the creation of beauty is art. the posts are dedicated to these new r.e.m. beauty products. That's right! Another theme week has arrived. There will be a post about the Galactic Frost Limited Edition Metallic Eye Set and a post about the Naughty and Iced Limited Edition Cheek and Lip Set in the days to come. For now, it is time to kickstart this theme week by focusing on the r.e.m. beauty Midnight Shadows Eyeshadow Palette in Smitten Kitten. 

#FOTD: violet voss taupe notch eyeshadow palette

Back in the early 2010s, one of my most beloved beauty products was this trunk from Tarina Tarantino. At the time, products from the brand were sold at Sephora. It might have been around the holiday season that the trunk was released. It had an eyeshadow palette built in, a gorgeous red lipstick, and a glowy face primer. I was obsessed with all of the products inside, but especially this one taupe eyeshadow. It was gorgeous. Though that trunk is long gone, my memories of that taupe eyeshadow remain. Maybe that is why the Taupe Notch Eyeshadow Palette from Violet Voss immediately nabbed my attention. It brought me back to the makeup looks that I used to create. It brought me back to another time in my life. Add to that the fact that Violet Voss is a brand that I have had a lot of positive experiences with (some of their eyeshadow palettes are on my all-time favourites list) and it simply had to be added to my cart. It is time to take a look at this taupe-tastic makeup release.

all you need is love. but a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt.

Happy Valentine's Day! This holiday is all about love. That includes friendships, romantic love, love of family members, pets, and well, everyone. Though the romantic aspect is often highlighted in movies, television shows, and all the rest...Valentine's Day is truly a time to celebrate the people that matter most in your life. Whether you are heading out for a nice dinner, baking cookies or brownies at home, sharing Valentine's Day cards with people at work, or sending a thoughtful text message, my hope is that your day will be full of love and kindness. Not feeling the holiday spirit? This post is full of inspiration photos. Another option is to check out Valentine's Day cartoons (one that I really enjoy is My Smurfy Valentine) or a classic rom-com on a streaming service. Grab some chocolate, some candy hearts, and make this holiday one to remember.

review: pixi + hello kitty glow tonic

What is it about Hello Kitty? This iconic character is beloved around the world. Created in the mid-70s, her popularity never seems to wane. Even today, it is common to see this adorable cartoon on everything from backpacks to t-shirts, purses, buttons, shoes, and even beauty products. An example of the latter is the Pixi + Hello Kitty Glow Tonic. Since I happen to adore Hello Kitty...it was impossible for me to resist this themed product. And since my skin has needed some extra attention lately, it was a win-win situation. Ready to find out how this adorable Glow Tonic performs? Here is everything you need to know.

first impressions: rimmel scandaleyes volume on demand mascara

Rimmel used to be one of my favourite drugstore makeup brands. I purchased items from them frequently....and then I didn't anymore. It all started when they discontinued my favourite foundation (The Clean Finish Foundation was my everything). Over time, I just browsed their selection less often than before. That being said, I do miss the brand. It is certainly nostalgic for me. I've tried a few of their mascaras in more recent years, but not a whole lot else. Maybe it is time to take a closer look at what they have to offer these days. Until then, it is time for a mascara review. Since my favourite mascara, The Super Sizer from Cover Girl, appears to have been discontinued (or at least seriously difficult for me to get my hands on), I am looking into alternatives. Keep reading for a first impressions review of the Scandaleyes Volume On Demand Mascara from Rimmel. 

does it work?? winky lux catne pimple patches

The winter weather is always hard on my skin, but it seems to be especially harsh this year for whatever reason. I've been moisturizing regularly, exfoliating, and all the rest, but my skin is not cooperating. Currently, it is ultra dry on my forehead and cheeks, but there are blemishes around my chin. Talk about frustrating! Since I had these Catne Pimple Patches from Winky Lux on hand, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to put them to the test. So...does it work?? Keep reading to find out.

current obsession: sailor moon for love and justice palette

My obsession with Sailor Moon began when I was in elementary school. I remember watching that first episode on YTV (a local channel that was a favourite for much of my adolescence) and immediately being hooked. From that point on, I was begging my mom for the Sailor Moon action figures and all sorts of Sailor Moon stickers at the dollar store. I remember getting in trouble by my fourth grade teacher, because I prioritized drawing pictures of the characters instead of paying attention to the lessons. Yes, the show was a full-blown obsession. Though I have had many obsessions over the years, Sailor Moon was, and still is, special. It is an important part of me. It represents my past, but it also represents my future. When I watch the episodes, I am reminded of what matters most to me and what I base my life on: fighting for love and justice. That simple message inspired me as a child and it continues to inspire me today. The world is dark and many people are cruel...which makes it even more important to fight for what is right. Sailor Moon is not just a television show to me. It is a reminder of what matters.

fashion obsession: lazypants fleece shackets

Sometimes, memories appear on my Facebook page or I will come across photos on my computer from years past. One thing is clear: my fashion choices have certainly changed! I used to wear a lot of cute blouses, dresses, and high heels. Though at my core, I am a t-shirt and jeans person, there was a time in my life when getting glam was a lot of fun for me. For special events, like a concert or a night out with friends, I would spend a lot of time and energy putting together the perfect outfit. Finding the perfect accessories. It was a wonderful form of self expression. I have to be honest...a lot changed for me when the COVID-19 pandemic happened. For starters, there was no leaving the house. No concerts, no seeing friends, no seeing family, no nothing. A few months into the pandemic, my job changed as well. I was fortunate enough to find my dream job, which involved writing, helping others, and working from home. Since I was now working from home and not leaving the house, slowly, I transformed into a human sweatpant. Though it is 2024 at this point, I haven't transitioned out of being a human sweatpant. Part of me misses those more glamorous looks...and part of me loves embracing comfort. I suppose it makes sense to meet in the middle somewhere. Until that happens, it only makes sense to highlight my current (oh-so-comfy) fashion obsession. 

january in review (resolutions, goals, and life updates)

The last day of January is here. Truthfully, this makes me a little relieved, because I have been dealing with the January Blues for much of the month. There isn't a particular reason that I have been so down, but for the last few weeks, I have felt unfocused, unsteady, and unsure. Despite that, there were some good moments...and some events to look forward to now that January is coming to a close. This post is a look back at the month that has passed and a look ahead at some resolutions. 

testing out kylie cosmetics and kylie skin samples.

Who doesn't love a good beauty sample? Small samples make it possible to test and try different products without splurging on a full sized version. It is the easiest way to determine whether a product is (or is not) right for you. Thankfully, a handful of Kylie Cosmetics and Kylie Skin samples are in my possession. I already enjoy a lot of products from the brand, but these samples make it possible to find out whether there are others from Kylie Cosmetics or Kylie Skin that might be appropriate to add to the rotation. Ready to find out more about these products? Keep reading for all of the details and mini reviews. 

quick and easy glam feat. fmg glimmer quad in goddess

Sometimes, a simple makeup look is a must. Especially when that to-do list feels overwhelming and the schedule is a little too full for comfort. That seems to sum things up for me lately. The last remaining days of January have decided to be full, busy, and downright hectic at times, between work, family stuff, and various personal responsibilities. Though I struggled a lot to get focused and check tasks off of my to-do list during the first couple weeks of the new year...I am being forced to get my head in the game. Thank goodness for no brainer beauty products. One that I have been reaching for the last several days is the neutral eyeshadow quad from FMG Glimmer, Goddess. There are some easy to wear neutrals included as well as some shimmers that make it possible to quickly and easily elevate a simple but glam makeup look. Keep reading for all of the important details....

#FOTD: january makeup look (bh cosmetics garnet for january)

It's hard to believe how far into January we are already. It seems like only yesterday, we were celebrating the start of a shiny new year....and now 2024 is well underway. Though 2024 has had a bit of a slower start for me (the January blues arrived earlier in the month and I am only just starting to feel like myself again)...there are been good moments scattered throughout. Like nights at the movies, listening to John Denver records, and re-focusing on some personal goals. Something else that has been making me smile? The BH Cosmetics Garnet For January 7 Color Shadow Palette. This was a previous Winners find for $5.99 CDN that I had been intentionally saving for January to roll around. Garnet is the birthstone for January and is thought to represent protection, friendship, trust, commitment, and love. This gorgeous red stone is represented well in the BH Cosmetics release thanks to the themed packaging, eyeshadow names, and colour story. Ready to take a closer look? Keep reading for a full review of the BH Cosmetics Garnet For January 7 Color Shadow Palette and a January birthstone inspired #FOTD. 

review: hard candy look pro! eyeshadow palette (all that rose gold)

Finding Hard Candy products has become a little more hit or miss over the last couple of years. The brand stopped being sold at the drugstore nearest to me - with only limited items available at a drugstore a little further away. The exception? Holiday items from Hard Candy that were found in the seasonal section. So, imagine my shock and delight when the Hard Candy Look Pro! Eyeshadow Palette in All That Rose Gold was at the dollar store for a mere $5 CDN. It was too good a find to overlook, especially given how inconsistently Hard Candy products have been available lately. This is a brand that I have long loved. Honestly, it was partially responsible for kicking my love of makeup into high gear. In the past, Hard Candy had lots of trendier beauty products for a fraction of the price. It was the perfect way for me to experiment with different colours and finishes...without overspending. Needless to say, Hard Candy is one beauty brand that I hold near and dear to my heart. On that note, here is everything you need to know about the All That Rose Gold eyeshadow palette from Hard Candy.

does it work?? minion vita-c hydrogel eye patches

The minions kind of have a special place in my heart. When my husband and I first started dating, we quickly realized that there wasn't a lot of overlap in the kinds of movies that we liked. He was into action movies and superhero movies while I was into comedies, musicals, horror movies, romantic movies, and other such things. However, the minions were something we could both agree on. We have watched all of the Despicable Me and Minion movies released...and have some random minion merchandise scattered around our home. The adorable yellow characters are funny, silly, and beloved. Well, it was exciting to see my love of all things minion collide with my love of all things beauty, with the Vita-C Hydrogel Eye Patches from TonyMoly. I was instantly excited to try out the minion themed eye patches for myself. So....does it work?? It is time to find out. 

testing lise watier products (mini reviews and makeup looks)

For the last few years, my mom has gifted me different Lise Watier products around the holiday season. Specifically, the Lise Watier Eye Glitter Liners. The reason? Those Eye Glitter Liners are ideal for seasonal makeup looks. Adding on a little extra glitter is always a good idea, but it is especially wise once the winter weather arrives. This year, she gifted me a replacement set of the glitter liners as well as some other products from the brand. It has been a lot of fun to put everything to use. Ready to find out more? Keep reading for some mini reviews and a makeup look featuring some Lise Watier products. 

love it or leave it? selena gomez

Award ceremonies can be exciting...especially with all of the head turning fashion on the red carpet. As always, there were some hits and some misses at the Golden Globes. An example of a success? Margot Robbie in her Superstar Barbie dress. As for the misses? There were a few, including the scale-like cut out dress worn by Karen Gillan. I suppose that is the fun thing about fashion: we all see things differently. What is a 'worst' to one is a 'best' to another! On that note, it is time for another round of love it or leave it? Selena Gomez attended the award show since she was nominated for her role in Only Murders In The Building. She wore an asymmetrical red dress from Giorgio Armani. Was it a love? A leave? It is time to find out...

does it work?? hard candy holiday sets

Hard Candy and the holidays are a perfect match. For many years now, there have been Hard Candy holiday themed items added to my collection during the month of December...and this year was no different. There is a lot to love about Hard Candy in general. The brand offers some stellar products for pretty affordable prices. Their holiday releases are especially easy on the wallet. The three sets above ranged from $5 CDN to $10 CDN. Ready to take a closer look at these budget friendly products? Find out whether these Hard Candy holiday sets perform well? Here is everything you need to know about these items...

holiday highlights: charmed aroma holiday house candle

Well, my days of writing about Charmed Aroma are nearing an end. As I mentioned in my advent calendar post recently, the Charmed Aroma store near me finally closed down. So...all there is left to review is this Holiday House candle and one Disney themed candle that was gifted to me during the holiday season. It is definitely a bummer, because I love candles and I love jewellery. Having the two combined was a total thrill. Ahh well, it sure was nice while it lasted. Now it is time to talk about one of the last Charmed Aroma candles in my foreseeable future: the Charmed Aroma Holiday House Opal Necklace Collection. 

holiday highlights: too faced popcorn balls bite sized palette

This is always a strange time of year. All of the Christmas decorations are still up in my home (though those will be coming down shortly) and there are all of these hopes, dreams, and resolutions to focus on for the year ahead. I feel a little out of sorts, with one foot back in 2023 and one foot firmly in 2024. So, while I am in this in-between, it only makes sense to focus on a few holiday highlights. These posts are all about seasonal items that were in heavy rotation during the last month or so. One example? The Popcorn Balls Bite-Sized Eyeshadow Palette from Too Faced. This compact, limited edition, holiday themed eyeshadow palette has an adorable theme and eight different eyeshadow shades inside. Ready to find out more? Here goes...

holiday highlights: charmed aroma 12 days of jewelry

There is a lot to love about the holiday season. One example? Advent calendars. I love them a lot, but over the years, it has been harder to find decent ones that aren't overly expensive. (Even though I love watching people open all sorts of advent calendars on YouTube, the idea of spending hundreds or even thousands of dollars on an advent calendar is ridiculous to me.) Thankfully, the Charmed Aroma 12 Days of Jewelry advent calendar was a little more reasonable, especially because the store had a sale taking place when the calendar was purchased. Sadly, there is not a lot of Charmed Aroma in my future, because the store near me finally closed. This calendar was purchased in late November and the store was closed on Boxing Day! I suppose the treasures inside of this advent will carry me through. Ready to take a peek inside? Here is a look at this jewellery advent.

review: too faced let it snow globes three-piece eyeshadow palette

How are you all settling into January so far? It's hard to believe that December is behind us and a new year has arrived. 2023 was not my favourite year ever, so I am currently holding on to hope that 2024 will be much improved. One way to kickstart a shiny new year? Talking about makeup, of course. I mentioned the Let It Snow Globes Three-Piece Eyeshadow Palette Gift Set in a revisited review last month...and now it is finally time to share some thoughts and some seasonal makeup looks. The Let It Snow Globes set has been in my makeup collection for the last few months, but I wanted to make sure there was familiarity with all three palettes before I wrote down my thoughts for a post here on the creation of beauty is art. Ready to take a look at these holiday themed eyeshadows? Find out how each Too Faced palette performed? Keep reading for all of the details. 

thrift store haul: lots and lots of records

Life is more beautiful with music. Quite frankly, life feels especially beautiful with a stack of new-to-me records sitting underneath the record player. Shortly before Christmas, my husband and I went to a local thrift store to poke around. It isn't something that I do too often (because I always seem to come home with at least a few special somethings) but every now and then, it is a nice treat. Well, this time, it was fantastic. I hit the absolute jackpot in the record section. Most of the time, there isn't much there that interests me, but according to someone at the store, records that hadn't sold at a church sale had been donated. I guess my musical taste can now be described as: records that do not sell at church sales.  At any rate, I was thrilled to bring seventeen different records home, including the one album that I have been desperate to get my hands on for years. Ready to take a peek at these new-to-me records? See what was added to my collection? Here is my latest thrift store haul.