There have been Sephora gift cards burning a hole in my wallet for months and months and months. Despite this, there hasn't been anything that really caught my eye. (Or if it did, the product didn't seem to be in stock.) When the Rare Beauty perfume, Rare Eau de Parfum, was released, it was a no brainer. I love perfume, Rare Beauty products, and Selena Gomez. Unfortunately, it was harder to use my Sephora gift cards than anticipated. The perfume was sold out online and in every store that I visited. In fact, even the tester bottle was completely empty. When my mom was out and about, she happened to find one of the layering balms and purchased it for me. Finally, I was able to find one of the travel sized versions of the Rare Eau de Parfum and used some gift cards to add it to my collection. Keep reading for a review of the perfume and one of the layering balms.
Friday, September 19, 2025
Wednesday, September 17, 2025
testing out fashionable fidget rings
Monday, September 15, 2025
mini reviews: three l'oreal mascaras
There are so many mascaras out there. Finding ones that stand out can involve a little trial and error. Ever since my favourite mascara was discontinued, there have been a handful of others involved in my makeup routine. The one that I have been reaching for most often is the Lash Without Limits Mascara from Essence. However, there are a few others that have been put to the test as well thanks to a Costco set that my parents purchased for me. It included three different L'Oreal mascaras.
Friday, September 12, 2025
small town shopping haul (books, music, and movies)
I cannot be trusted in thrift stores, antique stores, or anywhere that sells music, movies, and books. This is clear based on the shopping that I did during the recent cottage trip with my family. Though the cottage is still not my favourite place to be (unfamiliar location, nature, mosquitos, and all the rest) there are usually some good finds at the various stores nearby. Sadly, my favourite store, Kicking Cowgirl Designs closed down, but there were still some fun items that were brought home.
Wednesday, September 10, 2025
rediscovered beauty favourite: maybelline color tattoo
Reunited and it feels so good. It has been a very long time since I saw the Color Tattoo cream eyeshadow from Maybelline available to purchase. Though the line may not be discontinued, it hasn't been at any drugstore near me in years and years. In fact, it wasn't the drugstore that allowed me to rediscover this beloved beauty product. While on the cottage trip with my family, we drove into one of the nearby towns and ended up browsing a Winners store. There were these clear zipped bags with an assortment of different drugstore products inside. As I looked through the different options, the Color Tattoo caught my eye. It was an immediate purchase. I was so excited, especially because the colour was my old favourite, Tough As Taupe.
Monday, September 8, 2025
my chemical romance (concert review and makeup look)
Black nail polish, a worn out My Chemical Romance hoodie, and tens of thousands of fans. Ahh...bliss. Right before my husband and I went to join my family at a rented cottage, we spent the evening seeing one of my all-time favourite bands: My Chemical Romance. I first started listening to them back in my university days and have been a huge fan ever since. When the Long Live The Black Parade tour was first announced, it was a no brainer to look into concert tickets. Though the prices were high (thanks to dynamic pricing), the decision was made to treat myself to a set of terrible seats in an absolutely massive venue. Logical? Perhaps not, but The Black Parade is my favourite album from MCR, and all logic seemed to disappear. Was it worth the price? Did the show meet my expectations? Keep reading for a mini concert review and makeup look.
Friday, September 5, 2025
my seasonal reading list (fall 2025)
There is nothing better than a theme. Since my mind is already focused on fall, it only made sense to bring that theme into my reading list. I have taken the shop my stash idea to my bookshelves to create a spooky seasonal book list. Some of these books are ones that I have read before and some are ones that I have not had a chance to read yet....but each book was chosen specifically to make the most of the fall season. Keep reading to take a peek at my book list for the next couple of months.
Wednesday, September 3, 2025
#FOTD: burgundy makeup look
It is always interesting to see what colours will be popular when a new season rolls around. During a trip to a nearby shopping mall recently, there were all sorts of burgundy pieces lining store windows. From fast fashion to higher end brands, there was burgundy all over the place. I can understand why. It is a beautiful colour that fits in well with the fall season. Given the popularity of this colour, it seemed only right to look through my makeup collection and create a #FOTD that highlighted this warm seasonal shade. Ready to take a look? Here is a #FOTD featuring some items from my makeup collection.
Monday, September 1, 2025
september shows us how beautiful it is to let things go.
It's the most wonderful time of the year. Okay, it isn't the holiday season yet, but the first of the "ber" months (September, October, November, and December) has finally arrived. I could not be more thrilled. Though summer is still holding strong with warm weather and sunshine, it does my heart good to know that sweater weather and brightly coloured leaves are just around the corner. Fall is such a special time of year - and my appreciation for it continues to grow as time passes. I love the cooler temperatures, the grey overcast days, cozy blankets, and pumpkin spice everything. To welcome in the month of September properly, this post is dedicated to some seasonal affirmations and tag questions. Make it a September to remember...
Monday, August 25, 2025
travelling tends to magnify all human emotions.
It is time for a little end of the summer break. Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic, my family has booked a cottage at the end of the season for a week or so. It is not usually in the same place but in the same general area. Going to the cottage is not my favourite thing to do (I like being on my computer, watching Netflix, and being in the comfort of my home...and I dislike bugs, nature, and the unfamiliar) but given the events of this year so far, it might be nice to spend some dedicated time with my family. Here is hoping the week will be a positive one with lots of fun memories. This post is just to let you all know that the creation of beauty is art. will be on pause this week while I am away, but there will be new posts next week as usual.
What do you have planned for this week? Will you do any end of summer travelling?
Friday, August 22, 2025
first impressions: glossier (ultralip high shine lipstick)
Glossier is an ultra popular brand, but to be honest, the only thing I really know about them is that there was a collaboration with Olivia Rodrigo. Oh, and I was able to test out a sample of their foundation a few years back. Beyond that, the brand is a bit of a mystery to me. I am not opposed to trying different items from Glossier, but I haven't felt compelled to run out to Sephora to fill my basket with their products either. Lucky for me, my sister passed along the Ultralip High Shine Lipstick in the shade Ember. Keep reading for a first impressions review that talks about all the essentials: packaging, colour, and comfort.
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
recent reads (thrillers, mystery, and more)
In a perfect world, it would be possible to read all the time. It is one of my favourite things to do, but sometimes, it can be difficult to make time for this passion. (Or as much time as I would like.) Reading is something that I have been prioritizing a lot more this year. Instead of winding down at the end of the day with a television show or movie, it is an evening curled up with a good book that feels right. I have been re-reading a beloved series from my younger years, but also have been reading an assortment of other books. Some of my recent reads include mysteries, thrillers, and so much more. Take a look...
Monday, August 18, 2025
pros and cons: aqua bomb jelly cleanser (belif)
When it comes to makeup, skin care, and beauty products, my loved ones spoil me from time to time. They might pass along something that was included in a subscription box or spoil me with a product that they saw while out and about. That is what happened recently when a loved one gifted me the Aqua Bomb Jelly Cleanser from Belif. I have tried the popular moisturizer from this brand, but not the cleanser, so it was a nice treat to put it to the test. Keep reading for all of the pros and cons.
Friday, August 15, 2025
shop my stash (smokey summertime look)
Wednesday, August 13, 2025
celebrity fashion that i've been loving lately.
Sometimes, it is fun to get inspired by different red carpet looks. There always seem to be premieres and special events where celebrities wear outfits that are more expensive than my entire wardrobe combined. Though the outfits are not necessarily pieces that I would like to wear myself...the designs are often bold, creative, and a little out there. Definitely a feast for the eyes! Are you in need of a little inspiration? Here are some examples of celebrity fashion that I have been loving lately.
Monday, August 11, 2025
my favourite makeup essentials.
Eyeshadow, blush, and lipstick get an awful lot of attention here on the creation of beauty is art. I love being able to play with different colours and finishes. Whether the intended makeup look is bright, neutral, or vampy...colour products can bring it all to life. However, there are all sorts of essential items that are worn no matter what colour products happen to be used. I'm talking face products, eyebrow products, and all the rest. Here are some of my tried and tested everyday beauty items.
Friday, August 8, 2025
debbie gibson concert (makeup look and concert review)
Concerts can be an awful lot of fun. Unfortunately, the price of concert tickets seems to increase dramatically year over year, so it is necessary for me to be a little choosy. When I heard that Debbie Gibson was playing a show not too far from me...it was a must. I have been a fan of Debbie since I was a little kid and still have her cassette tapes in my collection. I was originally looking for tickets in the back section of the venue (because of the cost) but my husband surprised me with floor seats. I decided to use an 80s inspired eyeshadow palette, pull out my hair waver, and create a look that was fitting for an evening with an 80s pop icon. This blog post is all about the makeup look that was created - and some of the concert highlights.
Wednesday, August 6, 2025
not everything that is faced can be changed.
Monday, August 4, 2025
skin care review: masque bar mask set
Friday, August 1, 2025
trend alert: summerween (and how i have been celebrating)
I love holidays and loathe summer. Perhaps that is the reason the Summerween trend has been making me smile lately. It adds a little bit of what I love (holidays and spooky season) into something that I do not (scorching temperatures and mosquitos). Originally from the animated series, Gravity Falls, Summerween has become a summer trend for all. It is essentially a summer version of Halloween. Think skeleton inflatables in the swimming pool, carving a "Jack-O-Melon" instead of a Jack-O-Lantern, and chilled pumpkin flavoured beverages. Keep reading to find out how I have been enjoying this fun twist on a fall holiday.
Wednesday, July 30, 2025
psyduck (pokemon) inspired makeup look
Monday, July 28, 2025
accessories that i have been loving lately.
Friday, July 25, 2025
christmas in july part two: holiday movie mini reviews
Over the years, many Christmas themed movies have been highlighted on the creation of beauty is art. My collection grows and I continue to watch these movies, cartoons, and holiday specials over and over throughout the year. Lately, I have been giving extra thought to why these movies mean so much to me. The world is often cruel, dark, and selfish. It is a place where people lie, cheat, steal, and harm. In Christmas movies, selfish people become generous and giving. Liars become honest. Harmful people learn to be better and make amends for their past actions. The world is so rarely like this...so when I watch a Christmas movie, it is the ultimate escape from the way things tend to be. I can pretend for a little while that good wins out, that kindness matters, and that miracles happen. On that note, to celebrate Christmas In July this year, it seemed right to focus on some new-to-me holiday movie reviews. My husband found all sorts of discounted Christmas movies for sale and asked me a very dangerous question: Do you want any? Of course, the answer was yes. Keep reading for all sorts of mini movie reviews.
Wednesday, July 23, 2025
christmas in july part one: bath and body works semi-annual sale
Christmas In July is officially celebrated on July 25th, but thanks to an unexpected holiday release from Bath & Body Works, there are going to be two Christmas In July posts this year on the creation of beauty is art. My husband and I were out running errands a few weeks back and saw that Bath & Body Works was having a semi-annual sale. I love Bath & Body Works products (everything smells so good) but normally stock up in the fall and winter because the seasonal scents are my preference. We decided to walk through just to browse...but then found there were all sorts of Christmas In July themed items available.
Monday, July 21, 2025
love it or leave it? lana condor
Friday, July 18, 2025
life lately: pop 2000s tour and ottawa getaway
Life has been busy lately. Busy, but fun. Most of the time, my preference is for life to be slow and steady....quiet and calm. However, it has been nice to mix things up a bit in recent weeks. (Though the idea of slow, steady, quiet, and calm sounds appealing again, as there is a need to recharge after so much social activity.) In a short span, I've been able to see a movie with a friend, spend a few hours shopping with my parents, go to a concert, and visit Ottawa for a couple of days. With so much happening in the last little while, it seemed appropriate to share a few of those highlights in this life lately post.
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
current music obsession: beautiful chaos from katseye
It seems my current music obsession is one that many others have as well. Recently, the global girl group, KATSEYE, announced a number of tour dates in the fall. I tried my best to purchase one ticket for the show nearest me during the presale...and found that I was number 21,380 in the Ticketmaster queue for a venue that holds 5,000. Thankfully, my luck was much better during the general sale and I happened to refresh at the exact right moment. I will be seeing KATSEYE this fall! Even though I will be at the very back of the venue, I am so exited to be able to attend. In the meantime, their new album, Beautiful Chaos will be keeping me entertained. Since the KATSEYE releases come with all sorts of fun extras, it seemed only right to share some of the items that were included in my version of the Beautiful Chaos album and talk about the newly released music.
Monday, July 14, 2025
beyond the gates inspired makeup looks.
There is an alarm set on my phone for 1:58 p.m. each weekday. That alarm is my reminder to turn on the latest episode of Beyond The Gates. Ever since this soap opera premiered at the end of February, it has become a full blown obsession. I love the drama, the characters, the sets, and the style. Speaking of style...the wardrobe is out of this world amazing and so is the makeup. Every time an episode airs, I am wowed by the incredible looks that the characters are wearing. Everything is so bold and elegant. Since makeup is another one of my obsessions, it was only a matter of time before an attempt was made to combine the two. Lately, I have been doing my best to recreate some of these stunning soap opera makeup looks.
Friday, July 11, 2025
my first order from main street melts candle co.
The post-Walt Disney World blues have been extreme this time around. After a visit to the most magical place on Earth, it is common for me to feel a little sad adjusting back to the real world. However, knowing there will not be a return trip for several years really got me in my feelings. That is how I found myself searching for Walt Disney World inspired scents on Etsy shortly after returning back home. Enter the Main Street Melts Candle Co. The company has all sorts of Disney inspired items, including candles, melts, room sprays, and oils. Since I have a diffuser that has been neglected in recent months, it seemed wise to focus on some of the available oils. Though there were many that caught my eye (and many that will be ordered in the future) my first order included ten different essential oil blends. It took about twenty three days for the oils to arrive, which was not too bad, and everything was well packed. Each essential oil bottle has a cute Disney inspired label and there is a generous amount of oil provided. Keep reading for a mini review of each Main Street Melts Candle Co. item in my order.
Wednesday, July 9, 2025
fourteen years of the creation of beauty is art.
the creation of beauty is art. will turn fourteen tomorrow. What a strange sentence to write. It never occurred to me way back in 2011 that this beauty blog would become such a significant part of my life, but it has become something that makes me extremely proud. It remains a creative outlet, a passion, and a safe place to land. My life has changed so much since that first post was shared, but one thing remains the same: the creation of beauty is art. Though many of the older posts make me cringe when I look back at them, those posts show how far I have come. It is kind of nice to see where I was before and compare it to where I am now. I am a little older and possibly a little wiser....and I finally like the person I am becoming.
Monday, July 7, 2025
benefit: porefessional deep retreat pore-cleaning clay mask (review)
Every now and then, a face mask is a must. It is a nice way to pamper myself and focus on some much needed self care. Since I had a sample of the POREfessional Deep Retreat Pore-Cleaning Clay Mask from Benefit sitting around, it made sense to incorporate it into a recent relaxing evening. (For the record, that relaxing evening included pizza, season two of The Ultimatum: Queer Love, and sweatpants.) Ready to find out how this clay mask performs? Keep reading for a skin care review.
Friday, July 4, 2025
review: kylie cosmetics hybrid blush in slow jam
My husband and I officially celebrate our ten year wedding anniversary today, but truth be told, we have been celebrating it for the last little while. Instead of doing something special on our actual anniversary, we took a vacation to Walt Disney World at the end of May. We also took a day trip to a random shopping mall and visited Ottawa for Canada Day. There have certainly been some special days spent together over the last little while. While visiting that random shopping mall, which was a fairly lengthy drive, we found a few fun items. One example? My husband treated me to the new Hybrid Blush from Kylie Cosmetics.
Tuesday, July 1, 2025
home is where the maple leaf is.
Happy Canada Day! Across the country, there will be barbecues, get togethers, and fireworks. July 1st is always a time to celebrate where I live...but the celebration feels even more important this year. For many months, the President of the United States has made threats against Canada, referring to it as the "51st State." There have also been illogical tariffs implemented that have harmed hard working people in both Canada and the United States. Travelers visiting the US are encouraged to use caution, take burner phones, and delete social media apps. A lot has changed since the start of the year. That being said, it has been meaningful to see Canadians come together against these threats. For example, there is the Buy Canadian movement, which has benefited Canadian brands as well as non-US brands from around the globe. It focuses on spending thoughtfully. In a society that is often individualistic and divisive, it has been nice to see people come together and focus on the collective good.
Friday, June 27, 2025
does it work?? electronic makeup brush cleaner
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
affirmations and journal prompts to make the summer season special.
Summer is here. That means sunshine, warm temperatures, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Whether this is your favourite time of year or your least favourite...you deserve to make the most of the season. It can be difficult to do that when your schedule seems too full or there are obstacles in your way. So, do what you can to refocus your mind, reflect, and make the most of the next few months. Here are some positive affirmations and journal prompts to make that process a little bit easier.
Monday, June 23, 2025
r.e.m. beauty x wicked (so popular ph adaptive lip oil)
The countdown is on. There are 151 days until Wicked: For Good is released in movie theatres. The much buzzed about second half of Wicked is sure to have some stand out moments. Recently, the trailer was released (check that trailer out here if you missed it) and it looks fantastic. I cannot wait to see how it all ends on screen for Elphaba and Glinda. I was treated to a Wicked inspired product from r.e.m. beauty a little while back and with the recent release of the movie trailer, it seemed like an appropriate time for a product review. Keep reading to find out how the So Popular pH Adaptive Lip Oil performs...
Friday, June 20, 2025
shop my stash: summer inspired makeup look
It is officially the first day of summer. Maybe you have all sorts of exciting summer plans. Or maybe you are simply hoping to get through the season without a sunburn. Wherever you fall, here is hoping the next couple of months will be memorable for all the right reasons. Lately, my focus has been largely on beauty products that I already own, so I went through some of my palettes to find one that had lots of seasonal colours. In the end, it was the 24K Birthday Collection Eyeshadow Palette from Kylie Cosmetics that won out. The eyeshadow palette includes all sorts of warm colours that are ideally suited to the season.
Wednesday, June 18, 2025
random things making me smile lately.
Finding happiness in this broken world of ours can be difficult. There are constantly disappointing people and upsetting world events making headlines. That is the reason it is extra important to hold onto beautiful, happy, uncomplicated things that add a little bit of joy to each day. On that note, here are some of the random things that are making me smile lately.
Monday, June 16, 2025
revisited review: love is love palette (danessa myricks beauty)
Happy Pride Month! The world seems to be worse than usual lately, but that highlights why it is so important to celebrate Pride Month and Pride Season. This is a time to honour the past and celebrate the resilience of the LGBTQQIP2SAA community. It is a time to remember, reflect, and look ahead. My hope is that this world we live in will stop being so regressive and divisive. My hope is that the best days are still out in front of us. This month, do what you can to show your support, learn more, and make the world a better place for all. In honour of this important celebration, it seemed only right to create a colourful makeup look using the Love Is Love Illuminating Eye and Face Pigments palette from Danessa Myricks Beauty. Here is a revisited review...
Friday, June 13, 2025
walt disney world week: beauty products i took with me on vacation
Wednesday, June 11, 2025
walt disney world week: souvenirs
Monday, June 9, 2025
walt disney world week: vacation highlights
Friday, June 6, 2025
current favourites (accessories, perfume, skin care, and more)
It is time for a current favourites post. Sometimes, it is nice to focus on the little things that make life feel more beautiful. There have been all sorts of items that I have been for enjoying and reaching for lately...from accessories to perfumes to action figures and so much more. Here is a closer look at some recent favourites that have been making my days brighter.
Wednesday, June 4, 2025
review: the kissu lip mask from tatcha
Monday, June 2, 2025
chase your dreams but know the road that will lead you home.
So much goes into a vacation. There is all of the planning, preparing, and packing beforehand. Then once you get home, there is laundry, work, and an endless to-do list of everything that has been neglected in your absence. Now that the fairy dust has settled and I am back home again, it is time for me to tackle that aforementioned to-do list. I look forward to sharing Walt Disney World themed posts here on the creation of beauty is art. next week. (Expect to see some vacation photos, some of the souvenirs that came home with me, and even a post about the makeup that I took with me on vacation.) In the meantime, there will be some beauty related posts shared and I will do my best to catch up on comments and all the rest. I hope you have all been well this last week. Feel free to share some of your recent highlights in the comment section below.
What are you looking forward to this week? Do you have any vacations planned?