#FOTD: NYX ultimate shadow palette (warm neutrals)

Makeup reflects words unspoken. It has meaning. I initially fell in love with makeup, because it was somehow able to say all of the things I could not speak aloud. These days, makeup continues to be a form of self expression. The colours, finishes, and products that I choose on any given day are intentional. Recently, it was the NYX Ultimate Shadow Palette in Warm Neutrals that was the right choice. There were some dark and dramatic neutrals calling my name. Ready to take a closer look at this neutral eyeshadow palette from NYX and a recent #FOTD? Keep reading for a mini review and makeup look.

this or that? books edition TAG

Reading is my reward at the end of the day. It is a way to unwind and learn more. I have always loved to read and often wish that I had more time to do so. That is why my reading goal each year is to finish at least 20 fiction and 20 non-fiction books. It is important that I make the time to read whenever possible. So far this year, some steady progress has been made towards that reading goal. At the moment, I am reading a couple of non-fiction books, including Mommie Dearest by Christina Crawford and What If You Are The Answer? by Rachel Hollis. For a little bit of light reading, there are some cozy mystery novels on my bedside table as well. Last month, the amazing blog, Yasmina Rosa Wölkchen, shared the This or That? Books Edition TAG. I knew immediately that it was something I wanted to post here as well. Keep reading for all of the book related questions.

too faced: hangover replenishing face primer (review)

It was several months back that the Back to School Beauty Bundle was posted here on the creation of beauty is art. The mini backpack included all sorts of makeup and skin care items...and even a mini Ariana Grande perfume! Over the last little while, these beauty products have been put to the test. That means it is time to start sharing some reviews. This one is dedicated to the Hangover Replenishing Face Primer from Too Faced. This is a brand that I am very familiar with. I have tried all sorts of products from Too Faced over the years and tend to like their cute themes and colours. That being said, this face primer was new to me. Find out how it performs and if a full-sized version will be added to my Sephora cart in the future.

review: my little pony themed makeup (lost in the clouds palette)

Themed beauty releases will always be my weakness. Especially ones that are nostalgic. It was several months back that I saw the My Little Pony inspired Lost in the Clouds Shadow and Face Palette from Beauty Creations. Since then, it has been used over and over again. Curious about the colour story? Keep reading for a full review and two different makeup looks.

does it work?? mini fingers make-up puff and carrying case set

Every now and then, there is a makeup tool that intrigues me. One example is the Mini Fingers Make-Up Puff and Carrying Case Set from Danielle Creations. Though this is not a brand that I had heard of previously, this little set was available at Winners. It caught my eye because of the interesting concept and affordable price. As you can see, the set comes with a little clear carrying case and all sorts of mini makeup puffs in a variety of colours. So...does it work?? Keep reading for all the details. 

testing out beauty subscription box items.

There was a time when a subscription box full of samples and other beauty goodies was delivered to my home each month. According to past posts, that was way back in 2012. (How the time flies!) Though it was fun to receive surprise items month after month...it got to a point where I had more than enough beauty items to use. That subscription was not renewed and I have not sought one out since. However, my mom still subscribes to a beauty box. In recent months, she has found that there are not as many items she is interested in. While she decides whether or not to cancel her subscription, she passed along a few items that she thought would be of interest to me. She was correct! Keep reading for some mini product reviews.

#FOTD and mini review: valentine's day makeup look

Happy Valentine's Day! This is a day that is all about love...and chocolate. However you are celebrating, my hope is that you will have a wonderful time enjoying all of the holiday festivities. Maybe someone you care about will send flowers to you at work or maybe a friend will give you a sweet card. Or perhaps you will treat yourself to a nice meal and your favourite movie. There are so many ways to share love today. Be sure to shower yourself and others with love and kindness. I always love to celebrate Valentine's Day with some themed makeup. On that note, here is a #FOTD and a mini lipstick review. 

romantic movies to watch this valentine's day.

Love is in the air. Or at least it will be soon! Valentine's Day is just around the corner, which means this is the perfect time to watch all sorts of romantic movies. There are quite a few in my collection and some of them are all-time favourites. Need some recommendations this holiday? Not quite sure what to watch? Here are some romantic movie favourites for Valentine's Day.

workout review: bob harper (beginner's weight loss transformation)

Going to the gym has never really been my thing. Though there was a time when I went fairly regularly with a friend of mine (she loved using the heavy weights and resistance machines, but I was more of a treadmill kind of person) it is simply not my preferred way to exercise. The gym involved a coordination of schedules, transportation time, and of course, exercising around all sorts of people. No thanks! As a lover of at-home workout DVDs, there are all sorts of routines that make it possible to burn calories in the privacy of your own home. Not only are there fun ones to do, but workout videos can also be really affordable. There are tons on YouTube for free (I have a weakness for 80s and 90s exercise videos and love to find all sorts of random ones there) or for low prices in stores and online. One of the more recent additions to my workout DVD collection is from Bob Harper. It was a thrift store find that only cost me a couple of dollars. I have a few other videos from him in my collection and those are tough. I mean, really tough. So, it was an absolute thrill to find a DVD from him with the word "beginner" in it. I thought this would be a little more manageable. How very wrong I was. Keep reading for this workout DVD review.

love it or leave it? ariana grande

Ariana Grande has had a long and varied career - and she is only in her early thirties. From Nickelodeon star to chart topper and now Academy Award nominee...her career is impressive to say the least. I have written about Ariana many times on the creation of beauty is art. over the years thanks to her popular line of fragrances and her makeup brand r.e.m. beauty. I love her music, her beauty releases, and thought she was wonderful in Wicked. Recently, she was out celebrating her nomination for Best Supporting Actress in an ultra glamorous outfit. Is it a love it or leave it? Keep reading for my take on this night out look.

katseye inspired makeup look (yoonchae)

When the Netflix show, "Pop Star Academy: KATSEYE" was released at the end of August, it unlocked a full blown musical obsession. The Soft Is Strong EP has been in constant rotation in my home ever since. While I am impatiently waiting for new music from the band (outside of the odd theme song and holiday cover)...I continue to follow KATSEYE on social media platforms. Though I am likely much older than most of their fans (the actual members of the band are between the ages of seventeen and twenty two) there is no denying how talented the band is. I love the catchy songs and the impressive choreography. As mentioned, I do follow KATSEYE on social media and several months back, there was a makeup look from Yoonchae that caught my eye. I loved the light purple eyeshadow and the bold blush. So, I decided to try to recreate the look. 

four songs i've been loving lately (current music obsessions)

Music has a way of letting light peek through the darkness. With the state of the world these days, it is hard to find much light, but I am certainly trying to. Maybe that is the reason I have turned to familiar songs by artists who are especially meaningful to me. Maybe that is the reason my beloved music collection feels even more important lately. As my former favourite band once said: this music is a place to hide. Perhaps I have been hiding in music...but I can't think of a better place to establish a sense of safety and belonging in uncertain times. On that note, here are four of the songs that have been on repeat in recent weeks.