There are a few Halloween themed clothing items in my closet. Each year around this time, those items are worn over and over again. I have a stretched out skull sweatshirt that has been in my wardrobe for at least fifteen years in addition to a Haunted Mansion shirt, Scream shirt, Hocus Pocus shirt, Halloween shirt, and a couple of other seasonal items. There are also some plaid button downs that are in the rotation as well. This year, my husband saw an online ad for fall themed shirts and ordered a few items without telling me. It was such a nice surprise! Here is a closer look at some unexpected fall fashion items.
Wednesday, September 30, 2026
Monday, September 28, 2026
review: colossal bubble mascara from maybelline
Friday, September 25, 2026
fall inspired #FOTD (warm and wearable colours)
Wednesday, September 23, 2026
fun and easy ways to start the fall season right.
Autumn...the season that teaches us to let go. It feels like I can breathe a little easier now that the fall season has arrived. I find there is a special kind of magic in the air on cloudy grey days. Listening to the rain fall softly and watching the leaves start to turn colour renews me. It is during this time of year that I step into the best version of myself and find that I am a little more hopeful than I was before. Whether you love this time of year or are already missing those warm summer temperatures, it is possible to start the fall season off on the right foot. Here are some fun and easy ways to make the most of autumn.
Monday, September 21, 2026
random winners fall haul
It was around ten o'clock in the morning on a random weekend when my parents reached out asking if I wanted to visit a local Winners with them. My mom was looking for some birthday gifts for family friends and thought I might like to join them. Even though I had a lot of items on my to-do list that day, a bit of time was spent browsing the aisles. There was all sorts of fall decor that was fun to look at - and there were a few random items added to the shopping cart. Here is a look at this fall haul.
Friday, September 18, 2026
mini review and makeup look (la colors matte lipstick)
Wednesday, September 16, 2026
random beauty favourites.
Monday, September 14, 2026
library book show and tell
Friday, September 11, 2026
review: kim chi x ketnipz (rainbow sharts shadow palette)
It has been a little while since there was an exciting beauty find at Winners, but then an eyeshadow palette from Kim Chi Chic Beauty caught my eye. (The pastel colours, pink packaging, and cartoons certainly made this item eye-catching.) I have enjoyed several items from Kim Chi Chic Beauty in the past and this discounted beauty find presented an opportunity to put something else from the brand to the test. The eyeshadow palette name might be a little bizarre, but the eyeshadow colours and overall design are a lot of fun. On that note, here is everything you need to know about the Rainbow Sharts Shadow Palette.
Wednesday, September 9, 2026
toys r us and hmv closing sale haul.
All good things must come to an end. With more and more Toys 'R' Us locations closing down in Canada, it was only a matter of time before the one nearest to me shut down as well. After hearing about the closure, my husband and I went to see what might remain. Inside of each Toys 'R' Us location is a smaller HMV section with all sorts of music and memorabilia. That was my primary focus. In the past, we have found some records for our collection there, so it made sense to see if there was anything of interest. Thankfully, we were able to find a few items for a steep discount. Most things were 60% off, but there was a Goosebumps hoodie (not pictured) that I found for 80% off. Here is a closer look at this discount entertainment haul.
Monday, September 7, 2026
shop my stash: super simple vintage inspired makeup look
There are certain makeup looks that I return to whenever I am short on time. In those instances, there are specific eyeshadow palettes that I reach for as well as a handful of other tried and true products. Recently, there was a need to get ready fairly quickly, but I didn't want to do the same old thing. I was looking for something a little more impactful. In the end, it was a super simple vintage inspired makeup look that was created. The eye makeup was fairly straightforward but there was a bold red lipstick chosen to add a little extra oomph. This shop my stash post is dedicated to an easy retro makeup look.
Friday, September 4, 2026
current obsession: pumpkin bonfire candle (bath and body works)
Wednesday, September 2, 2026
september days are here.
The month of September often feels like a sigh of relief. The scorching summer temperatures will soon be in the rearview mirror and fall decor items will be pulled out of overloaded storage containers. There is something so comforting about this time of year. The "ber" months (September, October, November, and December) are my favourites, because there are fallen leaves, cozy sweaters, and holidays to look forward to. To celebrate the start of a new month, here are tag questions dedicated to this wonderful time of year. Be sure to leave your own answers in the comment section. It is time to welcome September!
Monday, August 31, 2026
end of summer theme park visit: canada's wonderland
Friday, August 28, 2026
new in: katseye wild ep (vinyl, wild world, and megan version)
There are three different versions of the new KATSEYE album, Wild, in my possession. An autographed vinyl version and a member version of the album were pre-ordered around four months back. I was so excited about the release of new music that I purchased the items without fully knowing what I would be receiving. The cover art had not been released and details were scarce. I assumed the member version of the album would come with a photobook, similar to the Soft is Strong and Beautiful Chaos releases. When my pre-ordered items arrived, it was all very exciting, but I was disappointed that the member version of the album was so small. That is how the Wild World version was also added to my music collection. It came with a photobook and all sorts of other extras. Do I have too many versions of the new EP? Probably. But I have loved listening to the album and looking through all of the Wild inspired items. On that note, here is a closer look at my recent KATSEYE purchases.
Wednesday, August 26, 2026
hilary duff concert look and mini concert review
Hilary Duff is back. The iconic Disney Channel star released her latest album, Luck...or Something earlier in the year and announced The Lucky Me Tour around the same time. As a longtime Hilary Duff fan, it was all very exciting. I purchased a downloadable version of the album for the bonus content, purchased the CD version of the album, and purchased a vinyl version of the album in quick succession. I also bought tickets to one of her concert dates. Let me just say that my inner child has been thriving with the return of this incredible artist. This post is all about my Hilary Duff concert look, including the outfit, hair, accessories, and makeup. There will also be a mini concert review. Hey now, hey now, this is what dreams are made of...
Monday, August 24, 2026
four things i have been reading, listening to, and watching lately
It is hard to believe that August is almost over. This summer has certainly been an interesting one. There have been some ups, some downs, and some memorable moments mixed in as well. In between those memorable moments, music, television, and books have been keeping me entertained. Here are some of the things I have been reading, listening to, and watching lately.
Friday, August 21, 2026
katseye: wild hearts movie (review and makeup look)
There is something fun about heading to the movie theater. I have always loved the smell of popcorn, the plushy seats, and the thrill of new movie trailers. This time around, it was the KATSEYE: Wild Hearts movie that brought me to the movies. This documentary had limited screenings last week and I was able to purchase a ticket for the screening in my area on the 12th. It was a documentary with behind the scenes footage and interviews with members of the band ahead of the Wild EP release. Keep reading for a mini review of the movie and a look at the outfit and makeup that I wore to the Wild Hearts screening.
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
outfit inspired by the elle television show.
"Seattle isn't a costume and pink isn't a personality." In the Legally Blonde prequel series, Elle, the beloved character Elle Woods finds herself trying to find her way in a new school and a new city. Though some have criticized the show for feeling like a fan fiction version of the movie, there is a lot to love. There is a stellar cast and there are some seriously fabulous outfits. I am a sucker for a fish out of water story and have a weakness for the kind heart and determination of Elle Woods. Since I have been binge watching all the episodes of Elle recently, pink outfits, accessories, and makeup have been on my mind.
Monday, August 17, 2026
testing out dollar store makeup items.
Every now and then, it is interesting to see what makeup products are available at the dollar store. Since the price of everything seems to be steadily increasing, finding beauty items that are decent and affordable will always be a win. With a cost of about $1.50 CDN for each blush and eyeshadow palette, these items from L.A. Colors certainly excelled as far as affordability. As for quality, that was something I was eager to find out. It was time to test some dollar store makeup items.
Friday, August 14, 2026
current favourites (music, makeup, and accessories)
What are your current favourites? Every now and then, certain items seem to be more in demand than others, from makeup to music and everything in between. Lately, I have found myself reaching for specific items over and over again. It made sense to highlight some of those items on the creation of beauty is art. On that note, here are some of my current summer favourites.
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
inspired by: katseye (allure magazine photoshoot)
The countdown is on. The new KATSEYE album, Wild, will be released in two more days. Their movie, which is being referred to as "a love letter to the Eyekons" hits movie theaters tonight. I cannot wait. Yes, the KATSEYE obsession is still in full swing in my home. I love this band so much. Even though I am not exactly the target demographic, their voices and dancing skills are beyond impressive and won me over instantly. The new album will have five songs, including the iconic Pinky Up, with a bonus track on certain versions. I pre-ordered to the album many months back because I simply could not wait. Though there were several versions to choose from (and it was difficult to know what version to select) it was the autographed vinyl that I chose as well as the member version of Wild (Megan version). Fingers crossed I made the right decisions! I cannot wait to hear the music and receive the album. In the meantime, I will be heading to the movie theater tonight to watch KATSEYE: Wild Hearts.
Monday, August 10, 2026
fotd feat. the roaring 20's indulgence eyeshadow palette
Some eyeshadow palettes are more exciting than others. One example is The Roaring 20's Indulgence Eyeshadow Palette from Rude Cosmetics. This 1920s themed release has a fun design, a consistent theme, and an impressive assortment of eyeshadow colours and finishes. It continues to be used often. Here is a recent #FOTD featuring this memorable eyeshadow palette.
Friday, August 7, 2026
four more mini mascara reviews (mascara discovery collection)
For the last several months, the mini mascaras in the Mascara Discovery Collection have been put to the test. (The mascara reviews for Too Faced, Benefit, Yves Saint Laurent, and Lancôme can be read here.) It is time to review the final four mascaras in the set. This includes the 24 Hrs Glam Intense Mascara from Lise Watier, Wonder Volume XXL from Clarins, Lash Idole Mascara Deluxe from Lancôme, and High Impact Mascara from Clinique. Keep reading to find out how each one performed.
Wednesday, August 5, 2026
does it work?? maybelline sunkisser blush (sol search)
Monday, August 3, 2026
revisited review: hershey's milk chocolate eyeshadow palette
I do not purchase makeup as often as I used to. In the past, there were new releases added to my makeup collection on a semi-regular basis thanks to countless visits to Sephora and the drugstore. These days? That doesn't happen often. My focus has been on repurchasing essential everyday items as needed and the occasional splurge on something fun and new. That has led to a lot of "shopping my stash," which is essentially browsing what I have to make sure I am using what is already in my possession rather than constantly purchasing more. That inspired this revisited review on the Hershey's Milk Chocolate Eyeshadow Palette. It was first featured on the creation of beauty is art. in late fall - and is an eyeshadow palette that I have been reaching for a lot lately. Here are the pros, cons, and a new makeup look featuring this chocolate inspired release.
Friday, July 31, 2026
visiting santa's village theme park.
There is nothing better than a Christmas inspired theme park for the holiday obsessed. For many years, I have wanted to re-visit Santa's Village, a theme park that I visited once as a child. During the recent cottage getaway, my husband, brother, and I drove the extra hour and a half out to the Christmas wonderland. Here are some of the highlights of that experience.
Wednesday, July 29, 2026
cottage thrift store haul (music, movies, books, and more)
Monday, July 27, 2026
love the earth as you would love yourself.
Friday, July 24, 2026
christmas in july: standouts from the 24 christmas movie collection
"It's tiiiiiiiiime!" Well...sort of. Christmas in July has arrived once again. For the holiday obsessed, like me, this is no better way to beat the summer heat than by thinking about the most wonderful time of the year. I am not the only one dreaming of a white Christmas (in July). Hallmark has been focused on seasonal programming throughout the month, with a new Christmas movie premiering each week. In the past, there have been posts on the creation of beauty is art. dedicated to mini hauls and tag questions as well as posts about random holiday movies. This time around? The focus is on the 24 Christmas Movie Collection from Nicely Entertainment. Back in December, I found two sets from the same company and was thrilled to add them to my always expanding Christmas movie collection. I have been making my way through both sets throughout the year, treating myself to a new-to-me Christmas movie as needed. To celebrate this Christmas in July, here are the standouts.
Wednesday, July 22, 2026
new in: sutton mini crossbody bag (kate spade)
There are some brands that I like more than others. Brands that are pompous and bland? Not so much. Brands with a little more personality tend to be my preference. That is why I often am enamored with items from Betsey Johnson and Kate Spade. These brands know how to let fashion be fun. My husband and I recently celebrated another wedding anniversary (eleven years and counting) and my parents gave each of us a present. Mine was the Sutton Mini Crossbody Bag from Kate Spade.
Monday, July 20, 2026
the return of country chic (bath and body works)
For several years, the discontinuation of Country Chic from Bath & Body Works has weighed heavy on my heart. Every time that I visited the store, the available scents were compared to that beloved fragrance. I tried various items from the Gingham collection, looking for something that was somewhat similar. Though there were all sorts of wonderful items available...there was no Country Chic. I fell in love with this particular scent many years ago and repurchased the Moisture Body Butter version many times. Country Chic was discontinued around 2014 and life has been less beautiful ever since. Until recently.
Monday, July 13, 2026
a day at the lake restores the soul.
It is time for a mini blog break here on the creation of beauty is art. Several members of my family enjoy spending time at a rented cottage each summer (a tradition that started during the COVID-19 pandemic when most of the world was shut down) which means that I am begrudgingly being dragged along. Though I do not like being away from the comfort of my home and do not particularly enjoy all of the mosquitos, there are usually lots of antique and thrift stores to explore. And this year, my husband and I are planning to take a daytrip to a small theme park that isn't too far away. Since I will be occupied for the next week, there will be a mini break, but new posts will be shared on the creation of beauty is art. as soon as I return. Until then!
Friday, July 10, 2026
fifteen years of the creation of beauty is art.
Fifteen years. That is not a milestone that crossed my mind when the creation of beauty is art. first launched. I didn't know if this blog would last a week, a month, or a year. I didn't know if anyone would read the words that I wrote or even care about the topics that interested me. There were so many unknowns. It all started during a transitional time in my life, when I was shifting from being a student to looking for employment in my field. There was a lot of uncertainty at that time, but this blog provided me with structure. It gave me an opportunity to write about all of the things that inspired me. It gave me purpose.
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
summer (and summerween) inspired reading list.
Monday, July 6, 2026
shop my stash: warm summer makeup look
Summer makeup looks tend to fall into two categories: bright and colourful or warm and bronze. I normally let my mood decide which one wins out. Recently, it was a warm and bronze makeup look that seemed most appropriate. There were certain eyeshadows that seemed to be calling to me and there were certain lip and cheek products that felt just right. The end result? A new shop my stash post here on the creation of beauty is art. It is time to check out a warm summer makeup look.
Friday, July 3, 2026
review: satin blend gel eyeliner (essence)
Wednesday, July 1, 2026
canada day inspired red and white makeup look
Monday, June 29, 2026
currently loving: modelones nail art liner brush set
Friday, June 26, 2026
mini essence essentials haul
Every now and then, some beauty essentials are needed. The eyeshadow primer that I was using ran out, so it was time to check the drugstore offerings. While I was there, it quickly became clear that Essence was the main brand of interest thanks to the affordable price and the assortment of products available. On that note, here is a mini Essence essentials haul.
Wednesday, June 24, 2026
body mist review: buttery sugar body mist (pink)
Monday, June 22, 2026
smell the sea and feel the sky.
"One benefit of summer was that each day we had more light to read by." It is official. Another summer has arrived. The temperatures are slowly starting to climb (though it has been nice to have cooler days mixed in so far) and there are all sorts of seasonal activities on the horizon. Though there are other seasons I tend to prefer, like literally all of them, I am doing my best to find the good in this time of year. Some examples of the good? Brightly coloured nails, fun candle scents, a future concert, and more sunlight at night. It is the first official day of summer, but my heart is already longing for fall, so I have been satisfying that craving with bits and pieces of Summerween decor. Maybe you adore the summer months or perhaps you are still looking for a little inspiration. That is what this blog post is all about. Here are summer inspired images to start the season off right.
Friday, June 19, 2026
niagara falls comic con review and experience
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
love it or leave it? taylor swift toy story 5 premiere
In two days, the latest Toy Story movie will hit the big screen. As a Disney lover, there is a lot of excitement about a new addition to the popular series. Toy Story 5 will feature some familiar characters as well as some new ones to love. I am eagerly anticipating a trip to the movie theater in the next little while. Something else that has made me excited about the new movie? The fact that Taylor Swift released a song for the soundtrack, "I Knew It, I Knew You." She attended the Toy Story 5 premiere recently and wore a dress from the Erdem fall collection, which means it is time for another love it or leave it post.
Monday, June 15, 2026
cosmic intense (kylie jenner perfume and purse review)
The best way to describe summer? Intense. The sunshine and heat can be a lot to deal with, even with sunglasses and air conditioning. The summer season officially starts next week, but the warm temperatures have already arrived in full force. Given the intensity of this time of year, it seemed only right to talk about the new Kylie Jenner fragrance: Cosmic Intense.
Friday, June 12, 2026
new in: quo beauty fragrance mist and hand cream
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
change feels risky until staying the same feels worse.
Change. Just the word makes my stomach knot in discomfort. I have always struggled to deal with change, whether it was a last minute change to casual plans or a significant life change that ended a chapter. The reality is that it is easier to feel comfortable when things stay the same. There is a certain kind of ease found in familiarity. However, change happens every single day in both acknowledged and unacknowledged ways. I have recently been trying to face some of those previously unacknowledged changes by reorganizing (and decluttering) my wardrobe and jewellery collection. This process has meant accepting that I am no longer who I used to be...and that parts of me will never be the way they were before. It has been surprisingly emotional.
Monday, June 8, 2026
#FOTD: beauty nostalgia (statement lipstick colour)
Nostalgia appears to be a constant in my life. There is a part of me that aches for the experiences of the past. I love imagining what life was like in different decades almost as much as I love remembering when my own world felt simpler and more optimistic. These days, my nostalgia has even included makeup and jewellery trends from the 2010s. I find myself missing bold statement necklaces and ultra colourful lipstick shades. There was a time that Sephora had blue, green, and purple lipsticks available from all sorts of brands. I loved that time in makeup so much! Back then, beauty was fun and daring and playful. So much of that has been lost to the "clean girl aesthetic" that has become popular in more recent years and it makes me sad. This recent #FOTD is anything but clean girl inspired. It features a fun statement lipstick perfectly suited to my nostalgia.















































