recent thrifted finds (music and movies)

It is almost impossible for me to leave a thrift store empty handed, especially when there are sections dedicated to music and movies. Well, there is one thrift store near me that is entirely dedicated to music and movies. This is not a place that I am able to visit often, because I am simply unable to hold back seeing so many wonderful items. (Music, movies, and television shows are all weaknesses of mine. I find so much comfort in the words and stories of others.) After several months away, there was a random visit that resulted in an armful of media. It is time to take a closer look at some recent thrifted finds.

new in: modelones gel nail polish forty piece set

The shift to at home gel nails has been a total game changer for me. Adding the OPI GELement LED Gel Lamp and Modelones Gel Nail Polishes to my routine has made such a difference. I love that the gel nail polish dries immediately and the manicure lasts for at least two weeks without issue. Beauty that is low maintenance is always preferable! After having a positive experience with the six piece set from Modelones, the decision was made to add a few more colours to my gel nail collection. (It is nice to have options.) In the end, a forty piece set from the brand seemed to make the most sense in terms of cost and colour preferences. This post is dedicated to all of the items included in the Gel Nail Polish set from Modelones. 

2 looks 1 palette: poisoned forest eye and face palette (wet n wild)

What eyeshadow palettes have you been reaching for lately? For me, it is the Poisoned Forest Eye and Face Palette from Wet n Wild. This is something that was purchased ahead of spooky season, but has been in heavy rotation ever since. There is something about the colour story that speaks to me, no matter the season. Since it is something that I use at least a few times a week, it seemed right to create a 2 looks 1 palette post to highlight some my favourite shades in this drugstore palette.

current music obsession: pinky up (katseye)

The latest single from KATSEYE has been on repeat in my home ever since it was released on April 9th. This is not exactly surprising, since KATSEYE has quickly become my favourite band. (I was lucky enough to see the band in concert at the end of 2025 and it was a highlight of my year.) All that said, I wasn't sure the new single, Pinky Up, would be my cup of tea. (No pun intended.) I had heard a portion of a leaked demo ahead of the official release and couldn't quite see the vision. Then the music video came out. I was able to see the visuals and hear the full version of the song. In a word? Amazing. After listening to the song over and over again...it seemed only right to highlight my current music obsession here on the creation of beauty is art. I was inspired by the earworm posts that the amazing Yasmina Rosa Wölkchen shares on her blog, because this song easily falls into the earworm category. Ready to check out the latest single from KATSEYE? Here is the video for Pinky Up...

makeup essentials (drugstore mini haul)

Every now and then, essential makeup items need to be replaced. I was down to a small piece of the Eyebrow Designer Brow Pencil from Essence (it had gotten so tiny that it was a struggle to sharpen the eyebrow pencil) and realized that a visit to the drugstore was necessary. There were a few other items on my list as well, so the end result was a mini haul of essentials.

perfume week: burberry brit (review)

So far, this theme week has included perfume reviews from Ariana Grande (thank u next 2.0) and Yves Saint Laurent (Mon Paris). The week is ending with a review of the Burberry Brit Eau De Parfum. This is another perfume that I was gifted for Valentine's Day and am finally reviewing here on the creation of beauty is art. Spoiler alert: this perfume is a standout.

perfume week: mon paris (review)

When it comes to perfumes, many higher end fragrances do not tend to be my favourites. Often, the scents are quite heavy and can be overwhelming. My preference tends to be sweeter and lighter scents. However, there were two higher end perfumes that were gifted to me for Valentine's Day. One was from Burberry and the other from Yves Saint Laurent. During the remainder of this theme week, there will be reviews on both of them, starting with the YSL fragrances, Mon Paris. 

perfume week: thank u next 2.0 (review)

It is time for another theme week here on the creation of beauty is art. This time around, all posts will be dedicated to perfume reviews. The reason? A few perfumes were gifted to me during different holidays (Christmas and Valentine's Day) and I have been putting them to use ever since. It seemed like the perfect time to share some of my thoughts on these unforgettable scents. The first is thank u next 2.0 from Ariana Grande. There was a body mist and perfume set waiting under the Christmas tree for me back in December. Since I love so many Ariana Grande fragrances, this was happily received. Here is a full review...

show and tell: mascara discovery collection

There are many different mascaras on the market. It can be difficult to know what ones work well and what ones fall flat. Over the years, all sorts of mascaras have been tested here on the creation of beauty is art. However, since the discontinuation (or inability to find) The Super Sizer mascara from Cover Girl, my mascara purchases have become more random. Some more recent standouts include Lash Without Limits from Essence and Exhibitionist Uncensored from Cover Girl, but there is no holy grail mascara for me at this point. The Mascara Discovery Collection could change that. During the holiday season, the Mascara Discovery Collection was gifted to me, and it includes eight mini size mascaras and a coupon that can be redeemed for one full size mascara. Essentially, you test out eight mini mascaras, choose the one you like best, and redeem the card for the mascara of your choice. It is a wonderful way to test out many different formulas. Here are all of the mascaras included in the set.

review: devout (david archuleta biography and new music)

A lot of musical artists have added meaning to my life, but David Archuleta is higher on the list than most. His voice has consistently wowed, but the release of his biography highlighted the power of his voice in a whole new way. Devout: Losing My Faith To Find Myself is extremely important. Keep reading for a full review of Devout, both the book and the new EP.

r.e.m. beauty x wicked (blush palette and lip oil review)

Wicked and Wicked: For Good are still in heavy rotation in my home. The movies and soundtracks are a constant....and so are Wicked themed makeup products. There have been a few reviewed here on the creation of beauty is art. already, but now it is time for two more product reviews from r.e.m. beauty. The first is the Cherry Blossom Blush Palette and the second is the So Popular PH Adaptive Lip Oil. Here is everything you need to know about these Wicked: For Good inspired makeup products. 

hippity hoppity, easter's on its way.

Easter is one of my favourite holidays. Truth be told, all holidays make me smile, but the idea of new beginnings makes this time of year especially meaningful.  Sometimes, a fresh start is needed. Sometimes, a little extra hope is needed. That is what Easter represents to me: a fresh start and hope for a better tomorrow. Maybe you are looking forward to sunshine and spring flowers or maybe you need a chocolate bunny to make life feel more beautiful. Do what you can to enjoy the spring season and the magic that Easter provides. Need a little inspiration? Here are some Easter themed photos that I have taken lately.

six books on my spring book list.

So many books, so little time. If only it was possible to spend all of my hours reading! Since there are other responsibilities that need to be handled, reading is something that I tend to treat myself to at the end of the day. It is a reward. Something to look forward to. My last seasonal reading list included all sorts of Christmas themed books, but this spring, there is more of an assortment. Mysteries, biographies, and so much more. Here are six of the books on my spring book list.