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.
Certain shows are added to my watch list and sit there for weeks, months, or even years, before finally being viewed. Other shows are watched immediately. Bridgerton falls into the latter category. Whenever a new season premieres on Netflix, it is watched immediately. Whatever plans I had for that day are put on pause so I can find out what is happening in The Ton. I love the interesting characters, the costumes, the music, of course, the different love stories. I also love Bridgerton themed beauty products, as it turns out. Several years back, there were Bridgerton themed makeup items released from Pat McGrath Labs (if you missed that review post, be sure to check it out here) and more recently, Dove released a line of Bridgerton themed bath products. Keep reading for a review of the Moonlit Masquerade Body Scrub from the Dove x Bridgerton collection.
In the words of the iconic Hilary Duff, "life is lifing and pressure is pressuring me." Truthfully, life has been a lot lately. Though there is excitement about the official start of spring - and there are some wonderful experiences planned for the months ahead - my schedule has been unexpectedly full this past week. It has been a struggle to keep my head above water and get done everything that needs to get done. Instead of rushing through blog posts, the decision was made to take a mini blog break so I can rest, reset, and return this time next week with new content. Next week, there will be a Dove x Bridgerton product review, a peek at some of the books on my spring reading list, and an Easter themed post. My apologies that this week will be quiet on the creation of beauty is art. (though I will be sure to read posts from others) but a bit of a break was needed. Until then...
Are you enjoying the start of spring so far? How have you been welcoming in the new season?
How will you celebrate St. Patrick's Day tomorrow? Will you wear green? Will you enjoy a drink and a nice meal with friends? However you choose to recognize the day, here is hoping it will be a positive experience from start to finish. In truth, I have a soft spot for this holiday because my husband and I met on St. Patrick's Day many years back. Each year, there are themed decorations in our home and there is at least some acknowledgement of the day. Tomorrow, I will be wearing a sweatshirt with four leaf clovers all over it and will do something fun and festive with my makeup. In the last week or so, I have painted my nails a bright festive green and have been reading "Irish Parade Murder" by Leslie Meier. I even watched some St. Patrick's Day themed cartoons on YouTube. Life can be stressful and overwhelming, especially with the world the way it is right now, so creating holiday magic has felt more important than usual. On that note, here is a bold makeup look with lots and lots of green.
Having painted nails always makes me feel better, but it can be a test of my patience waiting for the nail polish to dry completely. That is the reason the Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail Polishes have long been favourites of mine. The shorter drying time meant that I didn't need to wait too long to get back to the many items on my to-do list. Another alternative was gel nail polish. Many years back, there were visits made to the salon to have gel nail polish applied. Though the results were excellent, my social anxiety made the salon visits feel stressful instead of luxurious. More recently, a decision was made to test out gel nail polish at home. After some research, it was the OPI GELement LED Gel Lamp and polishes from Modelones chosen.
There are many celebrities who are downright disappointing. Zara Larsson is not one of them. Not only is her music incredible, but she is consistently on the right side of history, loudly calling out famous abusers, supporting women, and standing against various abuses of power. It is meaningful to see someone with a platform speak out about issues that matter, especially with the world the way it is right now. She is talented, smart, and a true inspiration. Zara is a star on the rise for all the right reasons. In addition to being an outspoken icon, she is also well known for the amazing makeup looks that she wears. These looks are colourful, bold, and interesting. Hopefully in the future, it will be possible to re-create (or at least attempt to re-create) one of these incredible makeup looks on the creation of beauty is art. For now, here is some much needed Zara Larsson inspiration.
It is cold and flu season. I thought it was something that I would be able to avoid this year, but unfortunately, it found me. Unfortunately, I have been under the weather more recently, with my days largely spent in bed coughing and holding a box of Kleenex close. That is the down side. On a more positive note, this has allowed me to spend far too much time watching television shows and movies. Here are some of the things that I have been watching lately while doing my best to recover.
Even though it is March, many of the reviews here on the creation of beauty is art. take me back to the holiday season. During that time, loved ones gifted me various beauty related items, including makeup, skin care products, and perfume. It is perfume that will be the focus today, because there were two Christina Aguilera sets that were eagerly unwrapped on Christmas morning. It is time to find out more about the scents Xtina and Christina Aguilera from the iconic pop star, Christina Aguilera.
The winter season is starting to wind down. In fact, there are only a few more weeks until spring officially arrives. With warmer weather on the horizon, it seems like an appropriate time to review the Soft Pinch Cheek and Lip Trio from Rare Beauty. This was actually a Christmas gift from a loved one, but I am only now taking the time to write about it here on the creation of beauty is art. There are three different products inside (all in the shade Worth) and the colour is an ideal choice for the upcoming spring season. Keep reading for a full review of each Rare Beauty product included in the Soft Pinch set.
Even though Wicked: For Good was released several months back, it is still in heavy rotation in my home. I love listening to the soundtrack, watching the movie, and enjoying Wicked themed beauty products. During the holiday season, there were some themed r.e.m. beauty products gifted to me. Now it is finally time to review one of them, the Ozian Forest Eyeshadow Palette.
Before there was YouTube, there were blank VHS tapes. In my younger years, much of my time was spent setting the VCR to record all sorts of television specials and shows. Instead of heading out to the movie theater with friends, many of my evenings were spent recording music videos and interviews on The Hit List and Much Music. I was always saving as much content as possible. Back then (and even now) it seemed important to record things so I could hold onto different moments. So I could watch and rewatch media that meant something to me. Confession: I still have all of my old VHS tapes, and lately, I have been choosing a few VHS tapes at random to watch. The nostalgia is beautiful, painful, and magical, all at the same time.
Back in November, several fragrance oils from Main Street Melts were featured on the creation of beauty is art. (As a reminder, these are theme park inspired scents. I fell in love with the brand shortly after visiting Walt Disney World last year. In a post-Walt Disney World blues state of mind, my sad scrolling led me to an Etsy shop that sold scents inspired by some of my favourite rides, restaurants, and theme park treats. The first post about Main Street Melts Candle Co. can be seen here.) In that last post, there were all sorts of fragrance oils featured...and some that were intended to be reviewed in a part two. It is finally time for part two of that previous Main Street Melts haul. Here are some more theme park scent reviews.
Despite the name, the beauty industry is not always beautiful. In fact, it can be downright horrifying once you look past the glossy exteriors and smiling faces. It has become harder in recent years to consume products in a way that feels at least somewhat ethical. I don't know if this is because there is more information available than before or if there has been a shift in the way companies run their businesses. What I do know? There are many brands that I am no longer willing to support. This post will highlight some of those immoral brands specifically, but this is by no means an exhaustive list. If there are ones I have missed or might still be in the dark about, feel free to leave a comment in the comment section below. It is important that consumers are aware of what it means to spend money on certain beauty brands. In many cases, we deserve much better.
Shortly before our Atlantis vacation, my husband and I created a to-do list. It included various items that needed to be completed before heading on our Bahamas getaway. Laundry, bills, passports, packing, and all the rest. Also on that to-do list? Buying a waterproof mascara. Since the Atlantis resort would have warm weather and waterparks, bringing along a waterproof mascara was a must. Sadly, I have not been able to find The Super Sizer from Cover Girl (in waterproof or regular) in stores recently, so it was another mascara that needed to be added to the cart. Keep reading for a Cover Girl mascara review...
Sunshine and sand are ideal for many travellers. Not me. I have done my best to avoid beach vacations over the years, as my preference is a theme park or more of a novelty experience. I was able to steer clear of a "sunshine and sand vacation" for a long time by simply making it clear that I was only willing to visit the Atlantis resort in the Bahamas. My fascination with Atlantis dates back to 2001, when the Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen movie, Holiday in the Sun, was released. It was a fantastic direct-to-video movie that was set primarily at the Atlantis resort. It seemed like the most incredible place to visit. Even without an interest in beaches and waterparks, my interest in Mary-Kate and Ashley won out. So, when my husband declared that he needed a winter getaway, it quickly became apparent that Atlantis was in the cards. Here are a few highlights...
It is time for another makeup review here on the creation of beauty is art. Several months back, my mom gifted me an eyeshadow palette with nine different shades inside. The 9V Vintage Rose Artistry Palette from Morphe has all sorts of dusty rose colours and everyday neutrals to choose from. Ready to take a look at all of the colours inside and find out how this eyeshadow palette performs? Here is everything you need to know about this easy to wear Morphe release.
February is a month associated with love. Even though Valentine's Day takes place midway through the month, there is no better time to talk about love than right now. Often, we spend time thinking about love for others. For a romantic partner, for family members, for friends, for pets, and so on. Love for ourself is often the last on the list, but it needs to be prioritized and nurtured. Self love is essential for mental health and strong relationships with others. It also makes it possible to feel more at ease in your own skin, to feel more balanced and grounded, and to make choices that honour your dreams and goals. Before pouring love into others, take a bit of time to look inward. Remember that you also deserve time and attention. Not sure where to start? Here are self love affirmations, journal prompts, and ways to pour love into yourself this month and always.
The first month of the year is coming to a close. There have certainly been some high points and low points over the last several weeks, but my fingers are crossed that the month of February will be better. Since January is almost over, it seemed appropriate to highlight my beauty favourites from the month. These are the products that I found myself reaching for most.
Sometimes, a little escape from reality is a must. Thank goodness there are movies, television shows, and music to rely on in both the good and not-so-good times. Everyone has their own own ways to destress - and entertainment has always been my favourite way to do just that. Here are some of the songs, television shows, and movies that have been making life better.
2026 is not off to a great start. This last month has been a lot. There were hospital stays for my loved ones and someone made a fraudulent charge on my credit card. Who knows what the rest of the year will have in store, but my fingers are crossed that it will start to get better from here on out. In an attempt to keep my head above water, this post is about something that has been making me smile lately. (Because you have to find little pieces of happiness and hold onto them as much as possible.) I found this pair of Christian Siriano earrings back in the fall, but was waiting for the right time to wear them. I realize now there is no "right time" for anything, so it seemed appropriate wear the earrings, even without some sort of special occasion.
KVD Beauty is a brand with an...interesting...history. It used to have all sorts of colourful, bold, and exciting products, but the founder turned out to be horrific. The company was bought out and the brand was revamped. After that, the packaging style shifted as did the colour choices, but it was a wise decision overall. (Not everyone deserves a platform, especially when it is used to spread misinformation and cause harm.) When there was a KVD Beauty blush at my local Winners for $9.99 CDN, it seemed like a good time to test out a newer item from the brand. Keep reading for a full review of the Everlasting Blush.
Eyeshadow palettes come in all different shapes and sizes. Some are teeny tiny and hold only a few colours. Others are oversized and offer a lot of variety. The 35 MI Magic Mirror Artistry Palette from Morphe falls into the latter category. With thirty five eyeshadows to choose from, it is possible to create all sorts of looks. On that note...it is time for 2 looks 1 palette.
Even though my birthday was back in October, there are still a few birthday gifts that are waiting to be reviewed here on the creation of beauty is art. One example is the Prisma Donna Collection Set from Lise Watier. This Canadian beauty brand has all sorts of wonderful products to choose from (a few of them have been reviewed here over the last several years) and sometimes, I am lucky enough to receive items as gifts from my loved ones. Ready to take a closer look at the Prisma Donna Collection Set? See a makeup look featuring some of the Lise Watier products? Keep reading for all of the details.
It is time to finish off a week of holiday highlights with another advent calendar review. This one is from Revolution and the calendar included 24 different beauty products. This was a fun and unexpected find at Winners for $30 CDN. Ready to take a peek inside? Keep reading for a look at all of the products inside the advent calendar, some mini reviews, and favourites.
The first week of the new year is over already. It is hard to believe, but time seems to move faster these days. Though there is no denying the arrival of January, there is a part of me that is still lingering behind in December. The holiday season had some highs and lows...and I am trying to hold onto the highs as much as possible. That is the reason for this holiday highlights posts. It seemed appropriate to share a few seasonal photos, makeup looks, and talk about the more memorable moments.
It is always difficult when the holiday season ends. All of the twinkling lights seem to dim as the reality of day to day life takes over once more. Instead of putting off various adult responsibilities, it is time to tackle that neglected to-do list and get back on track. Sigh. As a way of extending some of the seasonal wonder, this week is dedicated to holiday highlights posts. These often focus on Christmas themed products, decorations, makeup looks, and so on. To start this week of holiday highlights, it is time to take a look inside the Little X-Mas Wonder Advent Calendar from essence. Keep reading for a reveal and some mini reviews.
A new year has arrived. Thank goodness! 2025 was a difficult year for myself and a lot of other people that I know...so it is nice to leave that year behind and cross my fingers for a fresh start. I came across this quote the other day, "There are far better things ahead than any we leave behind," and I sincerely hope that is true. We all deserve health, happiness, peace, and love. Though it is unknown what 2026 has in store, right now, we can look at this blank page with a renewed sense of optimism.