review: satin blend gel eyeliner (essence)

My life would be a lot less beautiful without eyeliner. I love the drama a dark black eyeliner can provide. It adds definition, creates shape, and acts as a bold contrast to colourful eyeshadow looks. There are all sorts of eyeliners in my regular rotation. When it comes to liquid eyeliner, it is the NYX Epic Ink Liner that stands out. For gel eyeliner, the Gel Pot Eyeliner from Maybelline is a rediscovered favourite. My most used pencil eyeliner is the Annabelle Kohl Eyeliner Pencil. More recently, it is the Satin Blend Gel Eyeliner from Essence that has been added to the mix. Keep reading to find out how it performs.

currently loving: modelones nail art liner brush set

It has been about five months since the OPI GELement LED Gel Lamp and gel nail polishes from Modelones have totally transformed my nails. No more worrying about chipped nail polish. No more waiting endlessly for my nail polish to dry completely. These at home gel nail tools have been stellar. Over the last several months, there are been all sorts of different colours and finishes used. I've worn neutral colours, bright colours, and have used matte, glossy, and glitter top coats. More recently, some very basic nail designs have been added to the mix thanks to this Nail Art Liner Brush Set from Modelones. 

body mist review: buttery sugar body mist (pink)

Sometimes, outlet malls happen. On the way back from Niagara Falls Comic Con, my husband and I made a short stop at a nearby outlet mall that had all sorts of different stores. Though we mostly window shopped, there was a Victoria's Secret outlet store with all sorts of goodies inside. Workout clothes, seasonal perfumes, and so much more. It was the Buttery Sugary Body Mist from Pink that was the most exciting find, because this fabulous and warm scent was only $3 CDN. 

mini review: tresemme workable hairspray

I have always admired people who are talented with hair.  Over the years, I have read countless hairstyle books, watched far too many video tutorials, and made numerous attempts to do something with my hair other than straighten it with a flat iron or curl it with a curling iron. It seems that straight and curled hair are about it for me. Braids seem impossible, twists are a no, and even effortless waves seem anything but effortless. So, when it comes to hair styling products, my focus is really on protection and hold. In search of something that would address hold, it was the Workable Hairspray from TRESemme (part of The A-List Collection from the brand) that was intriguing to me. This is mostly because of the versatility. This hairspray is dual sided with both a strong hold and light hold option, making it possible to customize all sorts of different hairstyles. 

four mini mascara reviews (mascara discovery collection)

Mascara is the ultimate finishing touch. It can add a little extra drama to the lashes, with lots of length and volume. However, not all mascaras are created equally. Some are bold and others are lackluster. Over the last little while, I have been putting some mini versions of popular mascaras to the test as part of the Mascara Discovery Collection. (If you missed that show and tell post, be sure to check it out here.) The set came with eight different mascaras and a voucher for one full sized version. I have been putting them all to the test in order to make my final decision, which will be revealed in a future post. For now, here are the first four mascara reviews, which includes products from Benefit, Yves Saint Laurent, Lancome, and Too Faced.

does it work?? jelly job full-bodied shine gloss (nyx)

The name of the new NYX lip product is a little bizarre: Jelly Job. Despite the unusual name, the Jelly Job Full-Bodied Shine Gloss has received a lot of hype online recently, with influencers and beauty enthusiasts alike eager to share their reviews. There are all sorts of colours to choose from in the product line, but with a $21 CDN price, there are two questions that come to mind: does it work and is it worth purchasing? Keep reading for a full product description and review.

review: squishy glaze by covergirl (raspberry twist)

The Cover Girl brand will always be nostalgic for me. I remember buying a black eyeshadow from the brand back in the Laguna Beach days and trying to mimic the makeup style of the girls on the show. I remember my first foundation purchase and the first blush that I ever tried. All Cover Girl. At that time, the brand was accessible and affordable. (Though the prices at the drugstore have increased significantly in more recent years.) Perhaps that is the reason my weakness for Cover Girl remains. It is nostalgic, but the brand also has some great products. Recently, it was the Squishy Glaze in the shade Raspberry Twist that called to me. This is described as a Lip Butter Balm and it comes in several different shades. Keep reading for a full review. 

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...

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. 

review: dove x bridgerton (moonlit masquerade body scrub)

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.

r.e.m. cherry eclipse (ariana grande perfume review)

Thank goodness for perfume. It is no secret that scents are a love of mine, from perfumes to body mists to essential oils and everything in between. I love when the world smells nice! A little while back, a loved one gifted me R.E.M. Cherry Eclipse from Ariana Grande to add to my collection of Ariana Grande perfumes. Though there are all sorts of beloved fragrances in my collection, it is the Ariana Grande ones that I wear most. I love the sweet and warm scents the brand offers. How does R.E.M. Cherry Eclipse compare to other Ariana Grande perfumes? Here is everything you need to know about this memorable scent. 

at home gel nail polish (opi and modelones review)

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.

review: soft pinch cheek and lip trio (rare beauty)

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.

wicked: for good ozian forest eyeshadow palette (r.e.m. beauty)

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. 

the second half of my main street melts order.

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.

review: exhibitionist uncensored waterproof mascara (cover girl)

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...

kylie cosmetics mini haul and reviews

Despite the number of reviews that are featured here on the creation of beauty is art. it actually isn't too often that I treat myself to new makeup products. (I have cut back a lot in recent years, but am still lucky enough to receive beauty products on holidays and birthdays.) However, a few months ago, I ended up browsing the beauty aisles while waiting for my husband to finish running an errand. Long story short, I fell in love with a handful of Kylie Cosmetics items. Some were part of the much talked about King Kylie collection, which is essentially a throwback collection inspired by the early days of the brand. There was also a hair and body mist that smelled incredible. Ready to take a closer look at the products that were too tempting to resist? Keep reading for some reviews and a recent makeup look featuring the products included in this mini haul. 

easy valentine's day makeup look and mini product review

Tomorrow is Valentine's Day...a day that is focused on love and connection. There are so many ways to pour love into the people you care about most. Maybe that involves flowers, a card, or a thoughtful text message, but whatever you do, make sure your loved ones know how appreciated they are. To celebrate Valentine's Day here on the creation of beauty is art. there will be a mini drugstore product review and an easy makeup look that is well suited to the holiday. Keep reading...

eyeshadow palette review: vintage rose artistry palette (morphe)

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. 

current favourite: kvd everlasting blush in foxglove

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.