theme week: 2000s (iconic 00s music, movies, and television shows)

There was a lot to love about the 2000s when it came to media. Looking back, there was some seriously incredible music that came out at that time, not to mention movies and television shows. No wonder many of my favourites seem to be from that era. For the last 2000s theme week post here on the creation of beauty is art. it only seemed right to honour some of those releases. Keep reading for some of my personal favourites as well as some other iconic highlights from the decade. 

my favourite perfumes for summer.

Though I am not someone who designates certain perfumes "only" for summer or "only" for fall, there are some scents that I find myself reaching for more often during specific seasons. Since summer is fully underway (though you would never know it if you stepped into my home right now, since I am watching "Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer" while I write this) it only makes sense to highlight some of the perfumes in my collection that have been in heavy rotation lately. These are not necessarily summer scents, but these are scents that I love to wear most often when the weather is warm. 

perfume favourites: ariana grande moonlight and sweet like candy.

I miss the days when celebrity perfumes were absolutely everywhere. This is because I love, love, love perfume and have an endless fascination with celebrity culture. My perfume shelf is overloaded with perfumes of all varieties, but the ones that I use most often come from celebrities like Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez, Paris Hilton, and Taylor Swift. In recent years, Ariana Grande has been added to that list. Her perfume bottles always have really beautiful designs and the fragrances tend to be quite sweet, which is something that I love. Over the last little while, I have been gifted two Ariana Grande body mists: Moonlight and Sweet Like Candy. They certainly make my days a little brighter! Here is a full review of these recent favourites...

inspired by: olivia rodrigo

The other day, there was an article on Buzzfeed called, "21 Times People Realized They're Officially Old." One of the first items on that list was: hearing songs from when you were a teenager on the oldies station. I can say that I honestly felt that deep in my soul. Growing up, there were certain radio stations that my mom would listen to. Those stations would play all sorts of "oldies" tunes. Music I had no real interest in. But in recent years, those same radio stations have begun to play the music of my youth. The songs that have meaning to my life. Songs from Britney Spears, Nsync, Spice Girls, Ricky Martin, and on and on the list goes. The songs that matter most to me are now considered oldies. It is a strange shift to go from the target demographic in most things to...well....not the target demographic in most things. The Top 40 radio stations now play music that I cannot stand. The new releases section is overloaded with CDs from artists I do not recognize. When did this happen? I'm not exactly sure, but it is a strange feeling nonetheless. Though, there is one artist who makes me feel both old and young.

top five favourite: fall perfumes

Two things I love? Fall and perfume. Now that the weather is getting chillier and the temperatures are starting to drop....there are certain fragrances that have been calling my name more than ever. Ones that are a little warmer and bolder. During the summer months, I tend to use light, fresh, and fruity kind of fragrances but when the fall season hits? It calls for something decidedly different. Though there are many different bottles of perfume in my collection (you can take a peek at my perfume collection here) five of them really stood out. So, here they are. These are my top five favourite fall perfumes.

inspired by: chromatica + lady gaga inspired style for real life

When it comes to music...women are dominating. Especially in the pop genre. There have been recent releases from Katy Perry, Britney Spears, and even Lady Gaga. The latter is back in an undeniable way. Her first week sales were massive and the second single from the album (a duet with another woman of pop, Ariana Grande) debuted at number one. There is no denying it. This era of Lady Gaga is a smashing success. Not only this the music amazing but so is the style and overall concept. I love the 90s, space alien, drag queen inspired, over the top outfits, accessories, makeup, and hair. Everything makes a statement. Which totally sums up Lady Gaga's aesthetic. And is one of the many reasons that she is such an enduring star. Her image is always completely out there. You never quite know what you're going to get. One red carpet appearance might have her sporting something dramatic and alien-esque and the next might show her in a floppy hat and oversized blazer. She is always keeping fans on their toes. So, today this post is dedicated to all things Chromatica.

inspired by: britney spears (mood ring)

Lately, music has really been inspiring my days. Especially the powerhouses of pop. Take Britney Spears as a prime example. This is one musician that has been a part of my life for decades. (And one that has been featured on my blog over and over again.) Her music always manages to inspire and lift me up. More recently, she officially released a song that was initially an international bonus track on her last album, Glory. It quickly went to number one on the iTunes charts and has racked up nearly a million streams on YouTube. Quite frankly...the song is incredible. It also inspired my post for today. It got me thinking about actual mood rings. These nostalgic pieces of jewellery have a unique and undeniable place in the fashion and beauty world. So, today I wanted to take a look back at this icon jewellery design and highlight a handful of mood ring inspired items.

love it or leave it? britney spears (once upon a time in hollywood)

A Britney Spears obsession? Me? ....okay, maybe. I might have mentioned Britney a time or two (or three or four or five) on my blog over the years. I am definitely a fan. Which is why it was so thrilling to see that Miss "It's Britney Bitch" Spears stepped out on the red carpet recently. She attended the premiere of the new movie, Once Upon a Time In Hollywood. Her surprise appearance certainly created tons of buzz. Which is why Britney Spears is the latest starlet to be featured in my love it or leave it? series. Let's take a look at her red carpet outfit.

new in: britney spears prerogative perfume set

Britney, Britney, Britney. Not only is Britney Spears one of the most iconic performers of all time but she is a fragrance mogul with over a billion dollars worth of sales. Recently, she released her twenty fourth perfume, Prerogative. It is a little bit different from the others in her line because this scent is not meant just for women. According to an interview with the Pop Princess herself, it is targeted towards all genders and backgrounds, making sure that the scent is as inclusive as possible. She said, "I wanted to create a fragrance that says 'be whoever you want to be - no labels, no judgement.' None of us are defined by one thing." With a positive perspective and a string of successful fragrances under her belt....Prerogative is Britney's most ambitious release yet. So, how is it?

the blogger tag.

What is it about Internet tags? They are always so much fun to do. Whether I am answering the questions myself or reading someone else's....they are a blast. Which is what inspired my post for today. I stumbled upon a post from Steph's World and thought it would be fun to take part in "The Blogger Tag." The questions range from blog related to personal, preferences, beauty, and more. If you are interested in taking part, please do. I would love to read your answers! Now, to get down to business.....

music week: fashion icons in music

Quite frankly, it doesn't really feel like summer. At least not to me. Usually by this point, a lot would have happened. For instance, I would be in the middle of an ambitious summer to-do list. I'd have seen friends, had a few adventures, gone to the zoo, and made a handful of exciting memories. Oh, and there would be at least a couple of concerts to look forward to.

the summer tag.

It's here! Summer has officially arrived....and I couldn't be more thrilled. While there are many things that I love about spring (like the flowers in bloom and super cute daytime dresses), summer is undeniably addicting. It is all about having fun and making memories. My summer certainly got off to a good start. As you know if you have been reading my blog lately, I have been doing a bit of travelling. My family and I went on a massive road trip to Florida. We made a few stops along the way and tackled some of the most popular theme parks in the world. Not a bad way to kick things off!

In honour of the summer season (and while I get back into the swing of things now that my two and a half week vacation has come to an end), I decided to do the Makeup Geek Summer Tag from a few years back. I stumbled upon this randomly and thought...what the heck! So, here it is.

What is your favourite summer nail polish? There isn't one specific shade that comes to mind, but generally, I am all about bright colours in the summertime. I like neon orange and pinky corals.

What is your favourite lip colour this summer? What a tough question! Honestly, my favourite so far this summer has to be Khlo$ from Kylie Cosmetics. The shade is a beautiful peachy nude - and I am all about peach-toned lip colours during the warmer months.

Describe your favourite summer dress. I have this long black maxi dress with purple flowers all over it. The dress is strapless and has ruffles along the neckline and the bottom of the dress. Every time I wear it....I feel amazing!

What is your favourite summer accessory? My Michael Kors sunglasses! I have a huge sunglasses collection but those are the ones that I reach for most often. The frames are large and they have the signature MK logo on the sides. Perfection!

What summer trends are you most excited about this year? Honestly, the lace up trend is everything right now. I am loving all of the creative ways designers are incorporating that detail into their pieces.

What is your favourite summer candle? I have this amazing one called Fresh Peach that I light all the time during the summer months. Anything peach is my go-to!

What is your favourite body spray and perfume? My favourite body spray is "Beach Nights" from Bath & Body Works and my favourite summer perfume is Maui Fantasy from Britney Spears.

What is the weather like where you live in the summer? It can be pretty hot and humid....or it can rain like crazy. There is really no consistency. It varies so much from summer to summer.

What is your favourite thing about the summer? There is this beautiful excitement in the air. Even everyday activities feel more exciting, thanks to all of that sunshine! Plus, everyone just seems to be in a better mood or looking forward to something.

What are your plans for summer vacation? Well, my major summer activity has already come and gone (my trip to Florida) so the rest of the summer will likely be spent working, writing, organizing, and doing fun things with family and friends.

There you have it! My answers for the Makeup Geek summer tag. If you haven't done this one yet....be sure to add it to your to-do list.

Something else I love about summer? Getting creative with colour. Which is one of the things that inspired my Colourful Gothic Makeup Tutorial for my YouTube channel. Take a look and find out how you can create the look for yourself....


What do you have planned this summer?

xo Shannon

the vegas diaries: part two

Here it is....part two of my Las Vegas vacation post. Keep reading to find out how the Britney Spears concert went (pictured above) along with the rest of the fabulous getaway.

Day Three (continued): As I mentioned in my last post, it was a busy day leading up to the Britney concert. I was exhausted by the time we got back to the hotel, but it was time to get glam! I curled my hair, threw on a studded denim dress, and went with a dark blue smokey eye look. It was a lot of fun to get all dolled up for the show. When we got to the theatre, we sat in our seats and waited. (Though the show was supposed to start at nine, it didn't start until nine thirty. So there was a decent amount of waiting.) Sadly, our seats were pretty much at the back of the theatre and our view was less than ideal. In fact, I couldn't see much. Sigh! Despite the poor view....Britney Spears was incredible. She put on a great show, her dancing was fantastic, and her costumes were beautiful.

Day Four: The next day was another exciting one. We had booked spots on the Pawn Stars Tour - a dedicated TV show tour. It took us to the Gold and Silver Pawn Shop, the Toy Shack, (Pawn Stars), ATM (Tanked). Rick's Restorations (American Restoration). and Count's Customs (Counting Cars). My husband and I love to watch Pawn Stars and American Restoration together so these were really exciting stops. We had a blast checking out the stores, learning new things, and even meeting some of the stars from the show. The highlight? Shaking hands and taking a picture with Rick from Rick's Restorations. It was a total surprise and we were all thrilled.

After that, we went to Gordon Ramsay's Burger restaurant. We are all huge fans of Gordon, so everyone was eager to try something from one of his restaurants. One thing to know about me? I love ketchup. I need ketchup. Gordon Ramsay's Burger does not have ketchup. None. At all. I was so upset because it basically meant I couldn't eat my meal. Which I didn't. I had a quarter of the burger and a handful of fries. Such a waste of time and money. Sigh. Everyone else liked it fine, since they all enjoy hot sauces. (A Tabasco sauce of sorts was available. Joy.)

Once that was over, we walked over to Gordon's other restaurant, Steak. My husband managed to score a signed menu for free....even though it was supposed to be $65. I have literally never seen him that happy in my entire life. Definitely a trip highlight, just seeing him so happy. We hit a lucky streak the rest of the night, winning $20 on the slots, and taking home $20 worth of Hershey cookies for $1.08.

Day Five: Well, all good things must come to an end. Sadly, this was the last day of our vacation. It was a lot shorter than I would have liked, that is for sure! But we made the most of our last day there by checking out the gardens inside the Wynn, going to Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum, picking up last minute souvenirs, and heading to another one of Gordon Ramsay's restaurants to explore! The wax museum in particular was a lot of fun. We took so many silly pictures. Hundreds of them, in fact. It was one of the best parts of the whole trip.

Then, we had our last meal in Vegas at a pizza place near the hotel, picked up our luggage, and headed to the airport for a very late flight. It didn't leave until almost midnight. Thanks to the awful flight home (horrific turbulence that was so scary, I was literally shaking and crying), none of us got much sleep. By the time we finally were safe and sound in the apartment....we zonked out for most of the day. It took a few days for my sleep schedule to adjust!

Overall, it was a really fun vacation. It was so great to get away for a while. I got to take a break from work, see musicians that I love, and spend time with some special people. Vegas never disappoints. So there it is! My vacation recap....

Do you like to travel? Have you ever been to Las Vegas?

xo Shannon

the vegas diaries: part one

Finally! Though I've been home from Las Vegas for about a week....this is the first chance I've had to  sit down and write about the trip. Since my return? My days have been full of writing, working, and getting caught up on things. Turns out, there was an awful lot to catch up on. No wonder it has been so difficult returning to my everyday routine. Enough about that! Now to share some of my vacation stories with you.

Day One: The first day in Vegas was a long one. It started with a very early morning arrival at the airport (where security lines were insane and it took a full three hours to get through it all) and an unpleasant flight (lots of turbulence and an hour long delay). Once we landed, we went to check into the Excalibur Hotel. The trip consisted of myself, my husband, and our two friends. Finding out that we could not check into our room until after check in time...we went to explore the hotel. Happily, that meant a stop off at Krispy Kreme. My favourite! We ate lunch, wandered, and eventually, checked into our rooms.

After that, we went to wander the Las Vegas Strip. We walked for ages but saw an awful lot. That included the fountain show at the Bellagio Hotel, the boats at Treasure Island, and the Marvel shop. For dinner, we went to Wahlburgers, which is one of my all-time favourite places to eat. Their tater tots are amazing. That night, we ended up seeing a show and then went to bed. It was a long day and a late night but an interesting start to the trip!

Day Two: Thanks to jet lag, it was another early morning the following day. I was awake, showered, dressed, and ready to go. The rest of the group was eager for Dennys...and since the closest one had a massive line up...we walked all the way to the other end of the strip. It was exhausting but at least breakfast was good! That day, we walked through the Venetian hotel, picked up some goodies from Carlo's Bakery, went to the Coke store, and M&M Store.

We'd had a full day by the time we returned to our hotel rooms. But it was only beginning! My husband and I went out to see Donny and Marie (I love them so much) and our friends went to see Cirque du Soleil. The Donny and Marie concert was fabulous. Sadly, I wasn't allowed to take pictures, but we definitely had a good view. They put on a great show (even my husband thought it was good) and sounded amazing. Bonus? Two of the Osmond brothers were actually in the audience.

Day Three: The third day of the trip was a pretty exciting one. Mostly because it meant that I would be seeing Britney Spears that evening. I was crazy excited and had this nervous energy going on all day. Despite eagerly awaiting the show, we were able to get out that day and do some more exploring. We went to the Luxor Hotel, Mandalay Bay, had a few drinks, and ended up at the Rainforest Cafe. Then, it was back to the hotel to get ready for the Britney concert.

And speaking of the Britney concert......you'll have to wait until my next post to hear about that. It will be all about the show and the rest of my vacation. Stay tuned!

xo Shannon

i haven't been everywhere, but it's on my list.

Though it is always nice to come home (especially after a long flight and endless drive from the airport), there is something bittersweet about the end of a vacation. You've spend months and months planning, booking, dreaming, and anxiously awaiting every moment your unforgettable destination has to offer. Then it ends abruptly. Before you know it, you are trying to return to every day life. It is back to work and responsibilities....not to mention all of the catching up there is to do. Sigh! Such is the life of a travel lover.

This is just a quick post to let you all know that I have returned safe and sound from my Las Vegas trip. In the days to come, expect new posts and a recap of all the incredible adventures my husband and I had in Sin City! There was travelling with friends, seeing Britney Spears, going to the Donny & Marie concert, exploring the Strip, and even a little bit of shopping. So, stay tuned for all of the details.

How was your week? What have you been up to?

xo Shannon

adventures are the best way to learn.

Ahh, travel. Is there anything better? If you have been reading my blog for a while, then you know all too well how much I love to see the world. Though I can't necessarily go everywhere I want to - or travel as often as I'd like - it is something I prioritize in my life. This summer, I have a big family trip to look forward to. And right now? I am about to jet off to sunny Las Vegas. Given the cool temperatures where I live.....this is a welcome change of pace.

My husband and I are spending five days checking out concerts (Britney Spears and Donny & Marie for me), letting loose, and seeing the sights with two of our friends. Though I've been to Vegas many times before, it is the first time for the rest of the group. Fingers crossed they love it there as much as I do!

Since I will be working on my tan for the next little while, I am taking a mini blogging break. Expect to hear from me in a week or so! I hope to return with lots of exciting stories.

Speaking of travel! I recently reviewed the Makeup Artist Palette from Avon over on my YouTube channel. It is seriously incredible for travelling with. Find out why by checking out the video for yourself...



Do you love to travel? When is your next getaway?

xo Shannon

maui fantasy perfume review

It seems that Britney Spears is on my blog a lot lately. Whether it is part of a current favourites video or a perfume review....she has been front and center. And for good reason. Britney is not just another pop star. To me, she is an icon. Which is why I was so excited to come across a bottle of Maui Fantasy at my local Winners. Even though I am constantly keeping my eyes peeled for new Britney perfumes, they are not always released in my country. (Very annoying! Especially when I am trying to hunt down limited edition bottles.) Thankfully this one magically appeared. It was a perfume I had desperately been seeking. I loved the idea of a summery fragrance. Plus there was that super cute blue bottle! I knew it would look amazing on my perfume shelf.

Since I tracked this one down at Winners, it was only $20 for the bottle. Such a steal. The bottle is just as beautiful as it looked in photographs. It is a frosted light blue, with a pink and white floral decal, and a white braided cap. It is the perfect combination of flirty and fun. The scent is the same. It has a sweet floral scent with undertones of coconut. Everything about it screams summer. The scent is romantic, light, and a little exotic. Love, love, love. I only wish this had come into my life a few months earlier. It is such a lovely girly fragrance - perfect for those carefree summer days.

Despite the fact that we are entering the fall season....I still hope to get some use out of it in the coming months. This is definitely a daytime scent. I'm thinking of shopping days and lunch dates. At any rate, it is a wonderful addition to my (always expanding) collection of fragrances. Britney perfumes never fail to impress me. Or make me feel good. She has a way of knowing how to infuse each scent with personality and strength. For me, Maui Fantasy is as a serious standout.

Want more reviews? Then be sure to check out my latest video for the creation of beauty is art. YouTube channel. It features a review of the Smashbox Photo Matte Eyes palette and the Too Faced Love Flushed palette. Take a look....


Have you tried this perfume? What did you think of it?

xo Shannon

i'll never tell, tell on myself, but i hope she smells my perfume.

Currently? I am in a Britney state of mind. Her latest album, Glory, dropped last week, and it has been blowing my mind ever since. The more I listen to it...the more I love it. There are so many fantastic tracks. My personal favourites are Man On The Moon, Just Luv Me, Liar, and Just Like Me. Each one is so good. Yes, Britney Spears really knocked it out of the park. It's not just her music that is making me happy these days. Her perfume line also gives me joy. Especially Rocker Femme Fantasy. This is just one of the many fragrances in her collection (and one of the thirteen Fantasy themed fragrances she has released over the years).

My perfume collection is pretty extensive. While I do not own every single Britney Spears perfume....I have quite a few. As many as I can get my  hands on! So when I came across Rocker Femme Fantasy, there was no doubt about it. I needed to have this on my perfume shelf. Turns out? This has become one of my all-time favourite Britney fragrances. To begin with, I absolutely love the bottle. The pink and black colors, the black studs, and that electric pink cap give this bottle a distinct look. It effortlessly blends femininity with a harder edge. It looks fantastic.

As for the scent itself? It is equally amazing. Rocker Femme Fantasy has a bright, energetic smell, with sweet undertones. Everything about it is girly and fun. To me? This is a classic daytime fragrance. You can wear it to the mall, on a lunch date, or throw it in your purse for work. It has this lovely sweetness that isn't overwhelming - and a warmth that makes it feel elegant. This is a perfume that is versatile, pretty, and feminine. And with an affordable price tag (the 100ml bottle cost me $20) it is something you can wear day-to-day.

Perfume is a pretty important part of my life. It inspires me, it makes me happy, and it effortlessly expresses how I feel on any given day. Want to see my full perfume collection? (Britney perfumes included!) Then take a look at a video I posted recently on the creation of beauty is art. YouTube channel. Take a look....



Have you tried this Britney Spears fragrance? What is your perfume collection like?

xo Shannon

review: britney spears private show perfume

We all have icons. The people we look up to, admire, and put on a pedestal. Those icons differ from person to person....but my icon? Is Britney Spears. I remember when her first music video was released. I was an awkward pre-teen with low self esteem. Seeing how confident she was? It made me feel confident. The next day, I showed up at school dressed like her. Pigtails and all. Over the years, Britney has remained a constant source of inspiration. I love her music. I love her energy on stage. I love her style, her kind heart, and her goofy personality. Oh, and her fragrances! I have almost all of them. Including her latest.

Private Show was released a couple of weeks ago. (My husband messaged me the moment it arrived at his work.) It was a very exciting moment. There is nothing better than a new Britney fragrance. Except for a new Britney song. And since Make Me was also released recently....life is good! Since Britney is such a huge part of my life, it felt only natural to write up a little review. So here it is. My thoughts on the latest Britney Spears fragrance. Believe it or not, it is actually her 20th.

Britney described her new perfume as a way to celebrate "one of my biggest passions - dancing! It is inspired by the electric energy I feel when I’m performing, whether during rehearsals or on-stage during my show. I wanted my fans to have an uplifting, sexy scent that empowers them to achieve their dreams." The inspiration behind the scent is amazing. It is all about feeling confident. That is exactly what I want from a fragrance. I want to spray it and feel ready to tackle the world. Well, that is exactly what Private Show makes me feel.

There is a sweet sophistication to the scent. It is beautiful, romantic, and bold. It makes a statement without being too overpowering. While it has the same girly scent that many of her other perfumes do...this one is distinctively different. It has sharper notes. It is dramatic and sultry. It is a little more mature. This is one fragrance that is perfect for a date night or a special evening out. Something else I love is the bottle. It has a diamond shape and a cute pink cap. It is absolutely gorgeous.

Private Show is the kind of scent that makes you feel good. So keep an eye out for it. This is the perfect addition to your perfume collection.

Have you tried Private Show yet? What do you think of the perfume?

xo Shannon

YouTube: Las Vegas Haul - Souvenirs, Makeup, and Fashion!

The word shopaholic best describes me. At least when I go away on vacation. It doesn't matter where I go or when....I always seem to bring tons and tons of items home with me. My trip to Las Vegas was no different. This time, I managed to spend a little more than I planned. Not my fault! Around every corner there were cute t-shirts, souvenirs, and fabulous shops. 

Despite this, I did my best not to spend too much. Though I did end up bringing quite a few things back. What did I buy? Plenty of music merchandise (including Donny and Marie, Celine Dion, and Britney Spears), some makeup from Sephora, a few accessories, and lots and lots of clothes. 

Want to see it all? I filmed a YouTube video for the creation of beauty is art. channel. It is dedicated to the items I purchased during my Las Vegas trip. Be sure to take a look. And don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe!

My trip to Las Vegas was pretty exciting. My mom and I had a great time shopping and seeing some incredible shows. We certainly made some memories! Expect a full post on that in the days to come. I cannot wait to share my stories with you. It really was a wonderful trip. For now, I just wanted to give you all a peek at the things I bought while I was away.

Have you ever been to Vegas? What do you think of the things I bought? 

xo Shannon