rare beauty review: stay vulnerable glossy lip balm

Sephora used to be one of my favourite places to shop, but in more recent years, my purchases there have been limited. However, since I had some Sephora gift cards in my wallet, the Rare Beauty perfume was added to my collection (read about that perfume and layering balm here) as well as the Stay Vulnerable Glossy Lip Balm in the shade Nearly Neutral. 

thanksgiving specials + random things i am grateful for this year

Happy Thanksgiving! Depending on where you are located in the world, this post will either be right on time, early, or totally irrelevant...but here is hoping that you will take a little time to be grateful today anyway. 2025 has been a difficult year, and at times, it has been hard to see the light. That is the reason that I have decided to create a little Thanksgiving post here on the creation of beauty is art. It is important to remember all that I have and all there is to look forward to. Here are some Thanksgiving themed movies and specials that are making me smile and five random things that I am grateful for this year.

mini spirit halloween haul.

If left alone in a Spirit Halloween store for too long, my bill could easily be hundreds and hundreds of dollars. There is so much to see and enjoy! I love Halloween decorations, themed clothes, and many beloved seasonal franchises. This is why my husband is normally present when I make my annual visit. He is able to remind me that our home only has so much room available. Even though there were a million other items that I would have loved to take home (like Halloween themed blankets, Hocus Pocus home decor items, and everything Trick 'r Treat), three items were deemed essential seasonal additions.

#FOTD: black lipstick look (spooky season makeup)

October is such a fun month. There are still several weeks until Halloween arrives, but my home is in full blown spooky mode. Decorations are everywhere, pumpkin scented candles are lit regularly, my Halloween themed t-shirts are in rotation, horror movies are playing on my television, and my makeup is a little more dramatic than usual. Check out this recent #FOTD. 

the official release party of a showgirl (taylor swift movie)

When the first images were released for The Life of a Showgirl album from Taylor Swift, the excitement was immediate. I loved the theme and could not wait to hear more about the music. Eventually, it was announced that there would be The Official Release Party of a Showgirl, a movie experience to celebrate the album - and it would be only available for three days. I tried to purchase a set of tickets for myself and my oldest friend in the world, but the movie theater website crashed and I was unsuccessful. Luckily, my friend continued to check back and was able to obtain two tickets in a theater a few cities over. Ready to hear about The Official Release Party of a Showgirl experience? Keep reading for a mini review and a themed makeup look.

celebrating mean girls day with mean girls nail art tattoos.

"On October 3rd, he asked me what day it is...." Happy Mean Girls Day to all who celebrate! After all, "It's October 3rd." There are certain movies that I watch over and over again. I never seem to grow tired of my comfort movies and Mean Girls falls into that category. I have watched it hundreds of times in my life. (And have plans to watch it many more times in the future.) On this day, it seemed right to highlight some themed nail art tattoos that I have been loving lately from the brand Inked by Dani. 

aqua concert (makeup look and concert review)

Concerts can be so much fun. Though not all concerts result in a positive experience (there are many factors to consider, from transportation to the crowd) it is wonderful when everything feels right. That is what happened during the Aqua concert my husband and I attended recently. Keep reading for a review and a peek at the colourful makeup look created for the occasion.