#FOTD inspired by descendants: the rise of red

As a Disney obsessed adult, it is not a shock that I watched Descendants: The Rise of Red the first day it was available on Disney+. I have watched (and loved) all of the Descendants movies over the years. I love the costumes, hair, makeup, music, dances, and the unique way that Disney lore is examined. The newest movie in the series totally wowed. I wasn't quite sure what to expect, but it was an immediate favourite. For starters, Brandy and Paolo Montalban reprised their roles from the live action Cinderella movie. There was also Rita Ora in the role of the Queen of Hearts. There were lots of familiar faces from previous Descendants movies as well as some fantastic new characters. I loved everything about it...and am eager for a follow up film. While watching Descendants: The Rise of Red, the hair and makeup really wowed. Though I knew there was no hope of me recreating the hairstyles of the main characters, the makeup was another story. I decided to put my own spin on the makeup look of Red, the daughter of the Queen of Hearts. It might not be a perfect recreation, but it was a lot of fun to do. 

sunshine on the water looks so lovely.

How is summer treating you so far? Have you made lots of memories in the sunshine? Have you been wearing your favourite shorts, tank tops, and sunglasses? Admittedly, summer is not my favourite season, but it is an important time of year nonetheless. It is a time when many are able to take time off of work and school to visit with friends and family, take walks, go for picnics in the park, visit seasonal attractions, head to the beach, or enjoy a number of other summertime activities. Whether summer is your favourite or least favourite time of year, my hope is that you are making the most of the sunshine. If you need a little extra dose of inspiration or perhaps a reminder of what summer has to offer (as I so often do) then this post is for you. Here are some inspiration photos and quotes that truly highlight the magic of the summer season. 

review: danessa myricks beauty (love is love palette)

It is always exciting to try makeup from a brand that is new to me. It is especially exciting to try out a palette that focuses on love, representation, and inclusivity. I have seen a few Danessa Myricks Beauty products at Sephora before, but have not taken the plunge because of the prices. However, my mom recently gifted me the Love Is Love Illuminating Eye and Face Pigments palette after she fell in love with it. This palette costs $88 CDN....so I was definitely spoiled with some high end makeup. Ready to take a look inside? Find out how this palette performs? Here is everything you need to know about this colourful release. 

christmas in july spectacular (review, mini haul, and tag questions)

It is Christmas in July! Being a Christmas fanatic, I am willing to find any excuse to celebrate my favourite holiday. Truth be told, I have Christmas movies and music in heavy rotation year-round...but I decided that it would be fun to celebrate Christmas in July properly this year. That means taking a day off of work to bake gingerbread cookies, watch some holiday movies, read Christmas themed Archie comics, light a peppermint candle, and just have some fun. Summer is not my favourite time of year, so it seems only right to transport myself to the most wonderful time of the year. Tomorrow is the big day, so in preparation for all of the festivities, a themed blog post was a must. Keep reading for a mini review of the movie, Rudolph and Frosty's Christmas In July, some new Christmas themed items, and answers to some Christmas In July tag questions. Here goes...

a tribute to richard simmons.

It has taken me some time to write this. Recently, the iconic Richard Simmons passed away at the age of 76. My heart has been aching ever since. I have written about Richard a few times on the creation of beauty is art. over the years, because he quickly became a very important part of my life. (You can check out those posts here, here, and here.) I found his videos during the pandemic, which was a time of uncertainty, fear, and isolation. But Richard Simmons was there to make everything a little brighter. I started off doing the exercises posted to his YouTube channel and then bought the Sweatin' to the Oldies collection. My obsession continued as the years passed. I bought everything I could get my hands on. Workout videos, books, keychains, and Funko Pop figures. See, Richard didn't just help me through the pandemic. He helped me tackle my longstanding self esteem issues. His kindness was evident in his videos, interviews, songs, books, and everything else he created. Not only was he kind to others, but he had a way of seeing people as they were, without judgement or cruelty. He saw all of us. He saw me. 

mini skin care reviews (tula, pixi, unicorn glow)

Lately, a few new-to-me products have been in rotation. I wanted to take my time with them and really see how these items performed over a longer period of time rather than share initial thoughts. Without further ado, find out how the Tula Skincare Purifying Face Cleanser, Pixi Clarity Cleanser, and Unicorn Glow Long Wear Primer performed with these mini reviews....

kim chi chic: mattely poppin liquid lipstick (review and #FOTD)

Fresh. Natural. Barely there. Those are not the words that I would use to describe my preferred makeup look. Though the "clean girl aesthetic" is popular...I am much more into bold blush, winged liner, fun eyeshadow, and liquid lipsticks. My makeup inspiration is more Miss Piggy than whoever is popular on TikTok at the moment. That is what is so wonderful about makeup. It can be whatever you want it to be! Since I love products that are a little bolder, it only makes sense that Kim Chi Chic is always on my wish list. Created by beloved drag queen, Kim Chi, this brand is focused on beauty for all. Recently, I was able to put the Mattely Poppin Liquid Lipstick in the shade Werk to the test. Here is everything you need to know about this long lasting item.