rare beauty week: introduction + mini haul

Rare Beauty initially launched in September 2020...and even though the brand interested me...it wasn't something that I ran out to purchase. Probably because of the pandemic. At that time, leaving the house was not something I was interested in doing and heading to the nearby Sephora was something I could not even fathom. So, it seemed that Rare Beauty had to wait. And it did wait, until fairly recently, when I was gifted a few items from the line over the holiday season. Now? I am ready to dive in headfirst and share reviews, makeup looks, and swatches. Over the next several days, there will be different posts dedicated to the brand. That's right! It is Rare Beauty Week.  I will admit that I am a fan of Selena Gomez and have been for some time. (There was a post about her on the creation of beauty is art. way back in 2011!) That being said, my intention is to review the products from Rare Beauty objectively. Ready to start this theme week off right? Here is a mini haul....

rare beauty week: selena's faves set (review and video)

Ready for the last theme week post dedicated to Rare Beauty? Today it is all about the Selena's Faves 4 Piece Mini Set. This set came with four different items from the line, including a Dewy Liquid Blush, Liquid Luminizer, Matte Lip Cream, and the Universal Volumizing Mascara. It is always exciting to test out new beauty products, especially when there are blushes and highlights involved. (I might have a slight obsession with cheek products lately.) Interested in how these items performed? Keep reading for reviews, a makeup look, and a first impressions YouTube video. 

rare beauty week: magnetic spirit eyeshadow palette

Rare Beauty Week is fully underway here on the creation of beauty is art. That means it is time to look closer at the Magnetic Spirit Eyeshadow Palette. This palette is a limited edition release that has six jewel-toned shimmers to choose from. According to the brand, it is inspired by the light and energy that surrounds us and the chromatic eyeshadows "let you create endless looks that reflect your true aura." The theme and concept were certainly interesting...but did the shadows perform well? Was the colour story impressive? Here is everything you need to know about this Rare Beauty eyeshadow palette. 

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.

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. 

review: rare beauty blush and glow four piece mini set

Rare Beauty is not a brand that I have tried a lot from, but everything that I have tried so far has been stellar. Something I love about the holiday season is the fact that there are normally different sets released. This year, the brand had the Blush & Glow Four Piece Mini Set available. It came with two liquid blushes and two liquid luminizers. Since my previous experience with those products was positive (check out the Selena's Faves set review here)...I decided to treat myself to this holiday set. 

current obsession: rare eau de parfum and fragrance layering balm

There have been Sephora gift cards burning a hole in my wallet for months and months and months. Despite this, there hasn't been anything that really caught my eye. (Or if it did, the product didn't seem to be in stock.) When the Rare Beauty perfume, Rare Eau de Parfum, was released, it was a no brainer. I love perfume, Rare Beauty products, and Selena Gomez. Unfortunately, it was harder to use my Sephora gift cards than anticipated. The perfume was sold out online and in every store that I visited. In fact, even the tester bottle was completely empty. When my mom was out and about, she happened to find one of the layering balms and purchased it for me. Finally, I was able to find one of the travel sized versions of the Rare Eau de Parfum and used some gift cards to add it to my collection. Keep reading for a review of the perfume and one of the layering balms.

revolution super dewy liquid blush (review + FOTD)

Though most of the blushes in my collection are powder, there have been a few liquid and cream blushes used every now and then. (Like the Rare Beauty liquid blush that wowed and the Ciate London cream blush set.) Most recently, I have been able to try the Super Dewy Liquid Blush from Revolution in the shade Flushing For You. Since the Rare Beauty liquid blushes are a little more on the expensive side (approximately $32 CDN), I was curious to find out how a drugstore brand would compare. Ready to find out whether the Revolution version was worthwhile? Keep reading for a full review of the Super Dewy Liquid Blush.

disney beauty week: belle inspired everything

Belle was always my favourite princess. I remember watching Beauty and the Beast over and over and over again as a child. Well, that never really stopped. It is still a movie that I love to watch to this day. The music, the enchanted castle, the beautiful clothes, and the library. Oh, that library is one of dreams. I loved that Belle prioritized reading, cared deeply for her father, knew what she wanted from life, and had no interest in men like Gaston. (Though I confess that the Beast never much interested me either, in either beast or human form.) Belle was never afraid to be true to herself, speak her mind, and learn new things. Since this is the last Disney beauty theme week post, it only made sense to focus on the unforgettable Belle. Take a peek at a new Beauty and the Beast makeup bag that has been added to my collection and my Belle inspired makeup look. 

shop my stash: warm summer makeup look

Summer makeup looks tend to fall into two categories: bright and colourful or warm and bronze. I normally let my mood decide which one wins out. Recently, it was a warm and bronze makeup look that seemed most appropriate. There were certain eyeshadows that seemed to be calling to me and there were certain lip and cheek products that felt just right. The end result? A new shop my stash post here on the creation of beauty is art. It is time to check out a warm summer makeup look. 

fall week: shop my stash fall makeup look

It is nice when inspiration hits. When thinking about a fall makeup look to finish off this theme week, a handful of products instantly came to mind. The intention was to reach for some warm seasonal shades - and have a little fun with colour. It is time for a shop my stash fall makeup look featuring some tried and true beauty items from my makeup collection. Here goes...

random january beauty favourites

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. 

testing out a sephora lip product + mini sample review

There was a little bit left on a Sephora gift card in my wallet. Though I had intended to use it on a Rare Beauty liquid blush, the blushes are often out of stock in store. Tired of waiting, impulsively, I placed an online order for a lipstick. Since I have been really into cool toned makeup looks lately...I was looking for a cool toned lipstick to pair with my beloved Kara Beauty eyeshadow palette. A quick search on the Sephora website led me to a few different options. Ultimately, the Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain Liquid Lipstick was added to my cart. The shade Pretty Beige was described as a matte taupe. Since my gift card covered the $20 CDN cost, it was an impulsive decision, but one that I felt pretty good about. I was also able to add two samples to my order. I chose the Glossier Stretch Fluid Foundation sample set and the Huda Beauty Faux Filter Luminous Matte Liquid Concealer sample set. I wanted to know how the foundation and concealer would perform. Samples are a great way to find out whether the formula works for me...and if it is something that I want to purchase a full-sized version of in the future. Ready to take a look at the Sephora lipstick? The samples? Here is a makeup look and some mini reviews. 

#FOTD: inspired by kermit the frog (green makeup look)

It's not easy being green...but life seems pretty wonderful for beloved icon, Kermit the Frog. There is a new Muppets themed rollercoaster in the works at Walt Disney World, The Muppet Show special received positive reviews and high ratings, and tomorrow is Kermit the Frog's birthday. Well, sort of. May 9, 1955, was the first time that Kermit appeared on television screens. Since my obsession with all things Muppets remains, it seemed like an appropriate time to create a makeup look inspired by this important character. This Kermit inspired #FOTD post is focused on green, green, and more green.

current beauty favourites: winter edition

As I write this, the temperatures outside are downright chilly and there is snow covering the ground. Truthfully, it gives me a thrill. I love watching the snow fall in fluffy chunks and looking out my window at a winter wonderland. This is a time of year that fills my heart and renews my spirit. On that note, there are several favourites have been making the winter season feel even more beautiful. Here are a few current loves. Some are functional and some are fun little extras, but all are fabulous. 

#FOTD: mera inspired makeup + why i'm seeing the new aquaman

Am I a superhero kind of person? Not really. I've seen my fair share of superhero movies over the years, because my husband enjoys them and because some of them are decent. (I like the Guardians of the Galaxy movies and the occasional Spiderman film.) But despite that, I am not exactly a fan. So, it felt kind of strange to purchase movie tickets a month in advance for the opening night of Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. Truth be told, I only watched the first Aquaman movie very recently...and I only watched it because I am currently working my way through the filmography of Amber Heard. Despite not totally loving superhero movies, it was important to me to see the new Aquaman movie right away, to support a recognized survivor of domestic violence - a survivor who faced one of the most horrific smear campaigns in modern history. I will always stand with survivors, publicly, privately, and even when I head to the movie theatre. Though I have known about Amber for many years, thanks to my obsession with the 00s television show, Hidden Palms, I didn't become a fan until more recently. First, I supported her simply because it was the right thing to do. (Disagree? Read the Amber Heard Open Letter signed by literally hundreds of domestic violence experts and feminist organizations, read the UK judgement, where her ex husband was found to be a wife beater, or look at the mountain of evidence in her favour.) However, as time passed, I became a fan of her as a person thanks to her long history of charitable endeavors, her outspoken stance against injustice, and her dedication to standing with survivors. I also became a fan of a lot of her work on television and in movies. So, for me, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom was a movie I needed to see on opening night. It was only right. Going in, I knew that I wanted to create Mera inspired makeup.

easter spells out beauty. the rare beauty of new life.

Another holiday? How is that even possible? It seems that just yesterday we were celebrating St. Patrick's Day....and now we have already moved on to Easter. I confess: this holiday overload is totally okay with me. My love of anything and everything holiday related cannot be stopped. Out of all of the holidays? Christmas is by far my favourite. Next on the list? It has to be Easter. It has everything I adore. Chocolate, bunny rabbits, and family time. That is how I have always celebrated the holiday. Every year, my family and I would dig into our Easter baskets, eat chocolate, and watch holiday movies. (On the short list: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, It's The Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown, and Hop.) Then for dinner? We sit at the table and eat a home cooked meal and cookies straight out of the oven. It is pure bliss.

Yes, there is something lovely about it all. Spending time with family and indulging my sweet tooth. Those are some of my favourite pastimes. And during Easter? I get to do both on the same day. This year things will be slightly different. It is my first time not living at home for Easter. That means the itinerary for the day is a little different. My husband and I will swap baskets early in the morning. Then I will head over to my parents house (the hubby is stuck working. Sigh!) for movies and chocolate. Later in the day? My husband will join us for a delicious Easter dinner. Different....yet so many of my favourite things will be the same. That makes me extremely happy.

In a way? I think this holiday has come around at the perfect time. Life has been crazy lately. For the last several weeks, my regular routine has been off. There has been too much going on - and too much to think about. Which is why I am so excited for Easter. It gives me the chance to escape into the carefree. At least for a little while. Here is hoping my day of chocolate and movies will bring me the joy and laughter I am so desperately seeking. Confession: I am already thinking about all of our family traditions. They make me smile.

Bunnies are cuddly

The large and the small

But I like chocolate ones

The best of them all.

- Author Unknown

The Easter weekend can be a lot of fun. Exciting, even! So...here is hoping you all have an incredible holiday. Eat lots of chocolate, watch some movies, and spend time with people you love. In my opinion? Those are the ingredients to a fabulous celebration. 

What are your Easter plans? 

xo Shannon

review: fenty beauty killawatt freestyle highlighter (ginger binge/moscow mule)

Few makeup brands have been able to compare to Kylie Cosmetics and other Kardashian-brand releases. Until Fenty Beauty by Rihanna came along. Not only did it boast foundation shades for all skin tones (which is sadly, a rare occurrence)....but it had a unique selection of products. Now, it is on track to outsell Kylie, KKW, and even Kat Von D. Talk about making a mark on the cosmetics industry! Since its initial release, I have tried a few products from the Fenty Beauty line, which you may remember from my first impressions post. Since then, I have been desperate to try out more.

review: sephora birthday gift (milk cosmetics)

One Sephora-related perk? Birthday gifts. Each year, Beauty Insiders are given the choice between a couple of small sets during their birthday month. This year, there was a hair care set and a skin care set...but makeup will always have my heart. So, I chose a few sample products from Milk Makeup. This isn't a brand that I have a ton of experience with (minus a sample of their highlight in the shade Turnt. It recently made an appearance on my early fall favourites list) so I was curious to find out more. Ready to dive into this Milk Makeup set from Sephora? Here goes....

a brush is just a brush until you use it to create something.

I don't often buy things for display. Especially when it comes to makeup and beauty products. Nine times out of ten, I pick things that are functional. Things that I can incorporate into my every day routine. But every now and again, I come across something so beautiful that I simply cannot bear to use it! While this isn't something I do often, I completely and totally fell in love with a brush from Flower Beauty.

What was it about this brush? For starters, the foundation brush had ultra thick bristles. Unlike most of the other foundation brushes I have had over the years, there was so much thickness that I could just imagine the product spreading seamlessly across the skin. (Not that I am planning to use it in the near future....but still!) The bristles were white and faded into a darker colour. It looked elegant, beautiful, and the texture was nice and soft.

As for the rest of the brush, I love that it stands up. All on its own. Unlike the rest of my brushes that get stored in cups and containers, this one requires nothing but a flat surface. It features a wide base on the bottom and a thick handle. That makes it so easy to stand up and show off on your vanity. The black and gold combination looks elegant, sophisticated, and effortlessly beautiful. I absolutely love the way it looks - from top to bottom!

It is rare that I fall in love with a makeup brush the way I have. There is something about the quality, appearance, and overall usefulness that is totally out of this world. I think Flower Beauty has an awful lot of stand out items in their collection. This brush is definitely one of them.

Have you tried any of the Flower Beauty makeup brushes?

xo Shannon