travelling tends to magnify all human emotions.

It is time for a little end of the summer break. Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic, my family has booked a cottage at the end of the season for a week or so. It is not usually in the same place but in the same general area. Going to the cottage is not my favourite thing to do (I like being on my computer, watching Netflix, and being in the comfort of my home...and I dislike bugs, nature, and the unfamiliar) but given the events of this year so far, it might be nice to spend some dedicated time with my family. Here is hoping the week will be a positive one with lots of fun memories. This post is just to let you all know that the creation of beauty is art. will be on pause this week while I am away, but there will be new posts next week as usual. 

What do you have planned for this week? Will you do any end of summer travelling? 

first impressions: glossier (ultralip high shine lipstick)

Glossier is an ultra popular brand, but to be honest, the only thing I really know about them is that there was a collaboration with Olivia Rodrigo. Oh, and I was able to test out a sample of their foundation a few years back. Beyond that, the brand is a bit of a mystery to me. I am not opposed to trying different items from Glossier, but I haven't felt compelled to run out to Sephora to fill my basket with their products either. Lucky for me, my sister passed along the Ultralip High Shine Lipstick in the shade Ember. Keep reading for a first impressions review that talks about all the essentials: packaging, colour, and comfort. 

recent reads (thrillers, mystery, and more)

In a perfect world, it would be possible to read all the time. It is one of my favourite things to do, but sometimes, it can be difficult to make time for this passion. (Or as much time as I would like.) Reading is something that I have been prioritizing a lot more this year. Instead of winding down at the end of the day with a television show or movie, it is an evening curled up with a good book that feels right. I have been re-reading a beloved series from my younger years, but also have been reading an assortment of other books. Some of my recent reads include mysteries, thrillers, and so much more. Take a look...

pros and cons: aqua bomb jelly cleanser (belif)

When it comes to makeup, skin care, and beauty products, my loved ones spoil me from time to time. They might pass along something that was included in a subscription box or spoil me with a product that they saw while out and about. That is what happened recently when a loved one gifted me the Aqua Bomb Jelly Cleanser from Belif. I have tried the popular moisturizer from this brand, but not the cleanser, so it was a nice treat to put it to the test. Keep reading for all of the pros and cons.

shop my stash (smokey summertime look)

When thinking about the makeup look I wanted to create for a get together with an old friend, the vibe was immediately clear: smokey summertime. Despite the fact that summer is still underway (with the high temperatures making life more difficult)...my heart is longing for the fall season. Warm colours, vampy makeup looks, and all the rest. So, for this smokey summertime look, I wanted to take darker, richer colours, and combine them with something a little bit brighter. 

celebrity fashion that i've been loving lately.

Sometimes, it is fun to get inspired by different red carpet looks. There always seem to be premieres and special events where celebrities wear outfits that are more expensive than my entire wardrobe combined. Though the outfits are not necessarily pieces that I would like to wear myself...the designs are often bold, creative, and a little out there. Definitely a feast for the eyes! Are you in need of a little inspiration? Here are some examples of celebrity fashion that I have been loving lately. 

my favourite makeup essentials.

Eyeshadow, blush, and lipstick get an awful lot of attention here on the creation of beauty is art. I love being able to play with different colours and finishes. Whether the intended makeup look is bright, neutral, or vampy...colour products can bring it all to life. However, there are all sorts of essential items that are worn no matter what colour products happen to be used. I'm talking face products, eyebrow products, and all the rest. Here are some of my tried and tested everyday beauty items.