walt disney world week: beauty products i took with me on vacation

It is always hard to know what makeup items to take on a vacation. There need to be tried, tested, and true products on hand...but there also needs to be enough variety available so makeup still feels fun, creative, and expressive. To end this Walt Disney World theme week here on the creation of beauty is art. it seemed only right to highlight the different beauty products that I took with me on my recent vacation. Here it is, from primers to setting spray and everything in between.

walt disney world week: souvenirs

There are all sorts of stores in Walt Disney World. In fact, everywhere you turn, there seems to be someone selling something. Popcorn, Mickey shaped pretzels, drinks, t-shirts, pins, and all sorts of other odds and ends. It was hard not to pull my wallet out at every opportunity. Though I did my best not to overindulge, there were a few items that came home with me from my vacation. It was mostly clothes, but there were some other fun souvenirs that were included as well. Take a look....

walt disney world week: vacation highlights

Coming home from vacation is never fun...but my transition back into regular life following my Walt Disney World trip has not been smooth. Shortly after arriving home, there was a slight tickle in my throat. I didn't feel quite right. Before I even had time to unpack my suitcase, some sort of sickness had taken over. Cough, runny nose, exhaustion, and all the rest. It came on very quickly and is still lingering to this day. Definitely not the return home that I envisioned. Despite this setback, I am attempting to slowly get myself back on track: catching up on cleaning, laundry, blogging, work, and everything in between. Which brings me to the latest theme week here on the creation of beauty is art. To start this Walt Disney World theme week off on the right foot, it is time to share some vacation highlights from my recent getaway to the most magical place on earth.

current favourites (accessories, perfume, skin care, and more)

It is time for a current favourites post. Sometimes, it is nice to focus on the little things that make life feel more beautiful. There have been all sorts of items that I have been for enjoying and reaching for lately...from accessories to perfumes to action figures and so much more. Here is a closer look at some recent favourites that have been making my days brighter. 

review: the kissu lip mask from tatcha

Tatcha is a brand that I have heard a lot about over the years, but never tried. Though my sister swears by many of their products, makeup is always more intriguing to me than skin care. This meant that my Sephora gift cards were used on the other side of the store instead. When a loved one gifted me The Kissu Lip Mask, it felt like a long overdue introduction to the brand. Curious about this jelly lip mask? Keep reading for a full review of The Kissu Lip Mask from Tatcha.

chase your dreams but know the road that will lead you home.

So much goes into a vacation. There is all of the planning, preparing, and packing beforehand. Then once you get home, there is laundry, work, and an endless to-do list of everything that has been neglected in your absence. Now that the fairy dust has settled and I am back home again, it is time for me to tackle that aforementioned to-do list. I look forward to sharing Walt Disney World themed posts here on the creation of beauty is art. next week. (Expect to see some vacation photos, some of the souvenirs that came home with me, and even a post about the makeup that I took with me on vacation.) In the meantime, there will be some beauty related posts shared and I will do my best to catch up on comments and all the rest. I hope you have all been well this last week. Feel free to share some of your recent highlights in the comment section below. 

What are you looking forward to this week? Do you have any vacations planned?

when you wish upon a star...

Laughter is timeless. Imagination has no age. Dreams are forever. By the time this post is live, my husband and I should be enjoying sunshine and Mickey Mouse shaped ice cream bars in Walt Disney World. This summer, we will be celebrating our ten year wedding anniversary. We have long planned to return to Walt Disney World for this milestone as a way to remember our honeymoon there...but also because I am a Disney fanatic. However, the world has changed a lot in the last several months. There was some uncertainty about whether it was safe or appropriate to take our scheduled anniversary trip. Given the fact that the vacation has been booked and planned for such a long time, we decided to follow through and head to Florida. I don't know when we will be able to return to Disney, but my hope is that we are able to make some positive memories during this vacation. It will be quiet here on the creation of beauty is art. this week, but I look forward to catching up with you all soon. 

Have a wonderful week - and feel free to share some of your future vacation plans in the comment section below!

drugstore lip product try on (marcelle, revlon, and elf)

Drugstore beauty products will always have a special place in my heart. I still remember scanning the aisles back in the day and wondering what items might work for me. As my makeup collection grew, I developed a better understanding of what brands I liked and what brands tended to be so-so. Though I do not spend nearly as much time browsing the drugstore aisles as I used to...it is nice to test out different items now and then. Here are mini reviews of lip products from Marcelle, Revlon, and elf. 

does it work?? 24-hr brow setter from benefit

Back in the fall, there were all sorts of products from the Back to School Beauty Bundle highlighted. The set included fourteen different items, including makeup, perfume, and skin care. Some products have already been reviewed on the creation of beauty is art. and some reviews are still outstanding. It is time to focus on another sample from the set....the 24-Hr Brow Setter from Benefit. There is something very nostalgic to me about Benefit. During my earliest years as a makeup enthusiast, it was the Benefit section of Sephora that thrilled me most. I loved the cheek tints, the themed sets, and the blushes. Over the years, the brand seems to be a little less innovative and colourful, but there are still some fantastic staple products. These days, Benefit is mostly known for their mascaras and eyebrow products (my personal favourite brow product from the brand is the Goof Proof Brow Pencil). Ready to find out how this clear brow gel performs? Keep reading for all of the details.

review: kylie cosmetics lip kit in angel

When it comes to the iconic lip kits from Kylie Cosmetics, I have certainly been spoiled lately. In my Easter basket this year, there was the shade Angel (along with holiday chocolate and some other goodies). This is the kind of warm neutral colour that the brand is known for. Ready to take a closer look? Here is a review of the Kylie Cosmetics Lip Kit in the shade Angel. 

shop my stash: tarte glamour eyeshadow palette

The world is an interesting place these days. Quite frankly, it is hard to envision what the future will look like. That is one of the reasons I am choosing to slow down on beauty related purchases. There are still products that I have not reviewed on the creation of beauty is art. including items that loved ones have gifted me over the last little while. (Stay tuned for those posts in the weeks and months to come.) That said, it has been quite some time since I actually purchased makeup for myself. I am doing my best to focus on what I already own. The "shop my stash" idea has been around for many years and essentially means using what you already have instead of constantly purchasing more. Since there are all sorts of wonderful items in my makeup collection already, it seems appropriate not only to use those items in my day to day life, but also to post about them here. Every now and then, there will be a shop my stash post that features different products from my makeup collection. The first shop my stash post features everyday favourites and the Glamour palette from the Amazonian Clay Eyeshadow Wardrobe. 

affirmations and quotes for difficult days.

To quote Olivia Rodrigo, it's always one step forward and three steps back. As mentioned in previous posts, a loved one has been in and out of the hospital over the last few months, with the longest stay being about three weeks. It seemed like everything was slowly getting back on track. There was non-linear healing, but positive progress all around. And then it all came crashing down. There is so much uncertainty, not to mention the trauma of watching a loved one struggle both physically and mentally. I am not okay. Life has not been okay lately. It seems that as soon as I start to piece myself back together, as soon as I start to feel some sense of normality creep back in, it all crumbles. So, this post is dedicated to hope. I certainly need it and maybe someone else out there needs it, too. Here are quotes and affirmations to add a little bit of hope to difficult days. 

hair product haul: haircare haven beauty bundle

The relationship with my hair has been complicated lately. Now that I am needing to dye it on a semi-regular basis (thanks to the grey hairs that have decided to take over)...there have been all sorts of frustrations. Like the medium brown hair dye that I used several months back. Despite the name "medium brown," it turned my hair almost black. I was looking for something similar to my natural colour, but this was not at all similar, and the colour refused to fade. More recently, attempts have been made to address the dark colour, but the results have been mixed. All of the products used (like Color Oops) have left my hair feeling dry and looking a little frizzy. Thankfully, my mom gifted me the Haircare Haven Beauty Bundle for Easter. It includes all sorts of haircare products. As I continue to work on addressing the hair colour issue, it is important to focus on the overall condition of my hair as well. This post is a little show and tell to highlight the products included in this set. In the future, there will be a review of all the different haircare products. Ready to take a look inside? Here is everything that was included...

inspired by all things amber.

There is something special about amber. The colour is a yellowish orange and is often associated with warmth. It is also thought to be positive and protective. Lately, amber has been on my mind. It all started with one of the holiday body mists from Aeropostale (check out that post here) that I have been wearing often. Cashmere Mittens has soft cashmere, white rose petals, and amber. Soon after, it became clear to me that many of my favourite scents also include amber. Somehow, that led me to adding some amber inspired items to my home, including an amber scent and some amber coloured accessories. 

nostalgia is a powerful feeling. it can drown out anything.

I fell down the rabbit hole recently (as I so often do) and watched hours and hours of compilation videos on YouTube. The videos featured all sorts of television shows from the 80s and 90s - complete with the original commercials. It was a wild and nostalgic ride. These days, familiarity seems to be my focus. Whether I am listening to music, choosing a movie, or watching a television show, more often than not, I am gravitating towards what was. New releases do not seem to have the same hold on me. I have been thinking a lot about why this is the case and I think it comes down to safety. With the world being so turbulent, it feels especially sweet to return to a time where I did not have to worry about bills or politics or what was happening outside of my little bubble. I still believed that most people were good and that evil would never win. I was more innocent then and certainly more naive. Perhaps there is part of me that is missing that state of being...that uncomplicated hope. But life happens and learning more inevitably means losing some of that innocence. Thank goodness for all of the television shows from my youth. These shows help me remember who I used to be and what I used to believe in. 

review: elf power grip primer + 4% niacinamide

Preparation is key, especially when it comes to increasing the longevity of a makeup look. The right skin care products and primers can make all the difference. With certain products on hand, makeup application can become easier and products will stay put throughout the day. After hearing rave reviews about the Power Grip Primer from elf, it seemed like time to put this much buzzed about item to the test. There are a few versions of the Power Grip Primer available, but I decided on the Power Grip Primer + 4% Niacinamide. Ready for a review of this popular makeup primer? Keep reading for all the details.

#FOTD and mini review: love at 1st sight eyeshadow palette

Spring is well underway, but this eyeshadow palette is taking me all the way back to Valentine's Day. Not only was this a Valentine's Day gift from my mom, but it is loved themed. The Love at 1st Sight Eyeshadow Palette is downright adorable - and so well themed. Ready to take a closer look? Here is everything you need to know about this love inspired product.

does it work?? heaven's dew all over glimmer (stila)

What is it about glitter, sparkle, and shine? It seems impossible for me to resist a beauty product with a little pizazz. Though not all makeup is sparkly and colourful...it is nice to have those items on hand. Certain days just call for fun. (And I believe that makeup should be fun more often than not.) The Heaven's Dew All Over Glimmer from Stila certainly falls into the fun category. It is versatile, exciting, and a wonderful way to add a little extra pop to any look. Keep reading for all the details.

nail polish review: sally hansen good. kind. pure. lasting color

There were several weeks where my nails were bare. This is not the norm, because I love to have my nails painted. However, life became more complicated and full, so my nails became less important. Now that things are starting to straighten out a bit, it seemed like a good time to paint my nails a nice springtime blue. The shade Blue Moonstone from the Good. Kind. Pure. line from Sally Hansen seemed like the appropriate choice. The bright colour instantly caught my eye. Find out how it performs...

current obsession: kylie cosmetics lip kit in exposed

There are all sorts of lipsticks and lip products in my collection. Some of those products are bold (like black lipstick, bright purple, and even blue) while others are more suited to everyday looks. Out of all the lip products that are available to me, the products that I reach for most come from Winky Lux and Kylie Cosmetics. With the Winky Lux items, it is the fact that the pH lip balms provide colour and hydration without maintenance. With Kylie Cosmetics, it is the fact that the colours are warm and beautiful...and the products stay put. Low maintenance makeup is always my favourite. Worrying about products moving, flaking, or shifting is not my idea of a good time. I want makeup that stays where I applied it. That is the reason another Kylie Cosmetics Lip Kit has been added to my collection. These lip kits are an example of low maintenance products that work.

keys soulcare (truly becoming multi-benefit peptide serum)

It is always nice when loved ones pass beauty items my way. Several people I know have beauty box subscriptions. When there are products inside that they aren't interested in or think that I might like...they tend to gift them to me to use and review. It was a few months back that the Keys Soulcare Firm Belief Smoothing Peptide Cream was reviewed here on the creation of beauty is art. I loved the product but not the price. So, it was a real thrill to have the opportunity to put another item from the brand to the test. Keep reading for a review of the Truly Becoming Multi-Benefit Peptide Serum from Keys Soulcare.

spring #FOTD: nicole miller (rosy pinks and golden nudes)

Spring is in the air. Well…sort of. The weather has been a bit all over the place. Snow one day, rain the next, and a bit of sunshine scattered throughout. Despite the inconsistent weather conditions, the calendar claims the spring season is underway, so some of my more recent makeup looks have been seasonally inspired. I often associate springtime with soft pastel colours. That is the reason the Rosy Pinks and Golden Nudes Eyeshadow Palette from Nicole Miller has come in handy lately. It was gifted to me by a loved one around Valentine’s Day, but the butterfly design on the front and the assortment of pastel colours inside let me know that this product should be put to the test once the spring season arrived. Now that time has finally come. Keep reading for a look inside and a full review of the Rosy Pinks and Golden Nudes Eyeshadow Palette.

review: golden ticket eyeshadow palette (revolution)

Confession: I have been waiting to post about this eyeshadow palette for quite some time. For whatever reason, the 1971 movie, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, has always been an Easter staple for me. Maybe it has to do with all of the candy and chocolate...but it is something that I watch on and around Easter every single year. There are other Easter movies that I like to watch (like Easter Egg Mornin' and Peter Cottontail) but it just would not be Easter without a little Willy Wonka. The Golden Ticket Eyeshadow Palette from Revolution was found many months back at Marshalls for about $10 CDN. Given the theme, the affordable price, and the positive experiences I have had with Revolution products in the past, it was a must. 

took everything i loved and crushed it in between your fingers.

I came across a blog post recently that bothered me. Several days later, it is still on my mind. For politeness reasons, I will not link to the post, but it was about a young actress who has been the target of an online hate campaign for some time now. This actress has been relentlessly criticized for using her voice. The blog post in question stated that this actress should shut up and smile. Be grateful. Be more feminine. Be sweet. It also compared her directly to another actress. One was positioned as "bad" and the other as "good." Quite frankly, the whole thing made my skin crawl. It is painful when women choose to participate in gendered smear campaigns and attempt to force rigid standards of femininity onto others. Given that this disappointing blog post stirred something up in me, it seemed only appropriate to dedicate my own post to some thoughts that I have about expectations and comparisons. Maybe this post will help me process the frustration that I feel after witnessing such casual cruelty. On the other hand, maybe it won't. But at least I can feel better knowing that I did not shut up and smile. 

testing out quo beauty products (eyeshadow, blush, and lip oil)

A lot has changed in the last several months. There have been tariffs and outright threats to the country that I live in thanks to certain politicians across the border. It has changed some things for me. Though there are fair few beauty products that I have purchased already (and will be reviewing over the next little while here on the creation of beauty is art.) my future purchases are likely to look a little bit different. Or slow down altogether. With the Buy Canadian movement underway as a response to the threats made, it seemed like an appropriate time to highlight some products from a Canadian brand: Quo Beauty.

my new portable cd player + current music favourites

My first portable CD player was silver. I loved it dearly and used it all the time. It was only replaced when anti-skip technology came out. Suddenly, it was possible to listen to CDs on-the-go without them skipping. What a thrill! I still have my second portable CD player, though it doesn't work anymore. I feel very nostalgic about it, so that is one piece of old technology that it is difficult to part with. More recently, I asked my husband about a CD player for the shower (I used to have one of those, too. Am I completing dating myself with this post?) since I don't like to stream music. He couldn't find one, but found something even better: a new and improved portable CD player with built in speakers. It was an instant love and it has been keeping me company ever since. Keep reading to take a closer look at the CD player and some of the CDs that I am loving lately. 

pros and cons: microdelivery exfoliating facial wash (philosophy)

My skin has definitely been struggling lately. With the weather being so inconsistent, it seems that my skin is confused. Though it is normally on the dry side...it seems especially parched these days. Since I had a sample version of the Microdelivery Exfoliating Daily Facial Wash from Philosophy, it made sense to put it to the test. Keep reading for some pros and cons. 

#FOTD and revisited review: twilight themed makeup items

The weather has been all over the place lately. Cold, warm, and then cold again. There was snow followed by rain and then all sorts of scattered showers. So much for spring flowers and sunshine! Maybe it is the grey skies and rainy days that have been pulling me towards the colours in the Twilight Eyeshadow Palette from ColourPop. This palette - and all of the items from the Twilight collection - were generously gifted to me by a close friend back in the fall. (Take a peek at the full Twilight inspired collection here.) Since then, it all has been put to good use, but I am especially drawn to certain products from the collection these days. Ready for a #FOTD? A revisited review featuring some of the items used? Keep reading for all the details...

i write only because there is a voice within me that will not be stilled.

Writing is one of my oldest friends. It has been there during all sorts of ups and downs. It is a place where I can work through my feelings, find comfort, and feel less alone. I remember when I was younger, there were all sorts of binders and notebooks filled with my endless scribbles. Some days, my hands could not seem to write fast enough. I miss that feeling. Though writing is still a beloved companion, the words don't always flow as easily as they used to. Somewhere along the line, I became hypercritical of my work, of my words, and of myself. What I wrote never seemed good enough. I started to write self-consciously. Timid. Afraid. Small. the creation of beauty is art. has become a place where I can push past that fear and write with more ease. As for my other creative pursuits, like books and short stories and poetry, that is a little more hit and miss. 

does it work?? laneige bouncy and firm sleeping mask

It is nice to test out different skin care items every now and again. Especially from a brand that I have enjoyed in the past. Laneige is a brand that I am fairly familiar with, thanks to the amazing Lip Sleeping Mask. Recently, I was able to put a sample sized version of the Bouncy and Firm Sleeping Mask to the test. Does it work?? Keep reading to find out...

review: ultimate neons (pretty pink shadow palette)

When life feels dark and gloomy...colour is a must. As mentioned in previous posts, there have been some health issues with a loved one recently and my life has been upside down ever since. I am worn thin. It feels like I am losing little bits and pieces of myself. Thank goodness there is makeup to infuse colour, hope, and joy into my days. A little while back, the Ultimate Neons Shadow Palette from Revolution caught my eye. I instantly liked the combination of colours. The Pretty Pink palette reminded me of a Lizzie McGuire episode in the best possible way. It felt nostalgic and fun. Colourful and creative. With life seeming so unpredictable lately, nostalgia is in high demand. No wonder this is the eyeshadow palette that I have been reaching for lately. Find out how the Ultimate Neons Shadow Palette from Revolution performs and check out a recent makeup look. 

theme week: the breakfast club x physicians formula (eyeshadow)

Don't you forget about me....don't, don't, don't, don't. As this theme week dedicated to The Breakfast Club x Physicians Formula collection comes to a close, it seems like an appropriate time to mention the iconic song from Simple Minds that is forever associated with the movie. There is an awful lot to love about The Breakfast Club. Soundtrack included! Now back to the beauty products. Ready to find out how the Being Bad Feels Pretty Good Eyeshadow Palette performs? Keep reading...

theme week: the breakfast club x physicians formula (face palettes)

There are an awful lot of products in The Breakfast Club x Physicians Formula collection. Mascara, lipstick, eyeshadow, and two different face palettes. Spoiler alert: the face palettes are the clear standouts. In the past, there have been a handful of products from Physicians Formula that I have loved, including the Butter Collection. I was impressed with the bronzer, blush, and highlight included in that set...and the same is true this time around. Ready to take a look inside the Saturday Detention Face Palette Volume 1 and Volume 2? Keep reading for a review of each face palette and a recent makeup look.

theme week: the breakfast club x physicians formula (mini reviews)

"You see us as you want to see us - in the simplest terms. In the most convenient definitions." Though I can't remember the first time that I watched The Breakfast Club, I have many memories of watching it over the years. It used to play on television just about every weekend when I was a teenager, so plenty of my Sunday afternoons were spent learning from Claire, Bender, Brian, Allison, and Andy. It has long been one of my favourite movies, as so many John Hughes films seem to be. When my mom and I had a belated Valentine's Day celebration together, she gifted me a Physicians Formula set themed around The Breakfast Club. That visit was the last time things felt normal, so this theme week is a little bittersweet. Bitter, because so much has changed since that day. Sweet, because I recognize how lucky I am to have had lots of special celebrations with my family over the years. Despite the fact that there are still a lot of unknowns at the moment, my intention is to make sure the posts this week are full of love and nostalgia. The first post in this theme week is dedicated to the collection and a few mini reviews. In the days to come, there will be even more makeup reviews and makeup looks highlighting the different products.

fun spring fashion trends for 2025.

The spring season is often associated with soft pastel colours. This year? The spring fashion trends are a little bit different. From dark romance to exaggerated accessories, there is a lot that makes the latest trends stand out compared to years past. Though it is hard to believe spring is officially here...we are starting to dip our toes into the months most often associated with sunshine and flowers. On that note, it is time to get inspired. Here are some fun spring fashion trends for 2025. 

review and reveal: charmed aroma aladdin candle

Though the Charmed Aroma store in my area closed last year, every now and then, someone orders me something from the brand online. For Valentine's Day, a loved one gifted me the Aladdin Genie Lamp Jewelry Candle. It was very exciting to receive because I love candles, jewellery, and Disney movies. It really checked all of the boxes. Ready to learn more about this Aladdin inspired candle? Find out about the candle scent and what was inside? Keep reading for a Charmed Aroma review and reveal.  

look up at the night sky and lose yourself for a while.

2025 started off fairly strong. I was making steady progress on various personal goals (like organizing my computer, backing up photos, working on my book, and exercising consistently) and then life took a turn. Between horrific world leaders, threats to the economy, and a society determined to move backwards, there was already a lot to handle emotionally. Then a loved on started having health issues. The last several weeks have involved hospital visits and an assortment of related tasks, like checking in on the dog, cleaning the house, and making arrangements. Needless to say, 2025 has not been what I hoped it would be. At least, not so far. There are a lot of unknowns right now and that is something that I am really struggling with. I do not deal well with change in general and it seems a ginormous bucket of change has been dumped on my lap. I don't know how to make sense of it. My instinct is to freeze in place and pretend that none of this is real, but it is, and there is so much that needs to be done. I keep moving somehow, despite being overwhelmed, anxious, and desperate to hide under my comforter forever. Normally, this would be a colourful post in honour of St. Patrick's Day. There would be lots of green and gold. Unfortunately, this is not that kind of post. Truth be told, I am still trying to sort out how I feel. I am stilling trying to wrap my head around what comes next. While I do that...here are some photos and quotes that have been inspiring me lately. 

#FOTD feat. nyx machinist shadow palette (steam)

Cool toned eyeshadows make my heart happy. Even though I adore warm colours (especially once the summer season rolls around) it is cool toned beauty products that have been really making me smile. That is the reason the NYX Machinist Shadow Palette in Steam has been a standout recently. There are so many cool colours to choose from. Pun intended! Ready to take a look inside? Check out a recent #FOTD? Here is everything you need to know about this steampunk themed release.

what i've been watching lately (movies and television shows)

What have you been watching lately? Though spring is right around the corner, the weather remains wet and cool. That makes it extra enticing to stay inside and unwind with a good movie or show. There is nothing better than an clear schedule, a warm blanket, and some entertainment. On that note, here are some of the things that I have been watching lately.

review: kylie cosmetics (wisp lash mascara)

Over the years, many mascaras have been put to the test and reviewed on the creation of beauty is art. My all-time favourite was The Super Sizer from Cover Girl, but it doesn't seem to be available in stores and says "Out of Stock" on the Cover Girl website. I assume it has been discontinued, because whenever I find an essential beauty item, it seems to be reformulated or discontinued. Sigh! There have been a few mascaras that have impressed since, but none as much as The Super Sizer. Recently, I was able to put the Wisp Lash Mascara from Kylie Cosmetics to the test. Curious? Keep reading for a full review...

inspired by: jane fonda

In recent months, I have thought a lot about what I do not want in my life anymore. For example, what no longer serves me, what I want to avoid, and what makes life harder. However, I realized the other day that it is equally important to think about what I do want in my life. Jane Fonda falls into the latter category. I have been a fan of hers for many years, thanks to her film career, workout videos, books, and remarkable advocacy work. She has never shied away from using her voice and standing up for what she believes in. If only there were more people like Jane in this world! She has truly made it a better place. In an effort to prioritize what is meaningful, an inspiration post was the obvious choice. Here is a little Jane Fonda fabulousness....

urban decay all nighter setting spray (rediscovered review)

Is it possible to have beauty product nostalgia? If it is, then the Urban Decay All Nighter Long Lasting Makeup Setting Spray falls into that category for me. I have so many memories from my younger years that include this setting spray. Like taking a trip to Las Vegas with my best friend at the time where we spent lots of time in the Sephora store testing out all sorts of products. Or setting my makeup for a night out with friends. Ahh...the olden days. As the years passed, different setting sprays came and went. Some were effective and others were not. It was a thrill to receive a mini version of the Urban Decay spray in the Back to School Beauty Bundle several months back. I have been getting reacquainted with this old favourite ever since. 

current favourite scents (perfumes and body mists)

Truth be told, life has felt a little dark lately. In fact, the whole world has felt a little dark lately. World events, election results, and an uncertain future that stretches out in front of us all...it is a lot to take in. Some days, my solution is to bury my head in the sand and re-watch comfort shows in bed. Other days, my brain is in overdrive, trying to plan and organize and push back wherever possible. I seem to sway between the two extremes over and over again. It is exhausting. I am exhausted. It is hard to hold onto hope in such a broken society. Despite the difficulty, I am still trying. I am doing what I can to focus on gratitude. I am holding my loved ones a little tighter. And I am using scents to calm my anxious mind. On that note, here are my current favourite scents. Some are perfumes and some are body mists, but each one makes this dark world a little more beautiful.  

#FOTD: NYX ultimate shadow palette (warm neutrals)

Makeup reflects words unspoken. It has meaning. I initially fell in love with makeup, because it was somehow able to say all of the things I could not speak aloud. These days, makeup continues to be a form of self expression. The colours, finishes, and products that I choose on any given day are intentional. Recently, it was the NYX Ultimate Shadow Palette in Warm Neutrals that was the right choice. There were some dark and dramatic neutrals calling my name. Ready to take a closer look at this neutral eyeshadow palette from NYX and a recent #FOTD? Keep reading for a mini review and makeup look.

this or that? books edition TAG

Reading is my reward at the end of the day. It is a way to unwind and learn more. I have always loved to read and often wish that I had more time to do so. That is why my reading goal each year is to finish at least 20 fiction and 20 non-fiction books. It is important that I make the time to read whenever possible. So far this year, some steady progress has been made towards that reading goal. At the moment, I am reading a couple of non-fiction books, including Mommie Dearest by Christina Crawford and What If You Are The Answer? by Rachel Hollis. For a little bit of light reading, there are some cozy mystery novels on my bedside table as well. Last month, the amazing blog, Yasmina Rosa Wölkchen, shared the This or That? Books Edition TAG. I knew immediately that it was something I wanted to post here as well. Keep reading for all of the book related questions.

too faced: hangover replenishing face primer (review)

It was several months back that the Back to School Beauty Bundle was posted here on the creation of beauty is art. The mini backpack included all sorts of makeup and skin care items...and even a mini Ariana Grande perfume! Over the last little while, these beauty products have been put to the test. That means it is time to start sharing some reviews. This one is dedicated to the Hangover Replenishing Face Primer from Too Faced. This is a brand that I am very familiar with. I have tried all sorts of products from Too Faced over the years and tend to like their cute themes and colours. That being said, this face primer was new to me. Find out how it performs and if a full-sized version will be added to my Sephora cart in the future.

review: my little pony themed makeup (lost in the clouds palette)

Themed beauty releases will always be my weakness. Especially ones that are nostalgic. It was several months back that I saw the My Little Pony inspired Lost in the Clouds Shadow and Face Palette from Beauty Creations. Since then, it has been used over and over again. Curious about the colour story? Keep reading for a full review and two different makeup looks.

does it work?? mini fingers make-up puff and carrying case set

Every now and then, there is a makeup tool that intrigues me. One example is the Mini Fingers Make-Up Puff and Carrying Case Set from Danielle Creations. Though this is not a brand that I had heard of previously, this little set was available at Winners. It caught my eye because of the interesting concept and affordable price. As you can see, the set comes with a little clear carrying case and all sorts of mini makeup puffs in a variety of colours. So...does it work?? Keep reading for all the details.