the creation of beauty is art.

toys r us and hmv closing sale haul.

noreply@blogger.com (the creation of beauty is art.) — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 15:00:00 +0000

All good things must come to an end. With more and more Toys 'R' Us locations closing down in Canada, it was only a matter of time before the one nearest to me shut down as well. After hearing about the closure, my husband and I went to see what might remain. Inside of each Toys 'R' Us location is a smaller HMV section with all sorts of music and memorabilia. That was my primary focus. In the past, we have found some records for our collection there, so it made sense to see if there was anything of interest. Thankfully, we were able to find a few items for a steep discount. Most things were 60% off, but there was a Goosebumps hoodie (not pictured) that I found for 80% off. Here is a closer look at this discount entertainment haul.

There were a lot of records available still in the HMV section when we visited the Toys 'R' Us store. At 60% off, it made sense to add a few to our collection. My husband chose some for himself and then I found a handful of records as well. Demi Lovato, Selena Gomez, Shania Twain, and Avril Lavigne. I have really enjoyed having Revamped from Demi Lovato in my collection. These are rock inspired versions of her biggest hits. Since I love rock-pop Demi best, it was nice to hear so many favourites in a fresh new way. There were other records that I would have loved to add to the collection as well, but choices had to be made, because even at 60% off, the cost of these new presses can really add up. I tried to focus on some musical favourites.

There was a coffee table book dedicated to the Carpenters for a fraction of the price, and as a fan of Karen and Richard, it was nice to be able to add this book to my shopping cart. I look forward to reading it and learning even more about this memorable group. There were also a couple of DVDs that I found, including Happy Death Day (perfect for the spooky season) and an Elf on the Shelf themed Christmas DVD. Though there were a lot of CDs left in the HMV section, there weren't any that really stood out to me except for one from Craig David. This was missing from my collection, so it was nice to be able to find it for less.

As a physical media lover, it was bittersweet to find so many wonderful things at HMV. Sweet, because all of these records, books, DVDs, and CDs will be used and cherished. Bitter, because it means the end of Toys 'R' Us and HMV in my area.

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Do you have a record collection? Are you someone who enjoys collecting physical media?

shop my stash: super simple vintage inspired makeup look

noreply@blogger.com (the creation of beauty is art.) — Mon, 07 Sep 2026 15:00:00 +0000

There are certain makeup looks that I return to whenever I am short on time. In those instances, there are specific eyeshadow palettes that I reach for as well as a handful of other tried and true products. Recently, there was a need to get ready fairly quickly, but I didn't want to do the same old thing. I was looking for something a little more impactful. In the end, it was a super simple vintage inspired makeup look that was created. The eye makeup was fairly straightforward but there was a bold red lipstick chosen to add a little extra oomph. This shop my stash post is dedicated to an easy retro makeup look.

To create this vintage inspired look, there were a handful of different products used, including the Ozian Forest Eyeshadow Palette from r.e.m. beauty. This is an eyeshadow palette that I have used many times at this point. I absolutely adore the combination of matte and shimmer shades. There are so many exciting possibilities. This time around, it was the neutral matte shades that were used instead of the ones that I normally reach for, like the shimmery greens. In addition to the r.e.m. beauty eyeshadow palette, the other products used include: 24 Hrs Glam Intense Mascara from Lise Watier, Tattoo Studio Gel Pot Liner from Maybelline, Blush Bomb in Cute Pink from Revolution, and the Butter Lipstick in Firecracker from NYX.

As mentioned, the eye makeup was fairly simple, and used the matte beige, Confusifying, the matte tan, Witching Hour, and the medium matte brown, The Grimmerie. Though most of my makeup looks are eyeshadow heavy, this was much subtler and was a definite change of pace. To create some classic winged liner, it was the Gel Pot Liner from Maybelline that was applied using a small brush. On the cheeks was one of the standouts from the Revolution advent calendar that I opened during the holiday season. The liquid blush is in the shade Cute Pink and it adds a really beautiful glow to the skin. To finish off this simple vintage inspired makeup look, the lipstick shade Firecracker from NYX was selected. Red lipstick is always bold and dramatic, but is not something that I reach for on a regular basis. I tend to prefer brown and purple lipsticks, for whatever reason, but this vintage inspired looked called for red and Firecracker was the ideal shade. It added drama to an otherwise simple look.

Simple and straightforward does not have to mean dull. The red lipstick added a nice pop of colour to this makeup look, creating an end result that was colourful and vintage inspired. It was nice to shop my stash for some standout products.

This content is from the-creationofbeauty.blogspot.com. If it is posted elsewhere, it has been stolen.

What kind of makeup looks do you create when you are short on time? What products have you been reaching for lately?

current obsession: pumpkin bonfire candle (bath and body works)

noreply@blogger.com (the creation of beauty is art.) — Fri, 04 Sep 2026 15:00:00 +0000

Thank goodness the fall season is officially on the way, because I am already burning fall inspired candles. From the iconic Pumpkin Pecan Waffles to an assortment of pumpkin and vanilla themed creations, my home consistently smells amazing - and seasonal. The most recent addition is Pumpkin Bonfire from Bath & Body Works, which has become a full blown obsession.

First thing is first. How adorable is the candle design? Though this comes in a standard glass container with three wicks, there is a beautiful illustration wrapped around the container. It has a raised texture and there is a water colour style art piece with pumpkins, a fire, and a cute pumpkin patch sign. I love that there is purple incorporated into the artwork, label, and candle lid. Everything about the design is beautiful and comforting. As for the scent itself? This is easily one of the best from the brand.

According to the brand, Pumpkin Bonfire is described as: "A crisp autumn night by the fire. Creamy harvest gourd meets warm baking spice and richly charred smoky woods." It has notes of white pumpkin, a bundle of clove buds, and glowing embers. Essentially, this smells a lot like my all-time favourite, Marshmallow Fireside, but it has pumpkin added to the mix. It is a fall version of that classic winter favourite. It has a strong pumpkin scent and that is mixed with a strong bonfire scent. The combination is perfection. I love pumpkin scented candles in general and love candles with a bonfire kind of scent as well. The fact that Pumpkin Bonfire exists makes me so happy. It is the ideal fall candle and I can only hope it will return year after year.

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Do you tend to enjoy fall themed scents like Pumpkin Bonfire? What candles will you be burning this season?

september days are here.

noreply@blogger.com (the creation of beauty is art.) — Wed, 02 Sep 2026 15:00:00 +0000

The month of September often feels like a sigh of relief. The scorching summer temperatures will soon be in the rearview mirror and fall decor items will be pulled out of overloaded storage containers. There is something so comforting about this time of year. The "ber" months (September, October, November, and December) are my favourites, because there are fallen leaves, cozy sweaters, and holidays to look forward to. To celebrate the start of a new month, here are tag questions dedicated to this wonderful time of year. Be sure to leave your own answers in the comment section. It is time to welcome September!

Sometimes, it is nice to take a moment and think about what makes this time of year so special. It is meaningful to pause, reflect, and look forward with joyful anticipation. On that note, here are some fall themed tag questions. Again, feel free to leave your answers below or take a few minutes to think about how you would answer. This is the perfect time to reflect.

What lets you know that the fall season has started? Though the fall season officially begins on September 22nd, it is on the first day of September that the fall feeling takes over. The first "ber" month represents an exciting and enjoyable change. So, even though the leaves haven't started to turn red, orange, or yellow, that fall feeling starts for me the moment September arrives. I can't wait to see pumpkin spice everything start to hit the store shelves.
What do you like and dislike about this time of year? I love fall fashion, warm fall inspired scents, seasonal food and drinks, the cooler temperatures, and that safe, cozy feeling that often accompanies this time of year. There isn't anything I can think of that would make me dislike this time of year. Fall is the time when I truly come alive.
Share your favourite fall memory. There are so many lovely fall memories to choose from! My birthday is in the fall, so there tend to be positive memories associated with this time of year in general, but I also really love being able to enjoy fun seasonal activities. A few years back, my husband and I went to Pumpkinferno, which was a nighttime walkthrough with tons of carved pumpkins. It was such a neat experience. Definitely a highlight!
Do you have a favourite fall scent? I love pumpkin scented items. Usually, during the fall and winter season, I stock up on products from Bath & Body Works, because I tend to prefer the warmer seasonal scents to the brighter spring and summer scents. Pumpkin, vanilla, amber, and bonfire inspired candles and essential oils are favourites.
What do you like to wear during the "ber" months? Oh, how I adore fall fashion. I love all of the plaid, the rich and warm colours, the chunky sweaters, the boots, and everything in between. Though my style has certainly changed over the years, it is during the fall season that I feel most like me. I love pairing a cute t-shirt with a knitted sweater and a pair of jeans. There is a more casual approach to fashion during the fall season, which might be the reason it feels right for me, but I love that it is possible to pair cozier pieces with more glamorous accessories.
Favourite September themed quote? There are so many wonderful quotes about this month. "September! I never tire of turning it over and over in my mind. It has warmth, depth, and color. It glows like old amber."

This content is from the-creationofbeauty.blogspot.com. If it is posted elsewhere, it has been stolen.

Are you excited that the fall season is on the horizon now that September has arrived? Do you like the "ber" months?

end of summer theme park visit: canada's wonderland

noreply@blogger.com (the creation of beauty is art.) — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 15:00:00 +0000

Somehow, it is the last day of August and the fall season is on the horizon. Before the start of a new month (and a new season) it seemed only right to highlight a recent summer experience. My brother and I visited Canada's Wonderland a few weeks back to check out some of the newer rides that have been added to the beloved theme park. In truth, I think Canada's Wonderland will always be a nostalgic place for me. So many wonderful family memories were created in that park. It was nice to be able to visit once more and create a handful of new memories. The day we visited was scorching hot, but we spent hour after hour riding rollercoasters and enjoying all of the theme park ambiance. Here are some of the highlights from that experience.

The last time we visited Canada's Wonderland was back in 2024 (which you can read about here) and my brother and I paid a little bit extra to skip the lines on certain rides. Since we do not visit the theme park often, this made sense for us, because it allowed us to enjoy a lot of different rides in a relatively short amount of time. We chose to do the same this time around and it was definitely worthwhile, especially since it was a very busy day at Canada's Wonderland. We intended to ride the newer AlpenFury coaster right away, since that was one of the reasons for our visit, but it was not working first thing in the morning. It actually was not working at several different times of the day. Thankfully, we were able to ride it twice throughout the day. I was worried that the ride would be too intense for me, since there are several rollercoasters at the park that I am too afraid to be on, but it was so much fun. I loved that this was a launch coaster that offered lots of twists and turns. It was incredible!

In addition to riding the AlpenFury rollercoaster, we went on The Bat, Vortex, DareDeviler, Mighty Canadian Minebuster, Backlot Stunt Coaster, Thunder Run, Dragon Fyre, Wilde Beast, Timberwolf Falls, and Shockwave. My brother went on some additional rides that were too scary for me, like Behemoth, Leviathan, and Yukon Striker. Truth be told, the Shockwave ride (which is a ride that spins you around and around) left me feeling queasy and we had to sit down for a bit before feeling normal again. We also watched the Victoria Falls High Divers and Watchtower shows, ate a fair amount of theme park food, and browsed the various stores at Canada's Wonderland. I was also able to meet some Peanuts characters, like Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and Pig-Pen. It was an action packed day. There were a few other rides it would've been nice to enjoy, like the Ghoster Coaster (my first ever rollercoaster and therefore very nostalgic), but there were only so many hours in the day.

As mentioned, there was some browsing of the Canada's Wonderland stores during the visit. There was a really nice retro inspired collection, since the park first opened in 1981, but in the end, it was all of the cuteness that won me over. There were lots of adorable Peanuts themed items to choose from. I almost bought a Pig-Pen plush with yarn hair, but quickly fell in love with a pink Belle shirt and Belle plush. These were wonderful souvenirs to commemorate a fun summer experience at Canada's Wonderland with my brother. Thank goodness for theme parks. They always make the world seem a little bit brighter.

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Have you been making the most of the summer season? What seasonal activities have you been enjoying lately?

new in: katseye wild ep (vinyl, wild world, and megan version)

noreply@blogger.com (the creation of beauty is art.) — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 15:00:00 +0000

There are three different versions of the new KATSEYE album, Wild, in my possession. An autographed vinyl version and a member version of the album were pre-ordered around four months back. I was so excited about the release of new music that I purchased the items without fully knowing what I would be receiving. The cover art had not been released and details were scarce. I assumed the member version of the album would come with a photobook, similar to the Soft is Strong and Beautiful Chaos releases. When my pre-ordered items arrived, it was all very exciting, but I was disappointed that the member version of the album was so small. That is how the Wild World version was also added to my music collection. It came with a photobook and all sorts of other extras. Do I have too many versions of the new EP? Probably. But I have loved listening to the album and looking through all of the Wild inspired items. On that note, here is a closer look at my recent KATSEYE purchases.

Wild: Autographed Vinyl Version. Even though this is an EP with a mere five songs, the idea of adding KATSEYE to my record collection was far too tempting. The autographed art card that came with the vinyl version made it an immediate "add to cart" moment during the pre-order process. I love having autographs from artists that mean something to me, but am unlikely to ever meet the band. This definitely checked the boxes. The vinyl version has different cover art and this particular version came with a lavender coloured record. There were also two random photocards. I found Megan and Lara in mine, so that was definitely nice. The autographed vinyl version of the album was a nice splurge. I love the lavender coloured record, the inclusion of the photocards, the artwork, and the autograph. As for the music on the EP? Amazing. Every song is incredible. I love Pinky Up and Hootie Frutti so much and am also obsessed with Bel Air and That Way. There is a bonus track on one version released in the US, but sadly, it is not on any of the versions that I own. Hopefully I will be able to track down the song!

Wild: Megan Version. The second version of Wild is the member version that was pre-ordered. There was a different version released for each member of KATSEYE and I chose to add the Megan version to my shopping cart. Though all of the members of KATSEYE are incredibly talented, my favourite is Megan. She has such a cool tone to her voice and is an amazing dancer. I also love how open she has been about her mental health. Megan is so talented and seems like a really solid role model for young women. The Megan version of Wild came with a CD copy of the album, a smaller photobook with lots of photographs and an interview with Megan, a paper mask, stickers, photocards, and a mini poster. It's a really nice set and all of the extras are a lot of fun. It was simply much smaller than anticipated. I found myself wanting a more traditional version of the album as well, which is how the Wild World version came to be added to my collection. One fun detail about the Megan version? The CD itself has a different design - one that is specific to Megan. I like that there was a lot of thought put into the album release.

Wild: Wild World Version. Last in this KATSEYE music haul is the Wild World version of the new EP. This came with the more traditional photobook, which included lots of pictures of the entire group, a CD, stickers, photocards, information sheets, and a button. There was a group photocard included from the Pinky Up music video and a photocard of Sophia. The Wild button is already securely fastened to my purse, so I will be showing off my Eyekon status everywhere from now on. Something that I really love about KATSEYE releases? It feels like an experience. From the amazing songs to the photobooks, the cards, stickers, and all of the other extras...there is a memorable moment created. It has been so much fun listening to the songs on Wild and looking through all of the bonus items. Between the autographed vinyl, Megan version, and Wild World version, I am all set.

This content is from the-creationofbeauty.blogspot.com. If it is posted elsewhere, it has been stolen.

Are you a fan of KATSEYE? What music have you been listening to lately?

hilary duff concert look and mini concert review

noreply@blogger.com (the creation of beauty is art.) — Wed, 26 Aug 2026 15:00:00 +0000

Hilary Duff is back. The iconic Disney Channel star released her latest album, Luck...or Something earlier in the year and announced The Lucky Me Tour around the same time. As a longtime Hilary Duff fan, it was all very exciting. I purchased a downloadable version of the album for the bonus content, purchased the CD version of the album, and purchased a vinyl version of the album in quick succession. I also bought tickets to one of her concert dates. Let me just say that my inner child has been thriving with the return of this incredible artist. This post is all about my Hilary Duff concert look, including the outfit, hair, accessories, and makeup. There will also be a mini concert review. Hey now, hey now, this is what dreams are made of...

Everything about this concert look was centered around nostalgia. Though I have all sorts of old school Hilary items in my collection, like dolls and backpacks, there was uncertainty about what to wear to the show. My husband found this amazing Lizzie McGuire t-shirt online and ordered it for me so I would have something special to wear. Fans of the character will remember the line, "Lizzie McGuire, you are an outfit repeater!" I love how whimsical and nostalgic the shirt is. I tried to choose items that would work well with that shirt, so there were 2000s style floral earrings chosen from my collection and some hair clips to mimic one of the Lizzie McGuire hairstyles from the television show. I painted my nails bright pink, wore a choker necklace, and added the Lizzie McGuire themed blush to my makeup look. Everything was colourful and fun.

The concert makeup look was pink, glittery, and nostalgic. I used a matte white eyeshadow on the inner section of the eyelid and then applied a bright pink matte eyeshadow to the remainder. Then there was a pink and golden glitter applied over top of it all for a little extra pop. The Lizzie McGuire themed blush from ColourPop was applied to the cheeks and then the Amethyst Balm from Winky Lux was the finishing touch. For the hair, though I had selected cute and colourful floral hair clips, these weren't quite bold enough to create the look that I wanted, so there was a last minute switch made to butterfly clips. I was in good company at the concert, because just about everyone seemed to be sporting butterfly clips, chokers, and glitter.

So...how was the concert? Amazing. It was the best concert I have ever attended. The setlist was incredible and there was a nice mixture of songs from her discography. It was wonderful to hear the newer songs as well as some of the old favourites. (Some highlights included: Wake Up, Roommates, Future Tripping, Fly, The Math, and What Dreams Are Made Of. But honestly, every song was a highlight. It was so much fun.) Hilary had amazing costumes and seemed genuinely thrilled to have the opportunity to perform. It was so refreshing! She encouraged the audience to chase their dreams, brought two young fans on stage to perform the With Love dance, and made sure everyone in the audience felt seen and understood. There is a reason Hilary Duff remains so beloved. Truth be told, I wish that I could relive that night one more time. It was an incredible concert.

This content is from the-creationofbeauty.blogspot.com. If it is posted elsewhere, it has been stolen.

Have you attended any concerts this summer? Are you a fan of Hilary Duff?

four things i have been reading, listening to, and watching lately

noreply@blogger.com (the creation of beauty is art.) — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 15:00:00 +0000

It is hard to believe that August is almost over. This summer has certainly been an interesting one. There have been some ups, some downs, and some memorable moments mixed in as well. In between those memorable moments, music, television, and books have been keeping me entertained. Here are some of the things I have been reading, listening to, and watching lately.

Whether life is busy, slow, or somewhere in between, it seems there are always too many things to read, watch, and listen to. I love all sorts of entertainment and these are some of the things that have been adding joy to my days more recently.

Murder, She Wrote Episodes. It should come as no surprise that Murder She Wrote is on this list. It is such a comfort show for me. Jessica Fletcher remains a television icon, even thirty years after the final episode aired on television. My husband recently found me a portable DVD player, because I wanted to be able to watch some of my DVDs while I did various household tasks. As a treat while I put away laundry, clean the kitchen, or tackle an organizational task, there is an episode (or two) of Murder, She Wrote waiting for me. I decided to start over from the very beginning. The episodes are compelling, and even after all these years, I am in awe of one of the strongest television characters of all time. Who knew that mysteries could make troublesome tasks so much better?
Petal CD from Ariana Grande. The new Ariana Grande album, Petal, was released at the end of July and is has been in heavy rotation ever since. In my opinion, this is one of her strongest albums, with songs that are vulnerable, impactful, and a little bit dark. Some of my favourite songs include Stay, Kiss Me, and Petal. Admittedly, I also enjoy the horror-esque themes of her recent music videos as well as the black and white photography for the album.
Murder at Cinnamon Falls by R.L. Killmore. This book was featured in a previous post about a summer and summerween themed reading list. At that time, I was midway through the book, but had a positive impression based on what I had read. Now that I have finished the book, I am definitely considering myself a fan of the author. I love that the story had depth and emotion. It was also a complex and compelling murder mystery. Thankfully, it seems another book will be released by the author next year, so there is certainly something to look forward to.
Elle Television Show. As mentioned in a recent post, the Legally Blonde prequel series, Elle, was quickly added to my watch list. Since the movie is one of my all time favourites, there was excitement about a series that explored the world of Elle Woods in her high school years. Though I read some valid criticisms of the show, it was still something that I found to be an enjoyable and interesting watch. There were good characters, fabulous costumes, and fun nods to future Elle. It was already renewed, so it seems there will be a second season at some point.

This content is from the-creationofbeauty.blogspot.com. If it is posted elsewhere, it has been stolen.

What have you been reading, listening to, and watching lately? Share your recommendations in the comment section!

katseye: wild hearts movie (review and makeup look)

noreply@blogger.com (the creation of beauty is art.) — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 15:00:00 +0000

There is something fun about heading to the movie theater. I have always loved the smell of popcorn, the plushy seats, and the thrill of new movie trailers. This time around, it was the KATSEYE: Wild Hearts movie that brought me to the movies. This documentary had limited screenings last week and I was able to purchase a ticket for the screening in my area on the 12th. It was a documentary with behind the scenes footage and interviews with members of the band ahead of the Wild EP release. Keep reading for a mini review of the movie and a look at the outfit and makeup that I wore to the Wild Hearts screening.

For the Wild Hearts movie screening, it made sense to wear one of my favourite pieces of KATSEYE merchandise, which is a hoodie from Hot Topic with the band logo on the front and a picture of the band on the back. (Even though it is summer, movie theaters always seem to have the air conditioning on full blast, so a hoodie was needed.) Since the band logo on the front of the sweater is red, a decision was made to take inspiration from the latest KATSEYE music video, Animal, which has a lot of red, black, and grey. I chose to wear gold accessories, with a simple pair of gold hoops and a textured gold ring. For the makeup, there were some spooky seasonal favourites selected from my collection, like the Poisoned Forest eyeshadow palette and the Thirsty Vampire contour palette from Wet n Wild. On the lips was one of the Kylie Cosmetics lip colours from the King Kylie line, True Brown K. The idea was to create a look for the KATSEYE: Wild Hearts movie screening that was both casual and dramatic.

As you can see from the photo above, this look was all about embracing my inner Eyekon. The red eyeshadow shades from the Poisoned Forest eyeshadow palette were used and a little bit of black eyeshadow was pulled in from another palette in my collection to make sure the look was ultra dark and dramatic. There was also lots of eyeliner and mascara used to intensify the overall look. It was fun to get creative ahead of the movie. Speaking of the movie, here is a mini review of my experience.

The crowd at the movies was...young. I felt about a million years old, because almost everyone was between the ages of twelve and seventeen. I guess the older fans were less interested in watching a documentary about the band. The crowd was also a little rowdy, as there was a lot of clapping, screaming, and giggling. Again, I felt about a million years old. As for the movie itself, it was something that I found really interesting. Wild Hearts essentially looks at different moments the band has experienced, like filming music videos and performing at noteworthy festivals. There are interviews with each of the current band members and there was a sneak peek into the recording of a new song, Unloveu. It was interesting to see how much goes into the performance rehearsals. The highlight of the documentary was the section dedicated to Megan, who spoke about her struggles with mental health and anxiety. It was refreshing to see something so honest and relatable included in the documentary. The documentary was definitely interesting from a fan perspective, but for those unfamiliar with KATSEYE, it is unlikely to be of much interest. (Which is probably why my husband accidentally took a nap during the movie.) For fans, there is a lot of interesting behind the scenes footage, with Wild Hearts delivering a retrospective of the first few years of the band.

This content is from the-creationofbeauty.blogspot.com. If it is posted elsewhere, it has been stolen.

What is the last movie you saw in the theater? Are there any movies that you are excited to be released?

outfit inspired by the elle television show.

noreply@blogger.com (the creation of beauty is art.) — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 15:00:00 +0000

"Seattle isn't a costume and pink isn't a personality." In the Legally Blonde prequel series, Elle, the beloved character Elle Woods finds herself trying to find her way in a new school and a new city. Though some have criticized the show for feeling like a fan fiction version of the movie, there is a lot to love. There is a stellar cast and there are some seriously fabulous outfits. I am a sucker for a fish out of water story and have a weakness for the kind heart and determination of Elle Woods. Since I have been binge watching all the episodes of Elle recently, pink outfits, accessories, and makeup have been on my mind.

For my fifteen year blog birthday, there were fifteen different posts highlighted. Some were about makeup, some were more personal entries, and some were about fashion. There was a post about an outfit featured in an old Sabrina Carpenter music video. It made me remember when I used to put together little outfit posts inspired by different artists and seasons. That is exactly what led to this Elle Woods inspired outfit. I thought it would be a fun way to celebrate the show and feel inspired.

To create an Elle inspired outfit, the different looks featured on the show were considered. There was a lot of pink (of course) as well as bows, hearts, and fun little details. The heart shaped top with pearl accents screamed prequel Elle, so the rest of the look was based around that. The cute bedazzled shorts looked both expensive and fun, making them ideal for this character. The accessories focused on pink and pearls, just like that adorable heart shaped shirt. The makeup items were classic and well suited to the 1990s television version of Elle Woods. It was a lot of fun to get inspired by this incredible character.

This content is from the-creationofbeauty.blogspot.com. If it is posted elsewhere, it has been stolen.

Are you watching the Legally Blonde prequel series, Elle? What do you think of this Elle Woods inspired outfit?

testing out dollar store makeup items.

noreply@blogger.com (the creation of beauty is art.) — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 15:00:00 +0000

Every now and then, it is interesting to see what makeup products are available at the dollar store. Since the price of everything seems to be steadily increasing, finding beauty items that are decent and affordable will always be a win. With a cost of about $1.50 CDN for each blush and eyeshadow palette, these items from L.A. Colors certainly excelled as far as affordability. As for quality, that was something I was eager to find out. It was time to test some dollar store makeup items.

L.A. Colors Blush in Toast and Berry Plum. I have had a positive experience with a blush from L.A. Colors in the past. Back in 2024, there was a bright pink blush in the shade Sweet Cheeks that wowed. The colour was beautiful and it was nicely pigmented. Recalling that positive experience, it made sense to see if some of the other blush shades from the brand performed well. I chose the shades Toast and Berry Plum. Toast is a warm peachy pink with a bit of shimmer and Berry Plum is a warm berry matte. The packaging is cheap and flimsy, but I appreciate that this comes with a small brush applicator. Even though the packaging is nothing to write home about, the product inside is impressive. These are nicely pigmented and easy to blend. I especially love the Berry Plum colour. I have a feeling it will be worn often once the fall season rolls around.

L.A. Colors Eyeshadow Palette in Lucky. Next is a small eyeshadow palette with six eyeshadow shades. This one is called Lucky, likely because of the green colours, but there were some other options at the dollar store as well. Like the blush packaging, this is fairly flimsy, but I do appreciate the green base and the double sided sponge applicator that is included. There are some hits and misses in this little eyeshadow palette. All three eyeshadows on the top row are beautiful, shimmery, and nicely pigmented. However, the light gold eyeshadow on the bottom row doesn't do too much. It is unfortunately much weaker than the rest. Overall, this is a nice little eyeshadow palette, especially for the price, but there are only shimmer shades. I happen to love all that sparkles and shimmers, but if you are someone who prefers matte eyeshadows, then this will not be something to add to your collection. My favourite eyeshadows from this set are the first two in the top row. There is a beautiful shimmery champagne colour and a rich forest green. It is nice to know it is possible to create a colourful makeup look for less.

All of these dollar store items were used to create the look shown above. The eyeshadows have lots of shimmer and a nice amount of colour. The blushes can be worn alone or together for a more intense look. It is nice to know that impressive beauty products are within reach, even on a budget. Everyone deserves the opportunity to express themselves through makeup if they so choose! Makeup inspires creativity - and these dollar store items ensure that this form of self expression is accessible.

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Have you tried dollar store makeup products before? What do you think of these items from L.A. Colors?

current favourites (music, makeup, and accessories)

noreply@blogger.com (the creation of beauty is art.) — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 15:00:00 +0000

What are your current favourites? Every now and then, certain items seem to be more in demand than others, from makeup to music and everything in between. Lately, I have found myself reaching for specific items over and over again. It made sense to highlight some of those items on the creation of beauty is art. On that note, here are some of my current summer favourites.

Current Favourite Accessories. I have been working hard to beautify my space bit by bit. There is a long list of tasks still to be done, but more recently, the storage for my accessories was totally overhauled. I switched from a smaller organizer to the ALEX drawers from IKEA with storage bins inside in a variety of sizes. This has made it a whole lot easier to sort my accessories and see what I have. This organizing process has allowed me to rediscover old favourites, like the earrings shown above. These were purchased a few years back from a vendor at a seasonal market. The rose gold glitter is so much fun and I love the geometric shape. These earrings are lightweight and really make a statement. Another current favourite is the gold, white, and orange bracelet shown. This is something that my husband gifted me recently. He saw it and thought it would be something I would like - and he was correct. The bracelet is a quick and easy way to add a little pop of colour to a summer outfit.

Current Favourite Makeup. The makeup products in the Essence and Revolution advent calendars have been in heavy rotation. Not only was it fun to open those advent calendars during the holiday season, but using the products inside has been a real treat. There are some standouts, which includes the Revolution blush in Pink Seduction. This is so shimmery and beautiful. It makes the skin look glowy and fresh, which is perfect year round, but especially during the summer season. The next current favourite is the Jelly Cheek Tint from Essence. This comes in a warm berry colour that seems to pair well with all sorts of different makeup looks. It is pigmented, easy to use, and has great longevity. These cheeks products are my summer musts.

Current Favourite Music and Scent. There are a few different albums in rotation right now, but my most listened to CD is "You Seem Pretty Sad For a Girl So In Love" from Olivia Rodrigo. I am such a huge fan of her music and was eagerly awaiting the release of a new album. This is a concept album that follows a relationship from the early stages to the very end. There are songs that are beautiful and hopeful, songs that are conflicted and sad, and songs that focus on what lessons will be carried forward. It is such a powerful album. My favourite songs at the moment are: The Cure, Begged, and Less. Now for the last item on this current favourites list is the Pandora Banshee Flight oil from Main Street Melts Candle Co. This scent is inspired by the Avatar Flight of Passage ride in Walt Disney World. It smells so close to the ride and I absolutely love it. The scent is fresh, bright, and comforting. It is something that I have been reaching for regularly so my home always has a little Disney magic.

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What has been inspiring you lately? Be sure to share your own current favourites in the comment section below!

inspired by: katseye (allure magazine photoshoot)

noreply@blogger.com (the creation of beauty is art.) — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 15:00:00 +0000

The countdown is on. The new KATSEYE album, Wild, will be released in two more days. Their movie, which is being referred to as "a love letter to the Eyekons" hits movie theaters tonight. I cannot wait. Yes, the KATSEYE obsession is still in full swing in my home. I love this band so much. Even though I am not exactly the target demographic, their voices and dancing skills are beyond impressive and won me over instantly. The new album will have five songs, including the iconic Pinky Up, with a bonus track on certain versions. I pre-ordered to the album many months back because I simply could not wait. Though there were several versions to choose from (and it was difficult to know what version to select) it was the autographed vinyl that I chose as well as the member version of Wild (Megan version). Fingers crossed I made the right decisions! I cannot wait to hear the music and receive the album. In the meantime, I will be heading to the movie theater tonight to watch KATSEYE: Wild Hearts.

In honor of all this KATSEYE excitement, it made sense to share an incredible Allure Magazine photoshoot. I love the beauty theme woven throughout and the polka dot lipstick looks. I would love to recreate the polka dot lipstick look at some point in the future, so I am definitely adding that to my makeup to-do list. Without further ado, here are some of my favourite photos.

I love KATSEYE and this Allure photoshoot. The concept is fabulous. I absolutely adore the oversized makeup products that were included, as it makes the photoshoot feels both fun and nostalgic. It all seemed well suited to an inspiration post here on the creation of beauty is art. Fingers crossed these photos inspire you to be creative and express yourself in a bold new way.

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Do you like this beauty inspired photoshoot? Is there any new music that you are looking forward to hearing?

fotd feat. the roaring 20's indulgence eyeshadow palette

noreply@blogger.com (the creation of beauty is art.) — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 15:00:00 +0000

Some eyeshadow palettes are more exciting than others. One example is The Roaring 20's Indulgence Eyeshadow Palette from Rude Cosmetics. This 1920s themed release has a fun design, a consistent theme, and an impressive assortment of eyeshadow colours and finishes. It continues to be used often. Here is a recent #FOTD featuring this memorable eyeshadow palette.

The Roaring 20's Indulgence Eyeshadow Palette was first highlighted on the creation of beauty is art. back in November, but here is a reminder of what the eyeshadow palette has to offer. There are matte and shimmer shades to choose from in a variety of colours. All of the eyeshadow names are well themed to the 1920s (Prohibition and Fringe are excellent examples of this) and there are both neutral and colourful eyeshadows to choose from. The shades Harmony and Gin are easily the most used, because they are extra fabulous, but it is fun to pull in the other shades as well. Here is a recent #FOTD...

For this #FOTD, some of my favourite eyeshadows from the palette were used as well as some of those beautiful neutral shades. West Egg (soft matte coral) was applied all over the lid as a base and then Harmony (warm coral shimmer) was applied to the inner third. There was some Prohibition (matte black) worked through the crease for lots of drama and then the shade Zozzled (matte brown) was used to blend it all out. On the lower lash line, there was Prohibition on the outer portion and Harmony applied to the inner corner. On the cheeks was a warm peach blush from an old blush palette. There was a warm brown lipstick applied to tie it all together. The intention was to create a warm but bold makeup look that really highlighted the shade Harmony from The Roaring 20's Indulgence Eyeshadow Palette. Harmony is such a gorgeous eyeshadow shade!

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What do you think of this #FOTD makeup look? Have you tried this 1920s inspired eyeshadow palette?

four more mini mascara reviews (mascara discovery collection)

noreply@blogger.com (the creation of beauty is art.) — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 15:00:00 +0000

For the last several months, the mini mascaras in the Mascara Discovery Collection have been put to the test. (The mascara reviews for Too Faced, Benefit, Yves Saint Laurent, and Lancôme can be read here.) It is time to review the final four mascaras in the set. This includes the 24 Hrs Glam Intense Mascara from Lise Watier, Wonder Volume XXL from Clarins, Lash Idole Mascara Deluxe from Lancôme, and High Impact Mascara from Clinique. Keep reading to find out how each one performed.

Lise Watier and Lancôme. The 24 Hrs Glam Intense Mascara from Lise Watier was certainly impressive. It was one of my favourites of the eight mascaras that I was able to test out in the Mascara Discovery Collection. This was buildable, did not clump, and offered lots of length and separation. I am normally someone who focuses more on volume than length, but this particular mascara was so impressive in the length department that it won me over completely. The end result was bold, dramatic, and beautiful. The wand was basic, but the animal print design on the tube was a nice little addition. The Lash Idole Mascara Deluxe from Lancôme offered more volume than length. The lashes look really full and dramatic. It has a curved wand that makes application simple and effective - and the end result is really beautiful. This was another winner in the collection.

Clinique and Clarins. The High Impact Mascara from Clinique is one that I have tried in the past. Back then, my experience with the product was meh. The mascara worked decently, but didn't impress. I hoped that my experience would be better this time around, but my experience remained the same. It is a passable mascara, but it doesn't offer much volume, length, or drama. There are much better ones available, in my opinion. As for the last mascara in the set, the Wonder Volume XXL from Clarins, this was another miss. While I enjoy the rich black colour, the mascara itself stinks. It smells like extremely strong perfume. This might not bother others, but this mascara bothered my eyes and made the overall experience unpleasant. This is a no for me.

Now that I have tried all eight of the mini mascaras included in the Mascara Discovery Set, the question remains: which full-size mascara will I choose? As a reminder, this set came with eight mini mascaras as well as a coupon that could be redeemed for one full-size version. After putting all eight mascaras to the test, the clear winner was the BadGal Bang! Volumizing Mascara from Benefit. That particular mascara has length, volume, drama, and a dark black colour. It checks all the boxes for me. The runners up were the Better Than Sex Mascara from Too Faced and the 24 Hrs Glam Intense Mascara from Lise Watier.

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Have you tried any of these mascaras? Which product would you choose from the Mascara Discovery Collection?

does it work?? maybelline sunkisser blush (sol search)

noreply@blogger.com (the creation of beauty is art.) — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 15:00:00 +0000

The summer season is well underway now that August has arrived. The temperatures are scorching and there is lots of sunshine. This is ideal for all of the summer lovers out there, but in truth, my mind keeps wandering to fall. The "ber" months are so close yet so far away. Sigh! Despite the lure of sweater weather and fallen leaves, I am doing my best to stay present and make the most of the remaining weeks of summer. One product is making that a little bit easier, which is the Sunkisser Blush from Maybelline. Keep reading for all of the important product details and the answer to the question: does it work??

According to the brand, the Sunkisser Blush "delivers glowy, sunkissed cheeks that last." The Sunkisser Blush from Maybelline is described as ultra-blendable and buildable with a formula that melts into the skin and has a natural glow with up to 12 hour wear. There are ten shades to choose from, with some that are more bronzey, like Electric Bronze and Summer in the City, and others that are more traditional blush shades, with lots of pink and coral colours to choose from. The shade that I have been using is called Sol Search, which is described as a nude pink tone with golden pearls. Sol Search looks a little more golden than anything else, but it certainly fits into the summer makeup category well. This product definitely provides sparkle and shine.

So...does it work?? Yes. This blush definitely delivers glowy and sunkissed cheeks, though the 12 hour claim is a bit much. The product has longevity, but it wears down throughout the day, especially when worn in warm conditions. I like the warm golden colour of Sol Search, the large doe foot applicator that makes application quick and easy, and the beautiful shimmery glow on the cheeks. This is a great product for the summer season (or whenever you want to create a warm makeup look) but it tends to work a little bit better for me when it is layered underneath a powder blush. I have found myself applying this on the cheeks and then adding a small amount of powder blush on the apples of the cheeks. This sets the product and intensifies the colour, but still allows all of that beautiful glow to shine through. This isn't necessarily a must-have drugstore beauty item, but is a nice-to-have liquid blush from Maybelline. It works well, adds lots of glow to the skin, and comes in many different shades.

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Have you tried the Sunkisser Blush from Maybelline? What summer beauty items have you been enjoying most this season?

revisited review: hershey's milk chocolate eyeshadow palette

noreply@blogger.com (the creation of beauty is art.) — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 15:00:00 +0000

I do not purchase makeup as often as I used to. In the past, there were new releases added to my makeup collection on a semi-regular basis thanks to countless visits to Sephora and the drugstore. These days? That doesn't happen often. My focus has been on repurchasing essential everyday items as needed and the occasional splurge on something fun and new. That has led to a lot of "shopping my stash," which is essentially browsing what I have to make sure I am using what is already in my possession rather than constantly purchasing more. That inspired this revisited review on the Hershey's Milk Chocolate Eyeshadow Palette. It was first featured on the creation of beauty is art. in late fall - and is an eyeshadow palette that I have been reaching for a lot lately. Here are the pros, cons, and a new makeup look featuring this chocolate inspired release.

As a reminder, the Hershey's Milk Chocolate Eyeshadow Palette from Taste Beauty has an assortment of warm neutrals with a few more colourful shades thrown in there as well. There are of course, some chocolate inspired browns, including a matte brown and some brown shimmers. All of the eyeshadow names are inspired by the Hershey brand. Some examples? Hershey's Makes Everything Better, A Sweet Treat to Eat, and Delicious Happiness. The packaging is simple cardboard, but the eyeshadow palette looks like a giant chocolate bar. It is cute, well themed, and definitely speaks to my chocolate loving heart. The mirror inside the palette has since broken, because I dropped the eyeshadow palette at one point. Thankfully, the eyeshadows all survived without issue, but the mirror cracked, so it currently has a large piece of duct tape keeping everything safe.

The eyeshadow palette has a wonderful colour story. I love that there is a nice variety of shades, even though everything is still warm and suits the chocolate bar theme. The overall eyeshadow quality is decent, with a nice level of pigmentation and beautiful finishes. It is possible to create a lot of really beautiful and wearable makeup looks with the Hershey's Milk Chocolate Eyeshadow Palette. Some of the standout shades are Always Hershey's, which is this gorgeous shimmery coral colour, Melting Hearts Since 1894, which is a beautiful metallic shimmer, and Chocolate Is Vital, which is a soft golden shimmer. To create the look shown above, Chocolate is Vital was applied all over the eyelid to start. Then there was a bit of the shimmery brown, Delicious Happiness, applied with the matte brown shade, The Great American Chocolate Bar through the crease. There was lots of sparkle and contrast, making this a warm and easy to create look. There is a lot to enjoy about this Hershey's makeup.

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Have you ever used a chocolate themed eyeshadow palette? What products have you been reaching for lately?

visiting santa's village theme park.

noreply@blogger.com (the creation of beauty is art.) — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 15:00:00 +0000

There is nothing better than a Christmas inspired theme park for the holiday obsessed. For many years, I have wanted to re-visit Santa's Village, a theme park that I visited once as a child. During the recent cottage getaway, my husband, brother, and I drove the extra hour and a half out to the Christmas wonderland. Here are some of the highlights of that experience.

Since I hadn't been to Santa's Village in at least two decades, there was some uncertainty about what to expect. There wasn't much that I could recall about the theme park visit from my younger years, except for a rollercoaster ride on the Rudolph Coaster. (The ride apparently closed down last year, so I was unable to relive that particular memory.) The website had information about the different offerings, so I did my best to mentally prepare ahead of time, but there was so much more than anticipated. The theme park had a meet and greet with Santa, a bakery, lots of rides, photo opportunities, a train, petting zoo, hiking areas, and more. There was even an Elf School, but unfortunately, we ran out of time to attend. Each time we passed by the area, we seemed to have missed the scheduled start time by a minute or two. I suppose it wasn't meant to be!

The theme park was so thoughtful. All of the buildings and rides were Christmas themed and it was clear that a lot of love and attention to detail went into everything. Initially, I assumed that we would be there for a couple of hours, but we were essentially there for the full day of operations. There were lots of cute places to eat and there were fun activities as well. I did the Muskoka Mining Sluice where you mine for gold. I ended up with a little bag of crystals, including a shiny piece of pyrite, aka Fool's Gold. We also went on the newest rollercoaster, Yeti Track, a few times, which was a really fun rollercoaster that offered incredible scenic views. Another highlight was the Moose on the Loose ride. It involved riding on the back of a moose or bear on a track, looking at cute figures, and listening to silly puns. My inner child was so delighted that I rode it twice.

The high point of the day was meeting Santa Claus, of course. Though it was possible to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Santa's House section of the theme park, Santa would also walk around at certain times in his ultra stylish summer outfit. We happened to run into him and I was thrilled. Being at Santa's Village truly made me feel like a kid again. It was so fun to be immersed in all of that magic and wonder. Before we left for the day, there was a gingerbread Beavertail enjoyed followed by a trip to the gift shop. I purchased a red hoodie with the Santa's Village logo printed on the front. There is no doubt this sweatshirt will be worn throughout the holiday season - and beyond. All in all, it was a wonderful day at the Santa's Village theme park. I only wish this theme park was located a whole lot closer, because I would love to visit each summer.

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Do you like to visit theme parks during the summer months? Have you ever been to a Christmas inspired theme park before?

cottage thrift store haul (music, movies, books, and more)

noreply@blogger.com (the creation of beauty is art.) — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 15:00:00 +0000

It is no secret that thrift stores and antique stores make me happy. You never know what treasure you might find there! During a recent cottage vacation with some family members, there were several such stores visited in Fenelon Falls, Bobcaygeon, and Lindsay. I was lucky enough to find some wonderful items to add to my always growing collection of movies, books, and music.

Goldie Hawn Autograph and CDs. In one of the stores that we visited, there was a Goldie Hawn autograph displayed in a glass case. Since I have been a fan of her movies for as long as I can remember, it was a no brainer that this autograph was coming home with me. Not only was there a certificate of authenticity included, but this framed autograph cost only $20 CDN. I could not believe it. This is one of the more unique and exciting finds in all of my years of thrifting. This Goldie Hawn autograph will be hung on the wall in my home office in the very near future! There were also some CDs that I found during this last cottage vacation, including two Perry Como compilation albums and a classic Reba album. I've got lots to keep me inspired.

Mysteries, Mysteries, and More Mysteries. I love a cozy mystery novel. Believe it or not, there are other books on my shelf and on my reading list, but mystery novels remain my favourite genre. Some of the books shown above were found at thrift stores, like In Peppermint Peril and The Clue in the Antique Trunk, but others were purchased by my dad when we were at a dollar store in Bobcaygeon. He knows how much I love these sorts of books and kindly purchased several that caught my eye. These are not authors that I am familiar with, so it is exciting that I will be able to read some books by a few new-to-me authors.

Christmas VHS Tapes. Even though my husband was not thrilled about more VHS tapes (his argument is that they take up a lot of space and my argument is that it is hard to find certain holiday movies on DVD)...it was a thrill to find some Christmas movies on VHS. All of these came sealed and were affordable. The first is Mrs. Santa Claus starring the incredible Angela Lansbury and the other three are Christmas cartoons with songs from Bing Crosby. I already watched the Good King Wenceslas VHS tape and loved it. The Bing Crosby song was woven through thoughtfully and the special was really unique. I look forward to watching the 12 Days of Christmas and Silent Night specials in the near future. These were really exciting thrifted finds.

Christmas, Lifestyle, and Music DVDs. When it comes to the DVD selection at thrift stores, you never know quite what you will find. This time around, there were a few more Christmas movies to add to my collection (I already watched Holiday Switch and loved it) as well as a collection of Jamie Oliver specials and a Hilary Duff concert DVD that I shockingly did not already own.

All Sorts of Records. In addition to a three CD set from Bing Crosby that was pictured earlier in the post (it is the size of a record, but contains a large booklet and three CDs with songs from 1928 to 1934), there were six records that I found at various locations. This includes a Christmas album, a Shirley Jones single, Chipmunks record, two Bobby Sherman albums, and a Barbie Country Favorites record. I cannot wait to listen to the Barbie Country Favorites record, because one of the listed tracks is Thank God I'm a Country Girl, which I assume is a twist on the John Denver classic, Thank God I'm a Country Boy.

This content is from the-creationofbeauty.blogspot.com. If it is posted elsewhere, it has been stolen.

Do you like to browse thrift stores? What kind of items do you usually look for when you are thrifting?

love the earth as you would love yourself.

noreply@blogger.com (the creation of beauty is art.) — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 15:00:00 +0000

The month of July has been a busy one, especially with a cottage vacation thrown into the mix. This is something that my immediate family has done each summer since the COVID-19 pandemic, but the experience was a little bit different this year. My sister and her family did not come, there was a rented condo unit instead of a traditional cottage house, and there were certain health issues to navigate. I've mentioned in previous posts that one of my loved ones has been dealing with serious health issues for the last year and a half. It has made life uncertain. Unfortunately, this family member was admitted to the hospital a few days before the scheduled vacation and remained there several days after the vacation started. My brother, my husband, and I were at the cottage (or condo) for a few days before the remaining family members were able to make it there.

Our cottage adventure took place in Fenelon Falls this year, which is the same general area that we have visited previously, but we were in a condo that was located fairly close to downtown. On the first night, my husband and I took a walk and grabbed some groceries. On the second day, we walked around Fenelon Falls, spent some time at the locks, and visited some antique stores. The third day was easily the most exciting, because my brother, husband, and I drove about an hour and a half each way to Santa's Village. This is a Christmas inspired theme park in Bracebridge that my brother and I visited as children. It had been on my bucket list to visit again and we finally made it out there. (There will be a full post on the Santa's Village adventures later on in the week. Talk about a great way to celebrate Christmas in July!) On the fourth day, the rest of the family was finally able to make it to the condo. We mostly got everyone settled in and caught up on some seasonal reality TV shows, like Big Brother.

On the fifth day of the vacation, my mom and I went to a local thrift store and found some interesting treasures, which will be highlighted in a future post. One quick spoiler? An autographed photo of Goldie Hawn. It was such a neat find and I decided it must come home with me and be hung on my wall. In addition to some thrift store shopping, there was some time spent reading, watching movies, and relaxing. My brother took his kayak out and explored the area. My husband and I went out for dinner and treated ourselves to some Kawartha Dairy ice cream. The sixth day of the vacation saw my husband and I drive out to Lindsay for the morning, then we all read, before my brother, husband, and I went to Highlands Cinema, which is an unusual movie theatre with all sorts of collectables, which we first visited back in 2023. (You can read a little bit about that here.) We saw the Minions and Monsters movie, though it turns out that I was the one who enjoyed it most. The seventh day of the vacation was pretty busy. My husband went out fishing while my parents and I went to Bobcaygeon. We met some family members there for ice cream, since they have been staying nearby for the summer. There was a nice dinner to finish off the trip on a positive note, and then the next day, we packed everything up to head back home again. All in all, it was an unusual vacation. There were a lot of highs and lows, but I am grateful for the positive moments spent with my loved ones.

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Have you been able to take a vacation this summer? Do you have anything exciting planned in the next little while?

christmas in july: standouts from the 24 christmas movie collection

noreply@blogger.com (the creation of beauty is art.) — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 15:00:00 +0000

"It's tiiiiiiiiime!" Well...sort of. Christmas in July has arrived once again. For the holiday obsessed, like me, this is no better way to beat the summer heat than by thinking about the most wonderful time of the year. I am not the only one dreaming of a white Christmas (in July). Hallmark has been focused on seasonal programming throughout the month, with a new Christmas movie premiering each week. In the past, there have been posts on the creation of beauty is art. dedicated to mini hauls and tag questions as well as posts about random holiday movies. This time around? The focus is on the 24 Christmas Movie Collection from Nicely Entertainment. Back in December, I found two sets from the same company and was thrilled to add them to my always expanding Christmas movie collection. I have been making my way through both sets throughout the year, treating myself to a new-to-me Christmas movie as needed. To celebrate this Christmas in July, here are the standouts.

Though the 24 Christmas Movie Collection from Nicely Entertainment was something that I found sold in two different sets, there is actually the full 48 Christmas Movie Collection available online for those interested. For the purposes of this Christmas in July post, the focus is on the first set. It included all sorts of different movies. There were movies about wineries, small towns, ranches, weddings, and so much more. These movies are definitely Hallmark-esque and even have notable names in a few of them, including Joey Lawrence, Denise Richards, and tons of familiar faces from Hallmark and Lifetime. This set had some excellent movies, some so-so movies, and a few duds. All in all, there was a lot to love. Here are some of the standouts:

Socked In For Christmas. Not all of the movies in this collection feature household names, but Socked In For Christmas does, with Joey Lawrence in the lead role. As a child, I was head over heels for Joey Lawrence when he was on Blossom and later when he starred in Brotherly Love. To this day, his self-titled album remains a favourite in my collection. Needless to say, this Joey Lawrence Christmas movie was a standout in the set. The movie involves a mix up where he ends up being snowed in with the cousin of his ex fiancé. It was cheesy, sweet, and featured Joey Lawrence singing. Basically, it checked off all the boxes for me. This is a movie that will be rewatched every holiday.
A Christmas Frequency. The success or failure of these movies often comes down to the casting. If there is an actor who is stiff and uncomfortable on camera, even a decent script cannot save the film. Thankfully, the cast was fairly strong in A Christmas Frequency, which had to do with a radio show producer who sets up her boss on a series of blind dates. Denise Richards had a supporting role in this movie and she was extremely charismatic. The plot was interesting and there were all sorts of misunderstandings and mix ups before the eventually happy ending.
Christmas Lovers Anonymous. This next movie is actually one that I saw on television a few years back. I really enjoyed it at the time - and enjoyed being able to watch it again as part of this set. It is about an author who finds love after discovering a website for people who are crazy about Christmas. There is tension, drama, and of course, romance. The lead actress did a really good job overall and that definitely made the movie more compelling.
A Country Music Christmas. I love holiday movies that incorporate music in some way, which A Country Music Christmas does well. This movie is about a songwriter who has the opportunity to move forward on her own, leaving her long-time writing partner behind. I loved the music industry angle, the history between the characters, and the chemistry between the actors. As a bonus, the songs included in the movie were really well done!
Saving Christmas Spirit. The last move highlighted as part of this Christmas in July post is Saving Christmas Spirit, which stars Ashley Newbrough, who was in the television show Privileged, and has been in all sorts of Hallmark movies over the years. This movie is about an archaeologist in Scotland who is looking for some ruins. She is assisted by the owner of a struggling local distillery. The movie is fantastic and has seriously beautiful scenery.

This content is from the-creationofbeauty.blogspot.com. If it is posted elsewhere, it has been stolen.

Are you planning to celebrate Christmas in July this year? What kind of holiday movies do you like best?

new in: sutton mini crossbody bag (kate spade)

noreply@blogger.com (the creation of beauty is art.) — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 15:00:00 +0000

There are some brands that I like more than others. Brands that are pompous and bland? Not so much. Brands with a little more personality tend to be my preference. That is why I often am enamored with items from Betsey Johnson and Kate Spade. These brands know how to let fashion be fun. My husband and I recently celebrated another wedding anniversary (eleven years and counting) and my parents gave each of us a present. Mine was the Sutton Mini Crossbody Bag from Kate Spade.

When it comes to purses, mine tend to be either absolutely massive or teeny tiny. I love oversized purses that can hold just about everything ever or much smaller purses that hold only the essentials. The Sutton Mini Crossbody is a nice middle point. It has lots of different sections inside, so it is possible to hold all sorts of odds and end without the purse feeling too bulky or oversized. This purse has an adjustable leather strap, which is useful, because it can be customized to what I need. It also has a magnetic closure to keep everything in place. There are different colours available in this style, but the one that I have is called powdered sugar multi. It has a soft pink colour on the flap and on the inside of the purse, a cream colour on the main section, and a soft brown colour on the bottom of the purse and the strap. These colours remind me of Neapolitan ice cream, with chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla. I like that the purse fits all of the essentials and that the colours work with my wardrobe.

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What kind of designers do you tend to like best? What do you think of this Kate Spade crossbody purse?

the return of country chic (bath and body works)

noreply@blogger.com (the creation of beauty is art.) — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 15:00:00 +0000

For several years, the discontinuation of Country Chic from Bath & Body Works has weighed heavy on my heart. Every time that I visited the store, the available scents were compared to that beloved fragrance. I tried various items from the Gingham collection, looking for something that was somewhat similar. Though there were all sorts of wonderful items available...there was no Country Chic. I fell in love with this particular scent many years ago and repurchased the Moisture Body Butter version many times. Country Chic was discontinued around 2014 and life has been less beautiful ever since. Until recently.

While walking past the Bath & Body Works store, there were all sorts of bins out for the sale that was on. Since the prices were so low, it made sense to take a peek and see if there was anything of interest, since I use their soaps and body washes consistently. Then...I saw it. Country Chic. I was shocked and completely thrilled. After so many years, it was back. That nostalgic scent immediately transported me to a much simpler time in my life. There was a Body Cream and Body Lotion available, so two of each were brought to the register with enthusiasm. On the way out of the store, my husband spotted a few bottles of Body Wash in the Country Chic scent as well, so it was time for round two of my ultra nostalgic purchases. Since there was a sale on, all of the Country Chic items were a fraction of the regular cost, which was definitely a bonus.

Now for a mini review. This is described as a scent from the "vault" and it is bright, floral, and fresh. It was originally from 2011 and seems to have been discontinued around 2014. Though I cannot speak to what the original blend was, this time around, the fragrance notes are sparkling lemon, warm marigold, golden sunflower, orange blossom, and amber wood. Though it is hard to know if this is the exact same as the original version, it smells exactly how I remember. It is uplifting and comforting all at the same time. The only difference that I can have noticed is the longevity. While the old school Body Butter made me smell like Country Chic all day and all night, the scent of the Body Lotion and Body Cream only lasts for an hour or two. This is disappointing, but to be honest, it is such a treat to have the scent back at all that I do not care if I need to reapply this lotion throughout the day. I saw online that there is a Fine Fragrance Mist version as well, so perhaps that is something to look into.

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What scents make you feel nostalgic? Did you ever try the Country Chic items from Bath and Body Works?

a day at the lake restores the soul.

noreply@blogger.com (the creation of beauty is art.) — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 15:00:00 +0000

It is time for a mini blog break here on the creation of beauty is art. Several members of my family enjoy spending time at a rented cottage each summer (a tradition that started during the COVID-19 pandemic when most of the world was shut down) which means that I am begrudgingly being dragged along. Though I do not like being away from the comfort of my home and do not particularly enjoy all of the mosquitos, there are usually lots of antique and thrift stores to explore. And this year, my husband and I are planning to take a daytrip to a small theme park that isn't too far away. Since I will be occupied for the next week, there will be a mini break, but new posts will be shared on the creation of beauty is art. as soon as I return. Until then!

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Do you have any travel plans this summer? Are you someone who enjoys spending lots of time in nature?

fifteen years of the creation of beauty is art.

noreply@blogger.com (the creation of beauty is art.) — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 15:00:00 +0000

Fifteen years. That is not a milestone that crossed my mind when the creation of beauty is art. first launched. I didn't know if this blog would last a week, a month, or a year. I didn't know if anyone would read the words that I wrote or even care about the topics that interested me. There were so many unknowns. It all started during a transitional time in my life, when I was shifting from being a student to looking for employment in my field. There was a lot of uncertainty at that time, but this blog provided me with structure. It gave me an opportunity to write about all of the things that inspired me. It gave me purpose.

In honour of the fifteenth anniversary of the creation of beauty is art. it seems only right to highlight fifteen different blog posts. In total, there have been 2,705 blog posts written and over 6.5 million views. This little blog of mine has become a safe space for me - and a place where it is always possible to create and share. It is something that I am immensely proud of. Without further ado, here are fifteen posts that make me proud. These posts represent who I was and who I have become.

The Women I Admire...and How That Has Changed (2023)

This post is about heroes, personal growth, and how the kind of women I admire most has changed.

It is Necessary to Write if the Days are Not to Slip Emptily By (2011)

This is an earlier post on the creation of beauty is art. that highlighted my love of writing.

Inspired By: Sabrina Carpenter Thumbs Music Video (2017)

I used to love creating outfit inspirations based on different music videos, movies, and seasons.

Movie Review: In The Fire (2023)

This looks at the parallels between the fictional characters of In The Fire and real world issues.

Style is a Way of Saying Who You Are Without Having to Speak (2014)

There was a time when I used to enjoy fashion in a very different way. This highlights that time!

Do We Just Give Up? Or Make a Change? (2023)

Musings about Dolly Parton, being accepted, and authenticity.

Rank and Review: Past Too Faced Holiday Releases (2020)

A look back at all sorts of fun and festive Too Faced limited edition holiday releases.

Mothers Hold Their Children's Hands for a Short While, but Their Hearts Forever (2012)

A Mother's Day tribute post to my mom with photos from her younger years.

Inspired By: Amber Heard (2013)

I didn't know back then that Amber Heard would become my hero and inspire me to use my voice.

Pride Month Inspired Makeup Look + Mini Product Reviews (2022)

To celebrate Pride Month, themed products were used and a colourful makeup look was created.

#FOTD: Inspired by Kermit the Frog (Green Makeup Look) (2026)

Muppets make me happy - and it was fun to get inspired by Kermit the Frog for this makeup look.

Holiday Makeup Look and Review: Revolution x The Grinch Palette (2024)

I love holidays and makeup...and I especially love when those interests collide.

Beauty Bookshelf: Clementine Ford (2024)

This entry in the Beauty Bookshelf series focuses on activist, feminist, and icon, Clementine Ford.

Five Favourite Obscure Christmas Cartoons (2023)

Obscure Christmas specials are a passion of mine. I love writing about these hidden treasures.

The Ugly Side of the Beauty Industry: Brands That I No Longer Support (2026)

This post spotlights unethical brands like Dior, Milani, and others that I no longer support.

This content is from the-creationofbeauty.blogspot.com. If it is posted elsewhere, it has been stolen.

Fifteen years. It is hard to believe so much time has passed since that first post was published in 2011. Thank you to everyone who has visited over the years. Your support is greatly appreciated! Here is to making the world a little more beautiful.