the creation of beauty is art.

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.

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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.

summer (and summerween) inspired reading list.

noreply@blogger.com (the creation of beauty is art.) — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 15:00:00 +0000

There is no denying the arrival of summer. Though the earliest days of the season had some cooler days sprinkled in, the warm weather has since settled in rather dramatically. The temperatures are unbearable and I find myself dreaming of the fall and winter months. Thank goodness for Summerween, the trendy summer twist on the Halloween season. The spooky season is a nice mental escape from all of this heat. To celebrate, my Summerween inspired tea towels are out, as are a few random decor items. (I decided to pair some cute Halloween decorations from my collection with some summer inspired pieces. Think pumpkins and sandcastles!) In addition to the decorations, some of my favourite spooky movies have been keeping me company, as have pumpkin scented candles and essential oils. When it comes to my reading list, some books have been carefully chosen to reflect both the summer season and the Summerween celebration. Here are some of the books on my list...

The first books on this seasonal book list are a mixture of summer and fall. Three Summers from Karen Swan is set in Italy in the 1950s and 1960s and it involves a love triangle between friends that spans three different summers. This is the book that I am planning to take with me on the cottage vacation with some family members. I have enjoyed a lot of other Karen Swan books in the past and look forward to starting this one. The second book is one that I have already started to read, Murder At Cinnamon Falls by R.L. Killmore. This is my first time reading anything from this author, and so far, so good. This murder mystery has emotion, some really interesting character histories, and a whole lot of action. I am looking forward to finishing this when time allows! The third book on the list is one that my friend and I both decided to read. I recently finished A Witch's Guide to Fake Dating a Demon, which is about a witch who accidentally conjures a demon. I really enjoyed the magical elements of the world this book was set in, the interesting characters, the complex family dynamic, and the love story. The "spicy" sections of the book are ones that I ultimately decided to skip over, as that is not my preference. Thankfully, the majority of the book was focused on the relationships between different characters, the environment, and a truly unique magical world. This is the first book in the series, so there might be others added to future reading lists.

The last two books on this list are some good old fashioned mysteries. It is no secret that I adore mystery novels and that love started at an early age thanks to Nancy Drew. Even though I am an adult now, it is still fun to read Nancy Drew books, both old and new. Book #1 of the Nancy Drew Diaries is one that I found at the thrift store for a few dollars, but it turned out that the mystery was continued in Book #2. Thankfully, my husband was able to track me down a copy of Strangers on a Train, which is now on my summer (and Summerween) inspired reading list. The last book is a thrifted Murder She Wrote book, Rum and Razors. The warm location of this mystery novel and catchy title made this an absolute must for my summery list.

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Have you read any of the books on this summer (and Summerween) inspired reading list? What books are on your list?

shop my stash: warm summer makeup look

noreply@blogger.com (the creation of beauty is art.) — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 15:00:00 +0000

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

To create this warm and bronze summer makeup look, there were a handful of products in my collection that were used. This includes the 35MI Magic Mirror Artistry Palette from Morphe, the Matte Bouncy Blush from Rare Beauty in the shade Worth, the Matte Lip Gloss from Revolution in the shade Divine, and the Bare It All Bronzer from Too Faced. There are so many warm metallic colours to choose from in the Morphe eyeshadow palette, but there were some golden and bronze shadows that seemed to be calling my name. Ready to see how this shop my stash makeup look turned out? The makeup look below made use of all the previously mentioned products to create a bold summertime look that was warm and bronze.

Unfortunately, the 35MI Magic Mirror Artistry Palette from Morphe does not have eyeshadow names listed inside, but the shadows that were used were largely the metallics in the bottom two rows. The third eyeshadow in on the bottom row was applied all over the lid, then a bit of the slightly darker bronze was worked through the crease. The light gold shadow was applied to the center of the lid and in the inner corner. The soft matte brown in the center row was used to transition away from those shimmer shadows and a bit of the cream matte in the first row was used to blend everything out. On the cheeks was the Matte Bouncy Blush from Rare Beauty in the shade Worth. This warm blush paired well with all of that warmth on the eyes. Finishing off this summer makeup look was the Matte Lip Gloss from Revolution. This was definitely a fun way to welcome in the season. Maybe next time, instead of a warm and bronze look, it will be bright and colourful that wins out.

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What do you think of this shop my stash look? What kind of makeup looks do you like most during the summer season?

review: satin blend gel eyeliner (essence)

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

My life would be a lot less beautiful without eyeliner. I love the drama a dark black eyeliner can provide. It adds definition, creates shape, and acts as a bold contrast to colourful eyeshadow looks. There are all sorts of eyeliners in my regular rotation. When it comes to liquid eyeliner, it is the NYX Epic Ink Liner that stands out. For gel eyeliner, the Gel Pot Eyeliner from Maybelline is a rediscovered favourite. My most used pencil eyeliner is the Annabelle Kohl Eyeliner Pencil. More recently, it is the Satin Blend Gel Eyeliner from Essence that has been added to the mix. Keep reading to find out how it performs.

The Satin Blend Gel Eyeliner from Essence has a lot going for it. For starters, it costs $5.99 CDN and comes in four different colours: Cocoa, Pure Black, Rich Burgundy, and Sunlit Shimmer. (Of course, it was Pure Black that caught my eye, though it would be interesting to try Cocoa and Rich Burgundy.) According to the brand, this is also oil free, fragrance free, and alcohol free. The fact that it is fragrance free is definitely a plus, because fragrance in products that are applied around the eyes can cause irritation. This is described as a double-ended gel eye pencil that "features a super creamy, highly pigmented formula that applies smoothly and blends easily with the built-in smudger." As you can see from the photo above, there is the product on one side and the smudger on the other. It reminds me a lot of an Urban Decay eyeliner that I used many years back.

This gel eyeliner is waterproof and is designed to last. Since the weather is steadily becoming warmer, it is especially important to reach for products that offer longevity. The Satin Blend Gel Eyeliner in Pure Black is smooth and creamy, richly pigmented, and easy to apply. It can be worn on its own for a look that is clean and precise - or a smokey eye look can be created with the assistance of that useful little smudger brush. I love how easy the gel eyeliner makes it is to create a makeup look that is bold and dramatic. Since there are other eyeliners that I use on a regular basis for winged liner or liner on the lower lash line, it is nice to have something that can be used to create a look that is a little bit different. Smudged, smokey, and dramatic. Thank goodness for eyeliner! Now that I know how well the Satin Blend Gel Eyeliner performs, the Cocoa and Rich Burgundy colours are on my radar. Maybe a future visit to the drugstore will include the purchase of a colour that is outside of my wheelhouse.

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Have you tried the Satin Blend Gel Eyeliner from Essence? What eyeliner do you tend to reach for most often?

canada day inspired red and white makeup look

noreply@blogger.com (the creation of beauty is art.) — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 15:00:00 +0000

July looks like it will be jam-packed this year. There is so much on my calendar in the next several weeks. There is Canada Day (which is today), my wedding anniversary, my fifteen year blog anniversary, a cottage getaway with family, dental appointments, and some long overdue hangouts with friends. Summer always seems to be so full. To start the month off on a positive note, it seemed only right to create a Canada Day inspired makeup look. I love using this date as an excuse to pull together all sorts of red and white makeup products from my collection. On that note, here is a holiday inspired #FOTD...

There were two different looks created. The first featured white liquid eyeliner and the other was all about black liquid eyeliner. I thought it would be fun to be a little playful with the eyeliner and do something a little different. All that said, black eyeliner will always have my heart. The products that were used to create the looks include the Garnet 7 Color Shadow Palette (which has different shades of red and a white shimmer), a NYX Butter Lipstick in the shade Firecracker, the NYX Epic Ink Liner, the Quo Beauty Superfine Liquid Line in White Out, the Clinique High Impact Mascara, and Absolute Blush Stick in Light Pink.

The only difference between the two makeup looks is the eyeliner. For the first look, there was an attempt made to do more of a graphic liner look with white liquid eyeliner framed with some black liquid eyeliner. In the second look, that white eyeliner was filled in for a more classic black eyeliner look. On the eyes, the shimmery red shade, Garnet was applied all over the lid, and then the darker matte red, Go-Getter, was added to the outer corner. Some of the white shimmery shade, Productive AF was applied on the inner corner. Along the lower lash line was a bit of the matte brown, Werks It, and some more of the matte red eyeshadow. It was a simple but colourful eye look. The two different eyeliners were used and then the Clinique mascara was applied on the lashes. (Stay tuned for a review on that when part two of the Mascara Discovery Collection is posted here on the creation of beauty is art.) On the cheeks was a soft pink cream blush that was in a holiday advent calendar and then the NYX Butter Lipstick in Firecracker was applied to add even more red to this white and red makeup look for Canada Day.

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What do you think of this holiday inspired #FOTD? Do you have a busy month ahead?

currently loving: modelones nail art liner brush set

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

It has been about five months since the OPI GELement LED Gel Lamp and gel nail polishes from Modelones have totally transformed my nails. No more worrying about chipped nail polish. No more waiting endlessly for my nail polish to dry completely. These at home gel nail tools have been stellar. Over the last several months, there are been all sorts of different colours and finishes used. I've worn neutral colours, bright colours, and have used matte, glossy, and glitter top coats. More recently, some very basic nail designs have been added to the mix thanks to this Nail Art Liner Brush Set from Modelones.

The Nail Art Liner Brush Set comes with six nail tools that can be used to create all sorts of different nail art looks. This includes two fine liners, an oval shaped brush, pointed brush, flat brush, angled brush, and a brush with a dotter on the end. I love the beautiful colours of the brushes and the fact that there is a nice variety to choose from. It is possible to create all sorts of different nail looks using the items included in this set. This is priced at around $13 on the Modelones website, but can be found for slightly less elsewhere. The quality is impressive and the brushes definitely make it possible to create different looks.

When it comes to nail art, it is not something that I am overly skilled at. Well, at least not at this point! It is still fairly new to me, but hopefully over time, there will be improvement seen. For my first creation, it made sense to start ultra simple. I used the thinnest fine liner brush to create pink stripes on some basic blue nails. It was easy to do and it turned out pretty well. Obviously, the lines were not totally straight or perfect, but for a first attempt, it was a success. It made me feel proud of myself to step out of my beauty comfort zone a little bit. Currently, I have purple and white polka dotted nails, because I put the dotter tool to use for the first time last night. The left hand turned out really well, but the polka dots on my right hand are not nearly as neat. This is something that will hopefully improve over time as I continue to create different nail art looks.

The Nail Art Liner Brush Set from Modelones has been a nice addition. I like that it is possible to branch out, get creative, and find out what nail art styles might work for me. There is a nice variety of nail brushes in this particular set, the quality is impressive, and the price is reasonable. Here is hoping that my future nail looks are fun and unforgettable.

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Have you ever tried nail art tools? What kind of nail art designs do you like best?

mini essence essentials haul

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

Every now and then, some beauty essentials are needed. The eyeshadow primer that I was using ran out, so it was time to check the drugstore offerings. While I was there, it quickly became clear that Essence was the main brand of interest thanks to the affordable price and the assortment of products available. On that note, here is a mini Essence essentials haul.

In recent years, drugstore makeup items have become far more expensive. Despite the increases seen across the board, Essence has remained an affordable and accessible brand. I was able to find all of the essential items that I needed for a reasonable price. To start, there were two Correct and Conceal products. The first was the Anti Redness Concealer and the second was the Under Eye Brightening Concealer. (It wasn't until later on that I realized I purchased something for deep skin tones, as I thought these were more colour correcting in nature. However, it all turned out well, because a small amount of the Under Eye Brightening Concealer underneath my foundation addressed my undereye circles well.) The Anti Redness Concealer is amazing and does an excellent job of tackling redness. This is something that I have been applying to the area around my nose and a little bit on my cheeks. The Under Eye Brightening Concealer may have been purchased in the wrong colour, but it works well despite that. A small amount on my under eye area before applying my foundation effectively combats dark circles.

Next was the Eyebrow Designer Brow Pencil, which is something that I have used and loved many times in the past. The last time that I visited the drugstore, this product was not available, so another brow pencil was purchased. Seeing it available this time around, it made sense to purchase one to use in the future. I chose the shade Deep Brown. The last product in this Essence mini haul is the Jelly Grip Eyeshadow Primer. Since my eyeshadow loves to crease on me during the warmer months, it was important to find something to combat that. This is described as long-lasting, intensifying, and crease free. The primer has a jelly consistency, but doesn't feel sticky or uncomfortable. It also prevents my eyeshadow from creasing on me, which is fabulous. It is definitely something that I would repurchase in the future. The primer is affordable and works as described.

Though many products at the drugstore are no longer affordable (some mascaras can be as much as $20 CDN), brands like Essence continue to deliver quality products for a reasonable price. The Correct and Conceal items were $5.99 CDN, the Jelly Grip Eyeshadow Primer was $4.99 CDN, and the Eyebrow Designer Brow Pencil was $3.49. Not bad for a handful of essentials.

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Do you like to use products from Essence? Have you tried any of these essential beauty items from the brand?

body mist review: buttery sugar body mist (pink)

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

Sometimes, outlet malls happen. On the way back from Niagara Falls Comic Con, my husband and I made a short stop at a nearby outlet mall that had all sorts of different stores. Though we mostly window shopped, there was a Victoria's Secret outlet store with all sorts of goodies inside. Workout clothes, seasonal perfumes, and so much more. It was the Buttery Sugary Body Mist from Pink that was the most exciting find, because this fabulous and warm scent was only $3 CDN.

There is a standout holiday scent in my collection, which is the Warm Cookie Body Mist from Pink. It was purchased on sale for $10 CDN and has been used often ever since. (Christmas themed scents are a must for me throughout the year.) I love the warm fragrance and the adorable bottle. When I saw the Buttery Sugary version available for $3 CDN, it was a very simple decision to add it to my collection as well. This particular body mist is described as flaky croissant, maple butter, vanilla sugar, and essential oils. The bottle states that this smells like a "rich, melt-in-your mouth sweet and sugary first fall bake." Clearly, this was a fall release, but since my favourite scents tend to be well suited to the fall and winter seasons, this worked out well.

This body mist is so warm and inviting. It definitely smells like a freshly baked croissant, but there is something bright about the scent as well. This really strikes a nice balance between warm and comforting and bright and energizing. The Buttery Sugary Body Mist from Pink has been used as a room spray a lot recently to make sure the summer season is starting off on a positive note. It is also a nice spray to reach for when I am heading out to run an errand or simply want to feel a little more put together. It was ultra affordable, has cute packaging, and smells amazing. This outlet mall find checked off all of the boxes.

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Have you tried any of the body mists from Pink? What kind of scents do you like best?

smell the sea and feel the sky.

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

"One benefit of summer was that each day we had more light to read by." It is official. Another summer has arrived. The temperatures are slowly starting to climb (though it has been nice to have cooler days mixed in so far) and there are all sorts of seasonal activities on the horizon. Though there are other seasons I tend to prefer, like literally all of them, I am doing my best to find the good in this time of year. Some examples of the good? Brightly coloured nails, fun candle scents, a future concert, and more sunlight at night. It is the first official day of summer, but my heart is already longing for fall, so I have been satisfying that craving with bits and pieces of Summerween decor. Maybe you adore the summer months or perhaps you are still looking for a little inspiration. That is what this blog post is all about. Here are summer inspired images to start the season off right.

Now that summer is officially here, it seems only right to make the most of it. Whether this is your favourite or least favourite time of year, do what you can to enjoy the sunshine and make positive memories. Here is to the fresh start of a new season.

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Are you excited about the summer season? What do you have planned in the next few months?

niagara falls comic con review and experience

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

Several months back, there was an ad on my Instagram account for Niagara Falls Comic Con. This is not an event that I have ever attended (though I have been to Fan Expo in Toronto in the past) but plans were made when I saw that Jodie Sweetin from Full House was scheduled to attend. It was certainly a memorable experience overall. Keep reading to find out more...

The drive to Niagara Falls was extra lengthy due to intense traffic most of the way there, but eventually, we arrived and were able to check into our hotel. The next morning, it was time for Niagara Falls Comic Con. There was a long line to get into the convention center, but eventually, we made it in. It was much smaller than the Fan Expo events that I have attended in Toronto, but there was still a lot to see. There were all sorts of booths with Funko Pops, artwork, and video games. We looked around a bit and made a few small purchases, like a Psyduck pin and a New Kids on the Block comic book. There were a few little pop up areas at Comic Con as well, including a really interesting Muppet experience and some outfits from the Twilight movies.

As mentioned, the reason for attending Niagara Falls Comic Con was so I could fulfill my childhood dream and meet Jodie Sweetin. Full House (and Fuller House) are extremely important to me. At this point, I have spent many decades with the Tanner family. I grew up watching the show and reading the Full House book series. Even though I am an adult now, the show is still played often in my home. (And I have been known to re-read a Full House Stephanie book every now and then.) I arrived at Comic Con with a Full House book, a Stephanie Tanner pin, and a Bob Saget hoodie. I was ready to make my dream come true.

Unfortunately, all of the emotions that I have held onto over the years sort of overwhelmed me and I cried in front of Jodie Sweetin. I felt so foolish. Thankfully, she was extremely kind and told me about a time that she cried in front of one of her childhood heroes. She said she understood that certain things from childhood mean more. I was extremely grateful for her kindness. She even let me know that I was okay to take the picture because my makeup wasn't running! Jodie was wonderful, but it wasn't the experience that I envisioned. I really wanted to tell her how much I respect and appreciate her advocacy for marginalized groups, how talented she is, and how much she has added to my life. Instead, there were tears.

I had wanted to meet Andrea Barber from Full House as well, but I was afraid that there would be a repeat performance of emotion after my experience with Jodie Sweetin. Instead, my husband and I wandered around the rest of the Comic Con area. It was neat to see all sorts of different celebrities from a distance at least. (Some highlights: Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Priscilla Presley, and Wallace Shawn.) Steve Whitmire, the iconic puppeteer who brought Kermit the Frog to life for decades, was at Niagara Falls Comic Con, but did not seem to be around when we were. We walked the Comic Con floor for quite a long time waiting to see if he would eventually arrive, but we never saw him. I don't know if there was a panel or a photo op that pulled him away from the area for an extended period, but unfortunately, we were unable to meet him as planned. On the plus side, I was unexpectedly able to meet Pat Mastroianni, who played Joey Jeremiah on Degrassi. I totally geeked out! He was so kind and fun to talk to. It was an absolute delight and one of the highlights of the entire experience. Talk about a thrill.

After many hours at Niagara Falls Comic Con, we went back to the hotel to unwind for a bit before walking the falls and checking out the tourist area on Clifton Hill. It was a short getaway to Niagara Falls, but it certainly was memorable. Though I wish my emotions had been a little more contained when meeting Jodie Sweetin, the overall experience was a positive one.

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Have you ever attended a Comic Con event? Will you do any travelling in the next little while?

love it or leave it? taylor swift toy story 5 premiere

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

In two days, the latest Toy Story movie will hit the big screen. As a Disney lover, there is a lot of excitement about a new addition to the popular series. Toy Story 5 will feature some familiar characters as well as some new ones to love. I am eagerly anticipating a trip to the movie theater in the next little while. Something else that has made me excited about the new movie? The fact that Taylor Swift released a song for the soundtrack, "I Knew It, I Knew You." She attended the Toy Story 5 premiere recently and wore a dress from the Erdem fall collection, which means it is time for another love it or leave it post.

What I Love: There is so much to love about this premiere look. The horseshoe necklace, the neutral shoes, the beautiful hairstyle, and the bold red lipstick. Wow! Talk about a red carpet moment. As for the dress, the upper portion of the design is incredible. I love how clean and thoughtful it is. The sleeve design is perfection and I love the sparkly details as well.

What I Loathe: The upper portion of the dress is so clean and classic. The bottom portion of the dress? Messy and chaotic. Sometimes, the contrast is nice, but in this case, it is a bit distracting. The side panels seem like more of an afterthought than anything else. This is probably because of the unfinished edges along the bottom. This dress could've been really elegant (and it is in the upper portion) but instead it is a bit off. The mismatched patterns and unfinished edges were a confusing choice.

So, it is a love it or leave it? Even though the added on panels are not my favourite, the rest of this red carpet look from Taylor Swift is absolute perfection. I understand the design conceptually, but the unfinished edges and contrasting panels take away from how clean and thoughtful the rest of the dress is. This look is a love, but there is a little bit that I would rather leave.

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What do you think of this Toy Story 5 premiere look from Taylor Swift? Love it or leave it?

cosmic intense (kylie jenner perfume and purse review)

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

The best way to describe summer? Intense. The sunshine and heat can be a lot to deal with, even with sunglasses and air conditioning. The summer season officially starts next week, but the warm temperatures have already arrived in full force. Given the intensity of this time of year, it seemed only right to talk about the new Kylie Jenner fragrance: Cosmic Intense.

A few months back, the Cosmic Intense eau de parfum was gifted to me by a loved one - along with a Cosmic Intense inspired purse. Before reviewing the latest version of Cosmic (there is the original Cosmic as well as Cosmic 2.0)...there is the Cosmic Intense purse to discuss. This is a bright red purse with a short handle and the perfume logo printed subtly on the front. I love the shape of the purse, the gorgeous red colour, and how much fits inside. The only drawback is that this purse does not have a closure. This works well for running errands or heading out for a dinner date, but for a full day of activity, it needs to have a closure of some sort. I have debated whether a magnetic closure is something I should add, because I really love this purse.

Now for a review of the Cosmic Intense eau de parfum from Kylie Jenner. This is described as a "bold, ambery-gourmand evolution of the original Cosmic." It is supposed to be creamier and warmer with heightened vanilla notes and a scent that leaves a lasting impression. This has star jasmine, blood orange, golden amber accord, benzoin, vanilla, and musk accord. Out of all of the different versions of Cosmic, this is my favourite. It is warm and rich, but still feels light and wearable. I don't tend to love perfumes that are overly heavy, but even though this release is more intense, it doesn't feel like too much. Something else that stands out? The bottle. All of the Cosmic versions have a beautiful sculptural bottle design, but this one is bright red. It definitely matches the Intense name. All in all, Cosmic Intense from Kylie Jenner is another winner. The scent is fabulous and the bottle is bright and beautiful. This bold perfume has been adding just the right amount of intensity to my days.

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What fragrances have you been loving lately? Have you tried Cosmic Intense from Kylie Jenner?

new in: quo beauty fragrance mist and hand cream

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

There is a lot to love about scented products. Especially with a new season on the horizon. Somehow, spring is almost over and summer is about a week away. To welcome in the warmer weather, there are a few new Quo Beauty products on my bedside table. Keep reading for a review of two different versions of the Fragrance Mist and Moisturizing Hand Cream.

Salted Caramel and Vanilla Fragrance Mist and Moisturizing Hand Cream. The first scent from the Quo Beauty line is Salted Caramel and Vanilla. Yum! I love warm scents with vanilla, so this scent was a no brainer. It helps that this hand cream is ideal for this time of year. The consistency is not too thick and it dries quickly. My hands have been needing a lot of extra hydration lately, so it is nice to have a hand cream that smells great and doesn't take too long to absorb completely. There is 30 mL of product and a colourful design. All in all, the Moisturizing Hand Cream is a wonderful addition. As for the Fragrance Mist, it comes in a small bottle with 35 mL of product. It has that same warm scent as the hand cream and has been making my home smell wonderful. Sometimes, it is used as a fragrance spray and other times, it is used as a room spray. The packaging is simple, but carries through that warm orange colour on the hand cream. Both products are effective and smell wonderful.

Brazilian Jasmine and Dragonfruit Fragrance Mist and Moisturizing Hand Cream. The next scent is a little bit different: Brazilian Jasmine and Dragonfruit. I wasn't quite sure what this scent would be like, but it is bright and sweet. This is definitely well suited to the summer season! The packaging in this version is a beautiful pink and the Moisturizing Hand Cream and Fragrance Mist perform the same as the Salted Caramel and Vanilla version. I love the cute and colourful packaging and the wonderful seasonal scent. Something to note? None of these products have been tested on animals, which is always important.

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Have you tried anything from Quo Beauty? What kind of scents have you been reaching for most often?

change feels risky until staying the same feels worse.

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

Change. Just the word makes my stomach knot in discomfort. I have always struggled to deal with change, whether it was a last minute change to casual plans or a significant life change that ended a chapter. The reality is that it is easier to feel comfortable when things stay the same. There is a certain kind of ease found in familiarity. However, change happens every single day in both acknowledged and unacknowledged ways. I have recently been trying to face some of those previously unacknowledged changes by reorganizing (and decluttering) my wardrobe and jewellery collection. This process has meant accepting that I am no longer who I used to be...and that parts of me will never be the way they were before. It has been surprisingly emotional.

Perhaps it is silly to feel sad about an overdue organizational process, but it has involved a lot of self reflection. Does this shirt represent who I am now or who I used to be? Do I still feel comfortable in this dress? Do these earrings make me feel good about myself? I have had to come to terms with the fact that I am older than I was when many of these pieces were purchased, that certain things no longer fit me the way they used to, and that I have changed an awful lot over the years. This process has been a sort of shedding of self, where I am letting go of who I used to be and am coming to terms with who I have become.

I donated t-shirts with mustache prints and skinny jeans in bright bold colours and prints. I donated dangly hoop earrings and dresses that made me feel like I was wearing a costume. These were all things that I loved. Pieces that were a part of me. Somehow or another, life happened, and certain parts of me changed. Truth be told, I kind of miss being the twentysomething version of myself in studded mustache t-shirts and colourful skinny jeans, but I am not that person anymore. I kept holding onto these pieces for years and years and years...as if trying to hold onto a version of myself that was already gone. Finally, it felt like the right time to move on, let go, and release the pieces of my past that no longer meshed with my present.

There have been a few recent additions. I realized that I wanted to add pieces that were suitable for a dinner out or a family event. Instead of shopping for who I was or who I wanted to be, some new items were chosen that made sense for my life the way it is now. A well fitted blazer, some blouses with lace sleeves, and jewellery that matched. Though this acknowledgement of personal change has been difficult, it feels nice to open my closet and see the present instead of the past.

"Change happens very slow and very sudden."

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#FOTD: beauty nostalgia (statement lipstick colour)

noreply@blogger.com (the creation of beauty is art.) — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 15:00:00 +0000

Nostalgia appears to be a constant in my life. There is a part of me that aches for the experiences of the past. I love imagining what life was like in different decades almost as much as I love remembering when my own world felt simpler and more optimistic. These days, my nostalgia has even included makeup and jewellery trends from the 2010s. I find myself missing bold statement necklaces and ultra colourful lipstick shades. There was a time that Sephora had blue, green, and purple lipsticks available from all sorts of brands. I loved that time in makeup so much! Back then, beauty was fun and daring and playful. So much of that has been lost to the "clean girl aesthetic" that has become popular in more recent years and it makes me sad. This recent #FOTD is anything but clean girl inspired. It features a fun statement lipstick perfectly suited to my nostalgia.

To create a nostalgic makeup look with a statement lipstick colour, there were several items from my makeup collection chosen. This includes a couple of products found in the Revolution Advent Calendar. The first is the Mini Reloaded Eyeshadow Palette, which as a warm bronze colour and some mauve taupe colours. There are also some fun pink eyeshadow shades included, but for this particular makeup look, the idea was to do something a little more neutral on the eyes so the focus was on the statement lipstick colour. On the cheeks was a bit of bronzer and the Raise The Bar Highlight from Revolution. The highlight has a beautiful golden finish that pairs well with the neutral colours on the eyes. Of course, there was also the statement lipstick. This is one that my mom gifted me not too long ago and it is the Mattitude Liquid Lipstick in the shade Driven Motivee. This is a fun purple colour that reminds me of the different lipstick shades that used to be readily available.

This #FOTD used three different eyeshadows from the Mini Reloaded Eyeshadow Palette, including the shimmery bronze shade on the bottom row. This was applied all over the lid and then the two mauve taupe colours were worked through the crease for a little bit of contrast. Some bronzer was applied on the cheeks and then some of the Raise The Bar Highlighter was added for a bit of golden shine. To finish off this makeup look, the statement lipstick, Driven Motivee was applied. The colour was more vibrant in person, but still photographed nicely. It was fun incorporate some beauty nostalgia into a recent makeup look.

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Do you ever feel nostalgic for certain beauty and fashion trends? Did you used to wear statement lipstick colours?

revisited review: the breakfast club x physicians formula

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

It was around this time last year that The Breakfast Club x Physicians Formula set was gifted to me. The collection included an eyeshadow palette, two face palettes, three lipsticks, and a mascara. While the mascara is long gone at this point, the face palettes and eyeshadow palette have been heavily used. It seemed appropriate to do a revisited review on the standouts from the collection: Saturday Detention Face Palette Volume 1 and Being Bad Feels Pretty Good Eyeshadow Palette.

The Physicians Formula eyeshadow palette, Being Bad Feels Pretty Good, has a wonderful assortment of colours and finishes. I love that there are warm neutrals, metallics, and purples to choose from - and there are both matte and shimmer options as well. This is versatile and the quality remains outstanding. These eyeshadows are boldly pigmented and stand out for the right reasons. Whenever I travel anywhere, this is the eyeshadow palette that I take with me. The eyeshadows are easy to use and the eyeshadow palette is both compact and durable. My favourite eyeshadows in the palette remain the bold shimmers, 5 Strangers and We've Been Brainwashed, but the matte brown, Not Who You Think I Am is another regularly used eyeshadow.

As for the Saturday Detention Face Palette Volume 1, this is something that I have been using often. This is the lighter version (with Volume 2 offering warmer and darker colours) and has been in heavy rotation throughout the winter and spring season. I love the purple-pink highlight, The Brain, and the peach coloured blush, The Princess. The lighter bronzer options work well for me and have also been used regularly. The makeup look above focuses on some of my favourite shades from the Being Bad Feels Pretty Good Eyeshadow Palette and Saturday Detention Face Palette Volume 1. I absolutely love these warm colours.

The Breakfast Club remains an iconic movie...and these products from The Breakfast Club x Physicians Formula collection continue to impress. The themed eyeshadow palette and face palette are able to make life feel a little more beautiful.

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What makeup items have you been reaching for lately? Do you like Physicians Formula products?

fifteen music lover questions.

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

Life without music would be unbearable. There is power in a well written lyric, an interesting melody, and a clear voice. Music has been on my mind a lot lately and I have found myself reflecting on the many times it has understood me, offered me peace, and essentially held me together. It seemed like an appropriate time to wax poetic about it here on the creation of beauty is art. so here are fifteen music lover questions. Be sure to share your own answers in the comment section below.

Which band/artist do you have the most albums from? Even though I no longer support Hanson (you can read about that here), there are a ton of albums from them in my collection. In addition to all of the official studio albums, there are live albums, singles, and annual membership EPs. Next would be John Denver, who released many studio albums and live albums during his lifetime. In the years since, there have also been compilations and greatest hits released. That is a long way of saying there are many John Denver albums on my CD shelf.
What is the last song you listened to? Though it is June and summer is on the horizon, my heart is already longing for the fall season. I cannot wait for chunky knitted sweaters and fallen leaves. Sigh! Until the fall season returns, there is music to remind me of a time that I love. I have been listening to a vintage Halloween playlist today and the last song that played is one of my favourites, "The Wobblin' Goblin" from Rosemary Clooney.
What is the most musically involved you have ever been? I am not very talented when it comes to singing or playing musical instruments. Despite this, there were many efforts made in my younger years to translate the passion that I have for listening to music into making music. I played the flute in elementary school and high school - and was even in the band. I attempted to learn the guitar in high school as well, but that did not go very well. I was in different choirs as a child as well. Ultimately, the talent was not there and performing in front of people made me anxious. I think I am better suited to being a fan of talented musicians than attempting to become one.
Who have you always wanted to see live but never have? There are many artists that I would love to see live, but money and geography has made that impossible. Obviously, my dream would be to go back in time somehow and see John Denver perform life, but outside of that, the brand that I would love to see most is Busted. They never became popular in North America, but they remain one of my all-time favourites. Another that I would love to see is B*Witched. Even though they actually were quite popular in North America, they never seem to tour in Canada.
What is your favourite band shirt? There was this navy blue Hanson shirt with orange lettering on the front. I wore it to elementary school, high school, and university on a regular basis. I just felt better when I wore it. More like me. The lettering cracked over time, but I still wore it anyway. I loved it so much. Unfortunately, that is not a shirt that I can wear anymore, because the band ended up being a huge disappointment, but I still have the shirt tucked away. It makes me very nostalgic. My current favourite band shirt is from KATSEYE. Hot Topic has all sorts of shirts from the band, but my favourite one is oversized and grey with the words EYEKONS repeated all over.
How many music related DVDs do you own? Not counting musicals and stage productions, but only counting the DVDs that are specific to live concert performances and behind the scenes moments...fifty three. There are music DVDs from artists that I have never been able to see live (Busted, Atomic Kitten, Take That, John Denver, Hilary Duff) and artists that I have been lucky enough to see (Jamie Cullum, BBMak, Duran Duran, Gareth Gates). Music is meaningful to me and I love being able to watch these recordings from the comfort of my own home.
Last album you bought? Technically, that would be the new KATSEYE album, Wild. It will not be released until August, but I pre-ordered the CD and vinyl version. Before that, it was a thrifted compilation Christmas album.
Favourite lyrics? There are so many wonderful examples, but this is what immediately came to mind. These lyrics are from "Rhymes and Reasons" by John Denver: "So you speak to me of sadness and the coming of the winter, fear that is within you now, it seems to never end. And the dreams that have escaped you and the hope that you've forgotten. You tell me that you need me now, you want to be my friend. And you wonder where we're going, where's the rhyme and where's the reason? And it's you cannot accept it is here we must begin."
Song that motivates you? I love an upbeat and empowering anthem, but the song that motivates me most is "Start Again" by Donny Osmond. It is a reminder that it is always possible to start again, to move forward, and to become the version of yourself that will make you proud. It is about acknowledging the pain of the past and present, but still holding onto hope for the future. The song provides understanding, compassion, and encouragement.
How often do you listen to music? Every single day. I have music on when I clean, do dishes, shower, exercise, work. It is on almost all of the time. Sometimes, it is an album, and other times, it is relaxing background music, but there is almost always some sort of music playing in my home. It just makes life better.
Do your friends or loved ones have the same musical taste? There is some music that I have in common with friends and loved ones, but generally speaking, our taste is quite not the same. There are concerts that I have attended on my own, because no one wanted to see the band or artist that I was interested in seeing.
Songs that you like singing? I am not a great singer, but I love to sing when I am alone. My favourite album to sing to is Blue Skies from Diana DeGarmo, but my all-time favourite song to sing is "Like I'm Not Even Here," from her Unplugged In Nashville album. There is something about Diana DeGarmo music that makes me feel like singing!
Do you like to listen to the radio? No. Not anymore. The radio plays a lot of music that I am not interested in, including music from well known abusers. I would much rather listen to the music that I own and love.
What song do you listen to when you are angry? There is one answer for this: "EAT ME" by Demi Lovato featuring Royal and the Serpent. The song is angry, it is honest, and it expresses how I feel about the world we live in. It is about letting go of the version of yourself that played nice and tried to keep the peace. It is about embracing the person you truly are. It is about being honest about the society we live in and what is deemed acceptable. "EAT ME" by Demi Lovato is powerful, bold, and is the ideal song choice when the world lets you down.
Describe your musical taste. I love pop music. I love storytellers. I love honest lyrics. I love emotion. My musical taste largely focuses on bands and artists who check all (or at least some) of those boxes.

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What is the name of the last song you listened to? Be sure to share your answers to these music lovers questions!

mini review: tresemme workable hairspray

noreply@blogger.com (the creation of beauty is art.) — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 15:00:00 +0000

I have always admired people who are talented with hair. Over the years, I have read countless hairstyle books, watched far too many video tutorials, and made numerous attempts to do something with my hair other than straighten it with a flat iron or curl it with a curling iron. It seems that straight and curled hair are about it for me. Braids seem impossible, twists are a no, and even effortless waves seem anything but effortless. So, when it comes to hair styling products, my focus is really on protection and hold. In search of something that would address hold, it was the Workable Hairspray from TRESemme (part of The A-List Collection from the brand) that was intriguing to me. This is mostly because of the versatility. This hairspray is dual sided with both a strong hold and light hold option, making it possible to customize all sorts of different hairstyles.

Since hair is not my strong suit (creating different makeup looks is far more enjoyable for me), the number of hair styling products that I have on hand at any given moment are few. I have a heat protectant spray, a mousse, and now, the Workable Hairspray from TRESemme. Later on in the week, my husband and I will be attending a convention a few hours away and my hope is to meet one of my childhood idols. In preparation for that event, this hairspray was added to my modest selection of hair styling products. Whatever I do with my hair on the day of the event, it needs to look decent for at least a few hours! I liked the idea of the Workable hairspray, because there is a dual sided feature that makes this a little more versatile. One side has a strong hold option and the other has a light hold option. On the day of the convention, the strong hold option will be essential, but when it comes to more common experiences, like heading to the movies or a date night, the light hold option would be preferable. I like that instead of purchasing two separate hairsprays that I will only ever use sporadically, there are two different versions in one bottle. Another bonus? The Workable Hairspray has been certified as a cruelty free product.

I have been putting both the strong hold and light hold versions to the test in preparation for the convention - and for this mini review. The scent is much lighter than some other hairsprays that I have used in the past, which is nice. The light hold option gives the hair a bit of hold, but still leaves it feeling soft and natural. It also makes the hair look shiny and healthy. The strong hold option definitely does a lot more in terms of hold, but it still does not make the hair feel crunchy or heavy. I like that the Workable Hairspray is versatile, customizable, and effective. It was definitely a good find for someone like me who does not have a lot of hair styling products around. Fingers crossed that it will continue to meet my needs in the next little while.

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Have you tried the Workable Hairspray from TRESemme? What hair products do you reach for most often?

four mini mascara reviews (mascara discovery collection)

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

Mascara is the ultimate finishing touch. It can add a little extra drama to the lashes, with lots of length and volume. However, not all mascaras are created equally. Some are bold and others are lackluster. Over the last little while, I have been putting some mini versions of popular mascaras to the test as part of the Mascara Discovery Collection. (If you missed that show and tell post, be sure to check it out here.) The set came with eight different mascaras and a voucher for one full sized version. I have been putting them all to the test in order to make my final decision, which will be revealed in a future post. For now, here are the first four mascara reviews, which includes products from Benefit, Yves Saint Laurent, Lancome, and Too Faced.

Benefit and Too Faced. The first two mini reviews are for the BadGal Bang! Volumizing Mascara from Benefit Cosmetics and Better Than Sex Mascara from Too Faced. I have tried a few different mascaras from Benefit in the past and really liked them, especially the They're Real! Mascara. However, the price of high end mascaras caused me to switch to comparable drugstore products instead. This Mascara Discovery Collection made it possible to test out eight different high end mascaras and then choose a full sized version afterward. So far, it is the BadGal Bang! Volumizing Mascara that is number one on my list. It offers length and volume...and the colour is a dark and dramatic black. I love how bold and glamorous this mascara is. Then there is the Better Than Sex Mascara from Too Faced. This is one that I have tried before and enjoyed. It really makes the lashes look fabulous and has a fluffy mascara wand that makes it quick and easy to coat the eyelashes. This is definitely a contender.

Yves Saint Laurent and Lancome. The next two mini mascaras in this set were the Lash Clash Extreme Volume Mascara from Yves Saint Laurent and the Hypnose Drama Mascara from Lancome. The Lash Clash Extreme Volume Mascara is decent and offers a lot of length, but despite the name, it unfortunately does not deliver on volume. It is a good choice is lots of length is your priority, but this particular mascara didn't check all the boxes for me. As for the Hypnose Drama Mascara from Lancome? I did not like this at all. It does add length to the lashes, but it has a very strong perfume scent and that scent caused some irritation. This mascara is not something that I plan to continue using, so it is good that I was able to try out this mini version.

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Have you tried any of these high end mascaras? What kind of mascara do you like to use on a regular basis?

ten random things that are keeping me inspired this spring.

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

Balance seems out of reach. Despite my best efforts, living a balanced life seems near impossible to achieve, even on a temporary basis. It seems that life is either uncertain and achingly slow or full steam ahead. At the moment, it seems that I am in a season of "full steam ahead." There are appointments, plans, requests, and a to-do list that grows longer with each moment that passes. What kind of season are you in right now? Is the pace a little slower or are you struggling to keep it all together? Whether you are overwhelmed or are finding life a little quieter, it is essential to stay inspired. To find little things that matter. To hold onto bits and pieces of happiness. That is what inspired this blog post. I have been seeking out all that is joyful and beautiful in my world. On that note, here are ten random things that have been keeping me inspired this spring.

Even when life feels too full with all of the things that "have" to be done, there are always little things that manage to add a bit of light to the day. So, here are ten examples of my more recent sources of inspiration this spring season.

Life's Fingerprints Remain. One of my closest friends, Catherine, runs the wonderful blog, Life's Fingerprints Remain, which has insightful posts about all sorts of interesting topics. More recently, there was a post called "Seasons of Colour," which highlighted the colours associated with different times of year. Her incredible writing style (and all of those gorgeous photographs) has been a real inspiration to me. I keep hoping her writing talent will rub off on me, but in the meantime, it is a delight to read what she shares. I am eagerly awaiting a new post. In the meantime, I encourage you all to check out Life's Fingerprints Remain. It is well written and meaningful.
The Sheep Detectives. My husband and I recently went to the movie theater to see the murder mystery movie, "The Sheep Detectives." It was incredible. The sheep characters were cute, funny, and relatable. I didn't expect to cry so much in a sheep detective movie, but the film had a lot of unexpected layers. It was a whodunnit with an awful lot to say. I look forward to this movie being released on DVD so I can add it to my movie collection.
Vanilla Amber Fragrance Mist. As mentioned in a previous post, the Vanilla Amber scent from Forever 21 is outstanding. This warm and cozy fragrance has been in heavy rotation for months and months...and that is unlikely to change anytime soon. It takes only a quick spritz of this scent to make life feel a little more beautiful.
Rewind by Clay Aiken. There is new music from Clay Aiken and that makes my heart very happy. His new single, "Rewind," is catchy, fun, and ultimately very relatable. The lyrics, "So play me a song from another time. It's been too long since we've felt alive," seem to capture what it feels like to long for those seemingly carefree moments of the past. This song is both nostalgic and new, offering listeners a blissful three and a half minute escape.
Flowers for No Reason. Last week, my husband came home with a bouquet of flowers for no reason at all. There are pink, purple, and white flowers in a vase on our coffee table right now! I love that the flowers add some colour to our living room, but more than that, I love how thoughtful and kind my husband is. I feel very lucky.
John Denver Book, DVDs, and Music. It should come as no surprise, but John Denver is in constant rotation this spring season. (And throughout the rest of the year.) I re-read his biography recently, have been winding down at night with various concert DVDs, and have been listening to his albums over and over again. John Denver reminds me of what matters most in the world. His music makes me feel connected, inspired, and safe. He gives me hope.
Alien Jellycat Plush. I was out with my parents last week and when we were leaving a shop, there was a display of Jellycat stuffed animals. I have a serious weakness for stuffed animals in general, but especially Jellycat ones. The designs are so whimsical and fun. It was a cute green alien, called Zyllan Alien, that came home with me. He comes in a vibrant green colour and has large eyes and bendy arms and legs. Definitely an out of this world addition!
Walt Disney World Inspired Scents and Videos. To be honest, my heart is missing Walt Disney World a lot these days. There is no vacation to the theme park on the horizon, so I am doing my best to bring some of that magic home. Even when I feel overwhelmed and stressed, the day can become a bit better with one of the theme park essential oils in my collection. Or sometimes I put on the "Living With The Land" ambiance video from the Disney Parks YouTube channel. I also like to watch a Disney YouTuber. Anything to make regular life feel Disney inspired.
Fun Thrifting Finds. There is nothing quite like thrift store shopping. After a dentist appointment recently, my husband took me out to a nearby thrift store to make the day a little more enjoyable. I found all sorts of Christmas themed books and VHS tapes, a Bridgerton book for my collection, and a couple of new to me CDs. I love walking around the thrift store, looking at everything, and searching for unexpected treasures.
Random Streaming Favourites. I love movies and television shows so much. It is fun to explore different worlds and different characters. Some of the things that I have been streaming lately include nostalgic favourites and newer releases. Examples include, "Glee Live! In Concert!," "Anastasia," "The Craft," "The Mystery of Richard Simmons," "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend," and of course, "Beyond the Gates." Thank goodness for entertainment.

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

What has been inspiring you lately? How do you find pieces of happiness even in busier times of the year?

my top four most used ariana grande perfumes.

noreply@blogger.com (the creation of beauty is art.) — Mon, 25 May 2026 15:00:00 +0000

There will always be something special about perfume. I love that scents can remind you of a specific experience or a different chapter of your life. Perfume can be both nostalgic and part of the current moment. Though there are many bottles on my perfume shelf, it is the Ariana Grande ones that I tend to reach for most often on a day to day basis. I love the sweet, warm, and comforting blends. On that note! Here is a closer look at the four Ariana Grande perfumes that I use most often.

R.E.M. and Thank U, Next Perfumes. The first two perfumes in this top four list are R.E.M. and Thank U, Next, which were first released in 2020 and 2019. Both were written about on the creation of beauty is art. here and the small versions pictured have since been finished. It is the full-sized bottle of R.E.M. that I am using now as well as the full-sized version of Thank U, Next. Both of these perfumes come in beautiful holders (crystals for R.E.M. and a broken heart for Thank U, Next) and look wonderful on display. The actual perfumes are fabulous as well. R.E.M. is sweet and warm, with caramel, lavender, tonka bean, and sandalwood, among other ingredients. Thank U, Next is much brighter and has a sweet and fruity scent. Some of the ingredients are raspberry, pear, macarons, and musk. R.E.M. is a wonderful perfume choice when I am looking to feel calm and comforted. On the other hand, Thank U, Next is an ideal choice when I need a little pick me up or an extra boost of confidence.

Mod Vanilla and Cloud. Next on this list of my most used perfumes from Ariana Grande is Mod Vanilla and Cloud, which were released in 2022 and 2018. Out of all the Ariana Grande perfumes, Mod Vanilla has turned out to be my all-time favourite. At first, it was something that I was using as a room spray, but then I started wearing it often. I love how warm it is, but also that it is bright and fresh at the same time. This has ingredients like musk, plum, praline, vanilla, and cacao butter. It smells incredible and never fails to make the day a little bit better. The last perfume on this list is Cloud, which there are several different versions of, such as Cloud Pink and Cloud 2.0. As for the original version of Cloud, this is my second bottle. The perfume comes in an adorable cloud shaped bottle holder with a cloud shaped bottle topper. It is described as floral and fruity, with ingredients like lavender, pear, whipped cream, praline, musk, and woody notes. It is a unique and dreamy combination.

Perfume is a wonderful form of self expression. It makes life feel a little more beautiful - and that is always a good thing.

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

Have you tried any of the Ariana Grande perfumes on my most used list? What fragrances do you tend to like the best?

does it work?? jelly job full-bodied shine gloss (nyx)

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

The name of the new NYX lip product is a little bizarre: Jelly Job. Despite the unusual name, the Jelly Job Full-Bodied Shine Gloss has received a lot of hype online recently, with influencers and beauty enthusiasts alike eager to share their reviews. There are all sorts of colours to choose from in the product line, but with a $21 CDN price, there are two questions that come to mind: does it work and is it worth purchasing? Keep reading for a full product description and review.

First thing is first. Many prices at the drugstore are completely ridiculous. The costs have increased significantly in recent years. I am aware that the cost of everything has increased across the board, but the increases in the drugstore makeup aisle are even more outrageous. (Especially when you look at brands like Essence, who are still able to keep the costs low and the quality high.) NYX has always been a little more expensive than other drugstore makeup brands in Canada, but $21 CDN for the Jelly Job Full-Bodied Shine Gloss is wild. This is a splurge and that is something to think about before adding it to your cart.

Now for the product claims. According to the brand, the Jelly Job Full-Bodied Shine Gloss provided full-bodied shine and volumized-looking lips. NYX states that "our lightweight formula, paired with a new spatula applicator, delivers jelly-smooth shine and jelly-juicy volume, creating the glassy, high-shine lips of your dreams." There are nine shades to choose from and a cherry scent. The product is supposed to provide a glassy finish, smoother lips, volumized appearance, and no stickiness.

So...does it work?? Eh. Sort of. There are some pros and cons to this drugstore lip product. The pros? The shade, Honey, It's Jelly, is a nice neutral and it offers lots of sparkle and shine. The cons? The price, the applicator, the scent, and the way this product feels on the lips. (Okay, so there are more cons than pros in this case.) The "new spatula applicator" that was described is fine, but it is essentially a hard plastic applicator that does not make application any easier or more comfortable. As for the cherry scent? It is really strong and a little overwhelming. The actual product feels sticky, goopy, and uncomfortable. While it looks beautiful, this is not a product that I would recommend. The quality did not impress me and neither did the cost.

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

Have you tried the Jelly Job Full-Bodied Shine Gloss from NYX? What did you think of this drugstore product?

my favourite albums to write to.

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

Some people can write in silence. I am not one of those people. There needs to be something on in the background to spark the flow of creative energy. Though there are many albums on my shelves, there are four that I tend to listen to when I am writing. Some are connected to specific projects while others make me feel safe enough to address the blank page.

Whether I am working on a blog post, poem, book, short story, or anything else, certain albums are part of my process:

Kacey Musgraves - Deeper Well. The first album is Deeper Well from country artist, Kacey Musgraves. This folk-pop release is incredible from start to finish. There are so many meaningful songs and beautiful lyrics. The entire vibe of the album is perfection. It often increases my creativity and provides some much needed comfort. Some of my favourite songs are Deeper Well, Jade Green, and The Architect. The album is thought provoking and introspective, but still laid back. It is the perfect writing companion. So many blog posts have had this album as the soundtrack.
John Denver - Rhymes & Reasons. There are so many John Denver albums that mean the world to me, but more recently, it is the Rhymes & Reasons album that has been inspiring me while I write. The song Catch Another Butterfly perfectly taps into the nostalgia of youth while addressing the fear of losing your sense of wonder over time. Then there are songs like Rhymes & Reasons that work to make sense of the world we live in. This entire album is poetry in motion. It reminds me that there is beauty in the world, even in the midst of doubt and fear.
Ryan Cabrera - The Moon Under Water. This is an album that is really important to my life. Though it did not do well commercially, it is something that I have listened to hundreds of times over the years. It feels like a part of me at this point. Songs like In Between Lights and Say You Will have been by my side while I have worked on various writing projects, most specifically my first attempt at writing a novel, which happened many years ago now. The Moon Under Water has remained an album that I turn to when I am working on books and short stories. It connects me to another side of myself and leaves me feeling inspired in a way that is hard to put into words.
Miley Cyrus - Younger Now. As for the last album on this list? It is another that was not exactly a commercial success. Miley Cyrus always sells well, because she is an icon, but she has certainly had more popular projects before and since the release of Younger Now. However, this is an album that I return to over and over again. I love the country pop inspiration, the honest lyrics, and the optimism that seems to be woven throughout.

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

Do you listen to any of these albums? What do you like to listen to when you write?

shop my stash: coral makeup look

noreply@blogger.com (the creation of beauty is art.) — Mon, 18 May 2026 15:00:00 +0000

There is something about coral that has been speaking to me lately. While there are all sorts of coral shades, typically, it is something between red, pink, and orange. Some coral makeup products are a little more pink, some a little more orange, and some a little more on the red side. I recently decided to shop my stash to create a coral inspired makeup look. It turns out that coral is supposed to represent joy and optimism. I think this colour has been speaking to me lately because my life has needed an extra dose of joy and optimism! Here is hoping this makeup look will bring all sorts of positivity into my world.

In addition to many of my favourite makeup essentials (like the Epic Ink Eyeliner from NYX and the Pro Glow Foundation from L'Oreal) there were a few other items added to the mix. This includes an old eyeshadow palette with lots of warm colours, the Soft Matte Lip Cream from NYX in the shade San Juan (which I found semi-recently at Winners), and the Luminous Blush-Lighter from Essence. I love that the eyeshadow palette has some warm matte shades as well as some bold shimmers.

To create the shop my stash makeup look shown above, all of the previously mentioned coral coloured products were used. The warm cream colour was applied all over the eyelid to start and then the warm coral shade seen on the upper row of the eyeshadow palette was applied. It was all blended out with a bit of the light brown eyeshadow shade. The Blush-Lighter from Essence was applied to the cheeks to bring in that coral colour and then the San Juan lip cream was applied to the lips. In the end, the makeup look was colourful, warm, and coral inspired. It is fun to do these shop my stash videos and get creative.

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

Do you like coral coloured makeup products? How are you staying inspired this spring?

review: squishy glaze by covergirl (raspberry twist)

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

The Cover Girl brand will always be nostalgic for me. I remember buying a black eyeshadow from the brand back in the Laguna Beach days and trying to mimic the makeup style of the girls on the show. I remember my first foundation purchase and the first blush that I ever tried. All Cover Girl. At that time, the brand was accessible and affordable. (Though the prices at the drugstore have increased significantly in more recent years.) Perhaps that is the reason my weakness for Cover Girl remains. It is nostalgic, but the brand also has some great products. Recently, it was the Squishy Glaze in the shade Raspberry Twist that called to me. This is described as a Lip Butter Balm and it comes in several different shades. Keep reading for a full review.

The Squishy Glaze line from Cover Girl is described as a tinted glaze "bursting with irresistibly squishy flavor." It is supposed to provide nine hours of hydration and lips that look fuller. According to the brand, "the buttery formula, infused with essential fatty acids, hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and plant extract, provides rich nourishment for soft healthier-looking lips." There are five tinted shades available in this line of products. Though the Fresh Plum and Peach Gummies shades were tempting, it is hard for me to resist anything raspberry, so Raspberry Twist seemed to be the ideal shade to try from the line.

This product comes in a fairly standard squeeze tube, but it has a curved applicator that makes application better. The product goes on smoothly and mess free, which is always a benefit. I love the matte pink colour that was chosen and the fact that this is a cruelty product. It is also clean and vegan. As for the product itself, the Squishy Glaze is impressive. I love that this delivers lots of shine, but the formula does not feel sticky or tacky. The colour is subtle, but still provides a nice wash of that Raspberry Twist shade. What I love most? The smell. This has a sweet and pleasant scent just makes the world seem more beautiful. The spring and summer months will certainly include a lot of Raspberry Twist. Though there are other colours in this line that are extremely tempting, my goal is to be more mindful about the amount of cosmetics that I am purchasing, so one shade it is.

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

Are there any drugstore makeup brands that feel nostalgic to you? Have you tried the Squishy Glaze from Cover Girl?