the creation of beauty is art.

show and tell: mascara discovery collection

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

There are many different mascaras on the market. It can be difficult to know what ones work well and what ones fall flat. Over the years, all sorts of mascaras have been tested here on the creation of beauty is art. However, since the discontinuation (or inability to find) The Super Sizer mascara from Cover Girl, my mascara purchases have become more random. Some more recent standouts include Lash Without Limits from Essence and Exhibitionist Uncensored from Cover Girl, but there is no holy grail mascara for me at this point. The Mascara Discovery Collection could change that. During the holiday season, the Mascara Discovery Collection was gifted to me, and it includes eight mini size mascaras and a coupon that can be redeemed for one full size mascara. Essentially, you test out eight mini mascaras, choose the one you like best, and redeem the card for the mascara of your choice. It is a wonderful way to test out many different formulas. Here are all of the mascaras included in the set.

As mentioned, there are eight mini sized mascaras in total, and each of the mascaras ranges from 2 mL to 4 mL depending on the brand. The Mascara Discovery Collection set has all sorts of different mascaras inside, which includes the following:

Lise Watier - 24 Hrs Glam Intense Mascara
Clarins - Wonder Volume XXL
Lancome - Lash Idole Mascara Deluxe
Clinique - High Impact Mascara
Benefit Cosmetics - BadGal Bang! Volumizing Mascara
Yves Saint Laurent - Lash Clash Extreme Volume Mascara
Lancome - Hypnose Drama Mascara
Too Faced - Better Than Sex

Though it is drugstore mascara that I tend to reach for most often these days, there was a time that I used high end mascaras regularly. At a certain point, the quality of drugstore mascaras increased and there did not seem to be enough of a difference between drugstore and high end to justify the additional cost. However, this set makes it possible to test out several different high end mascaras and see what works - or does not work - for me. I have already tested out several mascaras from this Mascara Discovery Collection, so look out for mini reviews of each mascara in the future. I will also share which full-sized mascara was chosen once all have been tested! So far, some of the mascaras are definitely better than others.

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Have you tried any of the mascaras included in the Mascara Discovery Collection? What ones did you like best?

review: devout (david archuleta biography and new music)

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

A lot of musical artists have added meaning to my life, but David Archuleta is higher on the list than most. His voice has consistently wowed, but the release of his biography highlighted the power of his voice in a whole new way. Devout: Losing My Faith To Find Myself is extremely important. Keep reading for a full review of Devout, both the book and the new EP.

Devout: Losing My Faith To Find Myself covers an awful lot of ground. In the book, David Archuleta speaks honestly about the difficult relationship he had with his father and several other family members. Family dynamics can be complex even in the best situations, so it was especially meaningful that he was able to write honestly about the more difficult experiences. David also wrote a lot about the pressures that he faced as his father pushed him into the music industry and the expectations that others had for him. He was very honest about the anxiety he felt and the difficulties he had trusting his own desires. In addition to everything he shared about his family dynamics, Star Search, American Idol, and being a recording artist, there was also a lot of information about the Mormon church shared. It was something that David grew up in and it was something that he relied on when he felt overwhelmed. Unfortunately, the church holds horrible views on people within the LGBTQIA2S+ community. This led to David feeling that he needed to reject his authentic self - and when he could no longer continue to do that, he contemplated taking his own life. Devout is an important read for a lot of reasons. It speaks about abuse, control, and cruelty, but it ultimately focuses on freedom. The world is better when people are loved and accepted for who they are.

In addition to the release of the book, there were three songs included on the companion EP. Those can be heard here:

Each of the Devout EP songs ties into the themes of the book in some way. Old and Young acknowledges the years spent trying to be what everyone else wanted him to be. As David has started to step out into the world in a new way, he finds that he is both old and young. There are so many experiences that he has not had out of fear...so there is a newness to life despite his age. This is something that a lot of people will be able to relate to in some manner. Stay is another emotional song on the EP and it is a call to this suffering to hold on. Since the book discusses depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts, this song is especially important. I am certain that it will help a lot of people who are hurting. Thank goodness that David decided to stay. The last song on the EP is On Purpose, which is my favourite of the three. (That being said, all are incredible. This is truly his best work and that is saying something.) It is a song about making mistakes, but not hating yourself for trying new things. I especially love the lines, "I know I'm not perfect, but I'm not a bad person." Perfectionism can be draining and the simple realization that you do not need to be perfect to be worthy is powerful. This EP continues to be played on repeat in my home.

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Have you read Devout by David Archuleta? What books are on your current reading list?

r.e.m. beauty x wicked (blush palette and lip oil review)

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

Wicked and Wicked: For Good are still in heavy rotation in my home. The movies and soundtracks are a constant....and so are Wicked themed makeup products. There have been a few reviewed here on the creation of beauty is art. already, but now it is time for two more product reviews from r.e.m. beauty. The first is the Cherry Blossom Blush Palette and the second is the So Popular PH Adaptive Lip Oil. Here is everything you need to know about these Wicked: For Good inspired makeup products.

The two items shown are the Cherry Blossom Blush Palette, which includes three different blush shades, and the So Popular PH Adaptive Lip Oil. The blush palette has the shades Perfectly Pink, Glimmer In The Sky, and Lovelier. The first shade, Perfectly Pink, is matte and is more of a classic pink blush. The second shade, Glimmer In The Sky, has a luminous finish and comes in a darker pink colour. Then there is Lovelier, which is a bold coral pink highlight. These can be worn alone or combined for a bolder blush look. Since I am all about a bold blush look in my day to day life, it is nice to wear a little bit Glimmer In The Sky higher on the cheeks, Perfectly Pink on the apples of the cheeks, and then Lovelier worn as a highlight. All of the blushes perform well and I love the cheery blossom theme. The blush palette comes in this beautiful iridescent pink packaging and there is a full mirror inside. As for the PH Adaptive Lip Oil, there is a crystal kind of shape to the product design and a green tint that pairs well with the Wicked theme. The lip oil itself applies easily, has a nice amount of shimmer, and does not feel sticky. More interestingly, this is described as being "a PH adaptive shimmer lip oil that magically shifts to your bewitching custom pink shade." The colour ended up being a nice warm pink, which pairs well with the other products in this r.e.m. beauty line.

The simple makeup look shown above makes use of all sorts of Wicked themed makeup products. The light green shimmer from the Ozian Forest Eyeshadow Palette was applied on the eyelids and all three blush products from the Cherry Blossom Blush Palette were put to use. The So Popular PH Adaptive Lip Oil was applied as well, and it offered lots of colour and fabulous shine. I love the Wicked movies a lot, so it has been fun to put all sorts of Wicked themed beauty products to the test.

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Have you seen Wicked: For Good yet? Are there any Wicked themed makeup products that you would like to try?

hippity hoppity, easter's on its way.

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

Easter is one of my favourite holidays. Truth be told, all holidays make me smile, but the idea of new beginnings makes this time of year especially meaningful. Sometimes, a fresh start is needed. Sometimes, a little extra hope is needed. That is what Easter represents to me: a fresh start and hope for a better tomorrow. Maybe you are looking forward to sunshine and spring flowers or maybe you need a chocolate bunny to make life feel more beautiful. Do what you can to enjoy the spring season and the magic that Easter provides. Need a little inspiration? Here are some Easter themed photos that I have taken lately.

As you can see, these Easter themed photos highlight some of my favourite seasonal decor items (signs, tea towels, stuffed animals, and lots of little Easter chicks) and some holiday movies. I absolutely love holiday movies, but my collection of Easter movies is fairly modest. This year, my husband surprised me with some nostalgic Easter cartoons, which was such a thrill. Out of the ones shown, Yogi The Easter Bear is easily my favourite. I have watched it far too many times in recent weeks. Between the home decor items, themed Kinder chocolate, and cartoons, there has been a lot making the Easter holiday feel special.

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How will you celebrate Easter this year? Do you have plans with family? Have you done any decorating?

six books on my spring book list.

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

So many books, so little time. If only it was possible to spend all of my hours reading! Since there are other responsibilities that need to be handled, reading is something that I tend to treat myself to at the end of the day. It is a reward. Something to look forward to. My last seasonal reading list included all sorts of Christmas themed books, but this spring, there is more of an assortment. Mysteries, biographies, and so much more. Here are six of the books on my spring book list.

The first two books on this list were gifted to me by my siblings. Disney Adults: Exploring (And Falling In Love With) A Magical Subculture by AJ Wolfe is a book that my sister gave me for my birthday back in October. It is no secret that I am a Disney lover - and it runs in the family. We both follow the Disney Food Blog account and were excited about the release of a book focused entirely on the Disney obsessed. The second book shown is Behind The Mirror: Inside The World Of Big Brother by Taran Armstrong. My brother and I have watched Big Brother since the first season aired way back in 2000. My mom started watching with us in the second season and it has been a family event since then. This book takes a look at the television show itself as well as the societal implications. I have already started to read Disney Adults, but look forward to reading both!

The next book on my spring book list is The Sporty One: My Life as a Spice Girl by Melanic C. This book was heavily discounted at my local bookstore because there was some damage to the cover. It seemed like a good opportunity to read a celebrity biography from someone I am interested in. The Spice Girls were a big part of my life growing up and I have remained a fan over the years, even attending their reunion show back in 2008. I have started The Sporty One already (because I choose what to read on any given day based on my mood) and so far, it has been interesting to learn more about Melanie and her experiences. The next book on this list is The Celestial Wife. This is a new-to-me author and the book was purchased out of curiosity. I have a fascination with cults and religious extremism, wanting to understand what makes people choose that path. The Celestial Wife is about a young woman who chooses to leave a polygamist community, but returns to assist other women.

All of my book lists include at least one or two cozy mystery novels and this list is no exception. The first is Murder She Wrote: A Question of Murder from Jessica Fletcher and Donald Bain. I love a good Murder She Wrote book and have been able to find all sorts of them at thrift stores. This book is about a writers' conference and a murder mystery party gone wrong. Then there is the Easter Bonnet Murder by Leslie Meier, which I actually finished earlier today. I love that Leslie Meier has holiday themed books and that there are a lot of important real life issues covered in them. Though the Easter Bonnet Murder is a cozy mystery novel set in a small town, it also tackles issues of elder abuse, overworked staff in nursing homes, and the joys and pains associated with different life stages. It is a holiday themed mystery novel, but it also has something important to say.

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What books are on your spring book list? What genres have you been reading most lately?

review: dove x bridgerton (moonlit masquerade body scrub)

noreply@blogger.com (the creation of beauty is art.) — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 15:00:00 +0000

Certain shows are added to my watch list and sit there for weeks, months, or even years, before finally being viewed. Other shows are watched immediately. Bridgerton falls into the latter category. Whenever a new season premieres on Netflix, it is watched immediately. Whatever plans I had for that day are put on pause so I can find out what is happening in The Ton. I love the interesting characters, the costumes, the music, of course, the different love stories. I also love Bridgerton themed beauty products, as it turns out. Several years back, there were Bridgerton themed makeup items released from Pat McGrath Labs (if you missed that review post, be sure to check it out here) and more recently, Dove released a line of Bridgerton themed bath products. Keep reading for a review of the Moonlit Masquerade Body Scrub from the Dove x Bridgerton collection.

There were several products to choose from in the Dove x Bridgerton limited edition collection, including body wash, deodorant, and body scrub. It was the body scrub that interested me most, because I recently finished the scrub that I was using before. There are two different scents included in the collection: Moonlit Masquerade and Whispering Wisteria. Not having any idea what either one would smell like, the decision was made based on the name. I liked the idea of a moonlit masquerade - and the light blue colour on the packaging looked beautiful. I love that there are lots of Bridgerton inspired designs and even a nod to the show in the product description on the back. It says: "Dearest Gentle Reader, This sophisticated and moody floral scent will leave your skin looking bathed in moonlight and positively luminous." It is nice that even with an affordable body care product, the Bridgerton theme is carried through. The large tub of body scrub was priced at $17.99 CDN.

In addition to the cute theme, the Moonlit Masquerade Body Scrub smells incredible. It is described as having "elegant notes of hydrangea and white wisteria." The scent thrills me, because it actually smells very similar to a beloved Bath & Body Works line that was discontinued, Country Chic. I used to buy the Country Chic products all the time...until the brand stopped selling them. So, it was a nice surprise to find that the scent of Moonlit Masquerade was so similar. It is a bright and energizing floral. As for the scrub itself, this performs well. It isn't too abrasive or harsh and doesn't bother my sensitive skin. (Always a plus, because there are some body scrubs that can be a little too intense.) All in all, this is a really nice item from the Dove x Bridgerton collection. I love the cute themed packaging, the amount of product included, the scent, and the formula.

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Have you tried anything from this Bridgerton themed collection? Are there shows that you always look forward to?

sometimes, things have to break before you can fix them.

noreply@blogger.com (the creation of beauty is art.) — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 15:00:00 +0000

In the words of the iconic Hilary Duff, "life is lifing and pressure is pressuring me." Truthfully, life has been a lot lately. Though there is excitement about the official start of spring - and there are some wonderful experiences planned for the months ahead - my schedule has been unexpectedly full this past week. It has been a struggle to keep my head above water and get done everything that needs to get done. Instead of rushing through blog posts, the decision was made to take a mini blog break so I can rest, reset, and return this time next week with new content. Next week, there will be a Dove x Bridgerton product review, a peek at some of the books on my spring reading list, and an Easter themed post. My apologies that this week will be quiet on the creation of beauty is art. (though I will be sure to read posts from others) but a bit of a break was needed. Until then...

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Are you enjoying the start of spring so far? How have you been welcoming in the new season?

r.e.m. cherry eclipse (ariana grande perfume review)

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

Thank goodness for perfume. It is no secret that scents are a love of mine, from perfumes to body mists to essential oils and everything in between. I love when the world smells nice! A little while back, a loved one gifted me R.E.M. Cherry Eclipse from Ariana Grande to add to my collection of Ariana Grande perfumes. Though there are all sorts of beloved fragrances in my collection, it is the Ariana Grande ones that I wear most. I love the sweet and warm scents the brand offers. How does R.E.M. Cherry Eclipse compare to other Ariana Grande perfumes? Here is everything you need to know about this memorable scent.

R.E.M. Cherry Eclipse has a fantastic design. Like many Ariana Grande perfumes, there is a real thoughtfulness when it comes to the overall look. This perfume comes with a bottle holder that looks like crystals (as seen in other R.E.M. releases) and the bottle itself has a beautiful shimmery finish. As for the scent itself, this is described as a fruity floral scent with notes of black cherry, marshmallow, and honeysuckle. This definitely smells floral to me, but it is balanced out with lots of warmth. Though the word cherry is in the name, the cherry scent is not too overpowering. This is sweet, warm, and easy to wear. It is suitable for daytime activities, but also works well for a night out. Out of all the Ariana Grande perfumes, this one is fairly high on my list. It is not my all-time favourite, but it is a standout. I love the bottle design and the balanced scent. R.E.M. Cherry Eclipse is an ideal choice now that the spring season has officially arrived. This Ariana Grande perfume is sweet, floral, and memorable.

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Have you tried any new perfumes lately? What scents do you reach for most often during the spring season?

five little things making me smile lately.

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

the creation of beauty is art. has always been focused on things that make the world beautiful. Some examples? Makeup, fashion, music, books, travel, movies, and self love. Though the world itself is not always beautiful, there is still so much to hold on to. That is why this post is dedicated to five little things that have been making me smile lately. These little things have made the last several weeks happier and more meaningful. Here is a closer look at the items on this list....

luck...or something from Hilary Duff. I have been a huge fan of Hilary Duff for many years. I have all of her albums, watch everything that she stars in, and have a habit of wearing my Stuff by Duff backpack to the airport whenever I travel. Her new album, luck...or something was released recently and I have purchased it in all formats. It started with a digital download with a bunch of extras. Then it was the CD version and vinyl version. I love the album so much and have been listening to it consistently since the release. My favourite songs are Future Tripping, The Optimist, and Roommates, but every single song is fantastic. Hilary Duff is touring this summer and I was able to buy two tickets for a nearby show. The tickets were extremely expensive, but I decided to skip other concerts this summer in order to see this one. I cannot wait to see Hilary Duff in concert.

Musicals, Games, Makeup, and Home Decor. Now for the four other things that have been making me smile lately. The first is actually the rug that was used as the background for these photos. My husband and I have been looking for little ways to spruce up our space. We found this beautiful rug for our living room and it really pulls everything together perfectly. It changed the space in such a positive way. I absolutely love it. The second item is a program from the musical, Some Like It Hot, which we went to see recently. It was phenomenal. The cast was excellent, the songs were wonderful, and the show managed to be both funny and heartfelt. I especially loved the themes of acceptance and self expression. The tap dancing was a highlight as well. The next item on this list is a game for the Nintendo Switch. It is The Elf on the Shelf Christmas Heroes game. Though it is probably intended for children, it is a bit of a challenge for me, because I am not the best at video games. It is a fun challenge though, and I love how magical it feels with all of the holiday backgrounds. The last item is a makeup product from Absolute New York. Around the holiday season, I purchased a little gift set with some items from the brand for an affordable price. Though there were a lot of really wonderful products included, it is the Cream Highlighter in the shade Champagne that has been making me smile most. It adds just the right amount of glow and pairs well with many different makeup looks.

Whether it is makeup, music, home decor, a video game, or a live performance, there is always something to smile about.

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What little things have been making you smile lately? Are you looking forward to the start of the spring season?

at the end of the rainbow waited the pot of gold.

noreply@blogger.com (the creation of beauty is art.) — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 15:00:00 +0000

How will you celebrate St. Patrick's Day tomorrow? Will you wear green? Will you enjoy a drink and a nice meal with friends? However you choose to recognize the day, here is hoping it will be a positive experience from start to finish. In truth, I have a soft spot for this holiday because my husband and I met on St. Patrick's Day many years back. Each year, there are themed decorations in our home and there is at least some acknowledgement of the day. Tomorrow, I will be wearing a sweatshirt with four leaf clovers all over it and will do something fun and festive with my makeup. In the last week or so, I have painted my nails a bright festive green and have been reading "Irish Parade Murder" by Leslie Meier. I even watched some St. Patrick's Day themed cartoons on YouTube. Life can be stressful and overwhelming, especially with the world the way it is right now, so creating holiday magic has felt more important than usual. On that note, here is a bold makeup look with lots and lots of green.

To create a St. Patrick's Day inspired green makeup look, there were some newer-to-me products used. Essentially, this was all an excuse to use the Fantasy Makers product from Wet n Wild that was purchased late last year. The Chameleon Chrome Lip Foil in the shade Serpent's Spell was featured in a previous blog post (which you can see here) and it is so much fun. The shade looks a little bit different depending on the light, making this an exciting and versatile colour for the lips. This was part of the Halloween line from Wet n Wild and it was added to my cart after the fact at a steep discount. It has definitely made me interested in putting some other shades from the Chameleon Chrome line to the test, but for now, this dark green is a thrill.

Since the dark green lip colour in the shade Serpent's Spell was so bold and dramatic, there were mostly lighter colours used on the eyes. It was the Wicked: For Good Ozian Forest Eyeshadow Palette from r.e.m. beauty and the 9V Vintage Rose Artistry Palette from Morphe that created the eyeshadow look. The lightest matte shade from the Morphe palette, That's Classic, was applied all over the lid as a base. Then the shade, Oh Oz, a light green shimmer from the r.e.m. beauty palette, was applied generously on the eyelid. I love this bright green shimmer so much. There was a bit of the dark green matte shade, Take Flight, added lightly through the crease using a fluffy eyeshadow brush to create a bit of contrast. The lightest shimmer from the Morphe eyeshadow palette, Flourish, was added to the inner corner. On the cheeks was the Everlasting Blush in the shade Foxglove from KVD. It was fun to use some random items in my makeup collection ahead of St. Patrick's Day.

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How will you celebrate St. Patrick's Day tomorrow? What do you think of this green makeup look?

at home gel nail polish (opi and modelones review)

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

Having painted nails always makes me feel better, but it can be a test of my patience waiting for the nail polish to dry completely. That is the reason the Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail Polishes have long been favourites of mine. The shorter drying time meant that I didn't need to wait too long to get back to the many items on my to-do list. Another alternative was gel nail polish. Many years back, there were visits made to the salon to have gel nail polish applied. Though the results were excellent, my social anxiety made the salon visits feel stressful instead of luxurious. More recently, a decision was made to test out gel nail polish at home. After some research, it was the OPI GELement LED Gel Lamp and polishes from Modelones chosen.

OPI GELement LED Gel Lamp. Before making a decision, there was a lot of time spent reading reviews about various lamps. I wanted one that worked well and would mimic salon results. It ended up being the OPI GELement LED Gel Lamp that stood out. It cost about $50 CDN and was super simple to use. The lamp plugs in and there is a button on the top that turns on the light for 60 seconds. I also like that the brand has a series of YouTube videos about how to prep the nails, apply the polish, and use the lamp correctly. Application is simple and effective. I have done my nails four different times at this point and have not experienced an issue with the application process or the end results. This lamp has been a total game changer for me.

Modelones Base Coat, Top Coat, and Nail Colours. When it came to the actual nail polishes, the reviews of the OPI offerings were mixed. So, instead of choosing products from that brand, it was one called Modelones that was put to the test. There were some excellent reviews online, the prices were reasonable, and there were a lot of different colours to choose from. There was a set with the Base Coat and Top Coat chosen, of course, as well as a set with six different colours. The set has purple, pink, blue, green, and even a burnt orange. It seemed like a nice variety to start with. The results have been amazing. Not only is the gel nail polish immediately dry after curing in the OPI GELement LED Gel Lamp (which means there is no wait before returning to that always present to-do list) but the colour lasts. The average wear time seems to be between two and two and a half weeks. After that point, there might start to be some lift around the edges, and that essentially lets me know that it is time to remove the polish. These products have been incredible. I love not worrying about chipped nail polish.

Above are some recent nail looks using the OPI lamp and the Modelones polishes. The green polish was applied recently in honour of St. Patrick's Day next week. It seemed like a festive and fun choice. (The book shown is called the Irish Parade Murder, because there is nothing like a holiday themed cozy mystery.) The other colour is a vibrant Barbie inspired pink. It was bright, bold, and lasted for ages. It has been so wonderful achieving salon results at home. The cost is not that much, the process is straightforward, and the results are absolutely fantastic. It looks like my future involves a lot of gel nail polish.

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Have you ever tried doing gel nails at home? What was your experience like?

inspired by: zara larsson

noreply@blogger.com (the creation of beauty is art.) — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 15:00:00 +0000

There are many celebrities who are downright disappointing. Zara Larsson is not one of them. Not only is her music incredible, but she is consistently on the right side of history, loudly calling out famous abusers, supporting women, and standing against various abuses of power. It is meaningful to see someone with a platform speak out about issues that matter, especially with the world the way it is right now. She is talented, smart, and a true inspiration. Zara is a star on the rise for all the right reasons. In addition to being an outspoken icon, she is also well known for the amazing makeup looks that she wears. These looks are colourful, bold, and interesting. Hopefully in the future, it will be possible to re-create (or at least attempt to re-create) one of these incredible makeup looks on the creation of beauty is art. For now, here is some much needed Zara Larsson inspiration.

Bold makeup, bold music, and bold statements. Zara Larsson is certainly not forgettable. There are some seriously impressive pop stars out there these days and Zara is high up on that list. Morals and music...there is truly no better pairing.

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Who has been inspiring you lately? Do you plan to re-create any of these bold makeup looks worn by Zara Larsson?

what i've been watching lately (sick edition)

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

It is cold and flu season. I thought it was something that I would be able to avoid this year, but unfortunately, it found me. Unfortunately, I have been under the weather more recently, with my days largely spent in bed coughing and holding a box of Kleenex close. That is the down side. On a more positive note, this has allowed me to spend far too much time watching television shows and movies. Here are some of the things that I have been watching lately while doing my best to recover.

I have said it before and I will say it again: thank goodness for entertainment. There is no better way to rest and recover than to stay in bed with a good movie or show. These are the highlights from an otherwise unpleasant experience.

London Fields. I watched the movie London Fields recently as part of my ongoing effort to watch everything that Amber Heard has been in. This movie was fantastic and a DVD copy of the movie was quickly ordered. It has a film noir style and an interesting premise, where Nicola Six knows that she will be killed by one of three men, so she does her best to determine who it will be. Though there was an unfortunate uncredited role by a court certified wife beater that I had to skip over, the rest of the film was interesting and well done. I loved the costumes, the characters of Nicola Six and Samson Young, and the idea of knowing the ending without knowing the details.
Mad Men. There are so many shows on my watch list and it is hard to make the time for them all. One that has been on my list for ages is Mad Men. Since there have been so many hours spent in bed trying to rest and recover from this sickness, it seemed like a good fit. The first couple of seasons were done before I knew it. Mad Men is an excellent show to binge watch. The characters are complex and often unlikeable, but are representative of the societal norms of that time. I love the costumes and sets so much - and find myself rooting for these deeply flawed characters to grow and change in positive ways. The only thing to do is keep watching to find out what happens.
Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist. I have talked about how much I love this show previously, but it was time for even more Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist while stuck in bed. I binge watched season two and then the holiday movie. It really is such a special show and I hate that it did not have a long run on television. (Isn't that always the way? More unique offerings tend to be overlooked.) The "heart songs" in the show add all of these different emotional layers to the characters - and the musical numbers are incredible. Make sure to add this show to your watch list.
Little House on the Prairie. Sometimes, when you aren't feeling well, it is the comfortable classics that become essential. There are a lot of shows from my youth that make me feel safe and nostalgic. Little House on the Prairie is definitely one of those shows. I was gifted the complete series for Christmas and have been working my way through from the first season. There is something about the costumes, the characters, and the scenery that makes this show feel cozy, even though many of the scenarios portrayed were stressful and uncertain.
Beyond the Gates. It just wouldn't be a "what I've been watching lately" post without mentioning my soap opera, Beyond the Gates. (Check out some BTG inspired makeup looks here.) This show started a little over a year ago and it has been a highlight ever since. I love the characters, the clothes, the makeup, the sets, the stories...all of it. Though it started off strong, the show gets better and better with every episode. Unlike some soap operas that I have seen in the past, this show feels dramatic, but is still rooted in reality. It is interesting, grounded, and has a core focus on family connections. Beyond the Gates airs weekdays on CBS, but is also available to stream.

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What have you been watching lately? Be sure to share your recommendations in the comment section below!

perfume set reviews: xtina and christina aguilera

noreply@blogger.com (the creation of beauty is art.) — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 16:00:00 +0000

Even though it is March, many of the reviews here on the creation of beauty is art. take me back to the holiday season. During that time, loved ones gifted me various beauty related items, including makeup, skin care products, and perfume. It is perfume that will be the focus today, because there were two Christina Aguilera sets that were eagerly unwrapped on Christmas morning. It is time to find out more about the scents Xtina and Christina Aguilera from the iconic pop star, Christina Aguilera.

Xtina by Christina Aguilera. I have been a fan of Christina Aguilera since I was a little girl. I heard Genie In A Bottle on the radio and that was it. Her voice is incredible, her music is amazing, and Burlesque remains one of my comfort movies. My husband knows that I am a fan and chose two Christina Aguilera perfume sets to gift me for Christmas. The first was a new-to-me scent called Xtina. The set came with a shower gel as well as a bottle of perfume. The bottle has a great design, with a red X down the front, a little metal charm that says Xtina, and detailing around the lid. The perfume is described as a fruity floral fragrance, with top notes of raspberry, black currant, and pear, middle notes of sugar, rose petals, jasmine, and violet leaf, and base notes of patchouli, amber, oakmoss, and musk. I love that this scent is bold and sharp, but still manages to smell sweet and warm. It is balanced, but complex, standing out from many other fragrances on my perfume shelf. I love that this set came with a shower gel as well. It is a nice little extra that makes it possible to smell fabulous day after day. Xtina is definitely a winner.

Christina Aguilera by Christina Aguilera. The second Christina Aguilera perfume set is appropriately named Christina Aguilera. This signature scent is one that I have used (and loved) in the past, so it was nice to have another bottle and a shower gel version as well. This has a beautiful curved bottle with a lace design on the front The perfume has top notes of black currant, exotic fruits, pineapple, and tangerine, middle notes of plum, peony, and jasmine, and base notes of vanilla, white musk, and amber. Christina Aguilera is a wonderful night out scent. It is warm, musky, but still has a bit of brightness in there as well.

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Have you tried the Xtina or Christina Aguilera perfumes? Do you have a current favourite scent?

review: soft pinch cheek and lip trio (rare beauty)

noreply@blogger.com (the creation of beauty is art.) — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 16:00:00 +0000

The winter season is starting to wind down. In fact, there are only a few more weeks until spring officially arrives. With warmer weather on the horizon, it seems like an appropriate time to review the Soft Pinch Cheek and Lip Trio from Rare Beauty. This was actually a Christmas gift from a loved one, but I am only now taking the time to write about it here on the creation of beauty is art. There are three different products inside (all in the shade Worth) and the colour is an ideal choice for the upcoming spring season. Keep reading for a full review of each Rare Beauty product included in the Soft Pinch set.

The Soft Pinch Cheek and Lip Trio from Rare Beauty comes with three different products: Soft Pinch Matte Bouncy Blush, Soft Pinch Liquid Blush, and Soft Pinch Tinted Lip Oil. All three items come in the same shade, Worth, which is described by the brand as a "true rose" colour. (To me, it looks more like a warm peach than true rose, but the colour is beautiful nonetheless.) It is nice to test out different products and formulas in the same colour. Though I have some familiarity with the liquid blush formula from the line, it has been interesting to test out another blush formula from the brand as well.

The Soft Pinch Liquid Blush in the shade Worth is a winner. I absolutely love the liquid blush products from Rare Beauty, because they are boldly pigmented and blend well. A little goes a long way! It is preferable to have mini size versions of the blush (like the one included in this set) because it really only requires a small amount of product for a beautiful blush look. I love the formula and the finish. As for the Soft Pinch Matte Bouncy Blush, this also comes in the shade Worth, but has a matte finish. This is described as "a bouncy, buildable putty that blends like cream, blurs like powder." This is richly pigmented and applies smoothy on the skin. I love the finish and the fact that this blush colour pairs well with a lot of different makeup looks. Last in the Soft Pinch Cheek and Lip Trio is the Tinted Lip Oil. This is another mini size version and it also comes in the shade Worth. It is described as a gel to oil formula that starts off with a glossy finish and then leaves a tint on the lips. The lip oil isn't sticky, it isn't uncomfortable, and I like the colour a lot. However, this is not a product that I am likely to purchase a full size version of in the future. I like it, but I don't absolutely love it. All that said, it was nice to be able to test out different products.

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Have you tried any products from Rare Beauty? What makeup items have you been enjoying most lately?

shaun cassidy concert review and makeup look

noreply@blogger.com (the creation of beauty is art.) — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 16:00:00 +0000

There are all sorts of records in my record collection, including several from Shaun Cassidy. My introduction to Shaun Cassidy was partly a result of my obsession with his brother, David Cassidy, and partly a result of The Hardy Boys television series that ran in the late 1970s. (I found the series on DVD many years back, bought it on a whim, and fell in love with it.) I have listened to his records so many times over the years, but never imagined it would be possible to see him in concert. Then he announced The Road To Us Tour. Tickets were immediately purchased. Here is a mini review of the show and a concert makeup look.

Apologies that my pictures from the night are not fantastic. It was encouraged that photos not be taken during the show. This was a neat way to encourage people to be present, but it is not ideal when wanting to reflect back on the concert now. I only have a picture of the stage before the show, a couple from the very start, and that is it. The rest of the time, my focus was entirely on the performance. The actual concert venue was an interesting one. I had never been there before, but it was certainly unique. It was a stacked theater venue, with one theater on the lower floor and one many stories above. This involved a lot of stairs and escalators to finally reach the actual location of the performance. However, the theater was memorable. The walls were elaborately painted and there were lanterns and leaves on the ceiling. It felt really immersive.

My concert makeup look put the Ozian Forest Eyeshadow Palette from r.e.m. beauty to use. (If you missed that review, check it out here.) The matte colours were the focus, with Witching Hour, a matte beige colour, applied to the inner portion of the lid, and the shade Wickedly Wonderful, a cool toned purple, applied to the remainder of the eyelid. Wickedly Wonderful was applied along the lower lash line as well for lots of drama. This was a simple, but bold, and it made good use of my favourite eyeshadow shade in the Ozian Forest Eyeshadow Palette. On the cheeks was a cream blush and then the lip liner from the King Kylie Lip Kit in True Brown K. It was a fun makeup look that allowed some newer items in my makeup collection to shine.

Now for the best part...the actual concert review. Shaun Cassidy was wonderful. His voice sounded amazing, the setlist was fantastic, and there were all sorts of stories about his life interspersed throughout. I loved learning more about his life post-pop career and hearing more about his relationship with various family members. Some of the musical highlights from the night included the songs, Break For The Street, Tell Me It's Not True, The Last Song, and Da Doo Ron Ron. It was a memorable night. What a thrill to be able to see Shaun Cassidy and be able to hear such special songs live. The evening will always stay with me.

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Have you attended any concerts recently? Are you a fan of Shaun Cassidy?

wicked: for good ozian forest eyeshadow palette (r.e.m. beauty)

noreply@blogger.com (the creation of beauty is art.) — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 16:00:00 +0000

Even though Wicked: For Good was released several months back, it is still in heavy rotation in my home. I love listening to the soundtrack, watching the movie, and enjoying Wicked themed beauty products. During the holiday season, there were some themed r.e.m. beauty products gifted to me. Now it is finally time to review one of them, the Ozian Forest Eyeshadow Palette.

The Ozian Forest Eyeshadow Palette is described as offering "12 ultra-pigmented eyeshadow shades from light reflecting metallics, shade shifting duochromes, and velvety mattes, inspired by the tones found in the Ozian Forest, these rich earthy tones and playful unexpected pops of color create wickedly wonderful looks." There is a lot to love about this Wicked: For Good inspired eyeshadow palette. For starters, the packaging is beautiful, with a rich green colour, butterfly design, and a marble green base inside. The eyeshadows also have themed names, which is always a nice touch. Those are printed on the back side of the palette and include fun names like Festivate, Embrace Your Inner Green, and All Roads Lead to the Wizard.

There are a handful of Wicked themed beauty items in my collection at this point. One eyeshadow palette inspired by the Broadway show and one inspired by the first Wicked movie. Out of all of them...the Ozian Forest Eyeshadow Palette is my favourite. I love the combination of finishes and the overall colour story. There are warm forest inspired shades, but there are still bright vibrant shimmers included, making this eyeshadow palette versatile and exciting. Though I am normally a shimmer kind of person, the matte shades in this eyeshadow palette are actually my favourites. There is a rich forest green shade, Take Flight, and an incredible cool toned purple, Wickedly Wonderful, that I continue to use over and over again. It is fun to create dramatic matte eyeshadow looks or add on a little extra shimmer. The makeup look above used Take Flight as a base, was blended out with The Grimmerie and Witching Hour, and then that bright green shimmer, Oh Oz, was applied as well. There are so many ways to put this eyeshadow palette to use. As for the quality of this r.e.m. beauty release? Impressive. The colours are bold, pigmented, and easy to blend. Both the mattes and shimmers perform equally well, making this a well rounded eyeshadow palette. Ozian Forest has beautiful packaging, a consistent theme, a great colour story, and excellent quality.

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Have you tried this Wicked inspired eyeshadow palette from r.e.m. beauty? What products have you been reaching for lately?

feeling nostalgic: vhs tapes and 00s media

noreply@blogger.com (the creation of beauty is art.) — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 16:00:00 +0000

Before there was YouTube, there were blank VHS tapes. In my younger years, much of my time was spent setting the VCR to record all sorts of television specials and shows. Instead of heading out to the movie theater with friends, many of my evenings were spent recording music videos and interviews on The Hit List and Much Music. I was always saving as much content as possible. Back then (and even now) it seemed important to record things so I could hold onto different moments. So I could watch and rewatch media that meant something to me. Confession: I still have all of my old VHS tapes, and lately, I have been choosing a few VHS tapes at random to watch. The nostalgia is beautiful, painful, and magical, all at the same time.

There are stacks of VHS tapes hidden away in an ottoman with storage inside. There are VHS tapes on shelves. Some in baskets. Though my husband has asked me to consider throwing away these old recordings...it seems impossible. Each one has an assortment of old media that makes me smile. My younger self was far more organized than my current day self, so each VHS tape details what has been recorded. I feel nostalgic about the hours I spent organizing my beloved VHS collection, writing the labels and searching the TV Guide for upcoming programming. Media has been a good friend to me over the years. It has been a beautiful source of inspiration and escape. Watching these old tapes has allowed me to remember who I used to be.

I watch old episodes of Top of the Pops and suddenly remember being in high school, placing international orders at HMV. These days, it is possible to order CDs online from other countries, but back then, I had to place an order at a physical HMV location and wait a month for a CD to be shipped to the store. (Once when I was waiting for a Gareth Gates CD to arrive, I was so impatient that I created a countdown chart on my wall.) I watch recordings of World Idol and remember how angry I was at the results back then. I watch Clay Aiken interviews and think about all of the times my mom and I went to see him in concert or on Broadway. I think about so many beautiful experiences that seem to have slipped my mind as the years have passed.

On the surface, these VHS tapes are collections of assorted media from the 00s. Movies, television shows, interviews, music videos, and even New Years Eve countdowns. But these recordings mean so much more to me. They hold memories of times that have passed and memories of who I used to be. With so much uncertainty in present day, it feels especially wonderful to remember a time when all of my loved ones were healthy and my biggest concern was whether or not a music video I liked would be number one on a local countdown show. In many ways, life was smaller back then. I miss the simplicity.

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What makes you nostalgic? Do you like watching old media from when you were growing up?

the second half of my main street melts order.

noreply@blogger.com (the creation of beauty is art.) — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 16:00:00 +0000

Back in November, several fragrance oils from Main Street Melts were featured on the creation of beauty is art. (As a reminder, these are theme park inspired scents. I fell in love with the brand shortly after visiting Walt Disney World last year. In a post-Walt Disney World blues state of mind, my sad scrolling led me to an Etsy shop that sold scents inspired by some of my favourite rides, restaurants, and theme park treats. The first post about Main Street Melts Candle Co. can be seen here.) In that last post, there were all sorts of fragrance oils featured...and some that were intended to be reviewed in a part two. It is finally time for part two of that previous Main Street Melts haul. Here are some more theme park scent reviews.

In part two of this Main Street Melts Candle Co. haul, there are six fragrance oils that will be reviewed. With a robust collection of scented oils to choose from at this point, my hope is that I will be stocked for the foreseeable future. Now for the reviews...

Main Street Bakery. There is something special about walking down Main Street and looking at all of the stores. There are all of these different scents that make the walk feel extra special, including items from the different bake shops. Main Street Bakery captures that feeling perfectly, with a scent that is described as sweet bakery dough and vanilla cream. The scent is warm and comforting. Since I love vanilla scents (and baked goods) this has been a heavily used oil. I love adding a few drops to my essential oil diffuser and imagining a walk down Main Street.
Goin' Down The Bayou. Though there are many Disney Princesses that I love, Tiana from The Princess and the Frog has a special place in my heart. This particular scent is described as having "the decadent scent of freshly baked beignets, featuring warm buttery notes, powdered sugar, and Tiana's favorite blend of spices." Unfortunately, this is not a favourite. It has a sharp scent to it that I am not quite sure how to describe. I do like the warmth, but this is a fragrance oil that I tend to use a light hand with. Based on the description, this is not quite what I anticipated.
Frontierland. Thank goodness for the Frontierland oil. I am head over heels in love with this scent. The description for this scent mentions roasted pecans, maple sugar and caramel, warm cinnamon spice, and creamy vanilla. It is sweet, warm, and makes me think about wandering Frontierland with a snack before heading over to the Country Bear Musical Jamboree. This is one of the scents that manages to mentally transport me to the Magic Kingdom.
Mickey Waffles. No Walt Disney World vacation would be complete without some Mickey Mouse shaped waffles for breakfast. (This is usually something that I have on the first and last day of the vacation. These Mickey waffles are delicious and adorable.) The idea of a fragrance oil that would remind me of those vacation mornings was a little too tempting to resist. This scent is described as "warm buttery waffles drizzled in maple syrup." There is a lot of that coming through, but similar to the Goin' Down The Bayou scent, there is a sharp kind of scent in there as well that I cannot quite place my finger on. Though the breakfast is a favourite, this oil is sadly not a standout.
Living With The Land. One of my favourite rides in all of Walt Disney World is Living With The Land, which is a boat ride in Epcot that goes through different greenhouses and talks about the importance of agriculture. I find it all so fascinating. There are also so many great smells on the ride! This oil is described as "a soothing union of fresh basil, sage, and mint." I wasn't quite sure whether this scent would be one that I liked, but luckily, it is another winner. The scent is fresh, bright, uplifting, and makes me feel like I am floating through the Disney greenhouses.
Popcorn Cart. It just isn't a Disney vacation without a little popcorn. All over the parks, there are popcorn carts placed in the most tempting locations. There are always super cute popcorn buckets to take home as well, but the cost usually prevents me from indulging that much. As for the Popcorn Cart fragrance oil? This is described as a warm buttery scent. Since I tend to love warm scents (and food inspired scents) this was a must. It is spot on and mimics the Walt Disney World experience. That warm buttery popcorn smell is absolutely incredible.

Once again, my experience with Main Street Melts Candle Co. has been positive. Though not every single fragrance oil is a favourite, the large majority have been wonderful. Many of them transport me back to iconic Walt Disney World rides, themed areas, and even sweet treats. Since it is unlikely that I will be able to visit a Disney theme park in the United States for the next several years, these scented oils are especially meaningful. These themed scents have brought a bit of the experience home.

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What kind of scents do you like best? Have you ever tried a theme park inspired fragrance oil?

the ugly side of the beauty industry: brands that i no longer support.

noreply@blogger.com (the creation of beauty is art.) — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 16:00:00 +0000

Despite the name, the beauty industry is not always beautiful. In fact, it can be downright horrifying once you look past the glossy exteriors and smiling faces. It has become harder in recent years to consume products in a way that feels at least somewhat ethical. I don't know if this is because there is more information available than before or if there has been a shift in the way companies run their businesses. What I do know? There are many brands that I am no longer willing to support. This post will highlight some of those immoral brands specifically, but this is by no means an exhaustive list. If there are ones I have missed or might still be in the dark about, feel free to leave a comment in the comment section below. It is important that consumers are aware of what it means to spend money on certain beauty brands. In many cases, we deserve much better.

Dior. At one point in my life, this brand sold my favourite mascara. I would buy multiple tubes at a time just to make sure I never ran out. I thought the brand was luxurious and aspirational. Unfortunately, over time, I learned that the brand represents everything I stand against. It is a hateful and cruel company that makes money off of misogyny and violence. Dior continues to employ a spokesperson who was found to be a wife beater in court, engaged in litigation abuse, and was mentioned multiple times in the Epstein emails. The brand blocked me on social media for sharing the misogynistic, violent, and hateful words of the spokesperson they continue to employ. The brand refused to adequately respond to formal complaints, instead ignoring, blocking, muting, and burying their head in the sand. Dior is anything but aspirational...it is a place where abuse is supported.

Milani. This time, it is a drugstore brand that lacks morals. Though I was a customer at one time, this company will never see another dime from me. Milani Cosmetics inserted themselves into a domestic violence trial for attention on TikTok. The brand lied about a piece of demonstrative evidence for clicks and likes on the internet. The brand then blocked and muted many people on social media after they pushed back against obvious lies and cruelty. One plus? After posting on Twitter in 2023 for Women's Equality Day, there was so much pushback against the hypocritical and abusive brand that they shortly stopped using that social media platform altogether. Milani is an example of a beauty brand that sells products primarily geared towards women while actively making the world unsafe for women. The next time you are at the drugstore, avoid this brand.

e.l.f. Another drugstore letdown is e.l.f. which is a brand that has been featured many times on the creation of beauty is art. Unfortunately, the brand chose to include "comedian" Matt Rife in a more recent advertising campaign. Matt Rife makes "jokes" about domestic violence and special needs individuals. His misogyny and casual cruelty seemed extremely misaligned with the brand. Not only is this brand of "comedy" extremely offensive, but he has absolutely nothing to do with the beauty industry. e.l.f. decided to include someone harmful in a campaign, did not issue an adequate apology, and did not immediately remove the advertisement. There are many beauty brands to choose from, so it is fairly simple for me to avoid e.l.f.

Fenty Beauty. The last brand on this list (as a reminder, this is not an exhaustive list and I am certainly open to learning about other brands that might need to be added) is one that many still love and support. Fenty Beauty has done some groundbreaking things in the beauty space and I am in no way trying to take away from that. However, it is not a brand that I feel comfortable supporting anymore. Despite being a survivor, Rihanna has a history of platforming and normalizing abusive men, from including a proven abuser in her 2022 Savage x Fenty fashion show to wearing t-shirts with R Kelly on them long after his abuse was known to the public. It is the person behind the Fenty Beauty brand that has made me steer clear.

It is important to speak out about brands that intentionally cause harm. It is necessary to call out brands that attempt to normalize what should never be normal. Dior, Milani, e.l.f., and Fenty Beauty are all on my list of brands that I no longer support. Who is on your list? Be sure to share your own no-buy brands in the comment section below.

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

review: exhibitionist uncensored waterproof mascara (cover girl)

noreply@blogger.com (the creation of beauty is art.) — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 16:00:00 +0000

Shortly before our Atlantis vacation, my husband and I created a to-do list. It included various items that needed to be completed before heading on our Bahamas getaway. Laundry, bills, passports, packing, and all the rest. Also on that to-do list? Buying a waterproof mascara. Since the Atlantis resort would have warm weather and waterparks, bringing along a waterproof mascara was a must. Sadly, I have not been able to find The Super Sizer from Cover Girl (in waterproof or regular) in stores recently, so it was another mascara that needed to be added to the cart. Keep reading for a Cover Girl mascara review...

The Exhibitionist Uncensored Mascara is one that has been reviewed here on the creation of beauty is art. in the past. Back in 2020, there was a review of the standard formula. My experience with the product was decent, but the mascara simply did not perform as well as The Super Sizer. This time around, it was the waterproof formula that was purchased. The Exhibitionist Uncensored Waterproof Mascara in Extreme Black was a vacation essential. Though the length and volume is not as impressive as other mascaras, the actual waterproof element was stellar. This waterproof mascara didn't flake or smudge in the heat and it stayed put...even in the waterpark. I had on the Epic Ink Liner from NYX and this waterproof Cover Girl mascara on in the pool and at the waterpark and it didn't run or move at all. Though there are still other mascaras that I prefer for day to day use, this is an excellent waterproof mascara. It is one that I will likely repurchase for wear during the warm summer months.

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Have you tried the Exhibitionist Uncensored Waterproof Mascara from Cover Girl? What waterproof mascara do you like best?

kylie cosmetics mini haul and reviews

noreply@blogger.com (the creation of beauty is art.) — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 16:00:00 +0000

Despite the number of reviews that are featured here on the creation of beauty is art. it actually isn't too often that I treat myself to new makeup products. (I have cut back a lot in recent years, but am still lucky enough to receive beauty products on holidays and birthdays.) However, a few months ago, I ended up browsing the beauty aisles while waiting for my husband to finish running an errand. Long story short, I fell in love with a handful of Kylie Cosmetics items. Some were part of the much talked about King Kylie collection, which is essentially a throwback collection inspired by the early days of the brand. There was also a hair and body mist that smelled incredible. Ready to take a closer look at the products that were too tempting to resist? Keep reading for some reviews and a recent makeup look featuring the products included in this mini haul.

Hair and Body Mist in Caramel Cloud. Scents are definitely a weakness of mine. I love perfumes, room sprays, essential oils, scented candles, and well, everything that smells nice. There were a few different Hair and Body Mists at the store, including one called Vanilla Dew and Sweet Eclair, but it was Caramel Cloud that stood out. It is described by the brand as being cozy and indulgent - and having an ambery gourmand scent. With caramel, brown sugar, and vanilla, the scent is warm and comfortable. Lately, vanilla scents have been especially high on my list of loves, so this warm caramel and vanilla mist checks all the boxes.

King Kylie Matte Lip Kit in True Brown K. It is no secret that I love the Kylie Cosmetics lip kits. Not everyone likes the formular, but it works really well for me. Both the lip liners and liquid lipsticks are pigmented and long lasting. In more recent years, the brand has focused on more pink and peach kind of colours, so it was really exciting to see a nice chocolate brown. I absolutely love brown lipstick colours and True Brown K is absolute perfection. I love the old school Kylie Cosmetics packaging (black instead of the more recent pink), the formula, and the colour. This lip kit is my favourite of the three products in this mini haul.

King Kylie Eyeshadow Palette. There are a lot of things that I like about this King Kylie Eyeshadow Palette. I love that on the outer packaging, there are various pictures of Kylie Jenner to show where the inspiration for each colour came from. (Different makeup looks and different hair colours.) There are also fun themed eyeshadow names, like Kylie Blue, Kymajesty, 2014, and 2015. On the inside of the palette, there is a little Snapchat style filter on the mirror. Everything about this palette is a fun throwback to a time when life on the internet, and in general, seemed a little bit lighter. It has a nice nostalgic quality that is endearing. When it comes to the actual eyeshadow shades, there are a lot of blues and greens, which reminds me of all the fun hair colours Kylie used to have. There are some really great eyeshadows in this palette, but unfortunately, several of them are more like eyeshadow toppers. I like when eyeshadow palettes are bold and pigmented, but not all of the eyeshadows in the King Kylie Eyeshadow Palette are. My favourites from the palette are Kylie Blue, Natural Brunette, and Ombre.

To create the makeup look above, there was a bit of the Caramel Cloud spritzed on to start and then several eyeshadows from the King Kylie Eyeshadow Palette were applied on the eyes, including 2014, Natural Brunette, and Sugar Mint. I love that the Natural Brunette shade adds a nice amount of contrast and then the straight shimmers can be added to the rest of the eyelid. The True Brown K Lip Kit was used to finish off the makeup look. I love all of the sparkle contrasted with the matte lip colours.

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

Have you tried any of these Kylie Cosmetics products? Do you like the King Kylie collection?

easy valentine's day makeup look and mini product review

noreply@blogger.com (the creation of beauty is art.) — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 16:00:00 +0000

Tomorrow is Valentine's Day...a day that is focused on love and connection. There are so many ways to pour love into the people you care about most. Maybe that involves flowers, a card, or a thoughtful text message, but whatever you do, make sure your loved ones know how appreciated they are. To celebrate Valentine's Day here on the creation of beauty is art. there will be a mini drugstore product review and an easy makeup look that is well suited to the holiday. Keep reading...

NYX Slide On Lip Pencil in Disco Rage. The product that inspired this pink Valentine's Day makeup look was a waterproof lip liner pencil from NYX. This is a waterproof lip pencil that is boldly pigmented and applies easily. I like that this lip liner makes it possible to create a bolder lip look without all of the fuss. This waterproof liner offers lots of colour, goes on smooth, and has excellent staying power. It took less than one minute to line my lips and then fill it all in with the vibrant pink lip liner.

For this quick and easy Valentine's Day makeup look, some of the colours from The Grinch Face and Eyeshadow Palette were used. (If you missed that initial review, it can be found here.) That particular palette had some nice neutral shimmers as well as some bold blush shades. To create the eyeshadow look above, the warm shimmery shade, Presents, was applied to the inner portion of the lid, and then the pink blush shade was applied to the rest of the eyelid. It was really that simple! A bit of eyeliner and mascara finished off the eye look. On the cheeks, that same pink blush was applied with an angled blush brush and then the NYX Slide On Lip Pencil in Disco Rage was worn on the lips. There was a shimmery gloss from Essence added for a little extra shine. This simple Valentine's Day look proves that it is possible to infuse your holiday with love...and colour.

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

How will you celebrate Valentine's Day this year? Do you like creating themed makeup looks?

more vacation highlights: souvenirs from atlantis bahamas

noreply@blogger.com (the creation of beauty is art.) — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 16:00:00 +0000

It is near impossible to return home from a vacation without at least a few souvenirs. My husband and I recently took a trip to Atlantis in the Bahamas (check out that vacation highlights post here if you missed it) and picked up a few themed items. Some were purchased out of necessity and others were fun treats. On that note, here are the souvenirs that I chose to take back.

The canvas bag shown above was purchased after realizing that I had failed to pack a purse for the vacation. All I had with me was my little belt bag from Kendall + Kylie. I was looking for a simple tote to carry around extras when we found this canvas bag. It is really sturdy, comes in a nice pink colour, has the Atlantis name stitched on, and had tons of zippered pockets. This has become a nice bag to use when I am visiting family or running errands. As for the other items shown, there is a lotion and a bracelet. The lotion is from My Ocean and is Royal Poinciana and Guava. There was a My Ocean store in the marina area of the Atlantis resort and I found something special for my best friend. When we were at the airport, waiting on our very delayed plane, the My Ocean shop located there became too tempting to resist and this lotion was purchased. It smells incredible. As for the bracelet that is shown, it has blue stones and a carved dolphin charm. Not only is the bracelet cute, but it is possible to use an app and track a dolphin. It has been interesting to see where the dolphin, Bill, has been travelling lately.

Next are a few clothing items. The first is a pair of Champion sweatpants that say Atlantis Paradise Island. I am essentially a human sweatpant most of the time, so it was very tempting to add this comfy pair of Atlantis themed sweats to my collection. It wasn't until the morning we were leaving that the purchase was made...and thank goodness. After the first six hours waiting at the airport, enough was enough, and I made the switch from jeans to these sweatpants. The Atlantis sweatshirt shown was purchased because of the cooler weather on some of the days of our vacation. I didn't pack a lot of heavier clothes and the wind was chilly. So, my husband bought a long sleeved Atlantis shirt and I bought a v-neck sweatshirt with colourful print.

Stuffed animals are my weakness. Always have been and probably always will be. There were all sorts of Atlantis branded stuffies to choose from at the resort. The first one shown is a blue dolphin plush. The name of the resort is stitched onto his stomach and the dolphin is super soft and cuddly. (He became my emotional support dolphin at the airport, as my anxiety grew while waiting hour after hour after hour.) The other stuffed animal shown is a rainbow coloured stingray with Atlantis stitched onto his fin. Both of these Atlantis themed stuffed animals are soft and cute. Talk about the ideal souvenirs!

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Do you like to bring home souvenirs when you take a vacation? What do you think of these items?

vacation highlights: visiting atlantis bahamas

noreply@blogger.com (the creation of beauty is art.) — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 16:00:00 +0000

Sunshine and sand are ideal for many travellers. Not me. I have done my best to avoid beach vacations over the years, as my preference is a theme park or more of a novelty experience. I was able to steer clear of a "sunshine and sand vacation" for a long time by simply making it clear that I was only willing to visit the Atlantis resort in the Bahamas. My fascination with Atlantis dates back to 2001, when the Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen movie, Holiday in the Sun, was released. It was a fantastic direct-to-video movie that was set primarily at the Atlantis resort. It seemed like the most incredible place to visit. Even without an interest in beaches and waterparks, my interest in Mary-Kate and Ashley won out. So, when my husband declared that he needed a winter getaway, it quickly became apparent that Atlantis was in the cards. Here are a few highlights...

Winter travel is something that I have managed to avoid for the most part. It is not a great time of year to travel due to the unpredictable weather. Unfortunately for us, travel to the Bahamas and from the Bahamas was an absolute nightmare all around. There was an intense snow storm that started the night before our flight out. It was 12:00 a.m. when my husband received a notification that our flight had been cancelled. We scrambled to see if there was a different option and booked another flight down, not knowing if that one would also be cancelled. We drove to the airport early to make sure the car was able to make it through all the snow and waited. The newly booked flight was delayed...but eventually we made it out. The airplane had to be de-iced and there was a lot of turbulence, but we made it. By the time we reached the Atlantis resort, it was dark outside, and we were exhausted. At the same time, we were thrilled to simply have reached Paradise Island.

Over the next several days, we were able to explore the Atlantis resort in full. The weather was a bit inconsistent (extremely warm on our first full day, windy and cool for the next two days, and then warm again on the fourth) but it was nothing like the snow we left behind. A lot of our time was spent exploring the different aquariums that are on the property. We visited them multiple times a day and had a lot of fun looking at the different fish, sharks, and stingrays. There were also sections with dolphins and turtles. There was some time spent on the beach, in the swimming pool, and in the waterpark. We walked around the different hotels, looked at the shops, went the marina, and even went to the Margaritaville restaurant that was just off of the Atlantis property. It was nice that the resort had different areas to explore and ways to stay occupied throughout the day.

There was certainly enough to do on Paradise Island that our days were quite full. It was nice to be able to walk around and see all of the different aquariums. Though it would have been nice to participate in some of the "extras" offered by the resort, the prices were a lot, especially with the exchange rate taken into account. Sadly, there was no feeding a stingray or seeing a dolphin up close and personal...but we had a good time anyway. All too quickly, it was time to return back home. Except that our flight was delayed and then delayed again. We were at the airport for hours and hours. It wasn't until midnight that our flight finally left the Bahamas. It took ages to get home and it was a stressful and frustrating experience. Though our time at Atlantis was wonderful, getting there and back was awful. I do not have plans to travel again in the winter if it can be avoided!

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

Have you ever visited the Atlantis resort in the Bahamas? Do you have any travel plans in the next little while?