the creation of beauty is art.

visiting santa's village theme park.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

love the earth as you would love yourself.

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

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

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

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

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

christmas in july: standouts from the 24 christmas movie collection

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

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

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

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

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

new in: sutton mini crossbody bag (kate spade)

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

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

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

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

the return of country chic (bath and body works)

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

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

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

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

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

a day at the lake restores the soul.

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

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

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

fifteen years of the creation of beauty is art.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Inspired By: Sabrina Carpenter Thumbs Music Video (2017)

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

Movie Review: In The Fire (2023)

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

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

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

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

Musings about Dolly Parton, being accepted, and authenticity.

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

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

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

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

Inspired By: Amber Heard (2013)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Beauty Bookshelf: Clementine Ford (2024)

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

Five Favourite Obscure Christmas Cartoons (2023)

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

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

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

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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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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