Mansa Fashion

Author: Viktoria Arnold

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

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

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

    Blush Balm in Gumdrop. The first Quo Beauty product is the Blush Balm in the shade Gumdrop. There are a few different colour options on the website (take a look at the full line of blush colours here) but I liked Gumdrop because it is bright and bold, but has a wearable dusty rose kind of finish. According to the brand, this creamy blush has a lightweight and buildable formula. It is “infused with nourishing ingredients that help condition your skin” and it provides the “perfect flush of colour.” Though most of the blushes in my makeup collection are powders, it is nice to have a cream or liquid option every now and then. These formulas tend to look nice and glowy on the skin. The Blush Balm is super easy to use (thanks to the rounded shape and sturdy applicator), the formula is creamy, easy to blend, and has lots of colour. I love that this blush can be more intense or understated, depending on personal preferences and mood. Generally speaking, my preference is to be a little heavy handed with blush. With this balm, it is possible to enjoy lots of colour payoff without the product looking heavy on the skin.

    Stacked Eyeshadow in Purple Passion. In recent years, I have seen different stacked eyeshadows available at Sephora and other stores. I always thought the stacks were cute, but never added one to my shopping cart. I finally took the plunge with the Stacked Eyeshadow from Quo Beauty. This is a small little stack and each layer opens to reveal a different eyeshadow. This is a neat way to essentially have multiple “singles.” This stacked eyeshadow set comes with two matte and two shimmer eyeshadows. The first shimmer is a soft lilac, then there is a gorgeous matte purple, a cool toned matte brown, and then a shimmery metallic. I love the colour story and the variety of finishes. I also really like the fact that this stacked eyeshadow is compact and sturdy. This would be a good beauty item for travel or to store in a purse. Though all of the shadows perform really well, my favourites are the two purple colours. Both the matte and shimmer are stunning! This has been a fun addition.

    pH Adjusting Lip Oil in Confetti. The last item is a pH adjusting lip oil. Since I have really enjoyed the pH adjusting products from brands like Winky Lux and have been obsessed with the lip oils from ColourPop, it seemed like a good opportunity to test out a product that offered both the lip oil formula with the pH adjusting colour. Though this is a small lip oil (1 mL of product) it is a nice way to test out the formula. This lip oil feels comfortable, is not sticky, and is moisturizing. It turned my lips a light pink colour that I quite liked. The confetti inspired packaging was also a win. I like that there are cute little sprinkles on the outer packaging. The pH Adjusting Lip Oil is small enough that it can be thrown into my purse and re-applied when I am out and about. It performs well, is comfortable, and provides a nice amount of colour to the lips. All in all, this lip oil was a winner.

    It has been fun to test out a few Quo Beauty products and become more familiar with the line. The blush, stacked eyeshadows, and lip oil all worked well and delivered lots of colour. I look forward to testing more products from the brand in the future.

    Have you tried anything from Quo Beauty? What makeup products have you put to the test lately?

  • pros and cons: microdelivery exfoliating facial wash (philosophy)

    pros and cons: microdelivery exfoliating facial wash (philosophy)

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

    First thing is first. What does the brand claim the Microdelivery Exfoliating Daily Facial Wash actually does? Philosophy describes this as a “30 second exfoliating mini peel” that is designed to scrub away impurities and dead skin cells. It is supposed to “alleviate dryness and rough texture,” provide gentle exfoliation, and leave you with a more even tone.
    Pros: This product certainly has some good qualities. I like that nice light scent, because it is very fresh and pleasant. I also like that my skin felt smoother and the flaking on my forehead was addressed. The Philosophy packaging is also something that I like. It is simple, but sweet. I like that is says, “Progress is made in baby steps” on the front. It is a lovely extra detail.

    Cons: Unfortunately, there were some drawbacks with the Microdelivery Exfoliating Daily Facial Wash from Philosophy. Despite having a positive experience with some of their other products ( this really irritated my skin. Though this is described as a gentle exfoliant and I was careful not to scrub too excessively, it still left my skin feeling sore and irritated for a few days. While this did work well in some ways and had some benefits, it does not seem well suited for me.

    Have you tried the Microdelivery Exfoliating Daily Facial Wash? Do you like Philosophy products?

  • does it work?? laneige bouncy and firm sleeping mask

    does it work?? laneige bouncy and firm sleeping mask

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

    What is the Bouncy and Firm Sleeping Mask from Laneige? According to the brand, this is “a visibly firming sleeping mask with peony and collagen complex that delivers both overnight and long-term benefits for visibly smooth, plump, and bouncy looking skin.” Since this is a sample size version (10 mL as opposed to the 60 mL full-sized version that is available) it is not possible for me to speak to the long-term benefits that are described by the brand. However, it is possible to speak about the short-term results and overall experience. This is supposed to addresses dryness, dullness, and loss of firmness and elasticity.

    The Bouncy and Firm Sleeping Mask has a light fresh scent. It is calming and definitely well suited for a nighttime mask. It is supposed to be applied evenly on the face, left on overnight, and rinsed off in the morning. The mask is really hydrating and has a silky consistency. It applies easily and my skin feels nice and refreshed the next morning. I have used the sample version for the last week and still have some product remaining, which is nice. As for a purchase of the full-sized version? Unlikely. The 60 mL container is $49 CDN. While I do understand that certain products can be costly, this isn’t one that I feel is an absolute must, even though it works well, smells nice, and has a smooth consistency. It’s good, but it doesn’t feel like a must have.

    So…does it work?? Yes. My experience with the Bouncy and Firm Sleeping Mask from Laneige has been a positive one. I am impressed with the quality, hydration, and overall experience. However, with a $49 CDN price point, this doesn’t wow me enough to justify a full-size purchase. Just because something is good doesn’t mean it is a beauty product need.

    Have you tried the Bouncy and Firm Sleeping Mask from Laneige? What did you think of it?

  • review: ultimate neons (pretty pink shadow palette)

    review: ultimate neons (pretty pink shadow palette)

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

    There were several different products in the Artistic Collection from Revolution, including two different eyeshadow palettes. In addition to Pretty Pink (shown above) there was Green Haze. The latter focused more greens and yellows. It was intriguing, but the Pretty Pink Shadow Palette had a lot more variety. I like that this particular palette has pinks, red, orange, blue, and green eyeshadows to choose from. It is colourful, vibrant, and a little unexpected. According to the brand, “this super cute reflective pink component includes three pigmented bright mattes and six shimmers. Perfect for making a statement.” Something that I like about the Artistic Collection from Revolution is the idea that makeup has no rules. The focus is on self expression and showing your true self. I completely agree with that viewpoint. Makeup can be used a lot of different ways and for a lot of different reasons…but I like it best when makeup is used as a form of self expression. It can be a wonderful creative outlet.

    There is a lot to love about the Ultimate Neons palette. The Pretty Pink Shadow Palette has cute (and nostalgic) reflective pink packaging and a clear cover. There are pink eyeshadows in matte and shimmer versions and some unexpected colours as well, like the orange, blues, and green. I like the variety of colours and finishes, the compact size, and the nostalgic quality this eyeshadow palette has. Some of the shadows have a flower design printed in them, which is a fun detail. However, it is a disappointment that there are no eyeshadow names. On the back of the palette, the shadows are numbered, but it was a missed opportunity to better establish the theme. As for the quality of the eyeshadows, it is a bit mixed. Some of the shadows (like the orange, pink, and light blue shadows) are really nicely pigmented. Others are so-so. For example, the green eyeshadow needs to be built up a fair bit as does the darker blue eyeshadow. When a palette is called the Ultimate Neons, every single eyeshadow should be bright and bold! All that said, there is a lot to enjoy about this colourful eyeshadow palette.

    Since pink eyeshadow looks are some of my favourites…I wanted to highlight some of the other colours in this Ultimate Neons palette. The light blue eyeshadow was applied all over the lid and then a bit of the darker blue shadow was added to the outer corner. The champagne colour was used on the inner portion of the lid for a bit of contrast and then some of the orange eyeshadow to blend it out. This neon palette from Revolution has been adding some much needed colour into my world lately.

    Do you like colourful eyeshadow palettes? What do you think of the Ultimate Neons?

  • fun spring fashion trends for 2025.

    fun spring fashion trends for 2025.

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

    Dark Romance. Clearly, the spring trend that thrills me the most is dark romance. I love the fact that it is the total opposite of what is normally popular during the spring season. It is all about dramatic designs, ruffles, dark florals, and theatrical elements. Think something that is over the top in the best possible way. I love the old-school vampire vibes that a lot of the runway designs explored. The combination of more structured pieces and flowy fabrics created some truly breathtaking pieces.

    Sheer Fabric Fabulousness. This next spring fashion trend was incorporated into some of the dark romance inspired designs but was also seen in an assortment of other fashion looks that came down the runways. Sheer fabrics were all over the place, with some designs featuring subtler sheer panels and others showcasing full-blown sheer ensembles. This is one fashion trend that can easily be incorporated into your spring wardrobe. For example, a sheer blouse with a tank top underneath or a cover up made out of sheer material. The end result? A springtime outfit that looks lightweight, breezy, and laid back.

    Over the Top Accessories. When it comes to accessorizing this spring season, more is more. Many of the runway looks did not shy away from loud accessories…and lots of them! From charms to over the top necklaces and hair bows, there was a real feast for the eyes all around. Some accessories had studs, some showcased layered necklaces, and there were even sneaker charms. One of my favourite fashion designers is Betsey Johnson, because she always makes sure fashion is fun. To me, this spring fashion trend has that same kind of energy. If you are looking for a way to have fun with fashion this season, take a peek at the accessories you own already. Adding on a few different pieces from your collection could have you looking on trend.

    Petal Pink and Pistachio. When it comes to colour this season, be on the lookout for pieces in petal pink or pistachio green. These soft colours are playful and fun – and can easily be incorporated into whatever outfit you are planning on. Try adding in some petal pink or pistachio green accessories (purse, shoes, or hair accessories) or dive headfirst into the trend with a dress or blouse. You might already have items in your wardrobe in these colours, so take a look before you add anything new.

    There are many spring fashion trends to enjoy this season. Which ones are you most interested in?

  • review: kylie cosmetics (wisp lash mascara)

    review: kylie cosmetics (wisp lash mascara)

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

    According to the brand, the Wisp Lash Mascara from Kylie Cosmetics delivers separation and feathery, wispy lashes without clumps, flakes, or smudges. The mascara is vegan, cruelty free, and costs $33 CDN. The packaging is sleek and simple and the wand is fairly standard. The bristles are wider on the bottom and then taper inward slightly. There is nothing groundbreaking about the design, but it does what it is supposed to do. When it comes to the actual product, there are some pros and cons, depending on your personal preferences. The pros? This mascara is ultra dark and adds instant drama to the lashes. (And I personally love a dramatic lash look.) It also lasts really well and does not smudge or flake. I wore the Wisp Lash Mascara to a concert with my husband and it stayed put flawlessly throughout the night. The mascara also adds lots of length to the lashes.

    Now for the con. Though this mascara claims to delivery separation and feathery, wispy lashes, this can actually make the lashes stick together a fair bit. It can make the lashes look clumpy and thick. Now, I will be honest and say that I kind of like that ultra thick lash look from time to time (it can be bold and dramatic and fun) but this does not meet the brand claims. Out of the Kylie Cosmetics mascaras that I have tried so far, the Kylash Volume Mascara is preferable to the Wisp Lash Mascara.

    Have you tried the Wisp Lash Mascara? What mascara are you using right now?

  • urban decay all nighter setting spray (rediscovered review)

    urban decay all nighter setting spray (rediscovered review)

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

    The Urban Decay All Nighter Long Lasting Makeup Setting Spray has been around for quite some time. According to the brand, the setting spray helps to keep makeup in place for up to sixteen hours and has “patented temperature control technology….that lowers the temperature of your makeup…to lock it in place. The result? Smoother-looking skin and vibrant makeup that lasts all day (or night).” Though a lot of setting sprays make bold claims, this is one example of the claims being met. The All Nighter really does help my makeup to stay put – and keeps it looking fresh even at the end of a long day. Though there are different versions of the setting spray (Vitamin C, Extra Glow, and Ultra Matte), the original has a natural finish.

    Unfortunately for me, this sample sized bottle is not massive, and only contains 0.5 fluid ounces. For reference, the full-sized version is 4 ounces and costs $49 CDN. It was seeing the price that made me remember why other setting sprays slowly made their way into my makeup routine instead. Sometimes, it is hard to justify the high price points, even if a product really is stellar. Rediscovering the All Nighter Long Lasting Makeup Setting Spray has been an absolute delight, even though the price means I am unlikely to purchase a full-sized version in the near future. My hope is that this little bottle will last a little longer.

    Have you tried the All Nighter Setting Spray? What setting spray do you like best?

  • too faced: hangover replenishing face primer (review)

    too faced: hangover replenishing face primer (review)

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

    The version of the Hangover Replenishing Face Primer in the beauty set has 20 mL of product and the full-sized version has 40 mL, so there was a good amount of product included in the sample. The down side is that according to the Sephora website, it costs $57 CDN for the full-sized version of the primer. So…what is the product actually supposed to do? It is described as a “replenishing face primer that hydrates, smooths, and brightens for a dewy, healthy-looking complexion.” This is one of the rare times when all of the product claims seem to be met. At least in my experience with the product. This liquid primer goes on clear and instantly makes my skin feel more hydrated. After about thirty seconds or so, it starts to have a tackier finish, which is ideal for applying foundation. I really love the Hangover Replenishing Face Primer. It works well with my dry skin, makes makeup application smoother, and the product even smells good. It really checked off all the boxes for me. I have a few Sephora gift cards in my wallet (thanks to generous Christmas gifts from loved ones) and I want to use them to purchase a full-sized version of this primer. Though the price is really high…this is ideal for my skin type. Until I can find something that works as well and is more affordable, this is something that I would like to splurge on from time to time. It really wowed!

    Have you tried the Hangover Replenishing Face Primer from Too Faced? What primer do you like to use?

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

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

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

    How adorable is this packaging? The theme and inspiration is out of this world amazing. I remember having lots of My Little Pony stuff when I was a kid. There were lots of little ponies in my home as well as a play castle and even cassette tapes. (I still have the Christmas cassette tape and listen to it each holiday season.) Clearly, I am still a kid at heart, because this My Little Pony themed makeup thrills me. I love the classic illustrations, the rainbow and clouds that are inside the palette, and that sky blue colour. The names of the eyeshadows and face products are on theme as well…especially the eyeshadow 80s Child!

    As for the colour story, it is very My Little Pony themed. There are five eyeshadows on the upper row and three face products on the bottom row. The eyeshadows have three mattes (lilac, baby pink, and a light brown) and two shimmers (metallic and lilac). The face products include a bronzer, blush, and highlight. Though the colour story is well thought out and well themed, the actual performance is a little uneven. The matte eyeshadows are nice, but since the actual colours are so light, they do not necessarily have a bold impact. The shadows either need to really be built up or only used as an accent. The shimmer eyeshadows are fabulous but perform more as a topper than a standalone eyeshadow. On the other hand, the face products are very pigmented. These perform really well and are the standout items in the themed Shadow and Face Palette.

    The two makeup looks above are somewhat similar due to the limited colours in the palette, but I did my best to show off the two shimmer shades. For the first look, the bronzer (Ponyville) was used as a base on the eyelid and then the metallic shimmer (Magical Stride) was applied on top. The blush (Dance Away) and highlight (Starshine) finished off the look. The second makeup look focused on the purple colours, but still brought in a bit of depth. The lilac shade (Blossom) was applied all over the lid and then the lilac shift glitter (Sky Cloud) was added on top. To add a little depth, the bronzer was applied in the outer corner and then it was all blended out with the light brown (80s Child). I used the bronzer on the cheeks and wore it as a blush, because it is a bit too dark for me to wear as a bronzer. I like the sparkle and shine that this palette offers, but do wish that the eyeshadows were a little bit bolder. The face products are definitely the standouts. I absolutely adore that gorgeous blush!

    What do you think of this My Little Pony themed release? Do you like themed beauty products?

  • FOTD and mini review: valentine’s day makeup look

    FOTD and mini review: valentine’s day makeup look

    Happy Valentine’s Day! This is a day that is all about love…and chocolate. However you are celebrating, my hope is that you will have a wonderful time enjoying all of the holiday festivities. Maybe someone you care about will send flowers to you at work or maybe a friend will give you a sweet card. Or perhaps you will treat yourself to a nice meal and your favourite movie. There are so many ways to share love today. Be sure to shower yourself and others with love and kindness. I always love to celebrate Valentine’s Day with some themed makeup. On that note, here is a #FOTD and a mini lipstick review.

    Mini Review: Oulac Infinity Moisture Shine Lipstick in Sparkle Sensation. This lipstick is from a brand that I had not heard of previously. Based on a review of their website, Oulac Cosmetics seems to offer a lot of really dazzling beauty items. I was gifted this sparkly pink lipstick over the holidays and immediately knew it would be ideally suited to a Valentine’s Day makeup look. When applied, the Sparkle Sensation lipstick is just as sparkly and fabulous as it appears to be in the tube. This is one of the most unique lip products that I have tried. The finish is gorgeous and it is shockingly comfortable to wear. Whenever I am looking to make a statement with my lipstick, this will be the one to reach for. Want to see it in action? Here is my Valentine’s Day inspired makeup look. This #FOTD is all about bright pink colours and a contrast between matte and shimmer.

    To create the #FOTD above, there were a handful of products used. On the eyes was the Grease x Revolution eyeshadow palette in It’s The Word. That eyeshadow palette has a lot of really beautiful colours, including some matte pink shadows. I started by applying the matte white on the inner portion of the lid, then then medium pink on the rest, and the deeper matte pink shadow through the crease. The deeper matte pink shadow was also applied along the lower lash line. On the cheeks was the Grease x Revolution Rizzo Cream Blush. Then the Oulac Cosmetics glittery lipstick was worn on the lips. I love the matte eye look and the way it contrasts with all of that sparkle and shine on the lips. (I mean, how incredible is that glittery lipstick? I am obsessed with the finish.) All in all, this was a really fun makeup look to create – and is definitely well suited to the holiday.
    How will you celebrate Valentine’s Day this year? What do you think of this sparkly lipstick?