Author: Viktoria Arnold

  • twilight week: colourpop collection (lip oil and highlighter)

    twilight week: colourpop collection (lip oil and highlighter)

    Say it. Out loud. Say it! …..vampire. It is hard to know exactly when my love of Twilight began, but I was posting about the movies way back in 2011 and read the books before the the movies were released. So, at some point or another, Twilight became a meaningful part of my life. I loved the intensity, the drama, and the romance. But for the record, I have always been and will always be Team Jacob! The day before my latest birthday, I was able to see one of my oldest friends for lunch. She was kind enough to drive down and take me out for my favourite meal. During that lunch, she gifted me the entire Twilight x ColourPop collection. Talk about being spoiled rotten. Her kindness and thoughtfulness was completely overwhelming. I did not feel deserving – and still do not feel deserving of all the Twilight goodness. Despite that feeling, I am also extremely grateful. Since that day, I have been having a lot of fun putting these Twilight inspired products to the test. Ready for another theme week? All of the posts on the creation of beauty is art. this week will be focused on this iconic book and movie series.

    Though there are all sorts of exciting products included in the Twilight x ColourPop collection, the first post in this theme week is dedicated to the Lux Lip Oils and Super Shock Highlighters. There were three Lux Lip Oils in the collection and two Super Shock Highlighters. As you can see from the photo above, the packaging is really well themed. The boxes have all the gloomy colours of Forks and symbols related to each character, like the Cullen family crest, Bella’s truck, and a werewolf howling at the moon. There is the iconic Twilight logo on everything as well. Plus, all of the product names are associated with the books and movies. It is absolute perfection. I love a themed beauty product and ColourPop definitely went all out on this one.

    Twilight x ColourPop Lux Lip Oils. The collection came with three of the Lux Lip Oils: Team Jacob, Bells, and Team Edward. I do not have a ton of experience with lip oils in general, so it was exciting to be able to try out a different kind of product. Most of the lip oils I have seen are clear or a light pink colour. Something neutral. Not these! The Twilight inspired lip oils are so well themed. Team Jacob looks black and glittery in the tube, but it results in a gorgeous wash of dark grey on the lips. Bells is a dark blood red and Team Edward is a cool grey-blue. I love that these add a nice amount of colour to the lips, but are more subtle than a traditional lipstick. This is the perfect way to incorporate a little colour into a makeup look. These lip oils are not sticky and feel really hydrating on the lips. Clearly, the Team Jacob one is my favourite, because I am obsessed with the colour.

    Twilight x ColourPop Super Shock Highlighters. Also included in this collection were two of the Super Shock Highlighters. I have heard a lot of wonderful things about the highlights from ColourPop over the years, so it was exciting to put one to the test for myself. The first is Vampire Skin, an icy white highlight, and the second is Meadow, a lavender highlight. Both are gorgeous. I love the soft and buttery texture of the the highlight and the beautiful shimmer. Vampire Skin is far more pigmented than Meadow and pairs well with a lot of different makeup looks. Despite the fact that Meadow is not as pigmented as the well named Vampire Skin, it is actually my favourite, because of the incredible purple shimmer. It is subtle but still stands out. I love that there is an ultra versatile highlight included in this collection as well as something that is a little bit different.

    The makeup look above made the most of both the Lux Lip Oils and Super Shock Highlighters. I actually used the Meadow highlight all over the eyelids for a simple but shimmery eye look and used Vampire Skin as a highlight on the cheeks. The Team Jacob lip oil was used on the lips. It is definitely a favourite out of everything in the Twilight x ColourPop collection, because it is possible to achieve the look of a black or grey lipstick without all of the maintenance throughout the day.
    There you have it…the first Twilight themed post here on the creation of beauty is art. Stay tuned for even more reviews from this collection. And another thank you to my wonderful friend for her generosity and for making this theme week possible.

    Are you a fan of Twilight? Be honest…are you Team Edward or Team Jacob?

  • beauty show and tell: back to school pencil case beauty bundle

    beauty show and tell: back to school pencil case beauty bundle

    Things that make me happy? Beauty products, stationary supplies, and fun little surprises from my husband. The Back to School Pencil Case Beauty Bundle managed to check off all three boxes. After seeing this item on sale at the local drugstore…my husband brought it home for me. Just because. It was so thoughtful and certainly appreciated. So, this post is a little show and tell to highlight all of the different beauty products found inside this oh-so-cute pencil shaped case.

    There are a bunch of different beauty products included in the Back to School Pencil Case Beauty Bundle, but the best place to start is with that adorable pencil case that it all comes in. I have a real weakness for stationary supplies, because my planner and my journal are essential parts of my day. They keep me organized and on track. I always have paper and pens scattered everywhere. The idea is to store some of those pens, markers, and pencils in this adorable pencil case and keep it next to my work station. As for the other items included in this set? There are skin care products, makeup, and even a perfume sample.

    • Ducray Keracynl Foaming Gel Face and Body
    • Kylie Cosmetics – Matte Liquid Lipstick in Kylie 808
    • La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo
    • Marc Jacobs Perfume Sample – Perfect Eau de Toilette
    • Mario Badescu Drying Patches
    • My Clarins Re-Fresh Fatigue Fighter Eye Care
    • Origins Ginzing Energizing Gel Cream with Caffeine and Niacinamide
    • Reversa Radiance Glow Cream
    • Shiseido Waso Yuzu C-Beauty Sleeping Mask
    • Smashbox Photo Finish Control Mattifying Primer
    • Stila Huge Extreme Lash Mascara

    The Back to School Pencil Case Beauty Bundle has a nice assortment of products inside. There are cleansers, moisturizers, eye creams, pimple patches, a perfume sample, primer, mascara, and even a mini liquid lipstick. These are great sizes for travel or to carry with you on the go. The Kylie Cosmetics liquid lipstick is one that I will tossing in my purse so I am ready for anything!
    Beauty products are always fun…and are especially fun to receive for no reason at all. The Back to School Pencil Case Beauty Bundle set was such a lovely surprise. I look forward to making good use of these items in the weeks and months to come.

    Have you tried any of the items included in this set? What did you think of them?

  • recent thrifted finds (records, cds, vhs, and dvds)

    recent thrifted finds (records, cds, vhs, and dvds)

    I am a physical media kind of person. Though many of my friends think I am strange for preferring a CD or cassette to a Spotify account, there is something to be said for owning music. Streaming feels so disposable to me. It is there one day and gone the next! Though there are certainly advantages to streaming, it is nice to own things, too. One of the many reasons that I love thrift stores is that I can find all sorts of treasures for much lower prices. A little while back, my husband took me to one of my favourite stores, which sells used CDs, records, DVDs, and more. This is unfortunately not a place that I visit often (because a ton of stuff always seems to come home with me) but it is a wonderful treat every now and then. Ready to take a look at this thrifted media haul? There is a little bit of everything. Here are all of the wonderful items that I found…

    Records, Records, and More Records. My record collection continues to expand. I love listening to music and use our record player almost daily. There is something so special about choosing an album and lowering the needle. This time around, I found some soundtracks, including Grease, My Fair Lady, and Mary Poppins. There was also a Sonny and Cher record that I didn’t have, a Dolly Parton record, and a greatest hits from Frankie Avalon. I’ve listened to them all at this point and they are excellent additions. I especially loved the Frankie Avalon record and have listened to that one the most so far. What a voice!

    CDs from Musical Favourites. There are always lots of CDs to look through and this time, three in particular caught my eye. (Well, to be honest, more than three caught my eye, but I had to start making some decisions, because my arms were very full.) The first was a Greatest Hits from LeAnne Rimes, the second was from Eddie Fisher, and the third was from my favourite singer, John Denver. Though I have the Seasons of the Heart album downloaded, physical media is always my preference, so it was nice to come across this CD and add it to my collection. I have really loved listening to these albums.

    Richard Simmons VHS Tapes. I have really been missing Richard Simmons these last few months. Life seems a little less colourful without his daily social media posts and chats on Monday nights. Despite the loss, his work has continued to inspire me and his workout videos are a part of my regular routine. I was thrilled to find four VHS tapes from Richard Simmons at the thrift store: Sweatin to the Oldies 2, Sweatin to the Oldies 3, Stretchin to the Classics, and Broadway Sweat. Though I have the two Sweatin to the Oldies workouts on DVD, it was nice to add them to my VHS collection. I have especially loved the Stretchin to the Classics video. It is so relaxing and really helps me on tough mental health days. This video is definitely a highlight.

    Lots and Lots of DVDs. I love movies and television shows and enjoy making the most of my DVD collection. So, it was a thrill to find some new additions. I found the first season of Murphy Brown for just a few dollars, a bunch of Christmas movies and specials, and another Amber Heard movie for my growing collection. Something I really enjoyed was the Santa Claus Parade DVD. It included a documentary on the Toronto Santa Claus Parade and it was both fascinating and nostalgic. Watching the parade was always a family tradition in our house, so it was nice to relive some of those special memories. It was also exciting to find a complete version of the Classic Christmas Tales specials that have been so meaningful to me over the years. This version had all of the animated specials as well as a CD of games featuring some of the characters. Confession: I popped that CD into my computer, played all the games, and felt like a kid again. Definitely another highlight of this thrifted haul.

    There you have it…a recent thrifted media haul. All of these items have been wonderful to use and enjoy so far. Music, movies, and even workout videos add lots of joy to my life. And I am all about being more joyful these days.
    Do you enjoy thrift store shopping? What do you think of this thrifted media haul?

  • sweater weather is better weather.

    sweater weather is better weather.

    There is a chill in the air. Ahh…bliss! The weather where I live has been inconsistent, with warm days followed by a string of cooler days, and then another warm day thrown into the mix for good measure. It seems things have finally balanced out now and sweater weather is here to stay. Truth be told, this is my favourite kind of temperature. It isn’t so cold that I shiver into my heavy jacket and snow boots, but is cool enough that I can wear a chunky sweater and feel both fashionable and fall inspired. On that note, it is time for a little inspiration post. This time, it is dedicated to the fabulousness that is sweater weather.

    There is a lot to love about this time of year. It just feels so cozy and magical! Outside, the trees are a mixture of warm reds, oranges, and yellows, and the leaves are scattered all over the sidewalks. Inside, there are pumpkin scented candles to light and blankets to snuggle under. Thank goodness for the fall season…and thank goodness for sweater weather.

    Have you been enjoying sweater weather season so far? What time of year is your favourite?

  • review: r.e.m. beauty babydoll eyeshadow palette

    review: r.e.m. beauty babydoll eyeshadow palette

    Last month, there was a post here on the creation of beauty is art. dedicated to the Back to School Beauty Bundle. That mini backpack was loaded with lots of different beauty items, including an eyeshadow palette from r.e.m. beauty. Over the last little while, it has been fun putting some of those beauty items to the test, including the Babydoll Eyeshadow Palette. Ready to take a peek inside? Find out how this eyeshadow performs? And how it compares to other releases from the brand? Keep reading…

    There are a couple of different eyeshadow palettes from r.e.m. beauty in my makeup collection: Gogo Boots and Smitten Kitten. While Gogo Boots is colourful, bold, and unexpected, Smitten Kitten has warm pinky colours. This time around? There are a handful of everyday neutrals to put to use. Babydoll has a pink cream colour, peachy gold metallic, matte sandstone, metallic bronze, matte cinnamon brown, and matte chocolate brown. Though there is nothing groundbreaking here in terms of the colour story, this would likely be a useful neutral palette for someone who likes to keep things sweet and simple.

    The packaging for the Babydoll Eyeshadow Palette is the same as the other r.e.m. beauty palettes in the collection and has an almost retro future vibe. I think it is fun and creative, but with three of the eyeshadow palettes in my collection now, it isn’t immediately apparent which eyeshadow palette is which. Though the colour story for this particular palette is fairly basic, this is a decent option for those everyday kind of looks. The quality is impressive and consistent throughout the palette. The mattes are nicely pigmented and blend well. The shimmers are bold and add a little something extra to the look. As you can see from the photo above, the golden metallic eyeshadow is easily the standout here. It was applied all over the lid, blended out with the sandstone colour, and a bit of the chocolate brown was added to the outer portion of the lid for a bit of contrast. This was a quick and easy makeup look to create and took only a few minutes. I think that is where the Babydoll Eyeshadow Palette excels. If you are running late, traveling, or just want a no-fuss look, this r.e.m. beauty palette is one to reach for.

    Though some of the other eyeshadow palettes from the brand are a little more exciting to me (Gogo Boots is a serious standout)…this is one that will be used often. It is nice to have neutral everyday colours in a formula that works well.

    Have you tried any of the r.e.m. beauty products? What is your favourite neutral eyeshadow palette?

  • my barbie expo experience in montreal

    my barbie expo experience in montreal

    It was a long day. A very long day. But when it comes to Barbie, sacrifices must be made. A few weeks back, my mom and I took the train to Montreal early in the morning…only to return back home the same day. Most of the day was spent on route and only a handful of hours were spent in Montreal, but in the end, it all worked out well. Barbie has always been an important part of my life, which is likely due to my mom and her obsession with the doll. The fashion, the glamour, and the possibilities made Barbie an absolute must back then and the same is true today. There is something so special about the doll. And that is how we ended up on a train to Montreal so we could visit the Barbie Expo. Here are a few highlights from the experience.

    This is not my first time attending a Barbie themed event. A few years back, there was a visit to the World of Barbie event, which featured life-size recreations of Barbie houses, cars, and all the rest. This time around, the focus was on the various dolls that have been released over the years. This particular collection featured over 1,000 dolls. Some were bridal themed, others were fashion focused, and some were even based off of movies and television shows. There was an awful lot to look at. We had a bit of difficulty finding the building where the Barbie Expo was actually located, due to a ton of construction outside and sidewalks blocked off. However, we finally arrived and were in for a real Barbie-themed treat. There were dolls everywhere!

    The expo was located at Les Cours Mont Royal and admission was completely free. It was so much fun looking at the different designs by Bob Mackie, Kate Spade, Tim Gunn, Zac Posen, and others. Plus, there were Barbie dolls from around the world. There were tons of wedding inspired looks, with rows and rows of bridal wear. There were a few wedding dresses that knocked my socks off. The designs were so elaborate! I also liked that there were more fantasy inspired dolls, with fairies, mermaids, and all sorts of interesting characters. There was even a miniature runway with tons of dolls on stage and in the audience.

    There was a lot to look at and enjoy at the Barbie Expo. I love that there was a good variety of dolls, all sorts of designer duds, and even a Barbie doll box to take a photograph in. For a free expo, there was certainly a lot of time and care put into displaying the dolls. After my mom and I looked at each and every doll (some more than once) we did a bit of shopping in Montreal at H&M, Simons, and a few other shops. Before too long, it was time to head back to the train station for our return home. It was hard to believe that we were homeward bound after such a short time off of the train, but we were able to see all we set out to see. All in all, it was a good day and a fun experience. The Barbie Expo was really fascinating. If you happen to be in the area, the expo is definitely something that you will want to make a little time for. So many Barbie dolls!

    Are you a fan of Barbie? Have you ever been to an expo like this one?

  • halloween town eyeshadow palette (melt cosmetics)

    halloween town eyeshadow palette (melt cosmetics)

    The debate continues. Is Nightmare Before Christmas a Halloween movie or a Christmas movie? It’s hard to say for sure. On one hand, my brother and I have watched the movie on Christmas Eve in past years. On the other hand, it is a movie that I tend to watch most often during the month of October. Whether you view it as a Halloween movie or a Christmas movie, one thing is certain: Oogie Boogie is a memorable character. A little while back, the Halloween Town Eyeshadow Palette from Melt Cosmetics was added to my collection. This is not a brand that I have a lot of familiarity with. Though I have heard about some of the products before…this was one of the first to really capture my attention. Keep reading for all the spooky details.

    As mentioned, Melt Cosmetics is not a brand that I am super familiar with, so there was some uncertainty about what to expect in terms of the packaging, formula, and overall quality. But given the Oogie Boogie of it all, it was worth the risk. This particular collection had two different eyeshadow palettes available to choose from: Christmas Town and Halloween Town. Though both were intriguing, the colours in the Halloween Town eyeshadow palette really spoke to me. As you can see, the colour story has a mixture of metallics, blues, and purples. There are definitely a lot of fabulous colours to work with this spooky season and beyond. On the other hand, the Christmas Town eyeshadow palette had white, red, purple, and green eyeshadows to choose from. Though both were interesting, there was just something about this Oogie Boogie inspired palette.

    It is clear that the colour story is exciting. I love the bold but wearable metallics (Gone Again is described as a metallic burnt orange and Oogie Boogie is described as a metallic chartreuse), the different shades of blue (Ooze is a deep teal blue, Shriek is a teal matte, Rag Doll is a matte sky blue, and Mausoleum is a metallic seafoam), and the bold purples (The Mayor is a muted rouge, Worms Wort is a bright purple with pink sparkles, My Bugs! is a matte lilac, and Bone Daddy is a deep matte plum). I love that the eyeshadow names are perfectly themed to The Nightmare Before Christmas. The attention to detail is spot on.

    Speaking of the theme…that is where this eyeshadow palette shines. It is phenomenal. The actual palette has indentations so it looks like one of the holiday doors. Then there is an image of Oogie Boogie on the front that moves back and forth when you turn the eyeshadow palette. On the backside of the palette, it says, “Wasn’t It Terrifying” with all sorts of spooky images, like spiders, worms, bats, and tombstones. Inside the eyeshadow palette is a mirror and even more of those spooky Halloween Town inspired images. There are orange pumpkins, ghosts, bats, Sally’s leg, and The Mayor printed inside. Absolute perfection!

    Now for the actual quality of the eyeshadows. Clearly, this is a winner in terms of the colour story and theme. The quality is a little hit and miss. There are some eyeshadows that perform spectacularly and some that are so-so. For example, the shade Worm’s Wort is phenomenal. The bright purple with the pink sparkles (featured in the look shown above) is bold, pigmented, and easy to work with. On the other hand, Mausoleum is dry and works more like an eyeshadow topper than an eyeshadow that can be used on its own. Some of the lighter matte shadows are a bit dry as well and require more building to achieve full colour payoff. The standouts in this eyeshadow palette are: Worm’s Wort, The Mayor, Shriek, and Gone Again. Though I do enjoy the Halloween Town eyeshadow palette overall, it would’ve been nice to see more consistency throughout the palette.

    This is Halloween, this is Halloween, pumpkins scream in the dead of night…With Halloween just a few days away, this is the perfect time to put the Halloween Town eyeshadow palette from Melt Cosmetics to good use. There are all sorts of fabulous colours and the theme is stellar. Though the formula is not consistent throughout and some shadows perform better than others, all of the little holiday inspired details make this eyeshadow palette a seasonal delight. Spooky season is underway.

    Do you watch Nightmare Before Christmas at Halloween or Christmas? What do you think of this eyeshadow palette?

  • birthday inspired nails: sally hansen miracle gel (it’s sherbert day)

    birthday inspired nails: sally hansen miracle gel (it’s sherbert day)

    Themed beauty products always make me smile. I’ve had the Sally Hansen Miracle Gel nail polish in It’s Sherbert Day for a little while now, but was waiting for the right occasion to put it to use. This is from a birthday collection that celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Miracle Gel line of polish. It is hard to believe it has been that long, but it turns out my first post about the Miracle Gel line was post on the creation of beauty is art. way back in 2014. Time flies! I have been saving this nail polish in order to wear it on my actual birthday, which was yesterday. I took the day off of work and treated myself to a little at-home manicure. Ready to see how it turned out? Find out whether this birthday themed nail polish is worth adding to your cart.

    There is a lot to celebrate when it comes to the Miracle Gel line of nail polishes. These polishes have a gel like finish and last longer than many other nail polishes on the market. Apparently, these have been in heavy rotation for about a decade. I have lots of different colours from this particular line, because I love the colours, finishes, and longevity. I don’t have time to redo my nails every few days, so it is nice to have something that lasts. As for this particular collection, I like that the brand chose to celebrate the 10 year anniversary with a birthday themed collection. There were eight shades in total (including some lovely pinks and purples), but it was It’s Sherbert Day that caught my eye thanks to the beautiful colour and shimmer on full display.

    As seen from the photograph above, this particular nail polish is a bright sky blue. It also has a bit of fuchsia shimmer throughout. The shimmer looks bolder in the bottle than it does on the nails, but it is still a nice subtle finish. I love the beautiful colour and finish…not to mention the fact that this dries fairly quickly and lasts for well over a week. This was the perfect addition to my birthday celebration. It was nice to take time to relax and unwind before heading to dinner.

    Do you like to use the Miracle Gel nail polishes from Sally Hansen? What do you think of this colour?

  • oes it work?? infallible brows volumizing mascara

    oes it work?? infallible brows volumizing mascara

    My at-home makeup looks tend to be a little bit different than what I wear out and about. When I am heading to the store, to the movies, or somewhere else, the makeup look that I create tends to be based on my mood and there is often lots of dark and dramatic mascara involved. At home? I like to create makeup looks that are a little more laid back, but still have some pizazz. For instance, some glittery eyeshadow all over the lid, a bit of pencil liner, a coat of mascara, and a fun blush. With that in mind, it only seemed right to put the L’Oreal Infallible Brows Volumizing Mascara to the test. Would it perform well? Fall flat? Be a new must have? There was no better way to find out than by incorporating it into a recent at-home makeup look. So….does it work?? Keep reading to find out how the Infallible Brows Volumizing Mascara compares to other brow products.

    First thing is first. Just what is the Infallible Brows Volumizing Mascara? According to the brand, this is a long-lasting volumizing brow mascara that creates eyebrows that look up to two times fuller. It also claims to last for up to 24 hours. It has a “micro gripping brush” for precise application and comes in seven different shades. This product claims that it is smudge resistant, flake resistant, transfer resistant, and easy to remove. The shade that I have this product in is Brunette.

    So…does it work?? Yes and no. The colour of the product is a good match for me and looks quite natural on my eyebrows. The product stays put and does not transfer. The applicator brush is fairly straightforward to use, though product tends to clump at the end of the brush, so it is important to be mindful of that and wipe away any excess before application. Unfortunately, while this does a decent job of filling out the brows, it does not allow for any shaping of the brows. Whether this product works for you or not will really depend on your needs. For instance, one of my eyebrows does not grow in as far as the other. That means whatever eyebrow product I use needs to be able to create the shape that is missing. The Infallible Brows Volumizing Mascara is not an ideal product for that need. While it can add a bit of colour and fill out the brows, it is not the best choice for me, because it cannot really be used to shape the brows themselves. Something else to note? This is a product that I can feel. Though it doesn’t make the eyebrows feel crunchy or firm, I can always feel there is some sort of product on my eyebrows.

    The Infallible Brows Volumizing Mascara could be a good fit for someone looking to add fullness to the brows, but not necessarily for someone looking to shape the brows. The wand shape is interesting and largely works well, but unfortunately, this product was not a winner for me. Eventually, I will learn my lesson and stick to the eyebrow products that I already know and love. Until then, there will continue to be reviews of all sorts of products here on the creation of beauty is art.

    Have you tried the Infallible Brows Volumizing Mascara? What eyebrow products do you like best?

  • FOTD: fall inspired makeup look

    FOTD: fall inspired makeup look

    Fall colours are beautiful. They are warm, soothing, and seem to make the whole world feel a little bit better. Orange, red, yellow, and brown are the most common fall colours, but warm greens are also associated with this time of year. I like to bring fall colours into my home with small decor items (like these coloured pumpkins) and also like to reach for fall inspired beauty products. For this latest #FOTD, the focus was on warm fall inspired colours and products already in my makeup collection.

    To create this fall inspired makeup look, the Optimistic AF Eyeshadow Palette from BH Cosmetics was used. This was a no-brainer, because many of the colours in this palette are ideal for the fall season. Especially the warm yellows and oranges. (I love that this can work well in the summer or fall depending on the colours that are used. It is a really wonderful eyeshadow palette.) In addition to the BH Cosmetics palette, there were a handful of other products used. The foundation was the L’Oreal Pro Glow, there was a Too Faced bronzer on the cheeks, and a KVD liquid lipstick on the lips. Ready to see the completed look?

    To create the eye look, the shade Smiley Face was applied through the crease. Bright Side was applied to the inner portion of the eyelid and Half Full was applied on the outer portion. A small amount of Silver Lining was used to deepen the crease. Then the shimmery shadow LOL was added to make sure those warm browns and oranges really came to life. Some dramatic winged liner and mascara was used to complete the eye look. The bronzer was used on the cheeks instead of a blush to make sure the look was as warm and fall inspired as possible. On the lips was the KVD liquid lipstick mentioned earlier, but I added a bit of the Bright Side eyeshadow to tie it all together. A homemade lip balm quickly and easily combined the two products.

    All in all, this was a fun fall inspired makeup look to create. There is a lot to love about this time of year…makeup included.

    How are you embracing the fall season? What products do you like to use during this time of year?