Mansa Fashion

Category: Beauty

  • 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?

  • 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?

  • show and tell: back to school beauty bundle

    show and tell: back to school beauty bundle

    The words “back to school” have not been in my vocabulary for quite some time. Clearly, my student days are well behind me at this point! Despite this, the Back to School Beauty Bundle was seriously tempting. This set came with an assortment of skin care and makeup items all in a cute pink mini backpack. Keep reading to see what is included and what items I can’t wait to try.

    The Back to School Beauty Bundle retails for $60 CDN but has a total of $175 CDN worth of items. Definitely a good way to stock up on some goodies ahead of the school year – or just in general. The set includes the following items:

    • Ariana Grande Cloud Pink mini perfume (7.5 mL)
    • Benefit 24-Hour Brow Setter (2 mL)
    • Bioderma Sebium Foaming Gel (100 mL)
    • Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream (5 mL)
    • Embryolisse Lair-Creme Concentrate (15 mL)
    • Estee Lauder Nutritious Melting Soft Creme/Mask (5 mL)
    • Jouviance Restructive-Glyco Pads (20 pads)
    • Neostrata Post-Acne Mark Correcting Serum (5 mL)
    • Philosophy Microdelivery Facial Wash (30 mL)
    • r.e.m. Beauty Midnight Shadows Eyeshadow Palette in Babydoll (full size)
    • Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner (0.25 mL)
    • Too Faced Hangover Primer (20 mL)
    • Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray (15 mL)
    • Vichy Normaderm BHA Serum (5 mL)

    As you can see, there were an awful lot of products tucked inside that mini backpack. There was a nice mixture of skin care and makeup items, so this felt like a really balanced release. Though I am more of a makeup person than a skin care person (though I recognize it is important to take proper care of my skin)…there was a good blend of items I wanted and items I needed.

    Since there was such an assortment of products inside (many of which I have not put to the test at this point)….I thought it might be fun to highlight some of the ones I was most excited to receive. There was a mini version of the Cloud Pink perfume from Ariana Grande, which was welcome, because I absolutely adore her perfume line. (You can check out my Cloud Pink review here.) Her scents tend to be very sweet and warm….and Cloud Pink is fabulous. I was also thrilled that the Back to School Beauty Bundle set came with an r.e.m. beauty eyeshadow palette. This one is called Babydoll and it has some warm neutrals. I look forward to putting this to the test, so check back for a future review here on the creation of beauty is art. Other items that I was excited to receive? The 24-Hour Brow Setter from Benefit (they have excellent eyebrow products), the Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner (which has excellent staying power), the Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray (an old favourite of mine that I have not purchased in ages), and the Too Faced Hangover Primer (a product from one of my favourite makeup brands). There is so much to test and try…some items that are new-to-me and some that are old favourites.

    What do you think of this beauty set? Have you tried any of the products that were included?

  • testing the pixi eyelift max liquid shadow

    testing the pixi eyelift max liquid shadow

    Eyeshadow comes in many forms. Though powder shadows are the most common in my personal makeup collection, there is something to be said about a liquid eyeshadow every now and then. These are often boldly pigmented and can be useful when time is limited. More recently, the Pixi EyeLift Max Liquid Shadow in the shade Amethyst caught my eye at the drugstore. Quite simply, it looked pretty and purple. That was all it took for me to toss it into my basket. Ready to find out how this liquid eyeshadow actually performs? If it was worth the splurge? Here is everything you need to know about this drugstore product.

    According to the brand, the EyeLift Max Liquid Shadow is an “extreme long-wear liquid shadow that leaves a smooth veil of flattering colour that can be worn solo or layered.” It is supposed to be easy to blend and buildable. Best of all? It claims to have a no-crease formula. This comes in several different shades, but the Amethyst one stood out to me most, because I love a purple eyeshadow. This one was especially intriguing, because it appeared to be a cool-toned purple. Though a lot of the eyeshadows in my collection are on the warm side, there will always be a soft spot in my heart for cool-toned makeup looks. I think this has to do with the fact that cooler toned palettes used to be really popular when I first dipped my toe into the world of makeup. I remember wearing lots of greys and cool-toned browns in the beginning. So, there is something nostalgic about a cool-toned eyeshadow for me. It reminds me of makeup looks that I used to love and products that used to be my must haves.

    When it comes to the EyeLift Max Liquid Shadow from Pixi, there are some pros and cons. The pros? The colour is a cool-toned purple. It goes on easily, blends well, and has a really nice and creamy formula. The cons? The colour isn’t as bold or pigmented as I would like. Though the brand claims this is buildable, even with several coats, the Amethyst colour isn’t exactly vibrant. I think this is better for days when I want something a little more laid back or natural. Though the formula is really impressive and I like the cool-toned colour…I do wish that this made more of an impact . All in all, it is a decent product and I like it well enough, but it is not as fabulous as it could be. Perhaps some of the other colours in the EyeLift Max Liquid Shadow line have a bit more vibrancy, but Amethyst is more on the subtle side. This is a good option if you do not want something too over the top or want something simple for work. However, when it comes to eyeshadow, over the top is a little more my speed. It ultimately comes down to your personal preferences. Though this wasn’t an all out winner for me, the EyeLift Max Liquid Shadow in the shade Amethyst might be ideal for you. Consider the pigmentation level you like best before adding this shade to your cart.

    Have you tried the EyeLift Max Liquid Shadow? Are you a fan of Pixi products?

  • welcome peace and the crackling sound of leaves.

    welcome peace and the crackling sound of leaves.

    Finally! September is here. Though the official first day of fall is on September 22nd, in my mind, this is the start of the best time of year. The “ber” months (September, October, November, and December) are true highlights for me. In September and October, there is sweater weather, pumpkin spice, Halloween movies, candy corn, and spooky decorations. In November and December, there is snow, Christmas music on the radio, and all of the festivities. Ahh….there is so much to enjoy and so much on the horizon. It feels good to say that September is here. In honour of this new month, here is a little seasonal inspiration.

    Now for a few seasonal tag questions to enjoy the start of a new month and the fall season. Feel free to answer these in the comment section below (or on your own blog if you have one) and share a few of your own seasonal secrets…

    What Is One Thing You Love About Fall? There is an awful lot that I love about the fall season, but what I love most of all is the feeling that seems to hang in the air. It is a feeling that is full of possibility. It signals a fresh start and renewed sense of hope.

    What Is One Thing You Don’t Love About Fall? It is hard to think of anything, to be honest. I really love the fashion, the warm colours, the cooler temperatures, the pumpkin scented things, and Halloween. There is so much to love about this time.

    Are You a Pumpkin Spice Fan? Yes! Though I do not drink coffee or anything like that, pumpkin spice candles, chocolates, hot chocolate, and cookies are fair game. I especially love the pumpkin spice chocolates from Lindt. Talk about a delicious treat!

    Where Do You Buy Your Fall Scented Candles? Mostly from Bath & Body Works, but I am not overly picky. It is difficult for me to resist a fall scented candle wherever I happen to be. This year, some candles from stores like Winners, Home Sense, and even the drugstore have been added to my home. I just love warm and cozy scents, especially ones with pumpkin and vanilla.

    What Does Your Typical Fall Outfit Look Like? Fall fashion is my favourite. My normal fall outfit is a pair of jeans, a cute crewneck sweatshirt, and a pair of fall boots. (I have several boots. Some with a small heel, some with fringe, and some with lace details.) Once October rolls around, it is fun to mix in Halloween themed items, like my Ghostface plaid shirt or a pair of seasonal earrings. I love that fall fashion is comfortable and cute. It isn’t fussy or time consuming. It is simple but stylish.
    Are you excited about the start of September? What are you looking forward to this fall?

  • review: clairol root touch-up and john frieda brunette products

    review: clairol root touch-up and john frieda brunette products

    It has certainly been an adjustment. Dying my hair is not my favourite thing to do and I find myself feeling resentful about the grey hairs that have forced a change to my routine. For the last several months, there are a few products that I have been using to maintain my brunette status. It seemed time to share my thoughts on them, just in case anyone else is in the same boat. On that note, here are reviews on the Clairol Root Touch-Up by Natural Instincts and some hair care products from John Frieda.

    Clairol Root Touch-Up by Natural Instincts. How am I keeping the greys away? Lots and lots of hair dye. I dyed all of it using a box dye from Clairol and have been using the Root Touch-Up every month since. The rest of my hair doesn’t need to be redone at this point, so it is just root touch-up after root touch-up. Eventually, I will need to redo the length, but for now, this works. (The colour on the length turned out darker than I anticipated, but I’m just telling myself that the darker colour is better for the fall season anyway.) This root touch-up kit works really well and is actually quite simple to use. It has a plastic mixing bowl made from recycled plastic, so it is super simple to mix everything together. There is also an applicator brush, so the application process is fairly straightforward. This dye doesn’t have a strong scent (unlike the one that I used for the length) and it doesn’t make a mess. Since I hate the fact that I have to dye my hair at all, it is nice to have a kit that makes it simpler.

    John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Colour Vibrancy Shampoo and Conditioner. As I may have mentioned once or twice…I do not like to dye my hair. I also do not like that having dyed hair means I’ve had to make a lot of changes to the products that I use. For example, switching from regular shampoos that smell lovely to colour safe shampoos. I have to spend a lot more time conditioning my hair as well, because the texture is slightly different than it was before. Sigh! Clearly, I am not handling the transition well. At any rate, I have been using the Brilliant Brunette Colour Vibrancy Shampoo and Conditioner from John Frieda. It is supposed to maintain the colour and prevent it from fading. From what I can tell, it works well and makes a difference. However, it is a lot more expensive than the shampoo that I was using before, so that is also an adjustment.

    Even though the whole dying-my-hair thing does not thrill me…I am grateful to have products that make it a little bit easier.

    Do you dye your hair? What products do you use to achieve and maintain your preferred colour?

  • mini fall haul (decor and accessories)

    mini fall haul (decor and accessories)

    Though my home has been decorated for the last few weeks (there are decorative pumpkins everywhere)…the official first day of fall was yesterday. So long summer! It is all cozy sweaters, scented candles, and fallen leaves from here on out. This time of year makes me especially joyful, which is probably the reason it is difficult for me to steer clear of fall decor items in the stores. I have done fairly well so far this year and have only added a few little items here and there, as seen in this mini fall haul.

    Fall Themed Home Decor Items. My husband asked me what my obsession with little wooden signs is. To be honest, I don’t know what it is about a decorative wooden sign that I love so much. What I do know is that when I see a cute wooden sign….I want it. The Farm Fresh Pumpkin Patch sign was simply too cute to resist. I found it and the small pumpkins at Walmart for only a few dollars. Two of the pumpkins are fuzzy and felty while the other the wrapped in plaid fabric. The sign and pumpkins are all placed together on a shelf in my living room. These items bring undeniable fall vibes to the room! I love the warm colours.

    Fall Inspired Accessories. There were a few fall themed accessories that were added to my cart at Winners recently. (It is almost always Winners, isn’t it? It is near impossible to visit a Winners location and leave empty handed.) The first is a pair of Betsey Johnson earrings that say PUMPKIN SPICE. I am obsessed with these earrings and have already worn them too many times. There is a large yellow stone and then the words dangling down. Since I am a pumpkin spice kind of person, these were essential. Next were some temporary tattoos from Inked by Dani. I have several packs of temporary tattoos from this brand and purchase them whenever I can. I love a good temporary tattoo and often wear them like an accessory. This particular set is zodiac themed and since I am a Scorpio, there are all sorts of tattoos that I can wear this fall and around my birthday.
    What do you think of this mini fall haul? Have you purchased any fall themed items lately?