Friday, May 17, 2024

one/size wicked unlimited eye and face palette (review + looks)

Everyone deserves the chance to fly....I remember the first time I saw the musical, Wicked. It was on a vacation to London, England with my parents. The cast was incredible and I was immediately wowed by the music, the story, and the sets. Following that experience, I read the book the musical was based on, I purchased the soundtrack, and in the years that followed, I saw additional performances closer to home. I love Wicked a little too much. Though it isn't my all time favourite musical, it is certainly in my top three. When One/Size announced a Wicked themed makeup collection, there was no question about whether or not something from the line would be added to my makeup collection. Though there were a few different products, ultimately, it was the Unlimited Eye and Face Palette that stood out. This is partly because of my obsession with face products like eyeshadow and blush and partly because of the two separate Elphaba and Glinda sections inside. Talk about cute!

Wednesday, May 15, 2024

first impressions: stila huge extreme lash mascara


Though my all time favourite mascara comes from Cover Girl (The Super Sizer) and my more recent favourite comes from Cover Girl (the Lash Blast Cleantopia in Ultramarine Black)....there are a few mascara samples that I have been wanting to put to good use. One is the HUGE Extreme Lash Mascara from Stila. Curious about the formula? Keep reading to find out how it performs. 

Monday, May 13, 2024

comedy show review: kathy griffin (my life on the ptsd-list)

Kathy Griffin is someone that I really admire. She is an outspoken advocate who regularly stands on the right side of history. She is an ally to marginalized groups of people, loudly stands with survivors, and even tried to have her brother arrested for his various abuses. (Read more about the latter here.) I am so impressed with her perspectives and the way she handles adversity. Recently, she came to a city near me on her My Life On The PTSD-List and shared all sorts of stories about wild celebrity encounters and her own challenges in more recent years. Kathy Griffin is a strong and powerful woman who has held onto her voice, despite those who tried in vain to take it from her. It was such a delight to see her perform live again. She is charisma personified. Since I had such a wonderful time, it only made sense to share some of my thoughts on the sold out show.

Friday, May 10, 2024

#FOTD: purple makeup look featuring a new lorac blush

Sometimes, an eyeshadow palette inspires a makeup look. Other times, a lipstick shade. Most recently, it was the LORAC Color Source Buildable Blush in the shade Ultraviolet that inspired a #FOTD. Many many many years ago, there was this face set from Sephora that had a beautiful purple blush inside. I loved it so much! Over the years, I have tried out a few purple blushes here and there, but most of them are on the sheer side or seem to be a little more pink than purple. Then I found this LORAC blush in Ultraviolet at a Marshalls for $4.99. It looked bold, bright, and downright exciting. Could it be a replacement for that old favourite from Sephora at last? I simply could not resist finding out. Keep reading for a mini product review and a makeup look.

Wednesday, May 8, 2024

love it or leave it? anne hathaway

Anne Hathaway has a pretty impressive resume. From iconic movies like The Princess Diaries to Les Misérables, she has had a thriving career for decades. Her latest movie, The Idea of You, is available to watch on Amazon Prime. Anne is known for her work in movies and on television, but also for her fashion. She has had many noteworthy red carpet looks over the years. The latest? A custom Versace gown. It is time to take a closer look at the design and find out if it is a love it or leave it...

Monday, May 6, 2024

review and reveal: charmed aroma (cinderella jewelry tray + candle)

Cinderella is one of those movies that reminds me of my youth. Though all Disney cartoons were special, Cinderella, The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and Pocahontas were some of my most watched VHS tapes. Those characters always felt extra special to me. When it comes to Cinderella, there was (and still is) a lot to love. The beautiful dress, the cute animals, and of course, the idea that miracles happen to good people. I loved it all. Fun fact: my wedding theme was actually Cinderella! Needless to say, the movie, the music, and the characters will always be important to me. I suppose it is fitting that my last Charmed Aroma review and reveal is a Cinderella themed one. The Charmed Aroma stores have all shut down where I live and I do not like the idea of shipping breakable items to my doorstep. So...this is it as far as I can tell. There is just one last candle to review. Ready for this final Charmed Aroma post? It is time to take a look at this Cinderella themed jewelry tray and candle. 

Friday, May 3, 2024

testing out a stila beauty boss lip gloss (blue sky)

From the drugstore to the dollar store to Sephora...it seems I can find fun beauty products just about anywhere. One example? The Beauty Boss Lip Gloss from Stila that is pictured above actually came from a duty free store. Makeup clearly is my weakness, even during times of travel. For a reasonable $10, it was possible to try out Blue Sky, an iridescent blue/purple lip gloss. That unusual shade was simply too tempting to resist. Ready to see what it looks like? Find out if it was worthwhile?

Wednesday, May 1, 2024

why i stopped being 'nice'

I used to describe myself as nice. I try so hard to be nice. It's important that I be nice. I don't do that anymore, largely because I am not interested in being nice. To be 'nice' in our society means not speaking out, not ruffling feathers, not pushing back on the status quo. It means cramming yourself into a box to make others comfortable. It means losing part of who you are. 

Monday, April 29, 2024

review: minnie mouse eyeshadow palette (taste beauty)


My love of all things Disney is no secret. I adore the movies, the music, the characters, the theme parks, and even Disney themed beauty products. As for the latter? The Minnie Mouse Eyeshadow Palette from Taste Beauty has been a bit of an obsession lately. Despite one of the other Taste Beauty eyeshadow palettes being a dud (check out that review here) this particular palette wowed. Here is everything you need to know about this affordable and adorable makeup product.

Friday, April 26, 2024

review: kylie cosmetics 24k birthday collection eyeshadow palette


Have you ever bought makeup from a vending machine? Oddly enough...I have. When my family was coming home from Walt Disney World last month, we had a lengthy wait at the airport because of a delayed flight. That meant lots of time to wander around the various shops. And lots of time to consider an expensive makeup purchase. See, there was a Kylie Cosmetics vending machine with all sorts of tempting products. The longer we waited at the airport, the harder it was for me to stay away from that machine. Though there were many items that I wanted to take home (including an airport exclusive lip kit) it was the eyeshadow palette that won out. Though I've been able to try out some smaller eyeshadow palettes from the brand, it was a little too tempting to see a large Kylie Cosmetics palette with 24 eyeshadows: the 24K Birthday Collection Eyeshadow Palette.

Wednesday, April 24, 2024

thrift store entertainment haul (records, dvds, and cds)

There is a used entertainment store that I have loved for many years. Essentially, people bring in their old records, CDs, movies, and box sets for money or store credit. Then the store turns around and sells those items to people like me. There was one location in the city that I grew up in and thankfully there is another location in a city not too far from where I live now. Despite the fact that it isn't too far away from me...this is not a store that I am able to visit often. The reason? My loved ones do not trust me in there. This is because I am a physical media person. I love CDs, cassettes, DVDs, VHS tapes, records, all of it. Streaming is cool and all, but there is something to be said for actually owning the things you love. (I hate how often things leave streaming services. And the fact that many things I enjoy are not available at all.) Last weekend, my husband allowed me to spend 15 minutes inside the store. Though I didn't have a lot of time to browse, there were so many wonderful items that I was able to find in those 15 minutes. It was a real treasure trove. Ready to take a look? Here is a peek at my thrift store haul.

Monday, April 22, 2024

testing out a dollar store nail polish

Every now and then, it is nice to put a dollar store beauty item to the test. After all, everyone has a different budget to work with. At some points, trips to Sephora are in order, at other times, the drugstore is most appropriate, and at certain times, it is dollar store all the way. Whatever your budget...you deserve to find products that work well and make you feel fabulous. Since this ultra sparkly nail polish from the brand Cairuo caught my eye at the dollar store recently (and it only cost $1.25 CDN) it seemed only right to put this polish to the test and find out how it compares to other more expensive offerings. 

Friday, April 19, 2024

current obsession: cover girl lash blast cleantopia (ultramarine black)


Cover Girl mascaras are impressive. I've tried a handful from the brand that have wowed, including my all-time favourite, The Super Sizer. Most recently, I gave the Lash Blast Cleantopia Mascara in Ultramarine Black a try. It is described as "an intense black mascara shade with a hint of blue for brighter, wide-awake eyes." Talk about an intriguing idea. After all, I am pretty committed to black mascara, but still love the idea of having fun with colour. This particular mascara seemed like the perfect way to check off both boxes. Keep reading for all the information about this unusual drugstore beauty product.

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

testing out quo lip products (plumping gloss and lipstick)

I've tried a handful of Quo Beauty products over the years. Standouts include their makeup brushes and some of the Pride Collection items. Despite testing out a few items from Quo Beauty in the past, I am not overly familiar with the brand offerings, since items are tried on a rather sporadic basis. However, every now and then, I attend an event or receive different beauty samples with purchase, and am able to try out an assortment of products. More recently, that included some Quo Beauty lip products. Want to find out how these perform? Here are some mini reviews of the Lip Boost Plumping Gloss and Lipstick. 

Monday, April 15, 2024

spring makeup look (feat. care bears eyeshadow palette)

So far, the spring season has been sporadic at best. Some days, there is snow, other days, rain, and then occasionally, there is sunshine scattered throughout the day. Despite the inconsistent weather, the spring season always makes me think of pastel colours and blue skies. Perhaps that is why it seemed like an appropriate time to put the Care Bears Eyeshadow Palette from Taste Beauty to the test. The goal? Create a colourful spring makeup look inspired by the much loved Care Bears. 

Friday, April 12, 2024

what i've been watching lately (movies and television shows)


There has been a lot of time spent in front of the TV lately. I like to have it on in the background while I work, write, and relax. I've never been all that keen on silence and prefer to fill the space with music or something similar. Silence seems to make my brain go and go and go and go....whereas chosen sounds allow me to focus. So I thought that I would share some of the things that I have been watching lately. There are a couple of movies that really wowed and a couple of nostalgic television shows.

Wednesday, April 10, 2024

2 looks 1 palette: morphe 35a up til dawn artistry palette


Eyeshadow palettes will always be my weakness. Truth be told, there is something about a thoughtful assortment of colours and finishes that excites me. After all, it is with those colours and finishes that I am able to express the inexpressible parts of myself. The right combination of eyeshadow shades can reveal my emotions, fears, desires, and hopes. Those products seem to speak words unspoken. Other makeup items are wonderful, and I love a good blush or lipstick, but eyeshadow is special. It is the heart of every creation. I suppose that is why there are so many eyeshadow palettes in my collection. Each one has the power to inspire and reveal. More recently, the 35A Up 'Til Dawn Artistry Palette from Morphe has been in heavy rotation. I just love all of the grungy greens and warm browns. Here are two makeup looks for the latest 2 looks 1 palette post. 

Monday, April 8, 2024

current favourites: christian siriano and betsey johnson earrings


Every now and then, it is nice to focus on the little things that make life brighter. Like sparkly accessories. Though there are all sorts of accessories that I love and adore...a couple have been standouts lately. For whatever reason, I keep reaching for these earrings over and over again. One pair is from Christian Siriano and the other is from Betsey Johnson. Not only do these items come from some of my all-time favourite fashion designers, but both sets of earrings are ultra sparkly and fun. 

Friday, April 5, 2024

#FOTD: blue and brown look (feat. disney villains palette)

Some days, a makeup look is inspired by an excellent makeup palette. Other days, a makeup look is created to make the most of a disappointing makeup palette. The latter is what happened most recently. I found an adorably themed Disney Villains Eyeshadow Palette a little while ago and was excited to put it to use. Since coming back from my Walt Disney World vacation, my mind has been focused on all things Disney, so it only made sense to reach for this themed palette. Unfortunately, the quality was not there. In fact, this is one of the worst eyeshadow palettes that I have ever used. The colour story is wonderful. The theme? Perfection. The shadows? Downright terrible. At any rate, I did my best to create a semi-colourful #FOTD.

Wednesday, April 3, 2024

does it work?? londontown kur illuminating nail concealer


There has been a lot of buzz surrounding the Kur Illuminating Nail Concealer from Londontown over the last couple of years. In fact, it sold out over and over again. (It is currently sold out on the Shoppers Drug Mart website but is available on the brand website in a few different shades.) Given the popularity of this Londontown product, it seems this is the ideal choice for the latest does it work?? post here on Mansa Fashion. How does it perform? Here is everything you need to know...

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