Mansa Fashion

Tag: review

  • philosophy product review (purity, hope, and grace)

    philosophy product review (purity, hope, and grace)

    Despite the fact that Philosophy products have been around for ages (my sister was using some of their stuff back when we both used to live at home with our parents)…this isn’t a brand I have a lot of familiarity with. Beyond seeing my sister open up a Christmas gift with some Philosophy products inside, that is. So, when I won a raffle with all sorts of beauty products, it was exciting to put some Philosophy products to the test for myself. Were they good? Bad? So so? Keep reading for all the details.

    Pure Grace Nude Rose Body Lotion. The first item in this Philosophy review post is the Pure Grace Nude Rose Body Lotion. This is a sizable bottle of lotion that I have been keeping on my nightstand. I like to use the lotion on my arms, mostly because the smell makes me happy. This bottle is 480 ml/16 fl. oz. There is an awful lot of product here. I have been using it fairly regularly and it looks like I have barely touched the bottle. It’s nice to know that this is going to last, because it is something that I can see purchasing for myself in the future. The lotion is lightweight and absorbs quickly. It is not as heavy duty as some other lotions that I have (those are ideal for the ultra cold winter season) but works well and smells amazing. According to the brand, this has an “airy rose scent inspired by the bare color of nude rose petals and the clean, fresh feel of our beloved Pure Grace.” Now, I haven’t smelled Pure Grace, but if it is anything like this…I’m all in. I don’t usually care for rose scents, but this is so soft and well balanced. It smells clean and floral. Not too soapy or strong. This is supposed to have blush rose, dewy greens, neroli, bright orange flowers, cedarwood, and musk. Truly, this smells wonderful and has been making my skin smoother and my mood brighter. Something else I love? The sweet words printed on the front of the bottle. What a lovely reminder.

    Purity Made Simple Ultra-Light Moisturizer. There are a few moisturizes that I use and repurchase often: the Clinique Moisture Surge and the St Ives Timeless Skin. Both work really well for me. How does the Purity Made Simple Ultra-Light Moisturizer compare? Though it is unlikely to replace my old favourites, this is a seriously stellar product. It is described as a quick-absorbing and velvety moisturizer that is oil free and delivers 24-hour hydration without the shine. Based on my experience with the moisturizer, this works well and is nicely hydrating. It is not as thick as the St Ives moisturizer that I like best, but it still does a good job and makes my skin feel nice. Like the body lotion, the scent of this moisturizer is fantastic. I don’t know exactly what it is, but using this makes me feel like I’m being pampered somewhere special. The scent is wonderful and relaxing.

    Hope In a Jar Eye Revival Serum-in-Cream. Next is an eye serum from Philosophy that has elderberry flower and hyaluronic acid. The brand claims this product “delivers eye opening results as the eye area instantly looks smoother and more supple.” It is supposed to provide long-lasting hydration for up to 24 hours, lessen the appearance of dark circles in one week, and reduce fine lines and wrinkles in as little as two weeks. Does that happen? I can’t say for sure. The dark circles under my eyes are still there, as are the fine lines and wrinkles around them. But the serum is quick and easy to use, doesn’t have a strong scent, and makes the under eye are more hydrated. I’ve been using this for the last several weeks, but if there are suddenly dramatic results, I will be sure to mention that in an update post! For now, the results are unclear, but the product is an easy addition.

    I have really been enjoying these Philosophy products lately. I love the little sayings printed on each bottle (in a world that is so often cold and cruel, it is nice to have little reminders of goodness), the scents, and the overall quality. It is hard to believe this brand isn’t one that I have put to the test before, but the body lotion is definitely on my must-have list from this point on.

    Are you a fan of Philosophy products? What ones do you like the best?

  • does it work?? 24-hr brow setter from benefit

    does it work?? 24-hr brow setter from benefit

    Back in the fall, there were all sorts of products from the Back to School Beauty Bundle highlighted. The set included fourteen different items, including makeup, perfume, and skin care. Some products have already been reviewed on the creation of beauty is art. and some reviews are still outstanding. It is time to focus on another sample from the set….the 24-Hr Brow Setter from Benefit. There is something very nostalgic to me about Benefit. During my earliest years as a makeup enthusiast, it was the Benefit section of Sephora that thrilled me most. I loved the cheek tints, the themed sets, and the blushes. Over the years, the brand seems to be a little less innovative and colourful, but there are still some fantastic staple products. These days, Benefit is mostly known for their mascaras and eyebrow products (my personal favourite brow product from the brand is the Goof Proof Brow Pencil). Ready to find out how this clear brow gel performs? Keep reading for all of the details.

    According to the brand, the 24-Hr Brow Setter from Benefit is a clear gel that “easily shapes and tames brows, locking in your look for up to 24 hours.” It contains Provitamin B5 to make the eyebrows look polished and defined as well as Polymers to sculpt the brow hairs. This is described as a flake free formula that is easy to apply and quick to dry. It is also has less than one percent synthetic fragrance. This is an eyebrow product that I have heard great things about over the years.

    So…does it work?? Yes. The 24-Hr Brow Setter works as described, with a easy to use wand and a clear formula. It doesn’t have a strong scent and it keeps eyebrow hairs locked in place. (Sometimes, I have one or two eyebrows hairs that like to do their own thing. This is a nice product to have on those days.) That being said, it is important to remember that a little product goes a long way. When I applied a little too much on one of my eyebrows, there was a bit of flaking that occurred later in the day. Using less product still keeps my eyebrows in place – and there is no flakiness to worry about. Though this product worked well, I don’t know that I would purchase a full sized version. There are other eyebrow gels that perform similarly for a whole lot less than the $36 CDN that Benefit charges for the 7 mL version. At least now I have been able to put it to the test.

    Have you tried the 24-Hr Brow Setter from Benefit? What eyebrow products do you like best?

  • review: kylie cosmetics lip kit in angel

    review: kylie cosmetics lip kit in angel

    When it comes to the iconic lip kits from Kylie Cosmetics, I have certainly been spoiled lately. In my Easter basket this year, there was the shade Angel (along with holiday chocolate and some other goodies). This is the kind of warm neutral colour that the brand is known for. Ready to take a closer look? Here is a review of the Kylie Cosmetics Lip Kit in the shade Angel.

    All of the Kylie Cosmetics Lip Kits come with a lip liner and matte liquid lipstick. That means the lip look that is created has excellent longevity. According to the brand, the products included in this set are highly pigmented formulas that are both cruelty free and vegan. Based on my experience with the Kylie Cosmetics lip liners and and matte liquid lipsticks, these definitely deliver on the colour. The products are nicely pigmented and last well. There is a creamy consistency during application, but neither the lip liner or the matte liquid lipstick transfer. Sometimes, the lip liner is something that I wear alone and other times, it is the full lip kit look. I love that the formula, the longevity, and the shades that are available. There are many different colours available in this line, but a lot of them tend to be somewhat neutral and warm. The shade Angel certainly falls into that category. It is a beautiful warm neutral that pairs well with many different makeup looks.

    As you can see from the makeup look above, this is a nice neutral to add onto any creation. This particular look was something that was just for fun at home. Nothing crazy, overly colourful, or over the top. The addition of the lip liner and matte liquid lipstick elevated the look and made me feel extra special. When it comes to Kylie Cosmetics products, the lip kits will likely always be favourites of mine. The colours are so easy to wear, the products are comfortable, and the longevity is impressive.

    What do you think of this Kylie Cosmetics Lip Kit? What lip products have you been loving lately?

  • review: elf power grip primer + 4% niacinamide

    review: elf power grip primer + 4% niacinamide

    Preparation is key, especially when it comes to increasing the longevity of a makeup look. The right skin care products and primers can make all the difference. With certain products on hand, makeup application can become easier and products will stay put throughout the day. After hearing rave reviews about the Power Grip Primer from elf, it seemed like time to put this much buzzed about item to the test. There are a few versions of the Power Grip Primer available, but I decided on the Power Grip Primer + 4% Niacinamide. Ready for a review of this popular makeup primer? Keep reading for all the details.

    According to the brand, the Power Grip Primer + 4% Niacinamide is “a sticky gel-based face primer enriched with 4% niacinamide to help even out skin tone and brighten while gripping makeup.” The sticky texture is supposed to help makeup grip longer and extend the wear time. It also states that it gives the skin a dewy and glowing finish and is suitable for all skin types. There are many four and five star reviews for this product…but there are also some less than stellar reviews.

    My opinion? The Power Grip Primer + 4% Niacinamide is not my favourite primer. The first few times that I tried it, my face makeup seemed to wear like it would without a primer. After reading some different tips and tricks on beauty subreddits, there were suggestions to warm the product on your hands before patting in onto the face. (On the elf website, is says to “apply makeup primer evenly to face before makeup, using your fingertips to pat into the skin. The warmth of your fingers will help the product melt into the skin for even application.”) Simply using your fingers to apply the product is not enough and it really does require that extra step of warming the product on your hands. Despite that extra step, this primer still did not make a notable difference in the longevity of my makeup look and it certainly was not better than some of the other primers that I have put to the test. I think the most off-putting thing about this primer is the stickiness. It really feels like putting a bunch of glue all over your face. It is unpleasant, to say the least. Perhaps the unpleasantness of application (both in the feel of the actual product and the application process itself) would be worth it if there was a noticeable difference in the way my makeup wears throughout the day. Sadly, it does not seem like the Power Grip Primer + 4% Niacinamide from elf is ideal for me.

    Have you tried the Power Grip Primer? What makeup primer do you use on a regular basis?

  • FOTD and mini review: love at 1st sight eyeshadow palette

    FOTD and mini review: love at 1st sight eyeshadow palette

    Spring is well underway, but this eyeshadow palette is taking me all the way back to Valentine’s Day. Not only was this a Valentine’s Day gift from my mom, but it is loved themed. The Love at 1st Sight Eyeshadow Palette is downright adorable – and so well themed. Ready to take a closer look? Here is everything you need to know about this love inspired product.

    The Love at 1st Sight Eyeshadow Palette from FMG has a really fun love theme. The eyeshadow palette design is adorable and features a Polaroid style collage on the front. There are pictures of heart shaped cakes, flowers, a spa day, animals, high heels, and nature. It is so sweet and nostalgic. On the inside, there are nine eyeshadow shades. According to the brand, these are “buildable matter and shimmer shadows, featuring warm, delicate, and vivid hues,” to create depth and dimension. The eyeshadows do not have parabens, phthalates, talc, or fragrance. The latter is especially important for those with sensitivities to fragrances. The actual packaging is simple but effective. In addition, the size of the palette is compact, making this a good eyeshadow palette for travel. The only downside with the packaging is that there are no eyeshadow names. This is a personal preference, but when there is a themed eyeshadow palette, it is always preferable to see the theme tied in with some eyeshadow names. It just makes the whole thing feel more thoughtful and creative. It is just a missed opportunity!

    As for the colour story of the Love at 1st Sight Eyeshadow Palette, there is a lot to love. (Pun intended.) the middle row of eyeshadows are gorgeous warm mattes. These are nicely pigmented and blend well. Then there are all sorts of shimmery shadows to compliment those mattes. I like that this eyeshadow palette has pinks, burgundies, and warm metallics. Though the shimmery purple is a standout shadow, my absolutely favourite is that warm rust coloured matte. It is such a great colour and it pairs well with the gold and champagne shimmers included in the palette. Those are the colours that I focused on in the makeup look shown above. The matte rust coloured shade was applied all over the lid, the glittery gold was applied in the center, and the champagne colour was applied in the inner corner and underneath the brows. To mix it things up a little bit, the matte burgundy shade was applied along the lower lash line for a smokey eye look that still incorporated lots of colour. The Love at 1st Sight Eyeshadow Palette is cute, has a nice colour story, and performs well. It has been fun to put to use.

    What do you think of this love themed eyeshadow palette? What products have you been using lately?

  • does it work?? heaven’s dew all over glimmer (stila)

    does it work?? heaven’s dew all over glimmer (stila)

    What is it about glitter, sparkle, and shine? It seems impossible for me to resist a beauty product with a little pizazz. Though not all makeup is sparkly and colourful…it is nice to have those items on hand. Certain days just call for fun. (And I believe that makeup should be fun more often than not.) The Heaven’s Dew All Over Glimmer from Stila certainly falls into the fun category. It is versatile, exciting, and a wonderful way to add a little extra pop to any look. Keep reading for all the details.

    At first, my assumption was that the Heaven’s Dew All Over Glimmer was a glittery highlight. I could not wait to use it in that way. Only it turns out that this is so much more than a highlight. It can be used in many different ways: on the cheeks, eyelids, and body. It is an all over shimmer that wows. According to the brand, this is a hybrid cream and powder formula. It has a “translucent base that allows light to illuminate the suspended pearlescent shimmers and micro-fine glitters. The effect is a brilliant, hyper-lustrous look with a barely there feel. The unique, lightweight formula creates the high-shine, glistening effect of an all-over gloss – without the tackiness.” This is advertised as a dry to the touch formula that is not tacky and does not smudge. It is also supposed to be long wearing and transfer-resistant. Sparkle and shine that stays put? Sounds like a dream.

    So…does it work?? Yes. There are three different versions of the Heaven’s Drew All Over Glimmer, including a champagne shade, gold, and bronze. The one that was added to my makeup collection is the shade Silver Lake. It is a bright white shimmer. What I love about this is that it offers all of the sparkle and shine of a traditional glitter, but the micro-fine glitters mean that the texture is smooth. The glitter is not chunky or heavy. Instead, the formula is lightweight and has an almost glassy look. This is a wonderful addition to any eyeshadow look (I especially like wearing this on the brow bone for a fun pop of shimmer). It is also a great highlight. Best of all? This can also be worn on the shoulders, collarbone, arms or anywhere else you might want to add something special. The Heaven’s Dew All Over Glimmer will be a wonderful addition to my spring and summertime looks. I love the smooth texture, the fine glitters, and the versatility of the product. This looks beautiful and works really well.

    How have you been adding sparkle and shine to your life lately? Have you tried this product from Stila?

  • keys soulcare (truly becoming multi-benefit peptide serum)

    keys soulcare (truly becoming multi-benefit peptide serum)

    It is always nice when loved ones pass beauty items my way. Several people I know have beauty box subscriptions. When there are products inside that they aren’t interested in or think that I might like…they tend to gift them to me to use and review. It was a few months back that the Keys Soulcare Firm Belief Smoothing Peptide Cream was reviewed here on the creation of beauty is art. I loved the product but not the price. So, it was a real thrill to have the opportunity to put another item from the brand to the test. Keep reading for a review of the Truly Becoming Multi-Benefit Peptide Serum from Keys Soulcare.

    Something that is nice about the Keys Soulcare line is that the packaging is so thoughtful. This serum comes in a nice glass bottle. The design is sleek and simple but still feels luxurious. On the back of the bottle, there is an affirmation that says, “I Rise Above.” Whenever I use the serum and cream, I repeat the affirmations on the bottle aloud. It is a nice way to add a little extra dose of positivity to my day. As for the Truly Becoming Multi-Benefit Peptide Serum itself, this is described as a “clinically proven, rejuvenating facial peptide serum that provides immediate hydration, plumps the look of skin, and visibly improves fine lines and wrinkles – both instantly and over time.” There are certainly some bold claims listed from the brand, including hydrating the skin for 24 hours, improving the overall tone and texture of the skin, and targeting dryness and dullness.

    My experience with the Truly Becoming Multi-Benefit Peptide Serum has been a positive one so far. It doesn’t have much of a scent at all, it is easy to apply, and really does make the skin feel pampered and hydrated. Since dry skin is something that I am always looking to address, this is a delightful addition to my skincare routine. As for addressing fine lines and wrinkles, this is not something that I noticed an immediate difference in, despite the claim that the serum visibly improves fine lines and wrinkles both instantly and over time. My fine lines and wrinkles are clear both before and after using the product. Perhaps this serum will soften them a longer period of time. I will do my best to pay attention to the results and report back at a later date with an updated review. Overall, this is another impressive product from the Keys Soulcare line. It adds a nice amount of hydration to the skin and it has been a beneficial addition to my routine. The main drawback is the price, as it is around $55 CDN for a bottle of the serum. Though this might not always be a part of my skincare routine, it is a welcome addition for now.

    Have you tried anything from the Keys Soulcare line? What skincare items do you like best?

  • spring #FOTD: nicole miller (rosy pinks and golden nudes)

    spring #FOTD: nicole miller (rosy pinks and golden nudes)

    Spring is in the air. Well…sort of. The weather has been a bit all over the place. Snow one day, rain the next, and a bit of sunshine scattered throughout. Despite the inconsistent weather conditions, the calendar claims the spring season is underway, so some of my more recent makeup looks have been seasonally inspired. I often associate springtime with soft pastel colours. That is the reason the Rosy Pinks and Golden Nudes Eyeshadow Palette from Nicole Miller has come in handy lately. It was gifted to me by a loved one around Valentine’s Day, but the butterfly design on the front and the assortment of pastel colours inside let me know that this product should be put to the test once the spring season arrived. Now that time has finally come. Keep reading for a look inside and a full review of the Rosy Pinks and Golden Nudes Eyeshadow Palette.

    Truth be told, this is not a brand that I am familiar with, though I have seen some of their beauty products on shelves from time to time. When it comes to Nicole Miller, I was not quite sure what to expect from the quality of the actual eyeshadows or anything else for that matter. This eyeshadow palette comes in a metal tin with a raised butterfly design on the front and a description of the eyeshadow palette on the back. According to the brand, “this impeccable color palette is designed to flatter every skin tone.” The eyeshadows are cruelty free and vegan and there are twenty four shadows in total. When it comes to the packaging, there are some pros and cons. The pros? The cute butterfly design, the tin packaging, and the inclusion of a double-ended brush. The cons? The cheap plastic material inside and the fact that there are no eyeshadow names or even numbers.

    As for the colour story, this is a really lovely spring eyeshadow palette. There are matte and shimmer shades to choose from with soft neutrals, pastels, and berry colours. I love the soft golds, the lilac, the soft rose colours, and the beautiful peach shades. All excellent choices for the spring season. When it comes to the actual performance of these eyeshadows, these are what I would consider to be medium. The pigmentation level is not intense, but the eyeshadows still deliver a nice amount of colour. This would be a great palette for beginners or those who prefer softer makeup looks. There are some eyeshadows that are bolder than others, but all in all, the pigmentation level is medium. Though there are a lot of really pretty colours, my favourites are the shimmery neutrals and the berry colours. All that said, there was one eyeshadow that really stood out.

    For the spring inspired makeup look above, it was essential to highlight that soft lilac colour. When I first took a look at this palette, that was the most exciting eyeshadow shade to me. I wanted to know if the colour would actually look like a soft lilac colour or not.Thankfully, the lilac eyeshadow performed really well. It was applied to the inner portion of the eyelid and then some of the berry coloured eyeshadows were added to the outer portion and through the crease. It was all blended out with a matte peach shade. The peach colour was carried through the rest of the makeup look with a warm peach blush and lipstick. It was fun to put the Rosy Pinks and Golden Nudes Eyeshadow Palette from Nicole Miller to use to create this spring inspired makeup look. The quality was decent and the colour story was enjoyable. I like that there are a lot of eyeshadows to work with as well. All in all, the palette is a nice way to infuse a little springtime sunshine into my days.

    How have you been enjoying the spring season so far? What do you think of this eyeshadow palette?

  • 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?