Mansa Fashion

Tag: review

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

    does it work?? laneige bouncy and firm sleeping mask

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

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

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

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

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

  • review: ultimate neons (pretty pink shadow palette)

    review: ultimate neons (pretty pink shadow palette)

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

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

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

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

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

  • review: kylie cosmetics (wisp lash mascara)

    review: kylie cosmetics (wisp lash mascara)

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

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

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

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

  • urban decay all nighter setting spray (rediscovered review)

    urban decay all nighter setting spray (rediscovered review)

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

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

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

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

  • too faced: hangover replenishing face primer (review)

    too faced: hangover replenishing face primer (review)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • review: morphe rose to fame artistry palette

    review: morphe rose to fame artistry palette

    One of my New Year’s Resolutions is to use more of what I have and to purchase less, especially when it comes to beauty products. Though this is not necessarily easy to do (since new products are always tempting and because loved ones often gift me different items to put to use) it is something that I am attempting at any rate. That means there will be some reviews on the creation of beauty is art. in the next little while dedicated to products that have been in my collection for a bit, but have not yet been formally reviewed on the blog. One such example is the Rose to Fame Artistry Palette from Morphe. This is something that I purchased at Sephora many, many, many months ago and have been using on and off ever since.

    There were three different Rich and Foiled Artistry Palettes to choose from: Gold Seeker, Going Platinum, and Rose to Fame. Since I have a weakness for rose gold colours and warm neutrals, it was the Rose to Fame version that stood out to me. Truth be told, it was that center shade in the palette that really stood out to me. According to the brand, it is a “debut foil-effect Molten Metal Eyeshadow” that can be used dry or wet for a different finish. There are nine eyeshadows in total, with a combination of mattes and shimmers – that that molten metal eyeshadow in the center. I like that there is a nice amount of variety and that it is possible to create a dazzling but neutral eyeshadow look. Something that I like about this eyeshadow palette is that there is a disposable little instruction sheet inside to explain how to use the molten metal eyeshadow either wet or dry. It states that it can be used dry for a creamy effect or wet for an enhanced liquid effect. Having used the center shade both ways, it is certainly more dramatic when applied wet. It has that bold liquid metal look (similar to what the Makeup by Mario Master Metallics Eyeshadow Palette offered) as opposed to appearing like a fairly standard shimmer.

    Clearly, the center eyeshadow is a standout in this Morphe eyeshadow palette. As for the rest of the shadows? Some are more impressive than others. The matte shades perform well and blend nicely and Aristocratic Aura (dark chocolate brown) is a real standout. The shimmers are a little more uneven. For example, Nepo Beige-y is pretty and has a nice amount of sparkle, but not a lot of colour. It is more of a topper than something that would be worn alone. The other shimmers are more impressive, especially Budding Fortune, which has lots of shimmer and colour. Generally speaking, my preference is for shimmery eyeshadows to not only offer shimmer, but colour payoff as well. I believe in an eyeshadow that can do it all! Overall, the Rose to Fame Artistry Palette from Morphe is decent. The molten metal eyeshadow is fabulous and there is a nice combination of matte and shimmer to choose from. However, it would be nice if the shimmers all performed equally in terms of colour payoff.

    Have you tried any of the Rich and Foiled Artistry Palettes

  • nyx: up to snow good color palette (review)

    nyx: up to snow good color palette (review)

    It is almost impossible for me to resist a holiday themed eyeshadow palette. Though it has happened a time or two…it requires a lot of inner strength to walk away from something festive and fun. Here is an example of a time that I was unable (or willing) to walk away from a themed release. At the end of the summer season, my mom and I went to the CNE for the day and did a bit of looking around. There were all sorts of booths and stalls selling various odds and ends. I found some Funko Pops for my collection and even a few products from NYX. The Up To Snow Good Color Palette is something that I have been using for the last several months, but it is only now that I have gotten around to writing a full review. This particular eyeshadow palette was sold at a steep discount because it was a limited edition item. Ready to take a look inside? Here is a review and a makeup look.

    This small eyeshadow palette has six different shadows and some light theming. The design on the outside and inside features a couple of winter charm bracelets, with “charms” in the shape of boots, snowflakes, and holly. There is a light purple colour inside and outside with some silver details and lettering. The names of the eyeshadows are also themed. Some examples? Stockings Stuffed and Spirits Bright. Though this is a simple release with basic cardboard packaging…it is still holiday inspired.

    Up To Snow Good has a combination of matte shades and sparkly shadows. There are three mattes: Stockings Stuffed (chocolate brown), Icy Behavior (medium brown), and Spirits Bright (deep purple). There are also three shimmery shades: Slay Bells (mint green glitter), Suited Up (purple glitter), and Vixen N Glitzen (navy and purple shimmer). I like that there is a variety in terms of the finishes and that there are wintery shades that are a little less expected. The purples, browns, and blues make it possible to create something colourful but still suited for a winter wonderland. As for the quality, the matte eyeshadows are nicely pigmented and blend well. The shimmers are dazzling and fun…but are best when layered over one of the matte eyeshadows in the palette. The makeup look above focused on all of the purple colours in the Up To Snow Good Color Palette, but the mint green glitter is my favourite eyeshadow overall. I like to add it onto various makeup looks for extra sparkle.

    All in all, this Up To Snow Good Color Palette from NYX really wowed. It is compact in size, but still offers lots of variety and some really wonderful colours. Of course, the holiday theme is a fun bonus and added to the overall experience.

    What are your favourite drugstore makeup brands? Do you like to use holiday inspired makeup items?

  • holiday makeup look and review: revolution x the grinch palette

    holiday makeup look and review: revolution x the grinch palette

    There are many different versions of The Grinch at this point. Beyond the actual book, there is the classic animated version from 1966, the live action version from 2000, and the more modern animated version that was released in 2018 . All of them are memorable and have wonderful elements. My favourite will always be the classic animated version, but there is room in my heart for them all. Truth be told, I love The Grinch and have a little Whoville Village and a Grinch topper on my Christmas tree. It just wouldn’t be the holiday season without that beloved green character. When I came across a fuzzy green eyeshadow palette from Revolution, it was added to my cart before I even bothered to look at the price. I mean, it was a fuzzy green Grinch themed eyeshadow palette. A need!

    Talk about a cute and festive eyeshadow palette. This Mean One Eyeshadow Palette from the Revolution x The Grinch collection knows how to stand out. The front of the palette is green and fuzzy (similar to my live action How The Grinch Stole Christmas DVD case) and has Revolution x The Grinch stitched on in red. It might be slightly impractical, as it is bound to become less than pristine over time, but it sure is adorable. I am doing my best not to spill any foundation or other products on it so it can look fuzzy and fun for as long as possible. On the inside, the palette is just as themed. There is a removable sheet that says: “Restring Grinch Face,” there are classic Grinch inspired illustrations around the mirror, and there are even little characters pressed into some of the shadows. All of the eyeshadow names are themed as well. It is clear that a lot of thought was put into the packaging and design. The fuzzy green, the drawings, and the eyeshadows names make this memorable.

    As for the colour story? This screams Christmas. Normally during the holiday season, reds, greens, and purples are popular. (Along with golds and other warm metallic shades.) The Mean One Eyeshadow Palette delivers on the holiday colours with several shades of green, red, and purple to enjoy. This is the ultimate eyeshadow palette for a Christmas lover who wants to embrace colourful makeup looks. Though browns, golds, and other neutrals will always have a special place in my heart…it is hard to resist all of this festive goodness. I love the colours that were included in the palette and the fact that there are different finishes. There are mattes, shimmers, and even chunkier glitter shades. This compact release has variety!

    Since this is a Grinch inspired eyeshadow palette, the look that I created made good use of the greens. The lightest matte green, Mr. Grinch, was applied to the inner portion of the lid and then the matte green, Loathe Entirely, was applied to the remainder. The dark shimmery green, The…The…The…, was added through the crease for some contrast. 5:30 Jazzercise (a chunky and creamy kind of green glitter) was added for a dramatic and glittery makeup look. A bit of the golden-green shimmer, I’m Feeling!, was added to the inner corner for a little extra shimmer. I love that the different finishes all perform well and work together to create fun and festive makeup looks. Though the green shadows are the standouts, the rich reds also pair well with the shimmers, and the purples are perfection. There is so much to love about this eyeshadow palette.

    The Mean One Eyeshadow Palette from the Revolution x The Grinch collection has been making this season bright. I love the theme, design, and colour story. I also love the finishes and overall quality. This palette meets my holiday makeup needs.

    What do you think of this eyeshadow palette? Which version of The Grinch is your favourite?

  • twilight week: colourpop collection (eyeshadow palette)

    twilight week: colourpop collection (eyeshadow palette)

    It has arrived…the end of this Twilight inspired theme week. Thanks to the generosity of my friend, there have been all sorts of Twilight x ColourPop items reviewed here on the creation of beauty is art. over the last several days. That includes eyeliners, highlighters, lip oils, and body shimmers. The grand finale? The Twilight Eyeshadow Palette. It is no secret that eyeshadows make me happy. I love expressing myself with different colours and finishes. How does this particular palette perform? And how does it compare to other ColourPop palettes? Here is everything you need to know about this themed release.

    The packaging makes me smile every single time I look at the Twilight Eyeshadow Palette. The outer sleeve is foggy and muted, but the palette itself has more of those cool greens and blues with lots of sparkle. On the inside, there is a picture of Bella and Edward with one of the most iconic quotes from the series: So the lion fell in love with the lamb. The eyeshadow names are also well themed, with names like Immortal, Ice Cold, Say It Out Loud, Impossibly Fast, The Cullens, and Lion & Lamb.

    As for the colour story, this is sheer perfection. The eyeshadow palette perfectly captures all of those Twilight-esque colours. There are cool toned blues, browns, and greens, as well as metallic and glitter shades. There is so much to work with here. The glitters are especially exciting (you can see the shade Edward in action in this post) and remind me of the ones in the Sailor Moon palette that I have. Both Edward and Immortal have a creamier kind of feel and are downright dazzling. The shimmers are also winners. I love shimmery cool tones in general and Irresistible is fabulous for a quick and easy one-shadow look. Though the glitters and shimmers are outstanding, I wanted to highlight some of the matte eyeshadows in this particular post.

    The matte eyeshadows included in the Twilight Eyeshadow Palette are incredible. These are nicely pigmented and are so different from the others in my collection. A lot of the cool toned shadows that I own are either brown or grey…so these cool blues and greens were a welcome addition. I especially love the matte denim blue shade, Irrevocably, and the matte dusty green shade, Seventeen. I have been incorporating those into lots of different makeup look lately. The cool toned browns are wonderful for blending out or adding a little extra depth. The matte shades are just as thrilling as the shimmers. A rare feat!

    It has been fun creating different makeup looks with the Twilight x ColourPop collection. As I end this theme week post, I want to say thank you again to my friend for her thoughtfulness. These posts would not have been possible without her generosity!
    What do you think of this eyeshadow palette? Do you like cool toned shadows?