Leah Tackles

Freeman Beauty Neon Vibes Clay Mask | Oil Absorbing

February 25, 2019 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

I hope that you are feeling ready to tackle a new day! We are under a blizzard warning (yep, BLIZZARD) where I live, so I am feeling very grateful for a warm home. What are you grateful for today? Let me know in the comments : )

A couple of weeks ago I shared a review of the new Freeman Beauty Holographic Mask and today I want to share a quick review of one of the new Freeman Beauty Neon Vibes Clay Mask. I love masking and you can read my posts on mask here.

About the Freeman Beauty Neon Vibes Clay Mask No Stress Oil-Absorbing

This is a very bright neon clay mask. This mask has blue lotus which claims to help with stress and restore balance and absorb oil for a better complexion. After 10 minutes you rinse this mask off with warm water.

My Thoughts

I tend to prefer sheet, peel-off, or gel masks because sometimes removing clay or mud masks seems like a chore, but I think I will continue to use this mask in my masking rotation because I loved how fun it looks and how nice it smells. My skin looked brighter after applying it, which most masks do for me and I love it! I also noticed that my skin seemed very taught after using it, and I think that is thanks to the oil-absorbing properties and the tightness from a clay mask.

My Routine

I like to do masks in the evening before I do my evening skincare routine. I start by removing my makeup with Garnier SkinActive Micellar Water Waterproof and Neutrogena Makeup Removing Wipes. I then apply my Freeman Beauty Neon Vibes No Stress Oil Absorbing Clay Mask with a cheap foundation brush (like this one). After about 10-20 minutes I use warm water on a washcloth and gently remove the mask by doing upwards swipes and circular motions. I then continue with my nighttime routine.

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I could not find this mask ANYWHERE online, so I linked a few of my favorite Freeman Beauty Clay Masks below. I found my Freeman Beauty Neon Vibes Mask at Walmart for $1.37 for a single-use mask.

What is your favorite mask? Do you prefer mud masks, sheet masks, gel masks, peel-off masks, or clay masks? Share in the comments so we can all help each other! Have a wonderful rest of your day! xx

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LOOK EXPENSIVE ON A BUDGET |WALMART TIME AND TRU CLOTHING HAUL

February 20, 2019 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

I hope that you are having a fantastic day! Last fall I shared a post called The Best Affordable Open Front Cardigan Less Than $20 and it was so well received that I knew I wanted to continue to share when I find ways to look expensive on a budget.

Walmart released a line about a year ago called Time and Tru and it has really elevated their clothing game in the women’s department. They also have new lines in the children’s department called Wonder Nation that looks much higher-end.

My Finds

I was attending a networking event for my social media management career (curious? my website is here) and wanted to wear a pair of leather leggings but didn’t have a top that I liked to pair with it that would cover my bum. My sweet hubster was running to Walmart and so I asked if he would look to see if they had a long cardigan similar to the one I shared here. My husband got major props for texting pictures and FaceTiming me while at Walmart and he found a gorgeous black open-front drape front blazer that is just long enough for me to wear with leggings. I am SO excited by this piece because it looks amazing dressed up or casually with jeans and a graphic tee. It’s a beautiful unstructured blazer that could have been in a department store for double or even triple the price. It was originally $24, marked down to $19. Fast-forward to a week later and I had to run into Walmart and I just happened to walk past the women’s section and found the same blazer in both black and in navy on clearance for $5! $5! It still appears to be full price online, but check in store! I would definitely pay $25 though, it is an amazing piece! I think it will be a staple in my capsule wardrobe that can mix and match with anything.

I also snagged a long belted sweater vest in black for $5. I love it worn open or tied and loved wearing it with major Diane Keaton vibes. They had some adorable camouflage zip-front hoodies, cowl neck hoodies, and velvet leggings for $5.

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Time and Tru Drape Front Blazer

Time and Tru Belted Sweater Vest

I keep forgetting to check Walmart clothing on a regular basis, but the gems that I have found have become staples in my wardrobe and pieces that people are SHOCKED came from Walmart. Have you checked out the Time and Tru line from Walmart?

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Lip Smacker Disney Emoji Lip Balm Review

February 18, 2019 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

If you’re familiar with my YouTube channel you know that I am obsessed with all things Disney and when Disney beauty items come out, I am pretty excited. Today I want to share a product that’s always in my purse.

About Disney Emoji Lip Balm by Lip Smacker

These lip balms have Disney character inspired characters, give the lips a little shine and are moisturizing. Lip Smacker® Disney Emoji Flip Balms feature a different emoji expression on each side—that’s one cute character with two different expressions! Flip open to find a deliciously flavored lip balm inside.

My Thoughts

I have several of the Disney Tsum Tsum Lip Smackers and while they’re adorable and have the yummy scents and flavors that Lip Smacker is known for, I rarely use them because 1) They’re clunky and 2) The caps and hard to twist on and off. But these Disney Emoji Lip Smackers? Obsessed! The flavors give me all of the 6th-grade-nostalgia-feels and they offer the perfect moisture for natural makeup days or to wear under lipstick. And the flip open is both functional and fun. I will definitely be buying more and my three little loves are hoping the Easter Bunny gives them some in their baskets.

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Have you tried these? What is your favorite Lip Smacker flavor? Any Dr. Pepper Lip Smacker fans?

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Holographic Face Mask | Freeman Beauty Cosmic Holographic Peel-Off Mask

February 12, 2019 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

One of my favorite ways to treat myself to a little self-care a few times a week is masking. If you read this blog regularly, you know that I love masks (read my posts on single-use masks here) and I notice a difference in my skin on weeks when I am skipping this part of my regimen.

About the Freeman Cosmic Holographic Peel-Off Mask

This is a “crystal-inspired” holographic peel-off mask. It is an iridescent mask that is infused with rose quartz and removes impurities. This mask claims to illuminate your skin for a brighter complexion.

My Thoughts

I love trying affordable single-use masks like the 7th Heaven Montagne Jeunesse and Freeman Beauty masks because I can grab them at the drugstore or grocery store for less than $2 each. I was so excited to see several new options by Freeman and a holographic mask sounded so fun. The mask color is a very pale pink, so it wasn’t as in-your-face holographic as I had hoped on my fair skin, but my little loved and hubster still thought it was really fun. It was easy to apply with a foundation brush like this. I enjoy the peel-off masks because they peel-off (imagine that!) quickly and some days I just don’t have the patience to remove a mud mask. My skin felt super soft after using this and I noticed my complexion looked brighter as well.

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I can’t find this ANYWHERE online! Is it not 2019?! What’s happening?! I purchased this at Walmart for $1.37. I would LOVE to link it and will as soon as it is available online. However, I will link some of my other favorite Freeman Beauty masks.

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DRUGSTORE POWDER FOUNDATION | Maybelline Super Stay Powder Foundation Review

February 11, 2019 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

I hope you had a great weekend and are ready to rock a new week! I mentioned in my last post (read it here) that I have been relying on quick makeup looks a lot lately. I love products that work hard for me when I am only spending a few minutes on my makeup, and powder foundation is a way I like to look pulled together in a hurry.

Would you like a video demo or tutorial showing my Five Minute Makeup look? Leave me a comment to let me know!

One of my favorite drugstore foundations (truly, it may be the G.O.A.T) is the Maybelline Super Stay 24 Hour Foundation and you can read my post on it here. I was so excited to see a powder foundation come out from this line, because powder foundations, especially those that claim to be full coverage, are rare.

Maybelline Super Stay Full Coverage Powder Foundation Claims

Super Stay® Full Coverage Powder Foundation Makeup Matte Finish features a high-pigment formula that achieves a full-coverage finish that lasts all day. This powder foundation is packed with color-matching pigments, this long-lasting formula delivers full coverage foundation coverage ever in a powder! This full-coverage powder makeup claims to have a creamy texture that is easily blendable and glides onto the skin for a matte finish. Apply with brush or face sponge all over the face, and neck.

My Thoughts

I was happy to see that this powder comes in 12 shades to offer options for most skin tones. I ended up going a shade darker than I wear in the liquid version of this foundation, and I am glad that I did because it definitely is lighter in powder form. I was very impressed with how much coverage this powder foundation gave! I have combo/oily skin and noticed it clinging to my uneven texture and showing my pores when I went too heavy with my application and didn’t use a primer. I think it the summer I won’t have this issue, but if you have dry skin you may want to avoid this powder. I like wearing the Maybelline Super Stay Full Coverage Powder Foundation in 110 Natural Ivory (I am 110 Porecelain in the liquid foundation in the winter) with a hydrating primer such as the Maybelline Face Studio Prime Hydrate + Smooth Primer. I prefer applying this with a brush like the Real Techniques Powder Brush, but did notice I got slightly more coverage using the sponge that comes with the powder foundation. Does this give me the coverage of my go-to full coverage liquid foundations? No, but when I am grabbing powder foundation I just want quick to apply and an even skin tone and this gives me that.

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THE BEST DRUGSTORE CONTOUR | WET N’ WILD CONTOUR PALETTE

February 6, 2019 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

I hope that you are having a wonderful week! It has been (extra) crazy winter weather here in the midwest and I’ve been relying on quick makeup to get me ready on our off-schedule days which reminded me of a contour that is such a staple but I never talk about it.

About the Wet n’ Wild Contour Palette

The description on the Wet n’ Wild website says that this duo of perfectly complementary contouring powders delivers a flawlessly sculpted face. The deeper color defines while the lighter color highlights your best features. This palette is available in two shades, one is a bit warmer and more yellow toned, and one is cool toned.

My Thoughts

I love that Wet n’ Wild has a product like this because it makes contouring accessible and not intimidating for people who might be interested in it but don’t really know a lot about makeup or want to make a big investment. The contour shade is completely matte, blends easily and isn’t muddy on the skin. I do not use the highlight shade to highlight, but I love using it as an under eye setting powder. The cooler toned version of this is better for me for a contour, but I have used both even on my very fair skin. I do wish they would release a better shade range and a cream version of this powder. The warmer toned palette highlight shade is a banana color, so if you use banana powders it would be worth grabbing this just for that. I love this because it’s a no-nonsense, easy product that delivers results.

My Routine

After applying foundation, concealer, and applying powder to set I use a Sigma E25 Eyeshadow Blending Brush to set quickly contour the sides of my nose and then a Sigma F40 Angled Blush Brush or my Tarte Bronze and Glow Contour Brush to contour my cheekbones, jaw, and forehead. I use the Sigma F25 Tapered Blending Brush to set my undereye concealer with the highlight shade. If you want to see my How-To Contour Videos head to my LeahTacklesBeauty Instagram.

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What is your favorite contour palette or contour powder?

Thank you for reading and have a fabulous weekend! xx

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How-To Store Makeup Sponges |REAL TECHNIQUES Stick & Store Sponge Holder Review

February 4, 2019 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

Where do you store your Beauty Blender or similar makeup sponge? I found the Real Techniques Stick & Store Sponge Holder on a recent trip to Ulta and knew I had to share it with you!

ABOUT THE REAL TECHNIQUES STICK & STORE SPONGE HOLDER

The product description claims “miracle cling technology” securely clings to glossy bathroom surfaces like glass, marble, flat shiny tiles, and laminate with no residue. This holder lets you store brushes and tools for easy access. It helps organizes bathroom clutter and frees up counter space and is designed to store an assortment of brushes, sponges and cosmetic tools

MY THOUGHTS

I love using makeup sponges like the Real Techniques Blending Sponge, Eco Tools Sponge, and of course the OG Beauty Blender but the ick factor of not having a good place to store them (my go-to spot was the plastic Beauty Blender packaging or a clean paper towel) made me often reach for my brushes instead. I was so excited to see a holder meant for storing makeup sponges! I love that the holder is made out of a rubbery material that is easy to wash out and keep clean. The holder has holes on the bottom so it can drain, which is much more sanitary then it sitting in a dish or small bowl. I do my makeup at my desk which doubles as a vanity, so I haven’t decided where I want to attach this, but even sitting next to my brush holders it works.

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Real Techniques Stick & Store Sponge Holder

How do you store your makeup sponges? Let us know in the comments! Have a wonderful start to your week! xx

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Nadine West Style Box | Affordable Outfit Subscription Box

January 30, 2019 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

If you’re in the midwest I hope that this post finds you safe and staying warm! We are on snow day number four in a row (seven this school year) and I am trying to enjoy the time with my kids while simultaneously keeping my sanity ; ) I have shared my outfits from Nadine West before on my blog (read the posts here). I wear several of items from my Nadine West boxes quite often, so I am always excited to see what I get and if anything makes it into my frequent wardrobe rotation. Nadine West sent me this box for my consideration for review but I was not paid to write this post and as always all opinions are my own.

What is Nadine West?

NadineWest.com is a company that sends you an outfit to try on and you keep only what you love. The outfit is a surprise, but you take a style quiz and the stylists get to know your style more each month. The outfits are affordable with pieces costing about $10-$30 each, which is very affordable compared to other similar services.

How Does It Work?

On the Nadine West website, you take the style quiz so that the stylist can get to know what you are looking for in an outfit. You will receive a pink package in the mail with your personalized outfit. Try on the outfit and keep what you love and send back what you don’t.

My Thoughts

The style quiz was super easy to do, which was great because I wanted something that didn’t take too much time but I was still able to make notes to make sure the stylist knew my preferences. I really loved the surprise aspect of this, and it was like opening up a girly gift from a really stylish friend. I cannot stand having to return things, it is such a bummer, but I LOVE the way this company does it because your outfit comes with return shipping.

Discount Code

Use the referral code “Nadine” on NadineWest.com (not an affiliate code for me, just sharing the one they currently have on their website) to waive your shipping fee which means you’ll get your outfit in the mail without paying anything!

What Did I Get?

This box I received a plaid shirt, a mauve cold shoulder shirt, a floral dress, a floral skirt, a pair of black and white leggings, a gray pom-pom hat, two gold layering necklaces, and a pair of gold dangling earrings.

Did I Keep It?

I absolutely LOVE the gray pom-pom hat! I have a cream colored one, a blush one, and another neutral (neutrals are my clothing love language) but didn’t have the perfect gray, so I was thrilled to get it. The mauve color I like, but I don’t like thin material of the shirt because it’s the kind that wrinkles no matter what you do. The floral skirt is cute but it isn’t my style. I really like the dress, and it will come in handy when I am going to dance recitals and spring performances for the kids, plus it would be super cute for brunch. I didn’t take pictures in it simply because the day I took photos it was -40 fahrenheit. The leggings have a floral lace pattern and they’re super soft, so while I don’t think they’ll work for intense workouts I love them for lounging around and home or layering on super cold days like today. The plaid shirt is really cute, and I think it will look great layered with a graphic tee. The gold necklaces are delicate and very much my style, so I am thrilled with those. The earrings aren’t something I would pick, but they are pretty and I like that they’re lightweight. I need to make it a point to try to wear them and see how I like it.

Final Thoughts

I love getting my Nadine West box each month! Most months I get a few things that I love, but I do wish that there was a simple form to update style preferences or check-in each month to see what I’d like to find in my box. I really loved this box and hope that I will continue to get neutral pieces that fit my style and delicate jewelry that works with my sense of style.

Notes to Nadine

I love neutral colors like gray, cream, caramel, black, and blush. I love trouser pants, neutral maxi dresses, and classic styles like sweaters, button downs, and stripes. I like delicate jewelry and stud earrings.

Have you tried any fashion boxes like this? Have you tried Nadine West? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

Have a wonderful rest of your week! xx

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Formulate Co Review | Custom Shampoo and Conditioner | with GIVEAWAY!

January 28, 2019 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

Way back in JUNE 2018 I spilled the beans on Formulate Co, an amazing haircare launch, I am a part of and in September 2018 I shared my first impressions. If you have don’t know what I’m talking about, you can read those posts here and here. I wanted to do you, my reader, justice by being extremely particular and putting my custom shampoo and conditioner to the test. Today I am sharing my results.

What Is Formulate Co?

Formulate Co is personalized haircare products perfectly engineered for you! You fill out a form that asks questions such as your hair type, hair struggles, hair goals, geographical location/climate, heat usage, scalp health, scent preferences and sensitivities, and more! Does your shampoo or conditioner do that? Formulate Co is made in the lab JUST. FOR. YOU!

My Thoughts | My First Formulate Co Custom Batch

My first impression of Formulate Shampoo and Conditioner was good, but as I continued to use it I felt like the ends felt waxy and greasy, not matter how much time I spent trying to rinse it clean. I contacted Formulate Co (support@formulate.co.) and they were super helpful and sent me out a new conditioner. I also reasoned that I do usually go heavy with conditioners at my ends because I have long, color-treated hair, that I put heat on several days each week, so it could have been that I was just using too much and it was too moisturizing (is that possible?! For my ends? I didn’t think so, but maybe!).

My Thoughts | My Second Formulate Custom Batch

I received my second conditioner and while better, I was still experiencing the same residue feel, and while my hair felt healthy I knew that my hair feeling and looking like third day hair on day one wasn’t right, so I found myself using my other shampoos. I knew I wanted to do this blog post, so instead of letting the shampoo sit in my shower untouched I decided to email Formulate Co again. I am so glad I did! The custom service is second to none, and they told me they’d love to send me out a new set. I also switched my scent choice from Tidal to Green With Envy.

My Thoughts | My Third and Final Custom Batch

Was it a little frustrating to not immediately LOVE my custom shampoo and conditioner? Yes, but they were so friendly every time, and worked with me to make sure they could tweak the formula to be perfect for me. If I had bought a shampoo or conditioner at Ulta I could have returned it and tried another, and if I bought one at the drugstore I could have just called it a failure, but with Formulate Co I was able to get a custom experience. I love my custom shampoo an conditioner from Formulate Co and now I find that I’m excited to use it! I do alternate between it and my favorite purple shampoo and conditioner because as a blonde I am practically married to purple shampoo and it’s a habit I just can’t quit.

Final Thoughts

This is a high-end product and the cost reflects that at $130 for three shipments, and depending on how often you wash and how long your hair is that will last about 6-9 weeks. Each shipment comes with a 450ml bottle of custom shampoo and condition. None of the formulas contain sulfates, parabens, silicones, and they never rest on animals. If you don’t like your first shipment you can go through a reformulation process like I did or you can get a full refund. You can also receive a partial refund if you use your first shipment but change your mind before the second shipment has shipped out. If you think of each shipment as about $43 for each shipment that is less than a lot of high-end brands and it is completely customized haircare. I am going to be sending them emails every month begging for a purple shampoo (kidding, maybe!) because if they did that I would be ecstatic!

Giveaway

One winner will receive a set of custom shampoo and condition! The giveaway will end on February 22nd, 2019. When the giveaway ends the winner will receive an email from Formulate Co with a code to redeem their prize. ALL ENTRIES will receive a $5 off coupon code.

ENTER THE FORMULATE CO GIVEAWAY!

Have you tried custom haircare? I would love to hear you experiences!

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