Leah Tackles

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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Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer Palette | Physicians Formula Walmart Exclusive

January 23, 2019 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

You did it! You are more than halfway to the weekend! The sun seems to be hiding here in the midwest, so today I want to share my current glow-up-go-to that has me infatuated way before Valentine’s Day.

Last spring Physicians Formula released a Walmart exclusive palette containing the beauty community favorite, Butter Bronzer, plus a Butter Blush, two limited edition Butter Highlighters, and a limited edition Butter Paradise Eau de Toilette spray. I was unable to get my hands on it, so imagine when to my joy-filled surprise I randomly found it a couple of weeks ago. *Note: My opinions and review are for the light/medium palette, but this palette also has a medium/dark box as well.

What You Get

The Light/Medium Murumuru Butter Palette includes: Butter Bronzer in Bronzer, Butter Blush in Natural Glow, NEW* Butter Highlighter in Full Moon – exclusive shade, NEW* Butter Highlighter in Galactic – exclusive shade, NEW* Butter Paradise Eau de Toilette *Found on Walmart Website

Butter Bronzer features ultra-refined pearls and soft-focus pigments that smooth skin texture, brighten skin tone and deliver a gorgeous bronze finish.
Butter Blush – Moisturizing blush features ultra-refined pearl and soft-focus pigments that smooth skin texture, brighten skin tone, and deliver a gorgeous blushing glow.
Butter Highlighter – Multi-dimensional cream-to-powder highlighter. Lightweight, one-swipe, blendable coverage features ultra-refined pearls and soft-focus pigments that smooth skin texture, brighten skin tone and deliver a gorgeous highlighted finish.
Butter Paradise – Capturing the iconic Physicians Formula Butter scent, this exclusive blend is enhanced by an Island Coconut blend, with added floral tropical notes surrounded by creamy Sandalwood and warm vanilla.

My Thoughts

SPOILER ALERT! I love it! I have loved Physicians Formula bronzers for years (yes, even back in 2008 when I had zero idea what contouring is and just made my entire face look tan which was regrettably in style at the time) and somehow hadn’t tried the Butter Bronzer until I bought this palette. The smell is lovely (so, so good) and the bronzer is a wonderful shade for both contouring and bronzing the skin. I love the natural, beachy flush that the blush gives. The highlights are definitely both shimmery, and one is straight-up glittery, but I find that even though the glittery one is a bit much for me most days for highlighting, it’s beautiful quickly swiped over the eyelid or as a dab in the center of my eyelid over other shadows. The perfume is a great pick-me-up scent that doesn’t have crazy staying powder, but feels uplifting and makes me happy. I can’t believe this set is $12! A full-size butter bronzer is that price or more.

Butter Bronzer Tutorial and Demo

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Physicians Formula Butter Formula Palette

Physicians Formula Butter Collection X Casey Holmes

Limited Edition Butter Collection Box Limited Edition Butter Collection Box

Have you tried the Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer? What is your go-to bronzer? Let us know in the comments! Have a fantastic rest of your week and an even better weekend! xx

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Affordable Vegan Leather Booties | Just Fab Review

January 21, 2019 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

I hope that you had a fantastic weekend! I love being comfortable, especially when it’s -15 outside and I’m hauling my little loves off to activities or school, so having cute and comfortable footwear is essential. Today I want to share my current favorite from Just Fab.

My Latest Pair of Just Fab Boots

The Just Fab Simi Side Zip Bootie in Cognac features an unzipped side zipper detail on the outward facing side that is “for show” but a zipper on the other side that is functional. The boots are faux leather, but the cognac vegan leather looks very real and they do not look cheap. The manmade soles feature a 1.25 inch heel that gives you just enough to give a stylish look without it feeling like any different than a flat boot.

What Is JustFab?

JustFab is a website that is a part of the ShoeDazzle, Fabletics, and FabKids family, where you join and take a style quiz, have access to exclusive discounts, and receive free shipping and exchanges.

How Does It Work?

Once becoming a VIP member you can opt each month to “skip” the month or pick out a pair of shoes! If you do not “skip” the month by the 5th of every month, you will be charged $39 which can be used as a credit for a new pair of shoes.

My Experience

I joined because I kept seeing ads and thinking the shoes were so adorable for the price! I have been a member for years now, and I overall really enjoy JustFab. In order to not get charged I spend about 10 minutes every six months to put into the calendar on my phone “Skip JustFab” on the first of the month. I have had a few “whoops” months where I don’t skip, but I have just saved the credit for occasions such as birthdays where I want a new pair of shoes.

Why I love It?

I have had so many cute pairs of shoes, and people often compliment my shoes or ask where they are from. I love that I can get cute shoes (see some of my past posts showcasing them here , here, here, and here) for an affordable price. I have had at least 10 pairs of shoes from JustFab over the past several years, and while some aren’t incredibly comfortable, I have also purchased boots that I wear on a nearly daily basis during the fall and winter months with zero pain. I also find the review on the JustFab site to be very helpful.

What I DON’T Love

I haven’t canceled, but I have heard it can be a bit of a hassle, because obviously they don’t want you to cancel. If you have had that experience, definitely let myself and anyone else reading know about it in the comments.

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Have you tried JustFab? What has your experience been like?

Have a wonderful monday! xx

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Lululemon Dupes | Affordable Athleisure

January 16, 2019 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

We are halfway through the work week and I am already excited for Friday (Grace and Frankie Season 5 will be on Netflix on Friday, so you know where to find me on Friday night!)

In college every girl on campus, myself included, wore a consistent uniform of leggings and North Face jackets. We’ve all seen the memes about millennial moms wearing leggings to drink wine instead of hit the elliptical. And now, leggings on the daily has a name; athleisure.

Lululemon Align Legging Dupes

I own one pair of Lululemon leggings, and they are phenomenal, but the price is substantial. I have been on a mission for a Lululemon Align “dupe” for a more affordable price and these are it. They offer the same look, aren’t at all see-through (who else has been there at yoga class? Just me?), and even have pockets! These don’t offer the same sucks-you-in feel, they do it but not as well as Lululemon, but for $25 which is $65 LESS? I’ll take it!

Lululemon Define Jacket Dupe

I have wanted a zip jacket like this that I could wear casually on a school run or on the treadmill for a run run, and I love this! It’s super flattering, well made, and passes my “shoulder test” across the back and shoulders because it has plenty of stretch. I like this so much that I want to grab one in black and try more from Degree.

Affordable 1/4 Shearling Fleece

I love the shearling fleece trend, and I wanted a 1/4 zip but didn’t want to shell out a lot of money for one. I found this one on Amazon and took a gamble. When it came I ripped it open and my fingers touched some of the softest fabric I’ve ever felt. I call it my cozy bear sweatshirt now and my little loves love cuddling with me when I wear it (WIN). It isn’t the highest quality, but it looks really cute and is truly one of the coziest items I own. You have to be careful when ordering because they have other fleece items on the same listing, but for the price, this is a winter must.

Walmart Avia Sweatshirt

Walmart has really upped their game (so many of you went crazy for my Walmart sweater post) and they have some really cute workout or athleisure gear. I first discovered it last summer when I bought a high neck black tank top that I styled by tying at the side and wore constantly and received questions about it regularly. Walmart has winter clearance in January each year, and while you may not be able to find this exact piece, it’s definitely worth checking out. I also peeped their spring stuff? They have a long sleeve lavender top with my name on it and at $12 is a steal even at full price. Oh, this black cowl neck crew? $3!

MarleyLilly Monogrammed Baseball Hat

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Do you wear athleisure? What is your favorite workout brand? What is your favorite website for athletic or lounge apparel? You can help out anyone reading by commenting!

Thank you, as always, for reading! Have a wonderful rest of your week. xx

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NADINE WEST REVIEW | AFFORDABLE STYLE BOX

January 14, 2019 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

I hope that you’re feeling energized and ready for a fresh, new week! I have shared my outfits from Nadine West before on my blog (read the posts here) I have been wearing some items from my last several boxes a lot lately, so I was so excited to receive a new box in the mail from them. 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?

How Does It Work?

My Thoughts

Discount Code

What Did I Get?

This month I received a navy and white striped sweater, a pair of black and gray striped yoga pants, a skirt, a pair of square gold and rhinestone diamante stud earrings, a gold arrow bracelet, a delicate leaf necklace, a burgundy poncho top, and a red sweatshirt top.

Did I Keep It?

I love the navy sweater, it is simple, comfortable, and very much my style. I also love all of the jewelry this month! I was excited about the poncho, but unfortunately, the off the shoulder style of it makes it something I don’t think I’ll wear often. I do like the red sweatshirt, but I it isn’t something I will wear much unless I am hanging out at home. I did not like the yoga pants or the skirt. Overall, this wasn’t the best box but I was excited to have the jewelry pieces exactly to my style, and the sweater is a new go-to!

Final Thoughts

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! I’ll be back here Wednesday, as always : )

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HOW-TO STYLE A SCRUNCHIE 2019 | WITH PICTURES

January 9, 2019 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

I hope that you are having a wonderful week so far! I love adding cute details to my outfits even on casual days to make even a basic tee and leggings look put-together, and one of my favorite ways to do this is by using cute hair accessories. I love all of the 90’s trends that have crept back into our lives the past several years like dark lips, velvet, and my new obsession: the scrunchie!

How-To Style A Scrunchie 2019

I love the versatility of the scrunchie because if you purchase cute ones you can wear it as a bracelet, pull your hair back in a loose pony, or top it over a regular hair tie or hair elastic to add a little style to your regular pony, bun, or braid. I LOVE the brand Kitsch and have shared my Kitsch Hair Favorites many times and continue to consider it my favorite hair accessory brand. This is the set of Kitsch Hair Scrunchies I Bought and I love that they are my go-to neutral tones in metallic hues, which give a great bit of style to any outfit. I am also LOVING this Kitsch Velvet Scrunchie Set!

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Have you tried this come-back trend? Let us know in the comments!

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BATH AND BODY WORKS FACE MASK WITH VIDEO DEMO | FACE SHEET MASK REVIEW

January 7, 2019 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

I hope that you had a great weekend : ) Now that the holiday season is officially behind us, I have been finding myself needing little things to look forward to after a long day, and my go-to easy and affordable option is definitely treating myself face masks. I have shared lots of face mask reviews and today I want to share a quick review of the Bath and Body Works Face Sheet Masks.

About the Bath and Body Works Face Sheet Mask

This line of face masks from Bath and Body Works contain skin-loving ingredients like pumpkin enzyme, and claim that these masks will leave your face feeling radiant & rejuvenated.

My Thoughts

I love the packaging of these masks and think they make very cute add-on items to a gift. My favorite thing about these masks was that it seemed to fit my face very well and absorbed very well into my skin. My skin felt very soft after using this which is one of my favorite things about masking, and I noticed some brightening as well. I will say that when I saw these retail for $4.95 I thought that was pretty expensive, but they are more like $2-3 in stores with the sales and promotions that are usually going on. I would definitely buy these again when they’re on sale (currently on sale online!) or part of a promotion.

Bath and Body Works Mask Tutorial Video Demo

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