Leah Tackles

WHAT EXACTLY IS HAND SALVE? | HAND SALVE VS. HAND CREAM

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Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

I hope that your 2018 is off to a great start : ) It has been bitterly cold here, -20 with windchill some days, and I have once again been relying heavily on hand creams. My husband also has dry hands in the winter, and he doesn’t like the feeling of lotion, so he has been using a hand salve instead.

 

 

What Is Hand Salve?

Hand salve is thicker than most hand lotion or cream. It uses beeswax to create a thick emollient, which moisturizes the skin. Hand salves are a more natural product, containing natural ingredients, and often has a more herbal smell like an essential oil.

How Is Hand Salve Different From Hand Lotion and Hand Cream?

Hand Salve contains oil and beeswax and no water, which gives it a thicker consistency and longer shelf life. Hand Lotion and Hand Cream contain oil and water, and therefore are thinner in consistency. Hand Cream contains less water than Hand Lotion, so Hand Creams are thicker than Hand Lotions.

The Best Hand Salve?

My husband and I both love the Burts Bees Hand Salve because it is an affordable price point from a brand that I know and trust.

Do You Need It?

If you don’t like rubbing lotion or cream on your hands, a bit of the Burts Bees Hand Salve focused on the backs of your hand goes a long way without making your hands have that covered-in-lotion feel.

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Do you like hand lotion? How cold is it where you live? Let me know! xx

 

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KENNETH COLE UNLISTED | AFFORDABLE MEN’S STYLE BROWN OXFORDS

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Hi there! Happy Monday AND Happy 2018!

I hope that your new year is off to a wonderful start! I love the fresh start of a new day, new week, new months, but a new year? It is really the best! If you have any resolutions or goals for the year, please feel free to leave a comment letting me know what you’re up to! I want to continue to bring you a blog every Monday and Wednesday without missing (regardless of holiday or other occasion!).

 

 

While LeahTackles is a beauty blog, I enjoy occasionally sharing some style favorites, and today I want to share a favorite men’s style piece that will help any guy in your life walk into the new year (see what I did there?!) looking like a gentlemen.

 

Stephan, my husband, loves the look of men’s oxfords, particularly the very on trend brown men’s oxford, but the prices of some of them are simply out-of-reach for us. I bought Stephan a pair of Kennth Cole Unlisted brown men’s oxfords for Christmas, and he has loved them so far! I realize the quality won’t be what a very high end pair of leather shoes may be, but I consider these to be a fun way for him to try different styles, much like my favorite shoes from JustFab or Target.

 

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What men’s style pieces are you loving right now? Tell me about it! xx

 

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DOES THE TEASING COMB YOU USE MATTER?

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Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

I hope that you had a wonderful Christmas if you celebrate and a fantastic start to your week : )

 

 

I don’t tease my hair very often, and usually, add a few curls with my favorite curling wand before calling it a day, but for special occasions when I want a lot of volume at the root I do a little teasing. I have friends who can tease their hair with any basic fine/rat tooth comb, and I am sure most hairstylists can use any comb to get the roots oomph’d, but with my hair type and lack of teasing skills, I swear by my Phillip Brush Teaze Brush.

About the Brush

Concave bristle design fits the shape of the head nicely. The staggered bristle height gives improved control. This brush has bristles and a polished wood handle

About My Hair

I have naturally straight hair that is very fine but I have a lot of it. I don’t have much volume at the root, and it isn’t easy to tease.

Why I Love the Phillip Brush Teaze Brush

The bristles make it easy to backcomb and tease my fine hair. One of my favorite parts of the brush is the pointed wooden end because it helps me create the perfect part or section of hair super easily! I use it daily for this for both myself and my six-year-old daughter.  I like that doesn’t tear up my hair or make my hair feel damaged like a basic fine tooth comb does with backcombing. I also love this for smoothing out my hair when a ponytail or updo gets a bump or two.

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Have you tried this brush? Do you backcomb your hair? Do you ever need a quick way to smooth out your hairstyle?

 

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MERRY CHRISTMAS! | SHOP MY CHRISTMAS EVE LOOK

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Hi there! Happy Monday, but more importantly, MERRY CHRISTMAS!

I hope that if you celebrate Christmas that you have a wonderful day with those you hold dear.

 

 

 

Shirt: Dottie Couture Boutique * Similar 

Pants: J Crew Factory

Hair: Nume Wand

Lip: Too Faced Matte in Bend & Snap

As always, thank  you for reading! I appreciate you very much! xx

 

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L’OREAL REVITALIFT CICACREAM | ANTI-AGING CREAM AT AN AFFORDABLE PRICE

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Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

I hope that you are having a fabulous week! Over the past few years I have gotten more and more serious about my skincare routine, and I have been finding myself more willing to invest in quality skincare than a new eye shadow palette (what?! Is this 30?). However, I have found a gem that is super affordable which is fantastic because then it can be used regularly by nearly anyone who is interested in upping their skincare game. I am a member of Influenster and I recieved this L’Oreal Revitalift Cicacream complimentary for review purposes, but as always all opinions are my own.

 

 

 

What It Claims

L’Oreal Revitalift Cicacream helps repair the skin barrier which strengthens your skin and helps resist aging of the skin. This cream is fragrance freee, paraben free, colorant/dye free, allergy testing, and contains no alcohols that can strip the skin. Centella Asiatica is known as tiger grass, and is said to be something “new” to fight wrinkles. See visible results immediately as skin feels healthier, softer, smoother and more supple. Skin feels noticeably more hydrated.  In two weeks fine lines appear visibly reduced. Firmness and elasticity look noticeably improved. In four weeks wrinkles appear less visible. Clarity and tone improves, skin is more luminous.

My Thoughts

The tube packaging is very sanitary which I like, and the fine tip makes it easy to only use a little bit out so that you don’t waste the product. The cream is white and thick, which makes it seem like a luxurious cream which I really enjoy. The L’Oreal Revitalift Cicacream goes on smoothly and it absorbs into my skin quickly. It does have an almost primer like feel once it is applied, but I like that because I think it helps minimize my pores (*Note: I still use a separate makeup primer before applying my makeup). It also has amazing reviews on Amazon, so check those out to see what others have thought as well!

Why I Love It

I noticed an immediate difference with my under eye area and that blew me away! My fine lines and crepe like skin looked so much smoother, and I think it helped my under eye concealer to not settled into those areas. This doesn’t irritate my skin, and while my skin isn’t particularly sensitive my normal/oily combo skin that fights both blemishes and wrinkles can be hard pressed to find a product that works without irritating something. I LOVE that this is a price point that I know I can afford to purchase and keep purchasing so that I can continue to treat my skin with care and help combat the signs of aging.

My Routine

I apply this in the evenings after cleansing my skin. I am still using my Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil so I like to alternate between that and my L’Oreal Revitalift Cicacream which I am enjoying because it helps stretch my more expensive skincare longer. I use this occasionally in the mornings, focusing on my under eye and forehead.

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Have you tried this? Have you tried anything from the Revitalift Line from L’Oreal? What is your favorite anti-aging skincare product? Let me know! xx

 

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CLOTHING SUBSCRIPTION BOX | NADINE WEST CLOTHING SUBSCRIPTION REVIEW

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Hi there! Happy Monday!

I hope that you are having a great start to your week : ) I have shared my outfits from Nadine West before on my blog (read the posts here and here), and I have been wearing the outfit from my last box a ton later, 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?

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!

My Outfit

This month I received an infinity scarf, a top, a necklace, and a pair of earrings with a total value of $70.

 

Did I Keep It?

YES! I was so excited when I opened up my package this month and saw the infinity scarf that I put it on immediately and have worn it nearly every day (zero exaggeration) since then. The shirt is so beautiful on, and I don’t have very much red in my closest, but this shade is perfect for the Christmas season! The shirt has a mock turtle neck and a nice stretchy fabric that looks a bit dressy, but is easy and comfortable to wear. The jeans I styled with this shirt are a mid-rise jean and works well with the v slit styling of the top. The earrings are not earrings I would typically wear, but I styled them with a side braid (think Elsa from Frozen) and loved the way they completed the look. The necklace is right up my alley, but I prefer it with a shirt that isn’t that turtle neck or high neck style.

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

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HOSTESS AND TEACHER GIFT IDEAS | AFFORDABLE

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Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

Tomorrow my middle Little Love turns FIVE! I can’t believe it! I have been busy preparing for his special day, so I still have some shopping to do, but I am starting to finish up the last of my Christmas shopping.

I have been doing a lot of gift guides lately, and that is because during the months leading up to Christmas most of my Googling and Pinterest-ing is me searching for gift ideas for myself. If you have any last requests for ideas for the holiday shopping season, be sure to comment so I can try to do that for your while we are still in the “ships in time for Christmas” timeframe. *Note: Please check shipping times, but I tried to include items that should arrive before Christmas.

Today I want to share gifts that I like to have on hand for people such as teachers or hostesses who I want to thank for their hard-work and kindness, but I maybe do not know as well or have a big budget for. Most of these gifts are beauty related (of course!), but I threw in a few other options as well.

 

 

TonyMoly I’m Real Single Use Mask Set of 11

I love these masks, and if you added a bottle of nail polish small gift card it would be the perfect pampering gift for any lady one your list!

 

The Body Shop Mango Soft Hands Warm Kisses Set

 

 

Philosophy Holiday Hand Cream Set

 

 

Lush The Night Before Christmas Set

 

 

Christmas Spa Gift Set

 

 

Disney Brushed Stainless Steel Waffle Iron 

I think this would be such a fun gift for a family with young kids (or honestly, a Disney lover of ANY age!) who hosts a holiday party.

 

Wine Glass Markers

 

 

Lenox 2017 Snowflake Candle 

 

Thymes Fragrant Frasier Fir Votive Candle 

I have included this candle in my Leah Tackles Amazon Favorites Store because it is SO GOOD! A new holiday must-have for me!

 

 

The Magnolia Journal 4 Issue Subscription 

If you love the show Fixer Upper and/or Joanna Gains, you will absolutely adore this magazine! I look forward to getting mine in the mail, and devour it when it arrives!

Have you finished your holiday shopping? Have you been shopping only for others, or for yourself too? Let me know : ) I hope you have a wonderful weekend! xx

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LAURA MERCIER LOOSE SETTING POWDER DUPE? | COTY AIRSPUN POWDER

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Hi there! Happy Monday!

I hope that you had a great weekend : )

I have spoken many times both here and on my YouTube channel about the Laura Mercier Loose Powder, but the steep price point made me want to find a more affordable option, and I think I have finally found a dupe that is less than a quarter of the price!

 

 

What It Claims

Coty Airspun Powder has powder particles are swirled and smoothed by air to give it a very soft feel on the skin. This powder is designed with tints that are spread finely through the powder lying evenly and flat on your skin for a flawless finish. Coty Airspun loose face powder claims it can be used to set makeup or as a foundation This translucent loose face powder will hide fine lines, wrinkles and blemishes. Coty Airspun loose face powder is also dermatologically tested and long-lasting. It claims the packaging can be used at home on your vanity or in your purse on-the-go.

My Thoughts and How It Compares 

This powder is very finely milled and mimics the feel of the Laura Mercier Powder that is my all-time favorite (or maybe Laura Mercier mimics it, as the Coty powder has been around since 1935!) and I love the way it sets my makeup, including my under eye area. This powder can be used to bake your concealer or contour, and it is so inexpensive that this would be a great option for that. The powder has a little bit of a smell that is definitely might make you nostalgic or remind you of your mother or grandmother’s makeup, but it didn’t bother me and doesn’t linger on the skin. I am blown away by how matte this makes my skin, and how well it sets my under eye and forehead area and keeps my makeup from settling into my fine lines. The packaging is definitely old-fashioned, and the powder puff is usable, but would be very messy, and I opt to use a brush. I like to use this brush for setting my under eye and this brush for setting the rest of my face. As far as travel, I would never put this in my purse, because it is messy enough to use on my vanity.

My Routine

I apply my primer, foundation, and then my concealer before using my Coty Airspun Powder. I like to set my under eye concealer and my forehead with a small tapered brush (mentioned above) and then my entire face using a large powder brush (also mentioned above). I then continue to do my entire face makeup before setting my t-zone with a *tiny* bit more powder with the same large powder brush. I don’t typically bake my makeup, but on days where I decide to I will also use this to bake my concealer and cream contour.

 

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Have you tried this powder? What is your favorite loose setting powder? Do you bake your makeup? Let me know in the comments and let’s chat makeup! xx

 

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SKINCARE AND GROOMING GIFT GUIDE FOR MEN

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Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

If you’ve already gotten the man in your life a tie, headphones, or a watch (I love the JORD watches right now!) then you may be starting to run out of ideas. I think that skincare and grooming products for men make great gifts because they are often things that a guy wouldn’t think of or know about to get for themselves.

 

 

Philips Norelco MultiGroom 5000

I love this because it has so much bang for your buck including blades that sharpen as they work, a three-hour battery life, 13 trimming guards, a hair trimmer, and nose and ear trimmer. The reviews on Amazon truly speak for themselves, and I think it is a fantastic price point.

 

 

Honest Amish Beard Balm Leave-In Conditioner

Have you ever seen a guy with a fantastic beard that looks controlled, soft, and maybe has even a hint of shine? I bet he uses this, or something similar, and again the Amazon reviews speak for themselves.

 

 

Burt’s Bees Men’s Gift Set

My husband LOVES Burt’s Bees lip balm, and their aftershave and these little sets are great because they make those basics very giftable. This is also a great affordable option if you have siblings or brother-in-laws who need a little stocking stuffer sized gift.

 

 

Manicure Grooming Set 

This is a great basic that every man should own, and is especially handy for business trips or vacations. I like this set because it is affordable, has a sleek looking case, and a variety of tools to keep nails neat and tidy.

 

 

Luxury Cologne

Whenever I get my husband cologne, it is really a gift for me because I absolutely love the smell of a fantastic cologne. One of my all-time favorite colognes is Acqua Di Gio by Giorgio Armani because it lasts all day, isn’t overpowering for the workplace, and smells incredible!

 

 

Poo-Pourri 

This stuff cracks me up, and I got it as a “gag” gift for my husband one year…this stuff actually works! Plus, they have a special holiday version that makes it all the more hilarious & festive ; )

 

 

American Crew Fiber

This is hands-down my favorite item of 2017 for men’s haircare! You can read my post on American Crew Fiber here.

 

 

What are your favorites men’s grooming or skincare items? Let me know in the comments : ) Have a great weekend! xx

 

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ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS WHITE TEETH! | SMILE BRILLIANT KIT REVIEW AND COUPON CODE

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Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

I did a video on my YouTube Channel nearly a year ago sharing how I whitened my teeth professionally at home with Smile Brilliant. I have used the touch-up kits every few months to maintain my results, and I am just as in love with it now, if not more so, all these months later. I was sent new whitening and desensitizing gel and was compensated for this post, but as always all opinions are my own. I will never accept money in exchange for a positive review.  I think that giving someone the gift of a beautiful smile is a fantastic gift idea or a great way to spoil yourself before all the holiday selfies you’ll be taking ; )

 

My Original Results and Review of Smile Brilliant

How I Use It Now

I like to use Smile Brilliant every three or four months to keep my teeth as white as when I did the kit for the first time.

 

Why I Love It

I have sensitive teeth, other at-home whitening products have hurt my teeth so badly that I couldn’t use them close enough together to get as significant results as I wanted. I also appreciate how affordable this kit is because while I’d looked into professional whitening at the dentist office, it was never something that fit into my families budget. I think that the custom trays you get with Smile Brilliant are really a game changer because they fit your teeth perfectly, so the gel is getting direct contact with each part of your smile. I like that I can keep up my white smile without a trip to the dentist office or a big hassle.

 

 

My Routine

I always wipe my teeth off with a small piece of paper towel or a washcloth to make sure that they are dry before putting a thin strip of the whitening gel into the custom trays and putting the trays in. If any whitening gel presses up onto my gums, I wipe it off with a Q-Tip. I typically use the trays in for 1.5 hours, but as long as 3 hours if I want a really good touch-up. After I remove the trays I rinse my mouth with water and then brush my teeth with Sensodyne toothpaste. I rinse out the and fill them with the de-sensitizing gel, which is my favorite Smile Brilliant product because it makes it virtually painless for me to whiten my sensitive teeth. I try to do my whitening in the evenings, and if I am going to eat after whitening I try to wait at least an hour before doing so.

 

Why I think It Is a Great Gift

I think Smile Brilliant is a fantastic gift because it works for any age, man or woman, and it is such a confidence boost to have a whiter smile. My husband, who has never whitened his teeth because he also has a lot of sensitivity, wants to try Smile Brilliant because he has been so amazed by how effective it has been for me.

 

Coupon Code

Use the code LEAHTACKLES20 to save $20 off ANY Smile Brilliant Kit!

 

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Find the right customized Smile Brilliant Kit!

 

Have you whitened your teeth? Have you tried Smile Brilliant? Let me know in the comments! Have a wonderful day! xx

 

 

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How Much Is Teeth Whitening

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