Leah Tackles

TOP BEAUTY GIFTS FOR HER | PRACTICAL & UNIQUE IDEAS

November 29, 2017 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

Well, Christmas is officially less than a month away and holiday shopping is in full swing. Today I want to share a few of my favorite beauty purchases that I use on a regular basis and think are fantastic gift ideas for any lady in your life (or yourself).

PMD Personal Microderm System

I love this because it smooths and evens skin tone, reduces blemishes, and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. I use this once a week and love doing this in the convenience of my own home. The PMD is one of the most important parts of my skin care routine, and think it would make a great gift.

Nume Classic Wand 25mm

This is how I curl my hair most days, and I get questions on my hair more than anything else in my videos and photos…this is my “secret” weapon! I LOVE this thing.

Beautiful Fragrance

I think a wonderful perfume is such a great gift because it is a bit of splurge that people may not want to spend the money on, but will surely love.

Bath Bomb Set

I love bath bombs, but they are not a “need” item, so I love getting them as gifts instead of spending the money on myself.

Light-Up Make-Up Mirror

I do my makeup in front of a light up makeup mirror every day and think that every woman needs good lighting for makeup. I also love the magnifying feature (well, I love/hate it!) because it makes plucking stray brow hairs so much easier.

What beauty item would you love to get as a gift? What is your favorite beauty gift to give? I would love to hear your ideas in the comments : )

Thank you, as always, for reading! Have a wonderful weekend! xx

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NADINE WEST REVIEW AND STYLING | CLOTHING SUBSCRIPTION

November 27, 2017 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

I hope that you are having a great week! A few months ago I did my first review of Nadine West, a clothing subscription box. A few weeks ago Nadine West reached out to me again and 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

Did I Keep It?

YES! I absolutely LOVE the sweater, that is right up my alley and one of my favorite colors to wear. I also really love the stud earrings, they’re stunning on and didn’t seem to irritate my ears when I wore them most of Thanksgiving day. I also really love the bracelet, it is so unique and looks gorgeous stacked with my favorite watch of the moment. The necklace isn’t something I would have picked, and I probably won’t wear it often, but I did think it looked pretty with the long sweater. Funny enough, the necklace is my daughters favorite thing out of the whole outfit and has already borrowed it : ) The white shirt I considered returning, it is VERY small and fitted, so while it looked nice on I felt like I was having to tug it down/hold it in at first until I got used to the fit.

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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AFFORDABLE STOCKING STUFFER GIFTS FOR HER | $30 & UNDER

November 22, 2017 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

I hope that you are ready to spend tomorrow with your loved ones this weekend! After Thursday, we will all be in full-on shopping mode before the holidays, and so today I wanted to share affordable stocking stuffer ideas for yourself or any lady on your list. I, of course, picked beauty items but also included some other things that I think will be fantastic in a stocking. I think stockings are such a fun thing to shop for, because who doesn’t love opening up little goodies hand selected just for you? I think everyone should get a stocking, or two, each year! I also love these ideas because you can purchase them all in your pajamas from your laptop.

Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche Liquified Lip Set

I love Bit Beauty lipsticks, and this set of four of their liquid lipsticks is so tiny it can rest in the palm of your hand, and is oh-so adorable! These liquid lipsticks are a satin finish that gives the lips a pretty fullness. These do not dry down completely. This is a fantastic way to try out the formula and several shades.

Naked Basics Palette

The Naked Basics and Naked Basics 2 are both palettes that I reach for a lot and think are perfect are a very giftable makeup item because these neutral matte shades flatter any age and most skin tones.

e.l.f. Small Stipple Brush

This brush is a MUST-HAVE for me! This is perfect for liquid or cream bronzer, highlighters, or blushes. I like this inexpensive brush more than higher end stipple brushes for cream face products because it is the perfect size and doesn’t shed.

Roller Ball Fragrance

I love having roller ball perfumes for tossing into my handbag and for traveling.

Hask Monoi Oil Nourishing Deep Conditioner Packs

Haircare is so important but splurging on deep conditioners is something that people skip because it isn’t a “need”, so getting a high-quality deep conditioner is a great idea for a stocking stuffer that any woman would love.

Glass Nail File

After using a glass nail file I will NEVER go back to a regular nail file! Glass nail files are wonderful because the grit is perfect for getting super smooth nails, and you can use them in a back and forth motion for faster nail care. I also love that these are sanitary, easy to clean, and I have used the same one for years without needing to replace it.

Pop Socket

This is such a handy thing to have, and it makes it so much easier to film with your phone, take selfies, and watch videos without having to awkwardly prop up your phone.

Tempered Glass Screen Protector

I swear by these! I have cracked these because of dropping my phone (don’t tell my husband, but I drop my phone a lot…) but have avoided cracking the phone glass because I use these.

Tech Gloves

Have you ever been standing outside and wanted to check your email or wanted to snap a picture but had to pull off your glove? Me too, and these gloves make it so much easier because you can keep you glove on. No gloves will be as easy as using your phone or device without gloves, but these make it possible to do a few things on your touch-screen without having your hand bare in the elements.

Viva Sol Mini Bean Bag Game

I can’t resist a great novelty item at Christmas time, and I just picture this being great for laughs with family and friends at Christmastime.

Christmas Novelty Socks

I think Christmas socks are a fun thing to tuck inside stockings, and something that even the most straight-laced gal can enjoy at least at home on Christmas morning. I LOVE fun socks!

Fine Chocolates

I love good chocolate, and a stocking isn’t complete without a treat! I don’t think I would share these chocolate covered oreos 😉

Gourmet Gummies

I got the idea to include gourmet or “adult gummies” if you will from the YouTube channel Pretty Neat Living and I think it is genius! Champagne flavored candy? Sign me up!

Do you get a stocking every year? Have you put together stockings for your loved ones? Stockings shouldn’t be just for little ones, I think everyone deserves a little Christmas wonder!

Thank you, as always, for reading! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and a successful start to your holiday shopping! xx

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JORD WOOD WATCH | UNIQUE CONVERSATION STARTER GIFT WITH 25% DISCOUNT CODE

November 20, 2017 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

So, have you started shopping for the holidays yet? The holidays are approaching fast and I am so excited to be sharing two stunning wooden watches from JORD Wood Watches with you that I think would make fabulous gifts. I am also a huge fan of these for gifts because you can order them from your own home while curled up on the couch in your pajamas instead of battling crowds at the mall. JORD provided me with these watches for review, but as always all opinions are my own and I do not accept money in exchange for a positive review.

JORD Wood Watches

Jord means soil, dirt, earth, and ground in Swedish, and that name is fitting for these wooden watches with original designs and refined aesthetic. If you head to JORD’s Instagram you will see gorgeous watches styled both for work and play. Have you ever thought that the man in your life has plenty of ties, wallets, polo shirts, or bottles of cologne? Me too! Actually, my husband, Stephan, even has several watches, but he had never had anything like a JORD wood watch.

Our Picks

My husband, Stephan, loved the look of the “HYDE” style with 100% natural hand-finished wood and sapphire crystal glass. Using the JORD Measuring Instructions we were able to easily measure Stephan’s wrist to ensure a proper fit. This watch retails for $219.

I opted for the “CASSIA” style which features an ultra slim band with interlaced wood and metal links and is now my absolute favorite watch from JORD and one that I have in mind for a few ladies on my Christmas shopping list. The “CASSIA” style retails for $199.

Packaging

One of the reasons that I think JORD Wood Watches stand out as such a cool watch and unique watch gift is because the packaging makes them so giftable. The box is beautiful, we have two JORD boxes sitting on our dresser, and it is also functional with a drawer under that is perfect for cufflinks or earrings.

The Watches

Shop

Shop my husbands watch, the “HYDE” style here.

Shop my watch, the “CASSIA” style here.

Shop men’s watches here.

Shop women’s watches here.

Code

Go HERE and fill out a short form to get 25% off any JORD Wood Watch for yourself or a lucky person on your shopping list!

*NOTE! This code expires 12/19/17

Why I Love JORD

JORD was so kind and easy to communicate with which is huge to me because I love good customer service. JORD also has a Watch Care Page which is very helpful especially for a unique product like this. You can also see a lot of fun styling inspiration on the JORD social media sites! I love following JORD and I think I “heart” every Instagram pic they post.

JORD Social Media

Have you started shopping for the holiday season yet? Are you done with your holiday shopping? Will you be braving the crowds on Friday or will you be shopping from you computer (like me)? Let me know in the comments!

Thank you, as always, for reading!

WIDGET CODE

Luxury Wooden Watch

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WHY DO YOUR HANDS GET DRY IN THE WINTER?

November 15, 2017 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

On Monday I spoke about lip balm (read that post here) and today I am talking about hand lotion because as I mentioned on Monday, it is now officially the cooler months that wreak havoc on our skin.

Why Do Your Hands Get Dry In The Winter?

Air in the cold winter months saps the moisture right out of your skin. Also washing your hands more frequently causes moisture to leave your hands because the water from constant washing takes the natural oils from your hands.

What Does Hand Cream Do?

The skin on the top of your hands is thinner and has less sebaceous glands which cause your hands to dry out more quickly. The skin on your palms is very thick, so you need a hand cream that can work effectively to seal in moisture.

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What is your favorite hand cream? Do you apply hand cream regularly? Do you have any winter skincare tips?

Thank you, as always, for reading! Have an amazing weekend! xx

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EOS CRYSTAL LIP BALM REVIEW

November 13, 2017 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

I hope that you had a great weekend!

The cold weather months are here and for many of us, that means dry lips. I am a huge fan of EOS lip balms, so when I saw the EOS Crystal Lip Balm I was excited to try it out.

What It Claims

EOS Crystal Lip Balm is described to feel like weightless hydration. EOS Crystal is formulated with a blend of five nourishing natural oils to hydrate lips without a waxy feel. This balm contains shea, coconut, avocado, and other natural oils. EOS Crystal Lip Balm is 100% wax free, vegan, and hypoallergenic. EOS Crystal Lip Balm is also paraben and petrolatum-free and not tested on animals.

My Thoughts

Right off the bat, I LOVE the packaging! It is a rounded triangle shape, but the same general ball shape as the original EOS Balms. The EOS Crystal balm is completely see-through and really cute! I happened to purchase this lip balm when my lips were very dry and dehydrated, so it was the perfect time to give it a true effectiveness test. At first, because my lips felt so quenched I didn’t like that the EOS Crystal didn’t have that waxy, thick feeling that I connected with moisture, and I didn’t like this. After using it for several days I decided that sure, it worked, but I didn’t like it nearly as much as the original EOS Lip Balm. The feel is pretty oily, the look on the lips is pretty like a clear oil or gloss. I do think that these smell very nice and don’t taste bad. I often use EOS Balm as a thin layer before applying lipsticks, but this one has so much oil which is great for moisturizing the lips but not great for keeping lipstick on the lips. I will continue to use this for moisture but will stick with purchasing regular good ole EOS Balms in the future.

My Routine

I have been using this in the evenings, or on days when I don’t want anything on my lips but a lip balm product.

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Have you tried this? Do you love it? Hate it? If you haven’t tried it, will you skip it? Try it? Let me know in the comments : ) xx

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Garnier Whole Blends Hydrating Shampoo Coconut Water & Vanilla Milk Review

November 8, 2017 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

I hope that you are having a wonderful week!

I love having a few different shampoos on hand at any given time so that depending on my hair needs I can have a selection to choose from. I love anything coconut scented, so I was drawn to this shampoo from Garnier.

What It Claims

This shampoo gives moisture to dry or damaged hair without being heavy or weighing your hair down. The Garnier Whole Blends Hydrating Shampoo is paraben-free and gentle enough for regular use.

My Thoughts

I LOVE the way this smells, it is a subtle coconut and vanilla smell, but I found it very pleasant. My husband also loves coconut and likes using this shampoo as well. I like that this shampoo is inexpensive and I didn’t have to use too much to get a nice lather. I will definitely keep this on hand because it is affordable and effective. I haven’t used it long enough to see if it makes a big impact on my color-treated hair that has some damage, but my hair feels very soft and clean after using this.

My Routine

I use this shampoo a couple of times a week and I have been following up with the Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Deep Conditioner, which is another fantastic and great smelling drugstore hair product.

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What is your favorite shampoo? What is your favorite drugstore shampoo?

Have a wonderful weekend! xx

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COVERGIRL TOTAL TEASE MASCARA REVIEW

November 6, 2017 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

I hope that you’re having a wonderful Monday so far : ) I am feeling WIDE AWAKE thanks to the time change and loving it.

Covergirl Clump Crusher Water Resistant Mascara is my always repurchase, “first layer” mascara that I use nearly every day. I am also a huge fan of Covergirl Super Sizer as a second layer mascara for amazing volume. I was interested in trying out the newish Covergirl Total Tease.

What It Claims

Total Tease mascara claims teased, long, refined, and full lashes. Use the lash teasing mascara comb to tease the hard to reach corners.
Polymer-enriched thickening complex claims to boosts volume and defines your lashes. Get perfect separation with the small comb. 500% more volume (do these claims make anyone else think hmmmm, really!?).

My Thoughts

I like my mascara to be on the wetter side because I feel like it is easier to glide it onto your lash, but wet mascara can equal smudging so I really like the concept of the small nub-like end of the brush so I can get those hard to reach corners. Because I like wetter mascara, I prefer to use waterproof to help control smudging. At first, I wasn’t crazy about the more “regular” side of the wand because the bristles aren’t very long, but the mascara is very buildable, so I don’t mind as much. The final look is beautiful and I love the way my eyes look with it on, even without any other eye makeup on. Is it the best mascara I’ve ever used? I don’t think so, but I definitely am enjoying it.

My Routine

I have used this mascara with curling my lashes with my favorite lash curler and L’Oreal Voluminous Primer and also with just the mascara straight on the lashes with no extra fluff. I start by using the “normal” or what I consider to be a typical looking mascara brush side to coat my lashes. I like doing two or three coats of this mascara, and I love how buildable it is. I then use the “nub” side and use it to get the inner corner lashes and fluff out the outer lashes to make them very sexy and dramatic.

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Have you tried this mascara? What is your favorite mascara? Do you like waterproof mascara?

Thank you, as always, for reading! xx

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YES TO TOMATOES FACIAL HYDRATING LOTION REVIEW

November 1, 2017 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Wednesday! And Happy NOVEMBER?! I am not quite sure how that is possible, but we took the Little Loves Trick-or-Treating last night, so I know it’s true ; )

Sometimes when picking items to share with you or review I am looking at newly released items, hyped items, or “shiny” items that seem special or fun. Yes To Tomatoes is part of the Yes To line and an item that I always have on hand, use regularly, and yet somehow haven’t dedicated a post to is the Yes To Tomatoes Facial Hydrating Lotion.

What It Claims

This facial moisturizer in antioxidants and powerful sebum (oil that causes Monday, check out Monday’s post for more on that) absorbers. The Yes To Tomatoes Facial Hydrating Lotion moisturizes and balances your skin.

Why I Love It

I have oily/combo skin and get occasional breakouts, but I also deal with some dryness and fine lines, so having a lotion that isn’t specifically targeted as an acne product but helps combat that AND help my dryness is amazing! I have been using this product for at least four years and will continue to do so. I also love that this is about $10 at the drugstore, so it is a product I can repurchase when I need to without waiting for a sale or having anxiety. My only complaint is that it does not have SPF, so do keep that in mind.

My Routine

I use this on my face and neck after cleansing and toning my face. I sometimes follow up with the First Aid Beauty Oil-Free Mattifying Gel

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Do you have a favorite moisturizer? Let me know in the comments! Have a great day! xx

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DO PORE STRIPS REALLY WORK?

October 30, 2017 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

Did you have a good weekend? Did you celebrate Halloween? Carve a pumpkin? Let me know!

I remember being fascinating when pore strips first released but always being disappointed because they didn’t seem to work for me (if you’re thinking it is because I had perfect skin, think again). However, after the pore strip wizards had more time to perfect the strips (or so it seemed), I started using them on a semi-regular basis because peeling them off is just oh-so-satisfying.

How Do Pore Strips Work?

The strip paper almost fabric like strip is made of a non-soluble woven substrate On the side that you put against your wet nose there is a polymer that is supposed to attach to the oil plugs in your pores. The water actives the oil-grabbing polymers and while drying the polymers work to attach to the outer most layer of the skin.

Do Pore Strips Really Remove Blackheads?

I am sorry to have to burst your blackhead, but unfortunately, that glorious, disgusting gunk you’re peeling off is not what you think it is. The name for the little dots on your nose you’re trying to get rid of is keritotic plugs. Keritotic plugs are dead skin cells, dirt, hair, and oil. Blackheads are a type of keratotic plug that is oxidized sebum blocked in your pores, but they live deep down on your skin. Have you ever done a pore strip and seen a ton of gunk on the strip, but also seen a lot of blackheads remaining on your nose? Yeah, me too. Pore strips can remove the upper portions of dirt and oil, but they’re not going deep enough to de-clog blackheads a.k.a oxidized sebum.

But Will It Hurt To Continue Using Them?

If you do these occasionally because they make your skin feel smoother or you love the satisfying feeling that is fine. Should you do them often? Probably not because your skin actually NEEDS oil to maintain a healthy lipid barrier (that is why I love face oils like this one) and block out external influences that can lead to breakouts, wrinkles, and other skin issues.

What Should I Use Instead?

Getting microdermabrasion done at a medical spa, or at home using a PMD (my personal FAVORITE!) can help to keep your pores clear and can also help minimize your pores. I also like using an exfoliator (I mentioned the Dr. Brandt Microdermabrasion exfoliator here) to help keep my pores clear of gunk and to stop new blackheads from forming. You can also get a professional extraction done, but please don’t do that yourself!

Final Thoughts

So, will you quit using these? I, possibly surprisingly, will not stop buying them, but I will limit the use and be sure to continue to use my favorite facial oils to keep my skin at a healthy oil balance.

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Are you surprised by this? Did I ruin your skin ritual? If you found it helpful, please use one of the social media sharing buttons on the bottom of this post! xx

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