Leah Tackles

The Drugstore Foundations You Need to Know About!

September 16, 2015 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

I love makeup! And I wear makeup most days, so while I *love* some of my high-end foundations, I don’t want to wear them all of the time because it’s costly. I have found 4 drugstore foundations that I consider my favorites, but keep in mind that I haven’t tried every foundation to ever enter the drugstore!

About My Skin:

I have oily/combo skin that is fairly clear from acne, but does have some discoloration and fine lines. My nose gets VERY oily, and my chin and forehead get some shine as well.

L’ORÉAL MAGIC SKIN BEAUTIFIER BB CREAM

This made me so nervous at first because it says “hydrates” but I find that it works beautifully with my oily/combo skin. I love this for days when I want to wear barely anything on my face, or when I’m in a hurry. It comes out white, but blends to a beautiful perfect skintone match. I like to apply this with my finger or with a regular foundation brush like the Sigma F60. This one costs about $10.

REVLON COLORSTAY MAKEUP COMBINATION/OILY

This is the drugstore version of my absolute FAVORITE foundation the Esteé Lauder Double Wear. I do find that this doesn’t wear quite as long, but it’s very very longwearing (not the 24 hours it claims!) and keeps me matte. This one is about $12. Has anyone tried the “Whipped” version of this? I want to! I like to apply this using my Sigma F60.

COVERGIRL OUTLAST STAY FABULOUS 3 in 1 FOUNDATION

People were RAVING about this about 2 years ago when it came out and I just didn’t get it…until I tried using this with my Beauty Blender sponge! This looks gorgeous and has buildable, medium to full coverage. I really love this! I do not use the “3 in 1” claims…I still wear a primer and a concealer with this. This one also costs about $12 at most drugstores.

COVERGIRL READY SET GORGEOUS FRESH COMPLEXION FOUNDATION

When this came out I was unimpressed because I thought the packaging was cheap looking but now I actually love the packaging because you can get every bit out. This foundation is FLAWLESS!! And crazy cheap at $6-8 at Ulta and most drugstores. I find this very easy to blend and it does last all day. I would say it’s a very nautral matte finish, and it is very full coverage.I like to apply this with my hands and then follow up with a foundation brush, usually a stippling one like the Sigma F60.

What foundation do you wear? Let me know in the comments!! Have a wonderful weekend! You can see what we are up to on our Daily Vlog channel.

A FEW FALL FAVORITES

September 14, 2015 & 2 Comments

Hi there! Happy Monday!

I hope that you all had a nice weekend! I had a hair appointment smack dab in the middle of my Saturday which made my time with Stephan and the kiddos seem too short, but we still had fun and got a lot done.

Fall is here! I know technically not, but school is back in session and Starbucks has the Pumpkin Spice Latte (with real pumpkin this year!)…so to me, it’s fall ; ) Today I want to share a few of the items I’m loving right now. I love to be cozy and comfortable in the fall, but I still want to look cute and of course keep some sparkle!

J.Crew V Neck Cardigan Sweater with Embellished Pocket

Express Fringe Heel Faux Suede Bootie

J. Crew Crystal Grid Earrings

Sam & Libby for Target Chelsea Metallic Bow Flats

Dottie Couture Love More Box Sign

I would love to know what you’ve been loving for fall! I definitely need to do a big fall clothing, and I’d love some help! I love comments : ) Please subscribe and share!! More subscribers means more fun giveaway opportunities for each of you! xo

VTech Sit-to-Stand Ultimate Alphabet Train Toy Review

September 9, 2015 & 3 Comments

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

I can’t believe I’m about to type this, but Christmas shopping is right around the corner! So, today I want to share the Sit-to-Stand Ultimate Alphabet Train with you because we have been enjoying it SO much in our house. Hailey is 4, Connor is 2, and Logan is 7 months old and all of them have been able to use it.

*Note: I was contacted by VTech and asked if I would like to review a few of their toys. I recieved four toys for consideration for honest reviews and was not paid to review any of them. Links are NOT affiliate links and are provided solely for your conveinence! A.K.A I do not get any money if you purchase ; ) Also, I apologize for the poor picture quality, but these are action shots!

PRODUCT OVERVIEW:

-10 Activities that help teach letters, numbers, and colors

-Helps with fine motor skills with the storybook, clock, gears, and 13 double-sided letters that can snap into the side of the train to learn letters.

-The “caboose” converts into a wagon that can be filled up with toys and used as a pull toy

-Helps with gross motor skills when using as a ride on toy, push walker, or pull toy

-Target age is 12-36 months

$49.99

HOW MY KIDS USE IT:

Hailey, age 4, likes to use the letter blocks to work on letter sounds, and word formation. She also is interested in the clock and now wants to learn how to tell time!

Connor, age 2, LOVES to ride his train! He immediately claimed this as his (he is the only one of my kids who fits into the targeted age right now) and uses it all day long! I love that he practices his fine motor skills while not even knowing it, because he is a go-go-go little guy who usually gets bored pretty fast.

Logan, 7 months, likes to sit by the train and work on cause-and-effect as the lights and sounds go at the touch of a button. I know soon he will be walking behind it and riding on it!

PROS:

-Appeals to all 3 of my kids!

-So many toys in one! This is such a multi-purpose toy

-Easy to assemble and very sturdy

CONS:

-This is a large toy, so consider storage (I rotate our toys so the kids never get bored and my house isn’t overtaken!)

-It’s a somewhat pricy toy

FINAL THOUGHTS:

I really do love this toy! We already have the VTech Sit-to-Stand Learning Walker (which I purchased long before I was blogging with my own money!), so I hadn’t planned on purchasing a new one for Logan, but I am THRILLED we recieved this! Connor especially absolutely adores this thing! Each one of the kids uses this daily and I love that it engages them all together! That isn’t an easy task! And like I said it *is* a little bulky, but how cute would it look as the “big gift” for a birthday or under ther tree? I think VTech does a great job because the kids seem to really love the toys, and because of that use them enough to learn with them.

Please let me know some of your favorite gifts for kids or what you have on your holiday shopping lists! If you found this helpful please feel free to share! Thank you all for your support!

MY ROOMMATE’S WEDDING! PICTURE POST

September 7, 2015 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday! And Happy Labor Day!

I hope that all of you are getting to enjoy a wonderful long weekend with your family and friends. I had the honor of being a bridesmaid and standing up with one of my best friends, my sorority sister, and roommate. Cara, a.k.a “Rooms” (even though we haven’t lived together since 2008), was glowing all day long and married the love of her life, Allen. Thank you to both of you for letting me be a part of your gorgeous day! I adored watching you two become husband and wife. And thank you to Cara’s dad for throwing an AMAZING party! A full on Italian dinner with every course you could imagine, and let’s not forget the Dairy Queen blizzard bar and taco food truck to round of the night. Today I want to share a handful of pictures and the vlog footage I have from the wedding. If you like posts like these be sure to let me know in the comments, and don’t forget to subscribe to our vlog channel so you can be nosy and see what I’m up to every single day ; )

Thank you, as always, for taking the time to read! Have a wonderful day!

DRUGSTORE LIPSTICK PICKS FOR FALL & MY FAVORITE LIP TIP FOR FULL LIPS

September 2, 2015 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

It is September! And even though this week still feels like summer, I know that once Hailey goes back to school next week it will really feel like fall. I am absolutely ready for darker lips, and today I want to share some of my favorite drugstore fall lip colors. If you’re interested in some of my high-end favorites I can definitely share those as well. I am also sharing my favorite tip for giving your lips more of a pout!!

NYX EXTRA CREAMY ROUND LIPSTICK IN CHAOS

This gorgeous blue toned red cream formula lipstick is seriously pigmented and wears comfortably on my lips. I love this for days when I want a lighter eye (or let’s be real, I’m rushing!) and want my lips to be the focus of my makeup. You can put this on and it instantly looks like you spent time geting ready.

JORDANA TWIST & SHINE MOISTURIZING LIP BALM STAIN IN CRANBERRY CRUSH

I love the dark, bold, and matte lip colors that come with the cooler months, but some days my lips can’t take it! I love this because it’s just enough color, and feels amazing on my lips.

RIMMEL LASTING FINISH BY KATE LIPSTICK IN 08

This is the perfect “Kylie Jenner lip color” that became so hugely popular last fall. This color is a nod to the 90’s lip, but doesn’t wash out my very fair skin. This also feels really nice on the lips! I love the Rimmel Kate lipsticks.

RIMMEL LASTING FINISH BY KATE LIPSTICK IN 14

This color is very similar to 08 metioned above but a tad lighter and more nude. I love this lipstick and wear it a lot as a nude in the fall.

JORDANA EASY LINER FOR LIPS IN ROCK N’ ROSE

This is one of my favorite lipliners in my entire collection! It is PERFECT for a nude 90’s lip.

MAYBELLINE COLOR SESATIONAL LIPSTICK IN BLUSHING BEIGE (NUDES COLLECTION)

This is the most flattering nude for my fair, cool toned skin. The Maybelline Color Sensational lipsticks are one of my favorite, if not my absolute favorite range of lipsticks.

TIP FOR FULLER LIPS:

1. Find a lipliner that is 1-2 shades deeper than your natural lip color and *slightly* overdraw your cupids bow.

2. Use a matte lipstick or lipstick that doesn’t have too much shimmer because shimmer or sparkle can make the overdraw obvious.

3. Put a dab of gloss or highlighter in the center of your lips.

Have you gotten your first pumpkin flavored item yet? Do you even like pumpkin flavored things? I am ready to pull out some fall candles, paint my nails a little darker, and rock some perfect fall lips!! As always, I would love to hear from you! And please subscribe!

HOME DECOR ITEMS YOU’VE BEEN MISSING OUT ON!

August 31, 2015 & 2 Comments

Hi there! Happy Monday!

I haven’t talked much about home decor on here and that is simply because we are in our starter home on a limited budget. Someday, whenever the time is right and we move, be sure that I will be posting LOTS of home decor things because I*CAN’T*WAIT! However, I do have certain pops that I use in our home, especially for my corner office (read: desk/vanity combo in our bedroom corner) and for filming my YouTube videos. There are SO MANY fun things out there, and here are a few hidden gems that I wanted to share because they are too fabulous not to.

1. White Faux Taxidermy

These are AHHMAZING! I have this one on my gallery wall and adore it.

2. Studio Mucci Tassle Garlands

Amina, the artist behind the amazing tasstle garland I have in my video backgrounds that I get constant questions on in the comments, is nothing short of amazing! Everything she posts is inspiring, uplifting, and fun! Shes so bright & bubbly, and such a confident woman!

3. Ikea Alex Drawers

If you aren’t storing your makup in these and you have a big collection RUN to your nearest Ikea! My nearest Ikea is 4 hours away, so I had my parents run there for me a couple of years ago, because shipping cost double the price of the drawers…um no! I do know that you can find them on Amazon.com with more affordable shipping. A lot of people like the Alex 9 drawer unit for makeup, but I prefer the Alex 6 because you can lay your makeup out flat so you can actually see what you have.

4. Anthropologie Moroccan Wedding Pillow

This is a lust item for me, it definitely has a steep price tag, but oh how yummy and gorgeous!

5. TwentyEight12 Pillow Covers

I adore the gold sequin one and the black and white stripe! These could be popped on the throw pillows that came with a couch and gift it a whole new look!

I would love to hear what you’ve been loving lately! Let me know!! xo

High School Advice! Awkward Picture INCLUDED!

August 26, 2015 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

Summer is winding down (and I’m whining about it!) and it’s time to think back-to-school! After having a conversation with a cousin who is about to start high school, I decided that I wanted to make a video about my high school advice! And these could all easily apply for middle school, and even college too! I know that only you can know what you’re feeling and going through, but in this video I share candid advice on school work, body image, self confidence, and chat for a minute about cyber bullying. If you have any advice you would like to share, please feel free to do that in the comments of this post or on the YouTube video. If you play the video and then click the bottom right of the video where it says “YouTube” it will open the video on YouTube and you can like, comment, and subscribe ; ) I am *SO* close to 500 subscribers, and be sure you subsribe so you can enter!!

And, as promised, here is an awkward picture of me and my friend, Kason, in high school! Haha!

Have a wonderful weekend!! xx

Five Things You Need To Know About Right Now {Beauty}

August 24, 2015 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

Today I want to have some good old fashion beauty product lusting! I remember flipping through catologs and fantasizing about what one item I would pick on each page…actually, let’s be real, I STILL do that sometimes! So, here are the 5 beauty items that I think you need right now! But don’t go into the red to get them, babes ; ) But if you had a gift card or some extra cash? Yes! Need!

1. Too Faced Star Dust by Vegas Nay palette

I haven’t ordered this yet but I am OBSESSING over this! I must get my hands on this beauty. I can’t stop looking at swatches! And I watched Sam Schuerman do a review and the highlight for the brow bone is incredible! Love, love, LOVE.

2. Conair Black Touch Control Makeup Mirror

I have this and if you don’t have a lighted makeup mirror, I think this is a fantastic one! I got mine from my in-laws for Christmas in 2013 and it works perfectly. The touch light is so convenient.

3. Tarte Contour Brush

I do not have this exact brush, but I do have a very similar from Tarte that my sweet friend Alyssa got me (hey girl hey!) from QVC. I am usually not a huge fan of double-ended brushes, but I love them for contouring.

4. Hot Tools Curling Iron

I absolutely am obsessed with my Hot Tools 1 1/2 inch curling iron. And how beautiful are these rainbow barrels?! I eventually want to grab a smaller barrel iron.

5. Kate Spade Walk On Air

I love having a couple beautiful perfumes to pick from, and this one seems like the perfect edition to my small perfume collection. And it’s so pretty!

Thank you so much for reading! What items are on your lust list?

How To Take Advantage of Ulta’s Ultamate Rewards! 5 Tips!

August 19, 2015 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

A couple of weeks ago I did a post on how to get the most out of your Sephora Beauty Insider Membership, and today I want to share how I take advantage of Ulta’s points system. First things first, I *LOVE* Ulta’s points system because there are so many ways to get free $$, and who doesn’t want that? But I will say that it took me a lot longer to understand Ulta’s point system because they do offer so many promotions so how many points you can earn in always changing, so you really have to pay attention. With that said, you can get such amazing deals!!!

1. SIGN UP FOR ULTAMATE REWARDS!

You have to sign up to earn points. Even if you don’t get into shopping when you’ll get the most points or special extras, you’ll still earn points that can be redeemed in products. Once you earn 100 points, you can start redeeming them. You earn 1 point for ever dollar spent in their store, INCLUDING the salon (this is a huuuge bonus for me!) and sometimes they offer additional points. You reach platinum status when you spend $400 which is very easy to do, especially if you use the Ulta salon, and once you’re a platinum member your points never expire.

2. SIGN UP FOR THE EMAILS, DON’T IGNORE THEM, AND CHECK THE WEBSITE

You get offers like 2x the points or 3x the points for platinum members! Sometimes you have to activate the promotion by logging into your account and clicking “activate” when you’re looking at your rewards page.

3. BUY STUFF DURING YOUR BIRTHDAY MONTH

You get 2x the points for the entire month of your birthday, so this is an awesome time to treat yourself while earning extra points.

4. CHECK THE MAILERS, EMAILS, AND WEBSITE FOR SPECIAL PROMOTIONS

Sometimes they will offer 2, 3,4 or even 5x the points on a certain product or brand! So, if it’s something you would use this is amazing! If you wouldn’t, it may be a great time to get someone a gift if you can think of someone in your life who would use it.

5. BUY STUFF WHEN YOU GET SOMETHING EXTRA. PERIOD.

It sounds so simple, but spend money when you’re getting extra points to get the most bang for your buck. Also keep an eye out for gifts with purchase. I am not perfect about this, but if I have my eye on an expensive item I wait until I’m going to be getting extra points before buying it whenever possible. Also, if you have a holy grail foundation or eye liner, stock up when you’ll be getting extra points! Points at Ulta are awesome becasue that is money towards new products!! I have even been able to get items completely free by saving my points up!! I don’t ever use the points for a small amount like $5 (unless I’m extra broke that month, hah) because I am a points collector!! I love being able to get things like high-end makeup free.

If you would like more information on the Ulta Ultamate Rewards Program you can find it here.

Ulta is offering 2x the points and 3x for platinum members until 8/22/15…happy shopping ; )

I hope that you found this helpful! If you did, please subscribe, and share! Let me know how you like to use your Ulta points in the comments. Don’t forget to stop by my LeahTackles YouTube Channel and my Daily Vlog Channel : ) I hope you have a great weekend!!

5 Tips For Getting EXACTLY What You Want At The Hair Salon!

August 17, 2015 & 2 Comments

Hi there! Happy Monday!

I have shared on here before a post called “I Did WHAT to My Hair?” and so today I want to share my tips for avoiding a hair disaster. When you’re going to be spending a considerable amount of time and money at the hair salon, it’s very important that you get what you want.

1. NEVER SAY “JUST A TRIM”

Please, NEVER EVER say this! I like saying “Just a dusting” and showing exactly how much I mean. Please have this conversation before your stylist has scissors in hand.

2. DON’T USE WORDS! USE PICTURES!

I have learned that words that you use to describe color are VERY different from what your hair stylist would use.

Example: “Red Red” to us is “Copper Red” to them.

3. DO YOUR RESEARCH

I like to look online, research certain colors or styles process, maintenance, people with it who have my hair type, talk to my stylist friends (Facebook groups like my mom-groups usually have at least a few!), and then go into the salon. Also, your hair may be too dark to pull a super pale blonde, for example, so have realistic expectations and ask your stylist questions when you arrive at your appointment.

“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail” -Benjamin Franklin

4. USE THE PROPER SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER

I am not saying you need to spend a trillion dollars on shampoo and conditioner, but please consider that if you’re spending $$$ to get your hair done, you should probably spend a little extra to take care of it. I like buying the huge bottles with a pump when Ulta has sales.

5. BE NICE AND BE HONEST

Your hair stylist wants you to be happy!! Can you imagine the anxiety of having to do a big reveal multiple times a day? The thought makes my stomach drop, and I send so much respect to stylists everywhere. Don’t immediately scream “I LOVE IT” if actually you’re unsure, but also be kind!! I was HORRIFIED when I got my hair done this past winter, but a simple toner to tone down the brassy copper and I was completely happy. I know it’s so hard to deal with confrontation, but if something happens please say something! I like “I think I really like it, but I’ll have to see it in natural light and let it set in for a day” which is also the truth. If you’re very uncomfortable, you can also speak with a manager on the phone if you think a mistake was made that needs to be corrected.

What tips do you have for the hair salon? And if you’re a stylist I would especially love to hear from you!

Have a beautiful week!

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