Leah Tackles

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!

6 Lip Colors You Can Apply In A Rush! No Lipliner Required!

August 12, 2015 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

First I want to say a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my husband, Stephan, who is celebrating his 29th birthday today! Thank you for your constant support and positive attitude!! I love you so!

Today I want to share my top 6 picks for lip colors you can apply in a rush. I love gorgeous bold lipsticks as much as the next girl, but I definitely can’t rock those colors every day. For one thing, I am constantly kissing little faces and that can be a pain ; ) But more often than not it is because I need to be able to apply color fast, and often times without a mirror, or in a moving vehicle.

*Note: please don’t try to apply makeup while driving ladies, it’s just not worth an accident! <– yes, I had to be a mom for a second.

From left to right:

Revlon Kissable Balm Stain in Honey

NYX Butter Lipstick in Hunk

Tarte Lip Surgence Matte Lip Tint in Alluring (*Similar)

L’Oreal Colour Riche in Sunset Angora

Maybelline Color Whisper in Oh La Lilac

Bite Beauty Lush Fruit Lip Gloss in PopSugar Exclusive (*Similar)

I am ALWAYS on the hunt for great new lip products, so let me know YOUR FAVORITE lipstick for when you’re running out the door in the comments : ) I hope you have a beautiful week!

WATCH OUR LIFE EVERYDAY!

August 10, 2015 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

Okay guys, after LOTS of anticipation, I am super excited to tell you that we officially launched our family vlog channel!! I have spent yesterday and today uploading two weeks worth of content, and by Wednesday it will be all caught up! Every day you will get to watch what we did the day before…like you’re watching from the future. It would mean the *world* to me if you subscribed to our new YouTube Channel!! I promise it is SO easy! You DO NOT NEED A YOUTUBE ACCOUNT! All you have to do is have a gmail.com email address and when you’re logged into gmail you can click subscribe! That is it!! You can also “like” the videos and comment, too!! I hope that you’re all feeling nosy ; )

HERE IS OUR CHANNEL:

KWAPISFAMILYTACKLES

and here is our very first video:

Thank you so much in advance for the support! We are so excited to this new adventure and definitely need your help!! Please share this post! xo

How To Take Advantage of Sephora Beauty Insider Membership Offers! 5 Tips!

August 5, 2015 & 3 Comments

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

As most of you know, high-end makeup from Sephora is expensive, BUT there are a few very simple ways to reduce your spending without kissing your $50 eye shadow palette goodbye. And PSSSST! Sephora is doing 2x, 3x, and 4x points right now!!! Go ladies go!!!

1. JOIN THE BEAUTY INSIDER MEMBERSHIP!

The first step is of course…JOINING ; ) You know when you’re checking out and they ask if you are a “Beauty Insider”? Instead of brushing them off, take a minute or two to sign up, because it is worth it! At the very least you will get a free birthday gift and be able to redeem your points for products.

2. CHECK THE WEBSITE WEEKLY

This may sound a little bit crazy, but often times Sephora will offer double points, triple, or even quadruple points per purchase! This is a huge advantage as far as getting you more points for free products and moving up to a higher membership level. They also offer promo codes for free deluxe size samples on the website that change weekly. Right now they have a Dr. Brandt primer and an Urban Decay mini lipstick!! Um, yes please!

3. BUY YOUR GIFTS AT SEPHORA

If you have a lady (or hey, they have guy stuff too!) in your life, try to get her gift at Sephora! Even if she isn’t into makeup, they have amazing skincare, bath products, hair tools, and perfumes. If you buy your gifts here, you can add up points faster to become a V.I.B (level 2) or V.I.B ROUGE (level 3) beauty insider which means exlusive 20% off sales, events, makeovers, and even special edition makeup exclusive to you.

4. BUY YOUR ESSENTIALS AT SEPHORA

There are a few items that I will buy on Q.V.C or Amazon because they are far less expensive, but for the most part if it’s avaliable at Sephora I will try to get things like my Clarisonic brush heads, favorite foundations, or my beloved Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz from Sephora so that I can get the points.

5. WAIT FOR A SALE

It’s really hard, but I try to not buy things from Sephora unless I have some sort of promo code from my Beauty Insider membership or a friends and family discount. I make exceptions for limited edition palettes or things that I must replace, but definitely try to save up some money so that during the sales I can stock up so that I end up saving money in the long run. They offer sales of 20% off and with expensive makeup or skincare items, that adds up! I just “love” all of the items that I want, or even add some to my cart, and when a sale pops up I am ready!!

What tricks do you have for taking advantage your membership? If you liked this post please share! I will be doing a similar post for Ulta because I love the ULTAmate rewards points too, but use it a bit differently with a different strategy ; ) Who knew makeup shopping was so strategic?! Be sure to follow me on Twitter @LeahTackles for tweets about sales!! XO

Our Mini Vacation In Pictures!

August 3, 2015 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

I hope that you had a wonderful weekend! We spent 3 nights at my family lake cottage in Indiana. Here our some pictures from last years trip. A special thanks to my mom for helping out with the kids while we were there, and a shout out to my dad who is currently in a brace from his head to his lower back but still toughed it out at even though he couldn’t take part in the fun stuff like the zoo, was able to make the trip to the cottage. Have you been anywhere fun this summer or do you have any trips coming up? Let me know in the comments!

OUR MINI VACATION PICTURES!

I was waiting to take this picture ever since last year when we took one with Logan still in my belly ; ) Maybe next year they’ll all look and smile!

Thank you for reading and letting me share my family with each of you! Don’t forget to subscribe!

My Rookie Shopping Mistake Confession AND Vote For Your Favorite Boots!

July 29, 2015 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

There are LOTS of subscription based products out there where you can’t purchase just once but are instead forced to sign up for your card to be automatically charged X amount once/month *unless* you cancel by X date. I remember having to convince my parents to let me try ProActiv because back in the day (read: early 2000’s) it was purchased in this way. If you are under 20 years old and really want your mind blown I’m pretty sure my mom had to call a 800 number because it wasn’t avaliable to order online then…but that’s a story for another day. ANYWAYS, usually I cringe at these type of services because I do not want to be locked into something. However, last fall I really wanted a pair of boots from JustFab and so I signed up for a service like this. But, because of my Type A personality, I was able to remember to cancel every month until 4th of July weekend when it slipped my mind and BAM I got a “credit” on my online profile because my card was charged. Such a rookie mistake : ( So, today I would like you to help me pick out what shoes to order by voting!!

*Note: I actually LOVE every pair of shoes (so far 3) that I have ordered from JustFab and I do think that they’re an awesome website for ordering shoes at a very affordable price. The boots I have from them are very comfortable and I’ve recieved lots of compliments on them. But, if you aren’t good at remembering things like this and you don’t think you want a new pair of shoes for $40 every month, it may not be for you.

Boot “A”

Boot “B”

Thank you for the help friends ; ) I hope that you have a wondeful weekend! We are going to be starting to DAILY VLOG! So stay tuned for the launch of our new family vlog (video diary) channel!

Still Can’t Keep Up? 5 Ways to Simplify Your Makeup (Drugstore Edition)

July 27, 2015 & 4 Comments

Hi there! Happy Monday!

I got a positive response from last Wednesday’s post, Can’t Keep Up? 5 Ways to Simplify Your Makeup (High-End Edition), and so today I am sharing my drugstore picks. So, here are the drugstore items I would pick if limited to 5 to get an amazing look!

1. Revlon ColorStay Makeup For Oily/Combo Skin

This is my favorite drugstore foundation for days when I want a full coverage, flawless look that will not budge. A little goes a very long way, and I like to stipple it on, but a beauty blender or fingers work fine, too. They do have a dry skin version of this, as well as a whipped version.

2. E.L.F Contouring Blush & Bronzer in St. Lucia

I love this set for traveling because the blush is gorgeous, the bronzer is beautiful and although it is a tad orange, is still usable as a contour color on my fair skin if I use a light hand. This also has a huge mirror, which I think is so handy.

3. Maybelline The Nudes Palette

This is an awesome value, and if you can’t justify an expensive neutrals palette, this is the way to go. I also have The Blushed Nudes Palette from Maybelline which I do love, but this I feel is overall better quality and you can get a bigger range of looks out of this.

4. L’Oréal Lineur Intense Brush Tip Liquid Eye Liner

This is a great liquid liner for everything from a fine line to a big wing. I love the brush tip because it is easy to control, and the color is very dark black.

5. CoverGirl Clump Crusher Mascara

I absolutely always have this mascara on hand! I personally like the water resistant formula. I use this daily! It is always on my bottom lashes, and I like to use this on my top lashes after curling to keep the curl. For more nautral days, I wear this alone, and for more dramtic looks this is a great layering mascara.

Please let me know what your favorite items from the drugstore are in the comments! Commenting is easy (just click by link under the title of each post!) AND it makes my day!! ; )

Have a beautiful week! I will see you Wednesday!

Can’t Keep Up? 5 Ways to Simplify Makeup (High-End Edition)

July 22, 2015 & 5 Comments

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

If you’re a regular reader, you know that I *love* makeup! I’m obsessed with reading other blogs, watching other YouTube channels, and browsing Sephora and Ulta’s websites. HOWEVER, I know that not everyone has the same crazy passion, but you still want to rock some amazing products! Or, maybe you love makeup but get overwhelmed walking into Sephora (understandable!!) and need to be pointed in the right direction. Today I want to share with you the 5 items that I would take in a desserted island situation if I was limited to 5 products. Every item I am sharing today is considered a “high-end” makeup item, but I plan to do a drugstore version of this if you’d like to see it : )

1. Esteé Lauder Double Wear Foundation

This is my favorite foundation for days when I need my oily/combination skin to hold onto makeup ALL day. This is my holy grail foundation. It also has SPF 15 or 25, which is also a big plus for me. If you’re interested in other high-end foundation reviews, let me know, but this is far and away my favorite for my skin type.

2. Urban Decay Naked Flushed

Now, as I recommend this I have to admit that I do not own it!! I know, I know! But, my mom does and I’ve had samples of it before. My reasoning for including this item is that it comes with a nice quality browzer, highlight, AND blush! I love that it’s all in one, and something that you could buy for about the same price as a high end blush or bronzer or highlight but you’re getting ALL three together.

3. Too Faced Natural Eyes Palette

This is SO stunning! Whether you want a single color, super minimalistic look or a darker nighttime look, this baby can handle it. This is a favorite for me for travel. This palette is now also avaliable in a matte version (which I , of course, want!).

4. Kat Von D Tattoo Liner

This liner is the bomb DOT com! Even if you don’t want a big wing, this looks amazing, is super dark, and lasts all day for a thin line to make your eyes pop.

5. Benefit Roller Lash

This is my new favorite high-end mascara! This makes my lashes look like falsies if I do a few layers without making it look spidery which is a huuuuge pet peeve of mine as far as my own lashes.

I hope that this was helpful! Feel free to let me know your favorite high-end staples in the comments! In mid October these brands all have amazing holiday limited edition sets that are often great values, so keep that in mind as we head into fall (ahhh noooo!).

Thank you for reading! Have a BEAUTIFUL weekend! I’ve had a lull in new subscribers here recently, so if you’re not subscribed yet please do so! And if you are, thank you so much, and please share with my links provided at the bottom of every post. I love you all!

The Just Released Too Faced Love Palette with Swatches!

July 20, 2015 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

I hope that each of you had a wonderful weekend! I am *SO* excited to be sharing some pictures and swatches of the *new* for fall 2015 Love palette from Too Faced Cosmetics. This palette was just released in stores on July 15th, and it was love at first sight for me..see what I did there?! But seriously ; ) Today I am just sharing swatches here, and get ready because they are GORGEOUS! I am doing a video on my YouTube channel with swatches, overview, and review on my blog, AND I’ve already filmed a tutorial as well.

Thank you for reading! Don’t forget to subscribe to get an email each time I upload a new post! It’s easy ; ) Enter your email in the box on the right side of the screen and you’ll get a confirmation email! xo

« Previous Page