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

January 3, 2018 & Leave a Comment

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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TONE BRAZILIAN GLAM BODY WASH | BEST DRUGSTORE BODY WASH

October 4, 2017 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

I hope that you’re having a wonderful week! Thank you, as always, for reading my blog!

TONE BRAZILIAN GLAM BODY WASH

What It Claims

Infused with Brazil Nut Oil, this moisturizing formula will make your skin feel smooth, and look beautiful.

My Thoughts

If you’re a regular reader of this blog, you know my all-time-favorite body wash is the Caress Evenly Gorgeous Body Wash Burnt Brown Sugar and Karite Butter but the bright packaging of the Tone Brazilian Glam Body Wash caught my eye at the grocery store (good job, Tone!) so I decided to give it a try. I am IN-LOVE with the scent! It has a tropical scent that is really pleasant, and I even noticed it lingering on my skin after I was out of the shower, which gives it bonus points for me. This lathers easily, and does feel moisturizing on the skin. I will continue to buy this product when I want a shower gel or body wash, but when I want an exfoliating body wash I will stick with my tried and true Caress Evenly Gorgeous.

My Routine

I wet my loofah and add a quarter sized amount (a little of this body wash goes a long way) of the Tone Brazilian Glam Body Wash. I start with my legs and work my way up.

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Have you tried any of the Tone body washes? Do you have a favorite body wash from the drugstore? Do you have a favorite drugstore shower essential that you can share? I would LOVE to hear from you in the comments of this post : )

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TRAVEL MAKEUP BAG | EXPANDABLE, DURABLE, AND CLASSIC

August 9, 2017 & 1 Comment

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

In Monday’s post I spoke about what I *actually* have in my makeup bag in my purse, and it got me thinking about my favorite makeup bags for travel. I have two makeup bags that I use regularly for travel, and today I will be sharing the one that I take no matter how long of a trip I’m going on.

This Henri Bendel Canvas Cosmetics Bag is definitely a bit of a splurge in the world of makeup bags, it has a higher price point than ones you would find at a drugstore or Target, but it also still looks stunning & works perfectly after years of regular use. I love how this bag can store flat, but expands to be deeper, and wider than other makeup bags. Also, can we appreciate the beauty of this bag? Henri Bendel can do no wrong!

Stay tuned for next week when I share another makeup bag that I use for travel for both my makeup AND skincare!

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I have had my cosmetics bag for a couple of years, so I couldn’t find the exact one, but this one is very similar.

What is your favorite makeup bag? What is one item you can’t travel without? Let me know!

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URBAN DECAY ALL-NIGHTER WATERPROOF LONGWEAR FOUNDATION

July 10, 2017 & 1 Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

I hope that your week is off to an amazing start!

I like to go lighter with my makeup in the summer months, opting for concealer and maybe a powder foundation most days, but when I do want a full coverage look I need something that won’t melt off my face in the heat ; ) If you’re a regular reader of my blog, you know that I like to make it a point to “shop my own stash” (read about that here) and that is what I did when I pulled this foundation back out.

All Nighter Liquid Foundation by Urban Decay provides full coverage with a matte finish. This foundation is also oil-free. Urban Decay loaded this formula with an higher amount of pigment so a little goes a long way, using too much is easy to do and doesn’t look good! This waterproof formula claims to diffuse light to blur flaws and also mattifies and absorbs oil to reduce shine.

Packaging

The gun metal packaging is very sleek, and I like that you can see the packaging through the window like cut-outs. The bottle has an airless pump, so you can get every bit of foundation out (though I have yet to finish a bottle to test this out).

Shade Range and Cost

$40 for 1 oz.

There are 24 shades in the range, which is wonderful, but because this foundation is so pigmented, finding your perfect match can be very tricky. I suggest going to Ulta or Sephora and asking for a sample, if possible, and keeping in mind that this does oxidize on most people. I purchased a shade that looked too light (which is tricky for me, I am often the lightest shade of foundation ranges) but ended up working perfectly on my fair skin with pink undertones.

Why I Love It

I like that I can get a full coverage look that lasts! I haven’t completely tested it out to see if it is truly waterproof, but I have splashed water on my face, cried, and been very sweaty while wearing this foundation and it doesn’t budge! I think this foundation works beautifully on my oily/combo skin, so long as I use only the tiniest pump.

Wear

This lasts ALL day! It is remarkable.

My Routine

I make sure to moisturize my face well because a matte foundation like this would cling to dry patches. I use a makeup primer (this one is my favorite). I put one small pump onto my hand and then dab dots of the foundation onto one area at a time (forehead, chin, nose, etc) before stippling it in with a stippling brush (I like the Sigma F50).

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You can find this foundation at Ulta, Sephora, UrbanDecay.com, or department store Urban Decay makeup counters.

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NATURAL SUMMER MAKEUP WITH SPF FOR COMBO/OILY SKIN!

May 1, 2017 & 3 Comments

Hi there! Happy Monday!

I hope that you had a fantastic weekend! If you read this blog regularly, then you know that I’ve been trying out some makeup items to try to come up with some new favorites for easy, natural, summer makeup that can easily be worn for that “No-Makeup Makeup” look that I like to rock when the weather is warm.

Tarte BB Tinted Treatment Primer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen

The Tarte BB Tinted Treatment Primer is a 12-hour prime that also helps hydrate, correct and protect skin while giving light-to-medium coverage. The oil-free formula offers chemical-free sunscreen protection and can be worn as a primer or as a natural, light BB cream. This product contrains Tarte’s triple-B complex which is a proprietary blend of natural diamonds, plants and lipoamino acids. This product claims to help even the skin tone, minimize the appearance of fine lines, and pores. This product also claims to make the skin more luminous.

Why I Love It

This works beautifully on my combo/oily skin and while it worked well without any primer, I prefer to use a little of my favorite primer (this one) on my nose and then apply this all over my face. I like using this for a very light feeling and looking makeup, and can build this up to a medium coverage.

My Routine

I apply a bit of primer and then apply this with my fingers pushing up gently to blend it into the skin (*Tip: Never tug you skin down when applying skincare or makeup!) I have also used this with a foundation brush (this one) and Beauty Blender. I set my face lightly with a loose setting powder (my favorite is this one) but it can also be worn with a powder foundation for a bit more coverage. Having the broad spectrum SPF is such a great way to ensure that when I’ll be spending a lot of time outside that my face is protected from those rays!

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Do you have a favorite BB cream? Let me know in the comments! Thank you, as always, for reading! xx

Watch my Sephora VIB Sale Haul to see the Tarte BB Cream from this post and other new goodies!

Damage Remedy+ Coconut Miracle Oil OGX Shampoo Review

March 20, 2017 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday! And HAPPY SPRING!

A couple of weeks ago I shared my all-time favorite heat protectant to use before heat styling (read it here), which just happens to be a drugstore product, and I thought I would continue my Leah Tackles Hair series with another drugstore item that is new to my rotation, but is so far holding its own.

Damage Remedy + Coconut Miracle Oil OGX Shampoo

Why I Love It

First of all, I’ll admit that the packaging was very enticing to me and once I smelled it I immediately tossed this coconut scented shampoo into my shopping cart. This shampoo has a blend of coconut oil, tiare and vanilla bean extracts to help give hydration to my color treated and heat styled hair.

My Routine

I always go at least every other day, and sometimes I go two days before washing my hair and so I usually end up washing my hair three times per week. I use this twice per week and a purple shampoo for blondes on the third washing day each week.

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Have you tried OGX products before? Let me know in the comments! xx

HOW TO CLEAN AND DRY YOUR MAKEUP BRUSHES QUICKLY!

February 20, 2017 & 1 Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

I hope that you had a great weekend, and if you’re off today that you’re enjoying your long weekend! If you’re like me and you put off washing your makeup brushes until all of your brushes are dirty and you can’t put it off anymore then this post if for you. We all know that washing your makeup brushes is important because not only will your colors muddle if the brushes are dirty, but it isn’t sanitary and can lead to skin breakouts which nobody has time for.

Products I Use To Wash My Brushes

My favorite way to wash my makeup brushes is with the Beauty Blender Cleanser Solid, I also will use the Beauty Blender Cleanser but prefer it for my sponges and the solid for my brushes. It is also fine to wash your brushes with a foaming antibacterial hand soap, and if I run out of my Beauty Blender Cleanser Solid I will do this.

My Routine

I set my brushes on the left side of my sink and a clean towel on the left side of my sink along with my Benjabelle Sunflower Brush Tree. I have blogged about the Benjabelle Sunflower Brush Tree here. If I am washing a larger brush I do it by itself, but I will wash smaller eye shadow brushes a few at a time. I wet the brush and then swirl it into the Beauty Blender Cleanser Solid or I put a little soap into my other hand and swirl the brush in circular motions in my hand. I rinse the brush until the water runs clear. I then hang the brush from the Benjabelle Brush Tree. I love the Benjabelle Brush Tree because it helps the brushes to dry much faster, but if you do not have one you can roll one end of a hand towel and lay the brush so that the brush head is angled down. *Note: Never tilt your brush so that the bristles are up after washing because if water gets into the barrel of the brush it can damage your brush. You can read more about that here.

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MY FAVORITE FACE MASKS AND HOW I USE THEM!

July 18, 2016 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

I hope that you all had a great weekend! I know that it went by way too fast for me ; ) Today I want to share something simple and inexpensive that I’ve been doing that has made a big difference in my skin and my confidence.

HOW & WHY I STARTED USING FACE MASKS SEVERAL TIMES A WEEK:

Lately I have been using a lot of single use sheet masks and peel away masks. I originally started using them here or there just for fun, but once the weather got warmer I realized how clean it made my skin feel to use a mask for 15-20 minutes after removing my makeup. So, a couple of months ago instead of just doing the occasional face mask for fun I started doing face masks two or three times a week because I loved the way it made my skin feel. After a few weeks of doing face masks regularly each week I noticed that my overall skin tone was MUCH better! I make beauty and lifestyle videos on my LeahTackles YouTube Channel where I always have makeup on unless I am filming a tutorial where I end up in makeup, but I also am a Daily Vlogger on my family channel KwapisFamilyTackles and while I have been on there plenty of times with no makeup, crying, or after a workout I still noticed a big change in how confident I’ve been filming in no makeup for our vlogs as well. My skin looks so much more even, and I love doing the masks each week. I don’t really do certain ones, just ones that sound fun and good for my skin type.

WHAT MASKS I USE & WHERE I BUY THEM:

I really enjoy the Montagne Jeunesse 7th Heaven masks because they are fun, inexpensive, and easily accessible because you can buy them at Ulta and Walmart stores. I also really enjoy Tony Moly sheet masks which you can buy at Sephora, Ulta, or online. I also found a great deal on Amazon where you can get 12 Tony Moly masks for much less, but they do have writing in a different language but I believe they are still authentic Tony Moly because they do make these for several countries.

I hope that you found this helpful! If you do any of these masks after reading this post then tag me on social media and use the hashtag #LeahTacklesFaceMaskSelfie : ) It would be fun to do together! And if you have a favorite mask, definitely let me know in the comments!

HIGHLIGHTER 101: HOW TO HIGHLIGHT SIMPLY IN A HIGHLIGHT HEAVY MAKEUP WORLD! EASY STEPS!

July 11, 2016 & 2 Comments

Hi there! Happy Monday!

Highlighting, contouring, strobing, baking, and color correcting are all makeup terms that you may hear a lot right now because there is a huge trend of strong contours and BAM highlighting. Now, don’t get me wrong, I love to contour and highlight, but I feel like it can be very intimidating to see a YouTube video with 10 steps or a Pinterest picture with tiger stripes all over a face diagram. So, today I want to share the exact products you can use and what you can do to get a subtle, beautiful highlight for summer. If you’d like something similar for color correcting, baking, or contouring please let me know in the comments : )

HIGHLIGHTER 101:

What You’ll Need:

highlighter101-leahtackles-highlightingmakeupmadeeasy.jpeg

First you will need a highlighter of your choice, I prefer powder highlight most days and suggest that for when you’re first starting out. I love Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Powder Highlighters like Champagne Pop, but you can also get a beautifully look much cheaper using Reserve Your Cabana from Wet n’ Wild.

You will also need a brush to apply your highlighter! I like to use a tapered highligher brush like the Sigma F35 but any dome or tear dropped shaped similar brush will work just fine. You can also use a fan brush for highlighting, and these often come in brush kits so you may have a few laying around.

What To Do:

After you have applied your blush and bronzer (if you choose to wear them) and set any foundation or concealer that you are wearing you want to put your brush into your powder highlighter and tap off the excess. Then from your cheek bone (usually about an inch below the outer part of your eye) up to the outer edge of your eyebrow you want to *lightly* apply the highlighter in a crescent moon shape. Be sure to blend this in with the brush so that it isn’t a harsh line of product. Ta-da! You are beautifully sun kissed! If you want to get extra fancy, you can apply a bit to the cupids bow above your top lip, or down the center of your nose.

I hope that you enjoyed this post! If you would like a more detailed post on highlighting let me know! I hope that you’ve found this helpful! You can “Pin” this onto your Pinterest (just hover over any picture or use the share buttons on the bottom if this post!) or share if on social media! Have a wonderful start to you week! xx

Are You Making These 5 Makeup Mistakes?!

June 8, 2015 & 4 Comments

Hi there! Happy Monday!

I hope that you had a great weekend! First things first, MICHIGAN readers have you entered to win the LivnFresh Detroit D shirt I’m giving away? It’s perfect for any Tiger fan! You have a few hours left to enter. You can enter on the LeahTackles Facebook page, and entering is easy : )

Now, I decided to talk about 5 makeup mistakes that are VERY common! Now, I am not claiming that I don’t make plenty of makeup mistakes, but I know that I make a lot less than I used to. So, today I am sharing 5 things that you should make sure you’re not guilty of.

*Note: These are *my* opinions and of course if you really enjoy what you’re doing or one of these makeup “mistakes” then please understand that I mean no offense to you and you should do whatever makes YOU feel beautiful! xx

#1 Using Expensive Makeup With Cheap Brushes

It took me YEARS to invest in nice makeup brushes. I didn’t own any brushes, except for the brushes that came in kits or that I found in tiny cheap kits at the drugstore, until after college. FOR SHAME : ( Using good brushes helps for your makeup to look better, period. I suggest starting with a kit, Sephora has some basic but get-the-job-done kits, and I love the sets from Sigma Beauty.

#2 Not Blending Your Eye Shadow

Just because you know to put a brow bone highlight, lid color, and crease color doesn’t mean your look is compelte, girl! BLENDING is your bff! Use a clean blending brush, and it will turn your amature eye makeup skills into art. My favorite blending brush is the E25 from Sigma.

#3 Too Much Dark Eye Liner On Lower Lash Line

Just. Say. No. This should not be an everyday look. Or at least please smudge it out. I did my fair share of this in high school, but seriously just try skipping it, or just doing your top lashline and waterline, because the difference is HUGE! It will open up your eyes and make your eyes look bigger.

#4 Ignoring Your Eyebrows

Yay for beautiful, groomed but not over plucked, filled in brows!!! I am so glad brows are back! On days where I wear no other makeup, I still like to fill in my brows and throw on some lipstick. Even if you just use a tinted brow gel, do not ignore your brows! Also, do not overpluck or let someone do too much waxing on your brows.

#5 Sleeping in Your Makeup

I did this all through college multiple days a week (days I went to a party or the bar, let’s be honest) and my skin was beautiful. Well guess what? Now I’m in my late 20’s and I want to keep my skin as beautiful as possible for as long as possible, so washing off your makeup is essential. At the VERY LEAST use a makeup removing wipe ( I like these ones from Neutrogena). I have timed it, I can use a makeup remover, wash my face, use a toner, moisturizer, and eye cream in about 3 minutes. And it just FEELS clean.

Do you agree with these makeup mistakes? What makeup mistakes do you admit to making or have you made in the past? If you like these types of posts, please let me know in the comments and don’t forget to share! Thank you so much!!