beauty

MY 7 MOST USED DRUGSTORE MAKEUP ITEMS | JANUARY-JUNE 2017

June 26, 2017 & 1 Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday! And, most importantly, HAPPY SEVEN YEAR WEDDING ANNIVERSARY to my husband!

Why, oh why, do the weekends always fly by? We had a nice weekend getting odd jobs done around the house and spending time outside when the rain wasn’t coming down. I hope that you had a great weekend and that your week is off to a terrific start! Speaking of time flying, it is already almost July! I can’t believe how fast 2017 is going! I thought that a post sharing my seven (seven for 2017, get it?) most reached for drugstore makeup items for the year so far would be a good way to show what I truly love and use regularly.

L’Oreal Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation

This foundation lasts all day without feeling super heavy. I get medium to full coverage with this foundation, and apply it with stippling brush (my favorite is the Sigma F80).

Maybelline 24 Hour Color Tattoo in Bad to the Bronze

These individual eye shadow pots can be applied with your finger and start as a cream feel, but go to a powder finish. I use these alone, and as an eye shadow base. When I went into labor with my youngest I was wearing a Maybelline Color Tattoo, and you can see it in pictures after he was born…so it works ; )

Rimmel Scandaleyes Water Proof Kohl Kajal Liner in Nude

I did an entire blog post on this (read it here) because it is AMAZING! This is my quick-fix for tired eyes.

L’Oreal Voluminous Mascara Primer Base

I also did a blog post featuring this (read it here) and it is now an almost every single day item for me! I love the ooomph this gives my lashes.

Hard Candy Brow Ink in Light Medium

This is a super tiny brush and works great for me for a natural day when I am not doing anything else to my brows, or as a finishing touch after using a brow pencil or pomade.

EOS Lip Balm

I love using this lip balm at night before bed and each day under my lipstick.

Rimmel Lasting Finish Lip Color in Airy Fairy

This is a gorgeous pinky nude color that looks great with any makeup look.

Let’s share the love, tell everyone your favorite drugstore makeup essentials in the comments of this blog post! Thank you for reading! xx

HOW-TO AVOID TEETH SENSITIVITY WHEN WHITENING YOUR TEETH | QUICK TIP!

May 29, 2017 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday! And, more importantly, Happy Memorial Day to my American readers! I am humbled and grateful to those who made the ultimate sacrifice defending our country, and today we remember!

I have shared before my Teeth Whitening Routine using Smile Brilliant and while I do use and love the Desensitizing Gel included in my favorite Smile Brilliant kit , I like to make extra sure that my teeth aren’t in pain after whitening by using a sensitive toothpaste.

Sensodyne Iso-Active Toothpaste

I love this toothpaste because it is a toothpaste especially made to prevent tooth sensitiveity. The Iso-Active formula goes on your toothbrush like a gel but turns to a foam in your mouth which I like because it feels like it gets into every crevice of my teeth.

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Watch My Teeth Whitening Demo and Review

Thank you, as always, for reading : ) Please don’t forget to subscribe! xx

DON’T EVEN BOTHER WITH OTHER NAIL POLISH REMOVER! JUST BUY THIS…

February 15, 2017 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

I hope that you felt extra loved yesterday for St. Valentine’s Day and that you’re having a great week : ) I recently shared how I get Salon Quality Nail Treatments at Home and I try a lot of nail care items because I do my own nails. I decided that although it may seem like a silly item to dedicate an entire blog post to, I truly think that I have a nail polish remover that you *NEED* to try!

Cutex Spa Formula Nail Polish Remover

Why I Love It

This 98% acetone nail polish remover takes off my nail polish, even glitters and hard to remove polish, so much faster than any other nail polish I’ve used before. I love that I don’t have to use tons of cotton rounds or really scrub to get my polish off. This nail polish remover also claims to remove gel nails but I don’t typically wear gel polishes. Cutex Spa Formula Nail Polish Remover is not only fast-acting but it contains conditioning oils which is a nice bonus, too.

My Routine

I use cotton rounds or cotton balls to remove the polish off of my nails. It has been so nice not having to avoid glitter polishes because I don’t want to struggle to get them off, because with this it doesn’t take long at all! If I am wearing hard to remove polishes, such as a glitter polish, I will hold the cotton round on my nail for 20 or 30 seconds and then lightly rub to get the polish completely off.

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If you like random “must try” product reviews like this, please tell me to keep them coming! If there is something else beauty related you’d like to see, please let me know that as well! Thank you for reading! xx

GO LONGER BETWEEN HAIRCUTS? LIVING PROOF SPLIT END MENDER REVIEW

December 12, 2016 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

I hope that you had a great weekend! If you’re like a lot of us, you probably don’t get your haircut the recommended every 6-8 weeks, and sometimes the ends of your hair can start looking a little rough between trims. Today I am going to be sharing my thoughts on the Living Proof Perfect Hair Hair Day Fresh Cut Split End Mender.

Living Proof Split End Mender

What It Is

The Living Proof Split End Mender can be used on wet or dry hair to seal individual split ends so that the ends of your hair looks smooth and aligned. It also contains a conditioning layer that keeps ends sealed and soft for polished looking ends. You can start using this right after a haircut to help prevent split ends, or to treat split ends.

How I Use It

I like to apply this to the bottom few inches of my hair while it is still damp after showering. I also have used it after straightening and curling my hair when the ends look a little bit raggedy and it definitely works to smooth out my ends.

My Thoughts

I love that a little bit of this goes a long way and helps my split ends look smooth! I really feel like this helps get that “just left the salon” look. I really like this to treat my split ends when my hair is damp. This does work to smooth my ends after curling or straightening for a sleek look, but I can get the same effect using other serums as well. I already have added this to my “loves” list at Sephora and will continue using this to prevent and treat split ends.

Have you ever tried this or other Living Proof products? Let me know your thoughts in the comments! Have a wonderful day and don’t forget to subscribe : )

BEAUTY STOCKING STUFFERS $5 AND UNDER!

November 16, 2016 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

I hope that you are having a great week! I am in full on holiday mode now in terms of making my lists and adding to them twice ; ) I absolutely love doing stockings because who doesn’t like little goodies that are personally picked for them?! They are so much fun to make, and I like that it’s a little bit of a puzzle to make it all fit together. You will see aisles dedicated to stocking stuffer goodness in most stores, and while they’re fun they can get really expensive! I decided it would be fun to share a few beauty items that you can find at most drugstores or big box stores for $5 and under each. If you have ideas for affordable beauty stocking stuffers, let me know in the comments : )

Conair Head Wrap

Nivea Creme Travel Size

Sally Hansen Cuticle Rebab

(*Note: less expensive in store!)

Montagne Jeunesse Masks

Bonnie Bell Lip Smacker Tsum Tsum

I also wanted to share my Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child Ideas video because this week November 14-21st is collection week! You still have time to put together a gift for a child in need : ) Thank you, as always, for taking the time to read my blog! xx

SEPHORA VIB SALE SUGGESTIONS!

November 14, 2016 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

I hope that your week is off to a wonderful start! Sephora offers a 20% off sale in the spring and again in the fall that is such a great way to get a sale price on makeup and skincare that never goes on sale! I filmed a Sephora VIB Sale Haul in the spring if you’d like to see what I bought. The VIB Rouge sale has already ended, and today is the LAST DAY for VIB members to get 20% off! If you’re a Beauty Insider don’t worry, I’ve *heard* that a 20% off sale for you is coming in December ; ) This sale I opted to get some of my favorite “holy grail” staples that I always repurchase, which might seem a little boring, but it’s a great time to stock up and way to save some money!

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector

Urban Decay All-Nighter Foundation

Benefit It’s Potent Eye Cream

Make Up For Ever Pro Sculpting Face Palette

Too Faced Melted Matte Liquid Lipstick

Now is the time to try fun holiday kits and get some shopping done, or stock up on your favorite basics! Get your foundation, eye brow pencil, and go-to lipstick while you can on sale! This is also a great chance to try out some pricy skincare, or treat yourself or a loved one to a fancy perfume! What did YOU buy? Tell me in the comments!

URBAN DECAY ULTIMATE BASICS PALETTE PREVIEW! HOT OR NOT?

September 12, 2016 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

I hope that all of you had a wonderful weekend! We had a busy but productive weekend, and I woke up feeling ready to tackle this week! There are so many exciting makeup launches happening soon, and I am so excited to share my thoughts on some of the holiday 2016 collections in the very near future, but today I want to dedicate a post to what could be a GAME CHANGER for a lot of you! Urban Decay Cosmetics is known for their neutral eye shadow palettes, and their Naked Basics and Naked Basics 2 have been incredibly popular, and now they are launching Naked Ultimate Basics. Do you need it?

Urban Decay Naked Ultimate Basics:

(*Photo Credit to Bustle.com)

The packaging is really pretty, and I love that it is a rose gold color. This palette features 12 brand new matte shades, a mirror, and a dual ended brush. There is one highlight shade that is slightly shimmery, but the rest is matte. The palette does feature both cool tone and warm tone shades.

When Can I Get It?

This palette launches on UrbanDecay.com on September 18th, online on Sephora.com on September 20th, and September 22nd in-stores at Sephora. I have heard that some stores have already put them out, but *officially* they aren’t out yet ; )

Do I Need It?

I won’t lie, I am *really* tempted to pick this up because I think it looks perfect for traveling and for when I want to create looks from just one palette without having to grab from other shadows or palettes in my collection. I love that these shadows allow you to do a neutral lip all the way to a vampy lip. I also have one of the original Urban Decay Naked Basics palettes before they switched the packaging, and it doesn’t open well so the black got ruined so that could be an excuse for me…right?! However, that said, I think if you have a lot of neutral palettes already, especially matte palettes, then no you probably do not need this. The Naked Ultimate Basics palette will retail for $55, and the Naked Basics and Naked Basics 2 retail for $29 each, so if you don’t have those already then it might be a great option! I think this is a great palette for beginners, too. It is beautiful packaging, and the eye shadows look gorgeous, and I can’t wait until I can get my hands on one in person to see if it’s a “must” for me. I would call this “hot” but I don’t think it is a must for everyone.

Naked Basics and Naked Basics 2:

(*Note: pictured left to right)

urbandecaynakedbasics-urbandecaynakedbasics2-leahtackles.jpeg

What are your thoughts? Is this on your list? Let me know in the comments! And please subscribe and make my day!! xx

Fall Fashion Lookbook!

October 26, 2015 & 2 Comments

Hi there! Happy Monday!

I hope that you had a wonderful weekend! And thank you, as always, for taking the time to read my blog.

In the past 5 years I have been pregnant or breastfeeding, and so my fall wardrobe needed some major re-vamping! I recently heard of Dottie Couture Boutique through a friend, and instantly fell in love with their clothes, and placed a small order. I got the items and am even more in love, and created this lookbook to share my finds with you. I love the tops I picked because they are all a tad oversized, and each one covers my bum so I can wear leggings…#MomLife!

Outfit #1:

Grey Lace Hem Sweater from Dottie Couture Boutique

Sweater Leggings from Express

Ankle Booties from Just Fab

Necklace from Express

Outfit #2:

Button Front Tunic from Dottie Couture Boutique

Sweater Leggings from Express

Boot Socks from Etsy

Boots from Just Fab

Outfit #3:

Maroon/Blue Multi Print Top from Dottie Couture Boutique

Sweater Leggings from Express

Boot Socks from Etsy

Boots from Just Fab

Bracelet from EllandEmm

Outfit #4:

Black and White Plaid Tunic from Dottie Couture Boutique

Sweater Leggings from Express

Ankle Boots from Just Fab

Bracelet from EllandEmm

If you are interested in more posts like this, please let me know! I think these are great looks that you can re-create easily from pieces that you may already have in your wardrobe. Thank you for reading and don’t forget to share and subscribe!! xx

Makeup Free Monday!

September 21, 2015 & 2 Comments

Hi there! Happy Monday!

I talk about makeup a lot on this blog, and on my LeahTackles YouTube channel, but as a busy mom I don’t always have on perfectly winged eyeliner! ; ) Today I wanted to share a real, unedited, filter-free,iPhone photo of me with not a dab of makeup!

Today I traveled 250 miles with only a few hours sleep, I am recovering from a cold, and had a busy afternoon of appointments.

Tonight I cuddled up in bed with two of the men in my life and snapped this picture.

Feel free to share YOUR makeup free pictures with me on social media! All linked on this blog : )

Have a beautiful week!

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!!